1. Plan it out carefully. Take the time to map out a full plan regarding what you are producing, why you need to produce it, how it benefits the ummah, how long it will take to produce, and what you need to do each step of the way.
2. Take your time. Do not rush it. Good work takes time and meticulous effort. If you need to research for two years before you even start writing, then do that! Do not rush the process, because this often destroys the quality of the end product.
3. Do it for Allah. Even if your books or courses are a source of income, ensure your primary intention is the pleasure of Allah. This will lead to barakah in whatever you earn through those projects.
4. Hire experts. Nobody is an expert at everything. You will need to outsource some aspects to others, be it cover design, video editing, or marketing. Know your areas of weakness and outsource those to experts.
5. Set deadlines and stick to them. If you say you will write a book some day, that day will never come. If you commit to completing your book by December 5th, you may actually do so.
6. Listen to constructive feedback from your sincerely well-wishers and even from your critics. We all are a work in progress, and in order to grow into the best versions of ourselves, we must be open to criticism and feedback.
7. Dedicate time daily to your craft. Block out time to focus on your product. Even if you spend an hour a day over three years working on one book, it will be worth it. Just block out time, work hard, keep improving, and take your time.
8. Block out the noise. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by the latest trend and controversy. Utilize social media for beneficial means only, and completely shut it down during your work time. Your craft deserves for full attention.
Alhamdulillah, hard work pays off in the long run. I spend years researching the History of Islam, and 18 months working on the course (https://islamicselfhelp.gumroad.com/l/history1). I ask Allah to accept my efforts, and make it a means of khayr for the ummah.
