How I Wrote a Book in a Week and Released It in a Month
Most people think writing a book takes years. I thought so too. Until I did it in a week. Here’s the breakdown of every task I accomplished to take Punching Above Your Weight from idea to published in under 30 days.
AI
Jun 30, 2025
🥊 Week 1: Writing the Book
1. Defined the concept and title.
I started with a clear problem: how to use AI without losing your mind. The boxing metaphor emerged instantly.
2. Outlined chapters and structure.
I drafted the table of contents and chapter flow before writing a single word.
3. Built the thematic arc.
The book needed to punch above its weight too. Each chapter is tied to boxing rounds, with an underdog narrative throughout.
4. Wrote the preface.
I grounded the book in my personal story, from my dad’s hospital stay to the early mornings in Chicago.
5. Drafted every chapter (Rounds).
From Round One to the final bell, I wrote end-to-end drafts without over-editing mid-flow.
6. Created ‘Learn With Me’ expert sections.
To bring in external voices for credibility, featuring diverse experts readers could learn from.
7. Integrated Stoic quotes and underdog stories.
These anchored each chapter emotionally and philosophically.
8. Revised titles for sharper impact.
Titles had to hook, not just label.
9. Daily editing passes.
Every morning, I edited the previous day’s work before writing fresh content.
10. Finalized the manuscript by Day 7.
First draft to final within a single week.
🔧 Weeks 2-4: Editing and Refinement
11. Precision editing pass, round-by-round.
Sharpening clarity, tone, and resonance.
12. Rewrote opening lines.
Each chapter needed a punchy hook to keep readers in the ring.
13. Integrated personal stories.
Readers want to know the fighter behind the gloves.
14. Removed em dashes.
Small style choice, big consistency win.
15. Ensured market fit.
Aligned tone to my target readers: tech professionals, business leaders, and general productivity seekers.
16. Formatted for Kindle and paperback.
Using Sigil, KDP, and direct XHTML editing to ensure seamless reading experiences.
17. Proofread multiple times.
Nothing fancy. Just grit, discipline, and iteration.
🎨 Design and Production
18. Designed the cover illustration.
Red glove vs. blue glove - a nod to the Matrix and boxing’s primal choices.
19. Finalized typography and layout.
For digital and print consistency.
20. Designed back cover and spine.
Branded and optimized for Amazon’s thumbnail preview.
21. Created visual dividers and internal design.
So the book feels like it reads: intentional and clean.
22. Generated ISBNs.
One for paperback, one for Kindle.
23. Uploaded files to KDP and IngramSpark.
Navigating their quirks for final approval.
24. Ordered and reviewed proof copies.
📣 Launch Planning and Execution
25. Built the promotional one-sheet.
For bookstores, media, and podcast outreach.
26. Designed bookmarks as marketing inserts.
Small touch, big brand alignment.
27. Ordered bookmarks, business cards, and display stands.
28. Wrote Amazon descriptions with SEO optimization.
29. Selected categories and keywords strategically.
30. Filmed and edited my author video.
A gritty, direct call to readers.
31. Posted LinkedIn teasers and launch announcements.
32. Sent outreach emails to my MIT professors and influencers.
33. Locked in family and friend reviews for early social proof.
🛠 Marketing and Distribution
34. Submitted to Kirkus for review.
35. Researched upcoming literary events.
36. Applied to Printers Row Lit Fest as exhibitor and speaker.
37. Designed booth display strategy.
38. Ordered signed boxing glove keychains as merch.
39. Uploaded to Goodreads and built my author profile.
40. Created the book page on my website.
41. Added the author video to the site for brand consistency.
42. Developed a podcast outreach list.
43. Drafted personalized pitches for each podcast.
44. Built checklists for event and POS logistics.
🧠 Mindset and Discipline
45. Woke up before 5am daily.
Beat the world to the punch.
46. Balanced execution with my full-time role.
47. Leveraged AI tools for drafting and editing.
48. Maintained consistency and intensity to meet deadlines.
49. Used Stoic philosophy to stay grounded under pressure.
Final Bell
Writing a book in a week is about clarity and discipline.
Releasing it in a month is about systems and execution.
If you’re thinking about writing a book, don’t wait for permission.
Train, fight, iterate.
Then release it into the world.
Because no matter how strong your punch, it doesn’t count until it lands.
