How to Write a Business Book While Running a Business
When you’re managing clients, leading teams, and handling the day-to-day operations of a business, it’s understandable that your time is limited. But for even the busiest professionals, writing a business book is possible. Here’s how to do it without putting your business on hold…
How to write a business book while running a business:
- Break the process down into small steps
- Treat your book as a priority
- Start with a clear plan
- Create a realistic schedule
- Consider the help of a writing coach or ghostwriter
Before you get started, check out Writing Dr’s How to Write Your Best Business Book to guide the planning and writing process.
Break the process down into small steps
Writing a business book can seem like a daunting, complex task. But it doesn’t have to be. Don’t think of the entire process from planning to publishing as one entity. Instead, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Focus on one thing at a time and let the completion of each step give you the motivation to continue.
Treat your book as a priority
A lot of professionals treat their proposed business books as something separate from the bulk of their work. It becomes an afterthought rather than a commitment. But your book will support your business. Your book will become a tool that you can use to generate leads and opportunities. Your book is as much a part of your business as any other promotional or marketing venture. Treat it as such.
Start with a clear plan
Before you can make headway with the writing itself, you need to plan. Plan the core idea of your book, plan your ideal audience, plan each chapter or section and the case studies you want to include within them. Crafting a clear business book outline means you’ve got a point of reference to return to whenever you’re stuck or unsure what you need to write next. Without a plan, you can easily find yourself with writer’s block that brings your progress to a complete halt.
Need some support with your planning? Writing Dr’s Book Planner is the perfect tool!
Create a realistic schedule
Following a realistic writing schedule is the key to success with a business book. Consider the personal and work commitments that you have, then see where you could slot in dedicated writing sessions. You could aim for an hour every other day, or perhaps write a few hundred words at a time. If you work better with deadlines, set yourself achievable deadlines for completing each chapter or section. Consistency matters more than intensity. Create a sustainable routine to avoid burnout.
Consider the help of a writing coach or ghostwriter
You don’t have to do everything yourself. If time is a barrier to getting your business book written and published, you could hire a writing coach or ghostwriter. A writing coach will motivate you and help to keep you on track. They’re a professional set of eyes to review your work and polish your manuscript. A ghostwriter will take your ideas, experiences, and insights and turn them into a well-structured and well-written manuscript so that you don’t have to write your book yourself.
If you’d like to explore the differences between a writing coach and ghostwriter in more detail, read this Writing Dr blog.
Now that you know writing a business book while running a business is possible, what are you waiting for? Book a call with Writing Dr to get the ball rolling!