Been Told You Need to Write a Book for Your Business? Here’s How to Start Without Throwing Your Laptop Out the Window!

So, you’re acing it as an entrepreneur—your business is thriving, your sector knowledge is off the charts, and you’re the go-to person for insights in your industry. But now someone’s told you that you should write a book for your business. And suddenly, that confidence fades. Writing a book? That’s not your thing, right?

Take a breath. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. The truth is, writing a business book isn’t as scary as it seems. You already have all the knowledge—you just need a way to get it onto the page. So, before you toss your MacBook out the window, let’s break down how to tackle this.

What’s the point of writing a business book, anyway?

Writing a book for your business is like creating an extended calling card that does more than introduce you—it positions you as a true authority. In a world saturated with quick tips and online articles, a full-length book lets you dive deeper, show off your expertise, and share valuable insights that only you can provide. It’s a lasting testament to your knowledge and a powerful way to reach people who might not engage with your other marketing efforts. A business book can become the ultimate credibility booster, opening doors to speaking gigs, attracting media attention, and setting you apart in your field.

But beyond the professional benefits, writing a book is a way to connect with your audience on a deeper level. When you share your journey, struggles, and hard-won lessons, readers get to see the person behind the brand. They walk away not just informed but inspired, equipped with knowledge that helps them—and reminds them of the value your business provides. Which, ultimately, is what business is all about, isn’t it?

And while it’s easy to see the value of writing a book for your business, it’s less easy to do, especially if you’ve never thought of yourself as a wordsmith.

But that’s okay. That’s what I’m here for.

Start with these simple steps.

1. Plot out key knowledge points

You’re not a writer by trade, but you are an expert in your field. That’s where your book comes from. Start by identifying the main points you want to share. Think about the conversations you have with clients, the FAQs you answer all the time, and the common industry challenges you tackle. The value you want to share with your customers and readers. Each of these can become a chapter, turning your book into a resource packed with valuable advice.

Aim for around 12 chapters. Do you have 12 key insights to share? Brainstorm your ideas and select one big takeaway for each chapter. Just like that, you’ve outlined the core of your book.

If you’re not sure where to start, let’s chat through the key areas that would provide the most value for your readers.

2. Understand WHY you’re writing this book

Sure, someone might’ve said, 'You need to write a book to grow your business.' But why do you want to write it? Think deeper than 'because I should'. What do you want your reader to walk away with? Do you want them to better understand the industry? Have new tools for success? Solve a specific problem?

Get clear on the value you want to give, because that’s what will keep you focused and motivated throughout the writing process. When you know your why, the writing becomes about helping your audience—not just checking a box.

Feeling unsure about your 'why'? Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to clarify what matters most to your readers. Reach out to organise a chat about what your book could offer.

3. Schedule your writing time

You schedule everything else in your business—meetings, workouts, even breakfast—so do the same for writing.

If you don’t make time for it, it won’t happen. Fires will pop up, meetings will pull you away, and you’ll end the day frustrated that you haven’t written a word. Diarise your writing time. Start small—even 15 minutes a day makes a difference. Once you’re in the habit, you can add more.

The good news? Writing a book is about consistent, small actions. A dedicated 30 minutes a day can turn into real progress before you know it.

Need help building the habit? I can help you set up a realistic writing schedule that fits your life, so your book becomes manageable—not overwhelming.

4. Start small and simple

Writing a whole book sounds like climbing Everest, right? But as I mentioned above, just start small. You don’t need to have the perfect first sentence or draft. Begin by fleshing out one chapter at a time. Or just jot down notes on each key point you outlined earlier. The important thing is to start—even if it’s 100 words at a time. You’re not aiming for a polished masterpiece right away.

Struggling with where to start? You don’t have to do this alone. Drop a message if you need help outlining your first few chapters or even just brainstorming your initial ideas.

5. Embrace the rough draft

The first draft is all about getting your ideas down, not creating perfection—so let it be rough and messy! This initial version is just for you; it’s a space to freely capture your knowledge without worrying about how it reads.

Remember, no one else will see this stage, so don’t hold back or get stuck editing as you go. The goal here is to build a foundation that you can refine and shape later. Give yourself permission to write imperfectly now, knowing that each draft will bring you closer to the polished book you envision sharing with the world.

6. Get regular feedback

Once you’ve got some content down, even just at the planning stage where you wrote down the key knowledge points and values you want to share, bring in a trusted group of readers to give feedback. In the industry, these are called alpha and beta readers, and they’re just like the initial feedback groups you’d have for your business when testing the waters.

Find people who know your business and industry and can tell you if your ideas are clear and valuable. They’ll help you see what’s working and what needs tweaking—before you get too deep into it!

You can write a book for your business

Writing a business book is a powerful tool—it can showcase your expertise, act as a marketing tool, and position you as a thought leader. But don’t let the idea of being ‘not a writer’ stop you. You don’t need to be a novelist; you need to communicate what you already know inside and out. Focus on delivering value, and the rest will follow. There are other people around who can help you with the technical writing bit, but only you know your business like you do.

Need Help Getting Your Business Book Off the Ground?

Writing a book doesn’t have to be a solo journey. As an author coach, I help entrepreneurs like you translate their expertise into a finished book, every step of the way. From shaping the big idea to polishing the final draft, I’ll guide you through the process and keep you on track—and trust me, I’ll keep you from tossing your laptop out the window. ??

Here’s how I can help:

• Concept and brainstorming sessions—get clear on your book’s purpose and structure.
• Step-by-step outlining and writing guidance—break down each chapter and make consistent progress.
• Connections to top feedback and editing teams—ensure your message shines and resonates with your audience.
• Time management strategies—build a realistic writing schedule that fits your busy life.

Ready to make your book a reality? Comment ‘BOOK READY’ or send me a DM, and let’s get you started!

This post was canonically published on my Storycraft Gateway author coaching website, where you can read more articles like this and gain information on the coaching services available.