Urdu book writing often feels more confusing, overwhelming, and difficult. The main is the lack of proper guidance for Urdu writers. This is especially true for those who want to type and write their book on their own instead of relying on someone else.
However, with technological advancements and awareness of the right tools, writers can now easily take control of the entire process to compose a book . This guide is for all aspiring writers who want to learn how to write a book in Urdu and start their writing journey independently.
In this blog, we will cover:
- Urdu Keyboard setup
- Fonts selection
- Urdu writing tools and softwares
- Practical writing tips for Urdu writers
So authors can confidently begin your journey of writing your first Urdu book.
Urdu Keyboard Setup
For Urdu typing, there are two main options: you can either enable the built-in Urdu keyboard through your system settings or download an Urdu phonetic keyboard for easier typing.
Enable Urdu Keyboard
To enable the default Urdu keyboard on Windows, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings
- Open Time & Language
- Click on Language
- Select Add a language and choose Urdu
- Select the Urdu keyboard
This keyboard uses a different layout, where each key represents a specific Urdu letter. Unlike phonetic typing, the keys do not match English letters, so it may take some time and practice to become familiar with the layout. However, once you learn it, it becomes easier to type fluently in Urdu.
Use Urdu Phonetic Keyboard
The best alternative to the default Urdu keyboard is an Urdu phonetic keyboard. This type of keyboard is designed to match Urdu letters with similar English sounds, making typing much easier for beginners.
In a phonetic keyboard, each English letter corresponds to a similar-sounding Urdu letter. For example:
- A → ا (Alif)
- S → س (Seen)
- F → ف (Fa)
This means you don’t have to memorize a completely new keyboard layout. Instead, you type based on sounds.
To use an Urdu phonetic keyboard, you can install tools like CRULP Urdu Phonetic Keyboard or use online typing tools such as Google Input Tools. These tools help authors to write Urdu easily by using their regular English keyboard.
Urdu Fonts
If you are using the default Urdu keyboard on your system, you can still type Urdu using built-in fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. However, these fonts usually display Urdu in a style that does not match the traditional look of Urdu books. So, it is recommended to use right urdu fonts.
The most common used urdu fonts are
- Jameel Noori Nastaleeq
- Nafees Nastaleeq
- Noto Nastaliq
These fonts reflect the traditional Nastaliq style used in Urdu literature and published books and enhance the readability and aesthetic quality of your book.
Urdu Book Writing Softwares
Once your keyboard setup is complete and you have selected the appropriate font for your manuscript, the next step is to choose the right tool for writing. Below are some of the most commonly used software options for writing a book in Urdu.
1. Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is one of the easiest and most widely used tools for writing books. It supports Urdu typing and offers essential formatting options such as headings, alignment, and spacing.
For authors who are writing their Urdu book on their own for the first time, Microsoft Word is an excellent choice to start with, as it is simple, accessible, and beginner-friendly.
2. Google Docs
Google Docs is perfect for writers who prefer working online. It is a beginner-friendly tool that allows authors to access their work anytime, anywhere. With its built-in collaboration features, writers can easily share their work with editors or beta readers for feedback. It also works smoothly with Urdu typing tools like Google Input Tools, making the writing process more convenient. Overall, it is a great option for writers who value flexibility and easy access to their work.
3. InPage
InPage is a professional Urdu publishing software widely used for Urdu writing and formatting. It allows writers to work with traditional Nastaliq fonts, manage complex text alignment, and create professionally styled pages.
Features such as column layouts, text wrapping, page design, and precise spacing control make it an ideal choice for authors who want their book to look polished and publication-ready.
It is a paid software, and beginners may find it slightly challenging to fully understand its features and functions at first. However, with practice, it becomes a very helpful tool for creating high-quality Urdu books with professional-level formatting.
Urdu Book Writing Tips
Now that your writing setup is ready and you have selected the right software, the next step is to begin writing your manuscript. At this stage, many writers feel stuck or overwhelmed, but following a few practical tips can make the process much easier and more effective.
Start with a Rough Draft
Begin by writing a simple draft of your story or content. Focus on getting your ideas on page rather than trying to make everything perfect. Avoid worrying about grammar, vocabulary, or perfection in the first draft,your goal is to write freely and build the foundation of your book.
Keep Sentences Simple
Try to maintain a smooth sentence flow and avoid overly long or complicated sentences. Simple and clear writing makes content easier to understand and more engaging for readers.
Maintain Consistency
Choose a tone for your writing whether formal, conversational, according to the type of your book and stick to it throughout your book. Consistency in tone helps create a better and engaging reading experience..
Read and Write Regularly
Consistency is key, even writing a small amount daily can help you stay connected to your ideas and gradually complete your manuscript without feeling overwhelmed.
At the same time, reading Urdu books by experienced writers can significantly improve your own writing skills. It helps you understand sentence structure, vocabulary, tone, and storytelling techniques.
When you combine both habits, reading and writing regularly, you naturally grow as a writer. This consistent practice not only improves your skills but also makes the writing process smoother and more confident over time.
