Start Lean Book Writing

To get started on writing a book, it is essential to embrace the Lean Publishing approach, which involves publishing an in-progress book using lightweight tools and many iterations to get reader feedback, pivot until you have the right book, and build traction once you do. Here are some steps based on the Lean Publishing principles that you should consider:

Start Writing: Begin with your idea and start putting it down. Don't wait for perfection; write and shape it as you go.
Iterate Quickly: Release early drafts and versions of your book to get feedback as soon as possible. This can help you make necessary changes before you invest too much time in a direction that might not work.
Engage Your Readers: Use the feedback from your readers to pivot your writing. Find out what they like, what they don’t understand, and what they want more of. Their input is invaluable for making your book better.
Build Traction: As your book takes shape and you continue to iterate based on feedback, you will start to build a community of readers who are invested in your work. This community can be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your book.
Use Lightweight Tools: Don't get bogged down by complicated software or processes. The simpler it is to get your book out there, the better. Tools like Leanpub can help you publish your book incrementally.
Publish Early and Often: Don’t wait until your book is finished to publish it. Release it in parts, get feedback, and continue writing. This can also help you overcome writer's block and self-criticism.
Learn from Others: Look at how successful authors have iterated on their work and engaged with their audience. For instance, Charles Dickens published his novels in serial form, which allowed him to get immediate feedback and build a readership as he wrote.
Adapt and Overcome: Be prepared to change your plans based on feedback and new ideas. Just as startups pivot to find the right product-market fit, you may need to pivot your book to find the right reader-market fit.

By following these steps, you can begin your book-writing journey with a solid foundation that allows for growth, adaptation, and reader engagement, which are all critical components of successful Lean Publishing.