Many book-writing programs claim aspiring authors can get their book done in a month, a week, or even a weekend with their product. But anyone who's tried to write that much in such a short period of time knows it's not as easy as it sounds, especially if they have work, a family, and other commitments. Book coach and founder of The Writer's Sherpa, LLC, Melinda Copp offers tips for developing a sustainable, manageable writing practice that still allows aspiring authors to get their book done quickly and easily.

1. Know What the Book is REALLY About
Understanding the book's purpose and message will speed up the writing process. Even though authors don't have to make all their decisions ahead of time, writing will be easier if they know what material they want to include and what results they want their reader to get from the book. Knowing these answers means the author has a clear idea of what their book is about, which makes the content come together in a more natural way.

2. Know the Target Audience
No book should be written for anyone and everyone. In addition to clarity on the book's topic, authors should be clear on their ideal reader. What pain or problem are these people facing? What do they want? And what will motivate them to take action? With a particular reader in mind, authors can write directly to this person, making the content more compelling.

3. Plan a Writing Schedule that Easily Fits
Writing is a practice, and writing a book is a transformational process that is best accomplished steadily over time. Instead of trying to get ten or twenty pages done at a time, aspiring authors can build the writing habit by writing a page or two every day. This is easier to fit into almost any schedule, it quickly becomes habitual, and it still allows most authors to complete a draft in two or three months.

"If you can't devote a full-time effort to writing your book in a month or less, you can still get it done," said Copp. "Allow yourself the time to do it right, know what you want to say and to whom, and write a little every day--these strategies will make the project manageable and your writing practice sustainable."

For more book-writing help and to find out about Melinda Copp's coaching programs, aspiring authors can visit http://www.writerssherpa.com/.

Melinda Copp is a book coach and ghostwriter who works with aspiring authors who feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to write a book. She helps them gain the confidence and clarity to write a book that establishes expertise, fulfills their personal and professional mission, and shares their message in a big way. Through her company, The Writer's Sherpa, LLC, she offers group and one-on-one book coaching programs and publishes The WRITE Path E-zine, a weekly newsletter with tips for helping experts write and publish their way to the peak of success.

Aspiring authors can sign up to get a free copy of the "Jumpstart Your Book E-Course" at http://www.writerssherpaprograms.com/writeabook.html.