Many aspiring authors are turning to Google Docs as a viable tool for writing and editing their manuscripts. Google Docs is a free, web-based application where you can create, edit, and store documents online. With its user-friendly features, Google Docs has become a favorite tool for writers around the globe. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of writing a book on Google Docs.
Step 1: Setting Up A Google Account
If you don’t already have a Google Account, you’ll need to create one. You can sign up at https://accounts.google.com/SignUp. Once you have an account, you can access Google Docs by going to the Google Apps menu (the nine small squares near your profile picture) and selecting “Docs”.
Step 2: Creating a New Document
Once you’re on the Google Docs homepage, click on the “+ New” button on the left sidebar. From the dropdown menu, select “Google Docs”. A new document will open in a new tab. You can rename your document by clicking on the default title “Untitled Document” at the top.
Step 3: Formatting Your Book
Before you start writing, it’s vital to format your document correctly. You can set up the page size, margins, line spacing, and fonts.
For the page size and margins:
Go to the “File” menu > “Page Setup”. In the Page Setup dialog box, set the page size to “6 x 9” inches (typical book size) and margins to “1 inch” all around. Click “OK”.
For line spacing:
Select “Format” from the top menu > “Line spacing” > choose “Double”.
For fonts:
Choose a standard font like “Times New Roman” or “Arial” with a size of “12”.
Step 4: Writing Your Book
Now you’re ready to write! Google Docs auto-saves your work every few seconds, so you don’t have to worry about losing your progress. You can easily undo or redo actions using the arrows in the top left corner.
Step 5: Using Add-Ons
Google Docs offers a wide range of add-ons which can help to improve your writing. Some popular ones for writers include ‘ProWritingAid’, which helps with grammar and style, and ‘OneLook Thesaurus’, which can be used to find synonyms.
Step 6: Collaborating and Sharing
One of the benefits of Google Docs is the ability to collaborate with others in real-time. Simply click the “Share” button in the top right corner, and enter the email address of the person you want to share the document with.
In conclusion, Google Docs is a powerful tool for writing books. Its user-friendly interface and collaboration features make it easy to write, edit, and share your work with others. Happy writing!