5 Tips for Writing a Book in Google Docs

[@t0dd000]

Page breaks before every chapter by updating the 'Heading 1' style instead of manually adding it to every heading: (Note: every word processing application has this functionality in one form or another. Learn how to do this.) (Assumption: all of your chapter titles are of style "Heading 1".) Adding the page break to your first heading: - click on a chapter title to move your cursor there - click on "Format" at the top - hover on "Line and paragraph spacing" - click on "Add page break before" That will add a page break before that one chapter heading. Now, to have it percolate throughout the entire document (add the page break to all the other headings): - make sure you are still clicked on (cursor is on) the chapter heading you just changed and … - click on the dropdown arrow on the "Heading 1" button near the top of the screen - hover on the right arrow - choose "Update 'Heading 1' to match" BAM! All of your chapters should now be page-broken correctly. This "Update 'some text style' to match" for each style is how you percolate changes in your document and not have one-off weird stuff going on. Format the styles, not the text directly: spacing, indents (like she demoed), font, breaks, … etc. Cheers. -t

[@AuthenticBranding]

Ive worked and written in Google docs enough to where when I watch videos like this, I already know everything they have to say. I actually learned something in this video and it's been great info.

[@writingamongtrees]

I'm thrilled to hear you learned something and you enjoyed the video!

[@sireel70]

I couldnt agree more about the Outline view and it's capabilities. Its a game changer for sure. I've used it for years and am always surprised that not more people are aware of it.

[@writingamongtrees]

It's a great hidden feature. I always enjoy exploring the menus and pushing buttons in new programs, so I found it early on. I'm happy to hear someone else loves the functionality!

[@t0dd000]

I'm just waiting for Google to allow you to drag around giant blocks of text via that outline view.

[@arc4705]

ah man I'm on google docs so much that I already knew all this. I hope this makes it more accessible to others! Extra tips: •Break page shortcut helps me: ctrl+enter •Header format: If you have a specific formatting that you want for all your headers, you can change the document settings. Type out your header in the format you want (font, size, color, etc), then highlight the text, click the "Normal text" drop-down menu, and hover over whichever level of header you want. If you click "Update '(header level)' to match," all future headers of this level will have the specific font, size, color, etc. that you highlighted. Literally revolutionized how I use the document outline!

[@pearlgoddess965]

It is calming to watch writer videos. Thank you so much.

[@writingamongtrees]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@CClarke]

Very helpful. Thanks! I'm finally canceling my Word subscription (old habits die hard 😂), and the immediate lack of formatting on Google Docs drove me crazy. I love how you got straight to the point!

[@vishakhab-l6309]

This was fantastic!!! -I love the side chapter notes -And "page break"!! Thank you🤩

[@writingamongtrees]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@ibetruckintv3758]

Thanks for this information. Im in the beginning stages of writing my books and I didn’t know about google docs. Save time and money for me is a great way to start out. Blessings to you

[@writingamongtrees]

You're welcome. I'm happy it helped. Good luck with starting your books. Free and simple is always the best way to start. :)

[@marsenalyn4564]

The chapter outline was so helpful!

[@David-S.130]

When composing academic documents, I utilize blue blocker glasses to alleviate ocular strain. These glasses are designed to filter blue light, which can cause discomfort and distract from the task at hand. As such, I find that blue blocker glasses allow me to maintain focus and productivity over extended periods .

[@writingamongtrees]

This is a great tip! I used to use blue blocker glasses. I think I need to try and find my pair because my eyes have been very strained lately. Do you have a brand of glasses you like?

[@David-S.130]

​@@writingamongtrees they are really helpful as i spend basically entire days writing for school and for fun.

[@t0dd000]

Interesting. My operating system can just turn on night mode, but glasses would probably be even more effective. I'll have to look into them.

[@David-S.130]

@@t0dd000 mine has the same option, but I still got strain from them so yes they are a must have.

[@ExoticalHoney]

The add notes into the outline headers tip was really helpful. I've used Docs for years so I'm familiar with all these great features but I still learned something new. So thank you 😃

[@writingamongtrees]

@@ExoticalHoney Happy to hear you learned something new!

[@marcomarquez410]

This video was very helpful for me and my writing journey, thank you so much

[@writingamongtrees]

You're very welcome! Glad you found it helpful.