Important Tip:
If you’re a beginner and not yet comfortable with Urdu typing or keyboard layouts, you can start by writing your ideas on paper. This will help you to fully focus on your thoughts and creativity without any interruptions.
Another effective approach is to write one chapter by hand and then type it afterward. This method helps you stay connected to your writing while gradually improving your typing skills.
The goal is to make the writing process as smooth and natural as possible. So choose a method that keeps you focused on your creativity, not the technical challenges.
Tips for Writing Different Types of Urdu Books
Every type of book requires a different writing approach. The choice of language, sentence structure, tone, and overall length should match the purpose of the book and the target audience. Understanding these technical aspects can help you write more effectively and professionally.
Urdu Novel Writing Tips
For Urdu novels, authors can choose between slightly formal or conversational language depending on the theme and audience, but the flow should always feel natural. Avoid overly complex or heavy Urdu unless it suits the story.
Novels are usually divided into chapters for better structure and readability, and their length can vary widely depending on the story. Maintaining a consistent tone throughout, whether emotional or dramatic, is important for a better reading experience.
Urdu Storybooks (Children’s Books)
For children’s books, the language should be very simple, clear, and easy to understand. Avoid difficult vocabulary and keep sentence length very short, ideally one short idea per sentence. The tone should be friendly and engaging. Simple and readable Urdu fonts are preferred to ensure clarity for young readers.
Self-Help Books
Self-help books should use clear, direct, and conversational Urdu so readers can easily understand the ideas. Avoid complicated or classical Urdu, as it may reduce clarity. Sentences should be short to medium in length, focusing on one idea at a time.
The tone should be motivating, and easy to relate to. Structurally, the content is often divided into chapters, headings, or step-by-step sections. Consistency in tone and clarity of message is crucial to keep readers engaged and inspired.
Biography or Memoir
For biographies and memoirs, the language can be slightly formal, depending on the subject. The goal is clarity and storytelling, so avoid overly complex words that may interrupt the flow. Sentences can vary in length but should remain easy to read. A clear chronological structure (timeline) is important, usually divided into chapters or life phases.
Editing and Proofreading
Once your first draft is complete, the editing and proofreading stage becomes extremely important, especially in Urdu writing. This is the phase where you refine your manuscript to ensure accuracy, and clarity. In Urdu, even a small mistake in spelling or missing dots (nuqtay) can completely change the meaning of a word, so careful review is very important. Below are some of the most important points to focus in urdu book editing and proofreading:
- Ensure correct use of dots in Urdu letters, as a missing or wrong dot can change the meaning entirely
- Check spelling accuracy of Urdu words, especially similar-looking words
- Maintain clarity of sentences so the meaning is easy to understand for readers
- Ensure correct use of Urdu diacritics (zer, zabar, pesh) where needed for proper pronunciation and meaning
- Keep consistency in vocabulary and writing style throughout the manuscript
- Review paragraph flow to ensure ideas are connected smoothly
Professional Editing
Once you have completed your own extensive editing and proofreading, the next recommended step is to consider professional editing. Professional editing enhances clarity, improves structure, and ensures that your manuscript is fully ready for publication.
For Urdu manuscripts, professional editors can be found through freelance platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr, where experienced editors offer book editing and proofreading services. You can also reach out to local publishing houses or printing services in Pakistan, as many of them provide in-house editing support.
Once your editing is complete, the next important step is book formatting. For a detailed guide on how to properly format your manuscript, check out our blog on Urdu Book Formatting.
Daastan’s Professional Support
For authors who want professional editing services, they can opt for Daastan professional editing and proofreading services.
Daastan is a publishing company dedicated to supporting writers at every stage of their book publication journey. It helps Urdu authors bring their ideas to life by providing complete assistance from the beginning of the writing process to the final publication stage.
Whether an author needs help with Urdu typing, editing, or preparing print-ready files, Daastan offers complete end-to-end support for writers.
Services Offered by Daastan
Daastan provides a wide range of services to help authors, including:
- Urdu typing and manuscript preparation
- Editing and proofreading
- Book formatting and layout design
- Print-ready file creation
- Book registration, ISBN, and barcode services
- Publishing support
- Marketing
In addition to these services, Daastan publishes books through its online bookstore MeraQissa, where authors can publish their work, gain recognition, and earn through book sales. This platform helps writers not only publish their books but also reach a wider audience through an established digital bookstore.
Conclusion
For beginner authors who want to learn how to write a book in Urdu, this guide has covered the complete process of Urdu book writing, including the best writing tools, Urdu keyboard setup, font selection, editing and proofreading techniques, as well as practical writing tips for different genres and styles. The goal is to show authors that they can write their own books independently with the help of the right tools and proper guidance.
And whenever you feel stuck or overwhelmed at any stage of your writing journey, remember that support is always available. Daastan is there to guide Urdu writers like a trusted companion, helping them from writing and editing to publishing and beyond.
