Thinking about Writing a Business Book? Here’s What You Need to Know

Business leaders with enough experience under their belts often reach a point where they feel compelled to share what they’ve learned. It’s not just about giving back; it’s about cementing their expertise and tapping into their thought leadership to shape the future of their industry.?

One of the most ambitious ways to do this? Writing a book.?

If you’re thinking about taking this next step, I’d love to share my insights with you—not only as a public relations professional but also as someone currently in the process of writing my own book.

Why I Decided to Write a Book?

For years, I’ve been on the road working with CEOs and leadership teams as a crisis communications and management advisor. In doing so, one thing became abundantly clear: far too many businesses aren’t prepared for a crisis.?

I’d say only about a quarter of the leaders I’ve spoken to have a solid crisis communications plan or a dedicated crisis team in place. The other three-quarters? They’re simply not ready.

I realized that if people aren’t actively developing these plans or even talking about them, they might be more open to reading about them. I thought that if I could share my experiences and insights in a way that sparks interest, leaders might start to understand how critical it is to be prepared.?

Creating a crisis communications plan isn’t as hard as it might seem. Sure, it takes time and resources, but it’s far from impossible—and I’ve seen firsthand how it can make all the difference when things go wrong.

Throughout my career, I’ve helped clients overcome crises of all shapes and sizes. These are real-life situations I can draw from to offer valuable lessons. So, I’ve been working hard to gather the most valuable crisis management strategies and tactics and share them in the form of a book.?

What I’ve Learned: Tips for Writing a Business Book?

First things first: should you self-publish or go with a publisher? The answer depends on your goals.?

If your book is more of a marketing tool—something to give away or share with prospective clients—self-publishing can be a great option. But if your aim is to reach a wider audience and build credibility, going with a publisher can provide the added weight and recognition you’ll need to stand out.?

The advice that follows assumes you’ve decided to pursue the publisher route.

1. Do your research (or hire a professional to help you)?

There are plenty of resources online that can help guide you through the process of getting your book published. One that I recommend is The Expert’s Edge by Ken Lizotte. Another great resource is Donya Dickerson, a book author and literary agent. She’s written an excellent multi-part series on LinkedIn about how to get your book published.

You also have the option of hiring a professional. As someone who’s owned a business for 20 years, I’m a big believer in delegating tasks when I’m not an expert or don’t have enough knowledge in a particular area. So, I hired a book agent.

2. Create a book proposal

Creating a book proposal is one of the first steps when it comes to writing a book, and it’s a critical one. This 20-30 page roadmap outlines the core details of your project, including who your intended audience is, what the book is about, and what readers will gain from it.?

Each chapter is mapped out with specific points you plan to cover, giving a clear sense of the book’s structure. Additionally, the proposal includes a section on competing titles that shows how your book stands out from others in the same space. Finally, an author bio highlights your expertise and credentials, helping publishers see why you’re the right person to write this book.

3. Target a mix of publishers?

There are various levels of publishers, from those that are more accessible to highly selective ones that may only release a few titles each season. Just like applying to college, it’s wise to pitch to a mix of publishers—some that feel like “safety schools” and others that are more of a reach.?

Right now, I’ve got three publishers who expressed interest, and we are looking at their offers to determine the best fit for the book.

4. Stand out with a personal touch?

When you’re a first-time author like I am, publishers can be understandably cautious. They don’t know who you are or if you can help drive the book’s success. That’s why I decided to include a personal note to publishers, addressing their concerns head-on.?

I made it clear that I have the experience and the tools to promote my own book. I wanted them to know that I’m not just another first-time author. I’ve spent years publicizing best-selling books for my clients, and as the owner of a PR agency, I know how to generate media coverage and drive sales. I also highlighted that I speak regularly to major CEO groups, which gives me a built-in audience I can leverage for sales.?

By getting personal, I aimed to show publishers that I’m committed to writing the book and doing the heavy lifting needed to ensure its success.

5. Be passionate about what you’re doing?

Writing a book isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires not only a significant investment of time and energy but also financial resources—especially if you hire an agent to shop it for you. That’s why you have to truly believe in what you’re doing. You need to be passionate about your subject and confident that your message will resonate with readers.

For me, that passion is crisis management. I love helping clients tell their stories and get the media coverage they deserve, but there’s something especially rewarding about guiding people through their toughest challenges. Crisis management allows me to step in when things are at their worst and help solve real problems. It’s incredibly fulfilling work, and I hope to focus more on it as my career progresses.

Writing a book gives me the opportunity to share this passion and my thought leadership on a larger scale. It allows me to reach more people than I could by speaking to a limited number of CEOs each year. If you’re thinking about writing a book, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about because you’ll need a deep commitment to drive you through the process and be successful.?

Let’s Discuss Your Book

A solid marketing and publicity plan is key to getting your book in front of the right audience and keeping the momentum going long after launch. If you’re ready to get your book the attention it deserves and take the next step in your thought leadership, I’m here to help. Reach out to start the conversation.