The Scribe Method The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book

How to Write Your First Draft (The Scribe Method)

Writing a book can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a blank page. But what if you could bypass the struggle of traditional writing and instead speak your book into existence? That’s exactly what the Scribe Method offers—an innovative way to get your first draft down quickly and efficiently.

What Is the Scribe Method?

The Scribe Method is a simple yet powerful approach: instead of typing out your first draft, you record yourself speaking your content aloud, have it transcribed, and then edit that transcript into a readable draft. This method dramatically speeds up the writing process and removes the anxiety of staring at a blank page.

It’s not a shortcut to a finished book, but it accelerates the creation of a first draft, making the entire process much more manageable.

This technique is a modern adaptation of how books used to be written—through dictation to professional scribes. Historical figures like Socrates, Jesus Christ, Winston Churchill, and Malcolm X all used some version of this method to capture their ideas.

Why Use the Scribe Method?

  1. Writing Is Hard—Talking Is Easier

Many brilliant people struggle with writing, not because they lack knowledge, but because writing is a specialized skill distinct from thinking and speaking. If you’ve ever had great ideas but found it difficult to put them into words on a page, this method is for you.

  1. It Saves Time

By speaking your thoughts rather than typing them, you can complete a rough draft in about 30% of the time it would take to write one traditionally. No more battling writer’s block—just talk through your ideas naturally.

  1. It Leads to a Better Book

The Scribe Method forces you to articulate your ideas in a way that makes sense to a listener, which often translates to clearer, more engaging writing.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use the Scribe Method?

This Method Is Best For:

  • Authors who find it easier to explain ideas verbally than in writing.
  • Experts who already know their subject well and can teach it aloud.
  • Those looking for a fast and efficient way to get their first draft done.

This Method May Not Work If:

  • You prefer traditional writing and are comfortable with the process.
  • You’re still figuring out your book’s content and need writing to help clarify your ideas.
  • You’re resistant to trying a new approach.

How to Use the Scribe Method

Step 1: Prepare to Record

To start, all you need is a way to record yourself speaking. Most smartphones and computers have built-in recording apps, or you can use an external microphone for better sound quality.

For transcription, services like Rev.com (human transcription) or Temi.com (AI transcription) can convert your audio into text efficiently.

Tips for recording:

  • Find a quiet space with minimal background noise.
  • Use a good microphone or a headset for clear audio.
  • Speak naturally, as if you’re teaching or explaining to your ideal reader.
  • Record one chapter at a time to keep files organized.

Step 2: Deliver Your First Draft

When recording, imagine explaining your book’s content to a specific person—your ideal reader. Think about the questions they would ask and address them in your narration.

  • Be thorough: Don’t skip over details, even if they seem obvious.
  • Stay conversational: Speak as naturally as possible to keep the content engaging.
  • Follow your outline: Use the structure you planned to ensure your content flows logically.

Step 3: Edit the Transcription

Once your recording is transcribed, you’ll have a raw first draft. Now, it’s time to shape it into a readable manuscript:

  • Remove filler words and awkward phrasing.
  • Organize ideas into coherent paragraphs.
  • Refine the language for clarity and readability.
  • Ensure it aligns with your book’s goals and audience.

Start Writing Your Book Today

If you’ve struggled to write your book, the Scribe Method could be the game-changing approach you need. Rather than letting a blank page hold you back, start speaking your ideas into existence.

Ready to take the next step?

Get a free online copy of The Scribe Method here.

Prefer a hard copy? Buy it now.