[@susanjanewilkins]

Noelle, thanks so much for this. clear, precise, informative, and fun.

[@merakianvibes]

This was explained so easy for a beginner. Thank you! I learned a lot.

[@northerntraveller7132]

Planning to write a book Thank you so much for the great tips

[@franslam7398]

Do you have a checkmark key on your keyboard or something? Where do I get the tick? Wingdings?

[@powerthroughfocus]

I’m binging your videos rn while writing my first novel. Really great stuff. Thank you so much! Where can we read your work?

[@guineabable08]

THANK YOU for the practical tips immediately into the video! More please!!! Thank you thank you!

[@alisagreen3162]

I appreciate your tips! Thank you!

[@Richard_Parker_Offl]

Thanks for the Dark Mode Tip.

[@9thteardropgameteller601]

You can change page color for eye protection. I using dark blue and white text. All menu area still white tho.

[@writingamongtrees]

That's a great way of customizing your workspace. I used to change the page color, but it was more of a hassle for my editor having to change it back to white, sothe plugin is very convienant.

[@teresah1877]

This was such a helpful video! I love Google docs and plan on using it for my Nanowrimo book. Thank you for sharing!

[@writingamongtrees]

I'm glad it was helpful! Google Docs is great program for NaNo. It's nice being able to pull up your manuscript from any device (and that autosave is amazing). Good luck next month!! ✍

[@Dank_Engine]

Thanks for this. I write on an old iPad and a old Mac and I can’t afford Scrivener. I use google docs because it’s free and syncs across devices. This really helped me level up my experience and get more out of the program.

[@writingamongtrees]

I'm happy to hear the video was helpful! It took me a while to get Scrivener as well. They do offer a 40% off for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) participants in November, and 50% off if you win, if ever do want to nab it. There is no syncing across devices though, which is a shame!

[@pastel_elfen]

This is perfect for beginners

[@thomas_m3092]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@Seek2be]

Great tutorial thanks!

[@hufflepuffsbadger6665]

This video was wonderfully made. It was greatly edited and it broke down each aspect of Google Docs writing tips. ❤ You even added in the nighteye at the end which I was very pleased with especially since I also use nighteye extension! 😂 I get a lot of really bad eye strain on the Internet and I have to have everything dark mode because my eyes are terrible. I discovered nighteye a few years ago when I wanted to read fanfiction with dark mode 🤣🤧 and stay up really late reading Harry Potter drarry smut crack fanfiction on my laptop in my bed. Idk that’s just funny to me that you recommend Nighteye because of the silver lining that I also use that SAME extension but I originally used it for reading instead of writing and am only now using it to write my own books about two years now. Thank you for breaking down the process in google docs though! ❤ I hope it helped others the way it has me.

[@mialala-c2o]

Those are indeed fantastic tips; I am learning how to write an ebook on my own and find your videos very helpful. Could you create a detailed step-by-step tutorial series on how to create an ebook, and what tools will be used?

[@writingamongtrees]

Absolutely! How to create an ebook is on my list of videos to create. :)

[@susanjanewilkins]

yes

[@BreanaGail]

This really helped me. Thank you SO much!

[@writingamongtrees]

Glad it helped!

[@InnerProp]

I'm starting to like adding comments instead of putting things in [brackets]. I use brackets when I start using a placeholder name (for instance). Then I can find a placeholder name. After I find the first one inside the brackets I can then do a find and replace with that name. I've also been color coding my text color. Blue is new stuff, Purple is stuff I am going to share or have shared with my writing club, Red is stuff that needs to be fixed, Black is all fixed and good.

[@Atom.Storm.]

That outline feature is great. I am starting to hate scrivener nowadays and that is really make me think about my next project being in google docs. If I have a large chapter in scriv and go from one folder to another I have to find where I previously was, where as with this I can label everything.

[@EvaWright]

Thank you! I used it for my Nanowrimo book and finished two days early! Being off grid word can't keep up and it wasn't saving my new content so it's a life saver 🙌 😌 🙃 🙂 😅

[@writingamongtrees]

Wonderful to hear! Congratulations on your NaNo victory. I'm so glad the video helped.

