If I have an idea for a book, but am not a good writer...?

Question

If I have, what at least I think, is a great idea for a book, but I don't have anything close to that natural ability for good writing, what am I to do with this idea?

I want to say, with so many replies, almost all of which were helpful in one or more ways, I appreciate everyones input VERY much - thank you!

Answer 1

But what are writers but people with good ideas who found a way to write it down any which way we can?

We should really let go of our notion that to write like Hemmingway is the only way to be a writer. I'm finding now that more people relate to books that are pure, direct and inspired by a passionate idea. Isn't it more interesting to hear the story of a Just-Another-Person rather than a smarter-than-thou?

Write down what you can and then ask help in refining it. You are already halfway there. The next half's bloody hard, but you'll see it's worth it at the end.

MAY THE FATES (AND MUSES) ASSIST YOU! Good luck!

Answer 2

Well, in that case I think you should write it. Nobody was born being an excellent writer. At least at the beginning you should explain things in a simple way, using your own words. Once you are familiarized with the story and knowing how to continue, you can start adding things and going deeper. It is not necessary to go for something too complicated because it could be frustrating.
For example, I do not consider myself as an excellent writer, but I am working on a novel anyways. I just let words flow, and inspiration comes when I am not looking for it. Maybe I am just sleeping, running, or whatever I feel like doing and an idea comes to my head so as to improve my story.

Hope you liked the answer!


P.S.: sorry if I've done any mistake when writing, english is not my first language.

Answer 3

If you think it's a great idea, then you should write it. Whatever "natural ability" any writers have (although, I believe natural ability is really just discipline coupled with passion), if you find someone willing and convince her to write it, it won't turn into what you have in mind.
Study some writing books, do a lot of freewrites, maybe take a class if you can, and try it out. If you have passion for the story and the discipline to learn, it might turn out better than you think.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Hi! WELL DONE!! fisrt of all!

It's brilliant that yo have an idea, as someone before me said, thats half the battle!

First thogh, you NEED to make a loose note of you brilliant idea and DON'T let it slip publicly ie in a forum, chat room, etc.

I think that despite your insecurities about writing, you should give the idea a shot and try to write it.

You could either plunge right in and start writing, or you could make bullet-pointed notes. If you make the notes, leave a little space between each one, and see if you can keep them in order. This will help you to organize your thoughts and once all the stages in the plot have a rough note, all you have to do is elaborate on them and join them together.

If neither of these ideas work, then you could consider a ghost writer, they are a little expensive, but if you are dying to see your idea in print then that's definately another way to go. If you want, you could get in touch with me and we could work something out. I am an author currently pending publication and have been highly acclaimed by my agency as well as figures working in partnership with them. I could turnyour idea into a novel for you, but a at a significantly lower rate than a Ghostwriter, I cant giveyou a definate figure,but it would definately be less than $1000.

But you should try to write it yourself first of all!

Hope that Helps, and Best of Luck, Dont Give Up!!

:)

Answer 5

Well, it takes more than good writing to write even a short story. There are other things to consider.

Manuscript formatting (Also known as Industry Standard Format)
Word count
Page set up
Point of View
Genre
Spelling and Grammar (know it well)
Query letters
Synopsis
Outline
Fonts
Literary agents (A copy of (Writers Market) is a must))


The best thing you can do for yourself is get your hands on a few books that were written for aiding the author in writing and presenting his/her manuscript for publication.

Because you don't think you can write well, is no reason to not get help. You can write and you can learn to write well if you have the time and patience.

Answer 6

If you are passionate about the topic and you can feel the characters breath, then you should do the writing. After which find a good editor. This is cheaper than a ghostwriter, and a learning experience. Every author wasn't born as an author.

Good luck

Answer 7

2 - 4 thousand dollars is cheap for a ghostwriter. It can be much more. Why not seek out a writers group at a local library or bookstore? Or sign up for a course at a community college? You can improve your writing skills and maybe meet a co-author. Pax - C

Answer 8

Write anyway. Even if you're not very good at it, at least you can get this idea down and come back to it later, when you feel you are ready and can write the book.

That's what I did and I've written four books based on one idea.

Answer 9

You could partner up with a friend. Ghost writers are ridiculously expensive. Shanghai one of your close friends who can write and work with them to write an amazing book using your idea. You can correspond with them often, and it won't be like work. It would be like hanging out.

Answer 10

Write it, there is always editing. Trust me at first just write it down and then who cares about grammar or if it make sence to others as long as it makes sence to you. Then you can revice it, it dont matter if you are a writer if you think you have a idea go for it. good luck =)