5 Tips for Writing a Book in Google Docs

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 31 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 123

  • @AuthenticBranding
    @AuthenticBranding Рік тому +94

    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
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому +9

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

  • @sireel70
    @sireel70 Рік тому +33

    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
      @writingamongtrees  11 місяців тому +3

      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
      @t0dd000 10 місяців тому +1

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

  • @t0dd000
    @t0dd000 10 місяців тому +20

    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

  • @arc4705
    @arc4705 9 місяців тому +10

    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
    @pearlgoddess965 Рік тому +17

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

  • @CClarke
    @CClarke 5 місяців тому +3

    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!

  • @ibetruckintv3758
    @ibetruckintv3758 Рік тому +9

    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
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому +3

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

  • @ExoticalHoney
    @ExoticalHoney 5 місяців тому +2

    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
      @writingamongtrees  5 місяців тому +1

      @@ExoticalHoney Happy to hear you learned something new!

  • @David-S.130
    @David-S.130 Рік тому +13

    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
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому +2

      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
      @David-S.130 Рік тому

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

    • @t0dd000
      @t0dd000 10 місяців тому +1

      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
      @David-S.130 10 місяців тому

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

  • @vishakhab-l6309
    @vishakhab-l6309 Місяць тому +1

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

  • @marcomarquez410
    @marcomarquez410 Місяць тому +1

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

  • @mialala-c2o
    @mialala-c2o Рік тому +6

    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?

  • @marsenalyn4564
    @marsenalyn4564 10 місяців тому +3

    The chapter outline was so helpful!

  • @JonathanIsaac77
    @JonathanIsaac77 22 дні тому

    This was extremely helpful. Thank you so much for sharing.

  • @teresah1877
    @teresah1877 Рік тому +4

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

    • @writingamongtrees
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому

      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!! ✍

  • @saalimbhatkar6403
    @saalimbhatkar6403 3 години тому

    Thanks a lot. Very helpful

  • @merakianvibes
    @merakianvibes 10 місяців тому +2

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

  • @susanjanewilkins
    @susanjanewilkins 5 місяців тому

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

  • @Urlocaltheaterkid_gworl
    @Urlocaltheaterkid_gworl Рік тому +3

    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
      @writingamongtrees  11 місяців тому

      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
      @Urlocaltheaterkid_gworl 11 місяців тому

      @@writingamongtrees 🩷

  • @LiveLaughLoveFnaf5
    @LiveLaughLoveFnaf5 13 днів тому +1

    Bro these tips were so awesome sauce that i followed you😌

    • @writingamongtrees
      @writingamongtrees  7 днів тому +1

      Glad you liked the tips, and thanks for subscribing!

  • @franslam7398
    @franslam7398 6 місяців тому +2

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

  • @Atom.Storm.
    @Atom.Storm. 8 місяців тому +1

    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.

  • @9thteardropgameteller601
    @9thteardropgameteller601 Рік тому +4

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

    • @writingamongtrees
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому

      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.

  • @guineabable08
    @guineabable08 7 місяців тому

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

  • @pastel_elfen
    @pastel_elfen 8 місяців тому +3

    This is perfect for beginners

  • @powerthroughfocus
    @powerthroughfocus 3 місяці тому

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

  • @Dank_Engine
    @Dank_Engine 11 місяців тому +1

    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
      @writingamongtrees  11 місяців тому +1

      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!

  • @katpaints
    @katpaints Рік тому +2

    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
      @writingamongtrees  11 місяців тому

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

    • @katpaints
      @katpaints 11 місяців тому

      @@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!

  • @BreanaGail
    @BreanaGail Рік тому +4

    This really helped me. Thank you SO much!

  • @alisagreen3162
    @alisagreen3162 Місяць тому

    I appreciate your tips! Thank you!

  • @thomas_m3092
    @thomas_m3092 11 місяців тому +2

    Very helpful. Thank you.

  • @antoniobugarin
    @antoniobugarin 14 днів тому

    Hi, how do we get equal spacing between words when set to right justification? What is your setting in the document you were working on. It looked perfect. Thanks

  • @Richard_Parker_Offl
    @Richard_Parker_Offl 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for the Dark Mode Tip.

  • @northerntraveller7132
    @northerntraveller7132 3 місяці тому

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

  • @christinabriggs1782
    @christinabriggs1782 Рік тому +1

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

  • @hufflepuffsbadger6665
    @hufflepuffsbadger6665 7 місяців тому

    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.

  • @BloomwithEvaw
    @BloomwithEvaw Рік тому +2

    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
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому +1

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

  • @sugengnurhadi
    @sugengnurhadi 4 місяці тому

    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?

