As an entrepreneur, you know the power of a good plan. You wouldn’t launch a new offer, product, or service without clear goals and a strategy, would you? So why approach your book any differently?
The most successful business books start with intention: a clear why, who, and what.
Recently, we covered the full process of writing and publishing a book from start to finish. In this blog, I’ll break down the four strategic steps you should tackle before writing a single word of your book.
1. Know Why You’re Writing a Book
Ask yourself: “What do I want this book to accomplish for my business and brand?”
Maybe you want to:
- Generate more leads
- Strengthen your authority and credibility
- Open doors for speaking or consulting
- Create a legacy or codify your framework
Once you know your “why” for your book, you can use it to guide your planning.
2. Define Who You’re Writing For (Your Target Audience)
Every entrepreneur-author needs to define their target reader as clearly as their target client. Who will pick up this book and think, “This was written for me”?
When imagining your target reader, consider:
- Their industry and level of expertise—they’re likely not yet at the same level of entrepreneurship as you
- The specific challenges they face
- The results they want and the obstacles in their way
If you serve multiple audiences in your business, focus on one for this book. A laser-focused message resonates more deeply than a general one. When you write to everyone, you really write to no one.
3. Identify What Makes Your Book Different
The marketplace is saturated with books on business and leadership. To stand out, you need a unique selling proposition (USP).
Questions to consider:
- What do I do differently than others in my field?
- What stories or frameworks are uniquely mine?
- How does my approach produce better or faster results?
Your USP will become the thread that ties your book together, hooks readers, and makes them remember you.
4. Brainstorm and Outline Your Book
Once you’ve nailed down your purpose, audience, and unique selling proposition, start planning. Begin with a brain dump: every idea, story, case study, or framework that might belong in the book. Then group related ideas into themes or sections.
Most business, leadership, and self-help books are broken down into a multi-part structure. Here are two common approaches:
Simple 3-Part Structure
- Part 1: Foundation—what readers need to understand before applying your ideas
- Part 2: Framework—your method, system, or process explained step-by-step
- Part 3: Application—how to implement, troubleshoot, or sustain the results
3-Part Framework
Each part of the book focuses on a different step or phase of your framework. Within each part, you establish the necessary foundation, present the framework component, and offer examples and/or next steps for application.
Of course there are many other ways to organize your book, depending on its focus and your goals.
When outlining, think of your chapters as logical progressions from one another. Your outline is the blueprint that will keep you from wandering off-topic as you write your book. It will also ensure your message stays aligned with your overall strategy.
Start thinking of your book as a strategic business asset—a conversion tool, a marketing vehicle, an authority builder. Spend time clarifying your purpose and direction, and it will pay off in the long run. You don’t have to do any of this alone. Our full-service packages include strategizing and outlining your book with you. Book a free call to get started.
Owner of Aha! Editorial