[@Urlocaltheaterkid_gworl]

ONLY 493 SUBS! MAKE THAT 494 ;). this channel; is absolutely fantastic. as a young 10-year-old year in Michigan who wants to be an author and writes all of her stories in google docs this video is so helpful and amazing. Keep up the good work!

[@writingamongtrees]

Thank you for subscribing, and for your words of encouragement! That's awesome you're already writing so many stories. If you're already writing, it sounds like you're already an author. :)

[@Urlocaltheaterkid_gworl]

@@writingamongtrees 🩷

[@katpaints]

Great ideas! When the lockdown started, I was going our on my front porch and riding Mt exercise bike. And I starred using Google docs' speech to text with my phone as a diary. I had actually forgotten about it until now! It has been quite a while now so I'm sure I will need to relearn how to do it.

[@writingamongtrees]

What a great use of the speech to text feature! Are you still 'writing' your daily diary?

[@katpaints]

@@writingamongtrees I haven't, health problems stopped that, but I'm starting again! You did have to go through and fix the misunderstood parts. I think it works better now. I use the thing to do web searches and it really has improved!

[@christinabriggs1782]

Thank you for these tips as a google docs user for my books as well. This helps so much. 😁

[@writingamongtrees]

Happy to hear it!

[@crazybloodyfox1]

Thanks you. 😊 I been writing in Google docs for years and never know any of this tips.

[@writingamongtrees]

Happy to help!

[@haroldthompkins8929]

Great video thank you

[@catiapistore4565]

GREAT information!

[@writingamongtrees]

Glad it was helpful!

[@xarzneimittel8220]

Definitely new sub here! Liked the peace and format of the video ❤❤

[@writingamongtrees]

Thank you!

[@sugengnurhadi]

Hi great video, I just want to ask you 1. How to arrange sub core ( main core using headline 2, how sub core that Will using headline 4? And using indent?

[@gavkinn]

Thanks that was awesome.

[@jetowl57]

nice tips. ty

[@Lucas_Asher]

Useful tips. Great Job

[@Mr.Monta77]

I use Aeon Timeline 3 for outlining. Brilliant if you ask me.

[@writingamongtrees]

I will have to try that one out!

[@Mr.Monta77]

@@writingamongtrees You should. I have no affiliation whatsoever with them, but seriously, after trying out almost every other plotting software, I feel Aeon Timeline is a godsend. You need to put in the time to learn the methods and tools, but when you do it’s a superb plotting device. You can use several views and they are all very useful. It’s not exactly a learning curve but more of an ‘overwhelming’ availability of tools and options. However, there are some very good examples and offer a couple of excellent training modules. After finally learning how to set everything up, I don’t know how I managed without it. Just remember: be patient and don’t write in your live manuscript right away. Set up a test story and try out the features so you know how to take advantage of the full set of tools. That is an investment you will be happy you did. PS Aeon passed under my radar because there is so little advertizement and talk about it. Which is weird considering the robustness and quality of the software and what it offers for a very reasonable ownership. Not monthly subscription! Which I love. Write me back and tell me what you think but put a real effort it. I wouldn’t change for anything. Honestly.

[@metalman4393]

I hope they add collapsible outline subheadings. It can get real messy while world-building :(

[@varunl6948]

This was helpful!

[@writingamongtrees]

I'm happy to hear it!

[@Djjebe918]

This is very helpful

[@writingamongtrees]

Happy to hear it!

[@MikesPOV]

How do you set one inch margins in Google Docs? Thanks!

[@ipelengmanthaaa49]

Can you please kindly assist , i followed the outline steps like you did, but it doesnt only show Headline 1 as per your example put everything in the outline summary

[@RonSheely]

Thank you

[@TukoAlberto]

Do you recommend having only one file to write your book, or if the book keeps adding up pages to have a file per chapter?

[@bhoqeem1975]

Yeah, this is a game changer, indeed.

[@proximashining776]

It's weird but the dark mode (black screen, white text) actually hurts my eyes much more than the normal mode (white screen, black text). Everytime I try to use the dark mode, I end up with a feeling as though the text is permanently burned into my retinas.

[@brenda5297]

What is a good document program to use for Windows to format your manuscript before self-publishing? 😊

[@writingamongtrees]

I use Atticus! It's a cloud-based software like Google Docs, which I love, and it creates the paperback and ebook versions easily after importing your manuscript. It does cost some money but it's well worth the one-time payment.

