Want to Write a Book? Do This First

by Joe Bunting

Whether you’re writing a book or a blog post, it’s tempting to just dive into your writing project. However, you will likely save yourself time and create a better end product if you settle on a solid premise before you start writing.

Photo by Photo Atelier

What is a Premise?

The definition of premise is:

1. “A proposition supporting or helping to support a conclusion,” according to Dictionary.com
2. “The fundamental concept that drives the plot,” according to Wikipedia

As you can see, there are different definitions for premise depending on whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how fiction and non-fiction writers should write their premise.

Premise for Fiction Writers

If you’re writing fiction, your premise needs to contain three things:

1. the protagonist
2. the setting
3. the problem the protagonist faces

One effective trick for defining one is to write a one-sentence logline that will become the foundation of your story. The Logline is a tool used primarily by screenwriters, but it can be very helpful if you’re writing a novel or  a short story.

Here’s an article about how to write a great logline.

Premise for Non-Fiction Writers

For non-fiction writers, your premise is a two to three sentence summary of the main argument or narrative of the book. Here’s what Michael Hyatt says in his guide Writing a Winning Non-Fiction Book Proposal:

The premise is a two- or three-sentence statement of the book’s basic concept or thesis. Usually, it identifies the need and then proposes a solution.

Since your premise is the first part of every book proposal, it’s important to get it right. For example, for the last month I’ve been working and re-working mine for a book that I’m ghostwriting, trying to cast the right vision for our future book.

What Is Your Premise

Do you want to write a book but aren’t sure where to start? Are you working on a book now and need some help refocusing?

Regardless of where you are in the process, it’s a good idea to spend some time writing a solid premise. You wouldn’t build a house without laying a strong foundation. In the same way, don’t start writing without writing a strong premise.

It might feel like an unnecessary step, but it will save you a lot of time in the long run. Give it a try!

Have you written a premise before? Do you have one for your work in progress? 

PRACTICE

Today, practice writing a premise for a new book or for your work in progress. Depending on whether you write fiction or non-fiction, use the tips above to write your premise. Then, when you’re finished writing it, post your premise in the comments section for feedback. Afterward, read a few premises by other writers and let them know whether that’s a book you’d like to read.

Happy writing!

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