  • @Seek2be
    @Seek2be 3 місяці тому

    Great tutorial thanks!

  • @crazybloodyfox1
    @crazybloodyfox1 Рік тому +1

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

  • @xarzneimittel8220
    @xarzneimittel8220 Рік тому +1

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

  • @InnerProp
    @InnerProp 11 місяців тому +2

    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.

  • @Mr.Monta77
    @Mr.Monta77 Рік тому +1

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

    • @writingamongtrees
      @writingamongtrees  11 місяців тому

      I will have to try that one out!

    • @Mr.Monta77
      @Mr.Monta77 11 місяців тому

      @@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.

  • @Lucas_Asher
    @Lucas_Asher 9 місяців тому

    Useful tips. Great Job

  • @catiapistore4565
    @catiapistore4565 11 місяців тому +1

    GREAT information!

  • @haroldthompkins8929
    @haroldthompkins8929 6 місяців тому

    Great video thank you

  • @gavkinn
    @gavkinn 5 місяців тому

    Thanks that was awesome.

  • @metalman4393
    @metalman4393 8 місяців тому +1

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

  • @varunl6948
    @varunl6948 Рік тому +1

    This was helpful!

  • @brenda5297
    @brenda5297 Рік тому +1

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

    • @writingamongtrees
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому +2

      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
      @brenda5297 Рік тому +1

      @@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
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому +1

      @@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
      @brenda5297 Рік тому

      @@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. ❤️

  • @Djjebe918
    @Djjebe918 Рік тому +1

    This is very helpful

  • @jetowl57
    @jetowl57 3 місяці тому

    nice tips. ty

  • @TukoAlberto
    @TukoAlberto 10 місяців тому

    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?

  • @tmol222
    @tmol222 20 днів тому

    How many pages does google docs hold per book? Will google docs ever not exist? I'd hate to start using it if it suddenly goes away one day. Does google docs back up things...store them somewhere just in case something like that may happen? Would hate to lose my work.

  • @ipelengmanthaaa49
    @ipelengmanthaaa49 10 місяців тому

    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

  • @proximashining776
    @proximashining776 9 місяців тому +1

    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.

  • @MikesPOV
    @MikesPOV 10 місяців тому

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

  • @motto666
    @motto666 Рік тому

    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
      @mattygascoigne6961 Рік тому

      Header and footer

    • @writingamongtrees
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому

      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!

  • @RonSheely
    @RonSheely 7 місяців тому

    Thank you

  • @bhoqeem1975
    @bhoqeem1975 9 місяців тому

    Yeah, this is a game changer, indeed.

  • @Blabbermouth-w5w
    @Blabbermouth-w5w 11 місяців тому +1

    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
      @michaelkuhn5073 10 місяців тому

      😂why??!??

    • @Blabbermouth-w5w
      @Blabbermouth-w5w 10 місяців тому +1

      @@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.

  • @theartofnina
    @theartofnina Рік тому +1

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

  • @MineBros-j1e
    @MineBros-j1e Місяць тому

    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.

  • @albertograf3419
    @albertograf3419 Рік тому

    How do you create an image directory in Goggle Docs ?

    • @writingamongtrees
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому

      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?

  • @totallyrandommerchandisell8355

    HOW TO ADD A CHECK?

    • @writingamongtrees
      @writingamongtrees  Рік тому +4

      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.

  • @TheXandercage1
    @TheXandercage1 11 місяців тому

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

    • @t0dd000
      @t0dd000 10 місяців тому

      Watch the video.

  • @neofulcrum5013
    @neofulcrum5013 10 місяців тому

    This is tough to do on the app

  • @Prophecy-Foretold
    @Prophecy-Foretold 8 місяців тому

    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 😅)

  • @L1llian_author-sama
    @L1llian_author-sama 5 місяців тому

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

  • @TUPGD
    @TUPGD 6 місяців тому

    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
    @lilphaniesline 7 місяців тому

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

    • @lilphaniesline
      @lilphaniesline 7 місяців тому

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

  • @lilitpatchwork
    @lilitpatchwork 3 місяці тому

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

  • @Александр-й9у2э
    @Александр-й9у2э 10 місяців тому

    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.

  • @Textpacksoffical
    @Textpacksoffical 10 днів тому +1

    "Fjskfjskjf ksfil skjglksjgk Isjgkl sjgkisjglk sjgkIsjgkl jsgkij"? Im for sure reading this.

    • @writingamongtrees
      @writingamongtrees  7 днів тому

      Thank you. I thought it was an exceptional line myself. 😉

  • @DemnRaig80
    @DemnRaig80 3 місяці тому

    I just use JUSTIFIED.