[@brenda5297]

@@writingamongtrees Good morning! Oh yay, thank you sooo much for your help. Do we have to sign up to other places like Barnes and Noble so Atticus can publish it there? Or how does that work?

[@writingamongtrees]

@@brenda5297 Good morning! :) Atticus does only create the files you'll need to upload to your different distribution platforms (like Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, etc...) There's a few different ways and websites you can use to make uploading files easier and different ways you can do it. How close are you to self publishing? I will be doing an entire video series on all of the steps!

[@brenda5297]

@@writingamongtrees Not close, I have a long way to go. I'm currently trying to write a children's middle grade book. I haven't written a story in so long so I'm rusty. Oh wow, I would love to see your series! I'm definitely subscribing! I'm truly grateful for your help. Wishing you all the very best. ❤️

[@Prophecy-Foretold]

Does anyone know how to add gutters to my doc? Ove reached that point in my editing ans i cant figure anything out. (If you know any tricks that work the same as a gutter please let me know! Im probably overreacting but i feel like my life is slowly unraveling because of this 😅)

[@MineBros-j1e]

Usually for me on books, I really like it when it’s not overexplain and it easily tells me which places the characters are in, so I can follow the story well. If not, Then I’m putting down the book. I was actually trying to write a Pokémon mystery dungeon story, but I’m deciding on writing a book that I want to publish and able to publish, Because, game freak owns Pokémon, so if I publish it without their knowledge, that’s gonna be a lot of lawsuit money.

[@neofulcrum5013]

This is tough to do on the app

[@motto666]

How to print the title on the side of every page, continue from 1st to last? my doc is about 50 pages but it is page-less.

[@mattygascoigne6961]

Header and footer

[@writingamongtrees]

Insert > Headers & Footers > Headers Then you can put your title and author name. There's also some different options you can choose from. This is a video I'll have to make!

[@TheXandercage1]

Do you have any tips for using the Google Docs app .

[@t0dd000]

Watch the video.

[@albertograf3419]

How do you create an image directory in Goggle Docs ?

[@writingamongtrees]

An image directory like an image gallery where the photos are inside the pages or something like a table of contents that links to images?

[@theartofnina]

Alternatively you can just press ctrl+enter to add a page break!

[@writingamongtrees]

Ooooh, that's an awesome shortcut! Thank you!

[@totallyrandommerchandisell8355]

HOW TO ADD A CHECK?

[@writingamongtrees]

Great question! The easiest way is just to google 'checkmark' symbol and copy and paste it from a webpage. ( Or you can copy and paste from these - ☐ ☑ ✅︎ ✓ ✔ ) Once they're in your document, I just copy and paste them within that.

[@L1llian_author-sama]

I love-hate writing. I dont wanna place a format, but this video said "nu-uh, write that format"😮‍💨

[@Blabbermouth-w5w]

As soon as Google announced that they were going to incorporate AI I removed all my visual and written work. I suggest you do the same.

[@michaelkuhn5073]

😂why??!??

[@Blabbermouth-w5w]

@@michaelkuhn5073 AI only works with input Where do you think that input comes from? *Your* work. But keep keep up with the ridiculing emojies. By keeping your work on Google Docs you are giving them permission to use that work as input.

[@TUPGD]

00:30 I never understood why people who write in GDoc don't Space out their paragraphs making their work look like 1 long ass paragraph. If you're going to write a book, SPACE OUT YOUR PARAGRAPHS!

[@lilphaniesline]

For tip #3 I just insert a comment to myself. Select heading, right click then comment. I’m still playing around with it. 🙂

[@lilphaniesline]

If you click on the comment icon at the top I think then you can see all your comments.

[@lilitpatchwork]

Is there a way to get dark mode on phone Google doc? Yeah, I'm one of those writers lmao

[@Александр-й9у2э]

I am a writer. I'm looking for a business partner. Unfortunately, I live in the Republic of Belarus. Belarusians refused to publish my book “Life without problems.” I have one book in English, “Cosmic Laws and World Domination.” Maybe you will agree to become my co-author and publish this book in England.

[@DemnRaig80]

I just use JUSTIFIED.