7 tips on writing a business building book

If you’ve been reading my blogs for a while, you’ll know that anyone can write a book. BUT it takes the right strategies to write a successful business building book. This was something that I talked about in this week’s book masterclass where I shared my tips on writing a book.

There’s nothing worse than spending your time and energy writing a book, then finding that nobody buys it.

I’d hate for you to have a cupboard or garage full of books that you can never sell.

Most importantly I’d like to ensure that your book builds your business.

7 Tips on Writing a Book

Here are my top 7 tips on writing a book, so that you know what to include, who to involve and how to get started.

1. Get the professionals in!

Last year I wrote a blog post about who needs to be in your team. It’s important to reiterate that you need help to create a high quality book.

At the very least, getting the fundamentals right with good spelling and grammar is essential. Your book represents your brand, so it’s important that it has been professionally edited and proofread. It’s not enough to get your dad/friend/neighbour to look it over for spelling mistakes, as professionals will see what’s wrong and help with consistency.

The design of your book will also make or break its success. This applies to both the internal and external design. People do judge a book’s by its cover, and it’s worth paying a little bit more to get your book designed in the right way. There’s etiquette in the way your book needs to be laid out. Having an expert on board will help your book’s success.

2. Ensure consistency in your writing

One of the things that I work on with clients is the structure of their book, their reader’s journey and how they create the format for their book. Having chapters of similar length and format will help the rhythm of your book. Regular top tips, action points or summaries will support those who want the most important points at a glance.

One of my clients is writing a parable – a book loosely based around his father’s story. Each chapter reflects each other, so that readers know what to expect – part of the story, lessons learnt and action points.

3. Demonstrate how you work by sharing stories and case studies

Although the theory of what you’re sharing is important, people love to read about stories. Seeding in real life examples of how things have worked has multiple benefits. Your readers can see how what you do works in practice. It also allows you to demonstrate your expertise and how you can help people further after they’ve read your book.

4.Take people outside the book and use your book to grow your mailing list

One of the things that I recommend many of my clients do is take people outside of their book. When you create more resources on your website, not only can you build your list, but you can build on the information and value that you can provide your readers whilst not needing to update your book. Although I do believe that there’s a fine line between saying ‘buy my stuff’ and adding huge value!!

One of my clients has some comprehensive checklists and information that she’ll be including in her book. It will add amazing benefits to her readers when they can download them from her website.

5. Have the next steps for your readers in place

When I work with my clients, I focus not only on their book, but also their business. Your book is just part of your sales funnel and how you support your clients. One of the things that I’d recommend you to is make sure that your lead magnet leads into your book and that you have products and programmes that your readers may want to buy from you later. You may find that you mention these in your book in your stories, case studies or simply in your biography section.

6. Ensure your book is found!

There are two types of people who will buy your book: those who have a relationship with you already and trust what you say, and those who find your book through other means. Writing a book will boost your credibility and allow you to reach this second group of people, but only if your book is found.

There are many ways to market your book. Whether you take your book to networking events or do speaking engagements, whether you have a book launch party, use social media to promote your book, or ensure your book is on Amazon (or ideally all of the above). Make sure you have a consistent approach to getting your book out to the people who need to read it. 

7. Choose a brilliant book title

I’ll talk about this in a later blog post, but thought it important to mention here. The perfect book title reflects who your book is for, what they’ll get from it, and why they need to read it – all in around 8 words or less 🙂

Your next steps

Writing a book isn’t just about writing it, there are many things to think about, which is why I’m here to support you as your book mentor. We cover all this and more on our Planning and Writing mini-retreat. We’ll take you through the entire process to plan, write, publish and market your book, and you’ll leave with the perfect blueprint to get started. Get more information and the next date here.