October 8, 2025 | Episode 342
Writing a Business Book?
5 Honest Questions You Must Ask First
Build Your Book Strategy Before You Write a Word
Not every good idea deserves 40,000 words. Before you commit to another book that drains your time, energy, and brand focus, ask yourself these five brutally honest questions. In this episode of Coffee with Carma, I’m sharing the questions that every entrepreneur needs to answer before they start writing a business book. Because the right book will grow your business, but the wrong one can stall it.
Your Entire Author Journey
Supported in One Place
Like this episode?
Buy me a cup of coffee!
Don’t waste your time
writing a book no one wants!
Notes
Not every idea deserves 40,000 words. And in this episode of Coffee with Carma, Carma Spence helps you figure out which ones do. Learn the five honest questions every entrepreneur must ask before starting a book:
- What Do I Want This Book to Do for My Business?
- Is This Topic Something I Want to Talk About for Years?
- Will This Book Elevate Me to the Level I’m Aiming For?
- Will This Book Attract My Ideal Client?
- Is This a Book I Want to Write or One My Audience Needs?
These will help you avoid months of wasted effort and create something that boosts your business. Carma shares real examples, including one of her own. She shows how the wrong book can drain your energy and confuse your brand. But the right book can lead to speaking gigs, new clients, and greater authority. If you’ve ever wondered whether your book idea is worth pursuing, this episode will give you the clarity to decide.
Time Stamps
- 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
- 01:57 Question 1: What Do I Want This Book to Do for My Business?
- 03:14 Question 2: Is This Topic Something I Want to Talk About for Years?
- 04:10 Question 3: Will This Book Elevate Me to the Level I’m Aiming For?
- 06:04 Question 4: Will This Book Attract My Ideal Client?
- 06:54 Question 5: Is This a Book I Want to Write or One My Audience Needs?
- 07:34 Conclusion: Reflecting on the Five Questions
Want More Episodes Like this?
Summary of Writing a Business Book? 5 Honest Questions You Must Ask First:
Are you considering writing a book to boost your business? As a book strategist and writing coach, I’ve seen many entrepreneurs jump into writing too quickly. In this episode of Coffee with Carma, I share five crucial questions you need to ask yourself before putting pen to paper. These honest questions will help you see if your book idea aligns with your business goals and passions.
Avoid common pitfalls to make your book a strong asset for your business. This way, it won’t drain your resources or distract you from what matters most.
Discover these five essential questions to ask before writing your book:
-
What do I want this book to do for my business? Learn why defining your book’s purpose is crucial for its success and your business growth.
-
Is this topic something I want to discuss for the next 3-5 years? Understand the importance of choosing a subject that aligns with your long-term business vision.
-
Will this book elevate me to the level I’m aiming for? Explore how your book can be a strategic tool for reaching your next professional milestone.
-
Will this book attract my ideal client or just applause from my peers? Knowing how peer recognition differs from client acquisition is crucial for business growth.
-
Is this a book I want to write or one my audience needs to read? Learn to balance your passion with your audience’s needs for maximum impact.
Why these reflective questions matter for your book’s success:
-
You’ll learn to align your book with your business objectives from the outset
-
These insights help you choose a topic that sustains your interest and supports your brand
-
You’ll discover how to use your book as a stepping stone to reach your professional goals
-
These strategies show you how to focus on attracting clients, not just impressing colleagues
-
You’ll understand how to balance your interests with your audience’s needs
If you’re experiencing any of these challenges, this episode is for you:
-
Are you unsure how your book idea fits into your broader business strategy?
-
Do you worry about losing interest in your book topic before it gains traction?
-
Are you looking to use your book as a tool for professional advancement?
-
Do you struggle to differentiate between writing for peers versus potential clients?
-
Are you torn between writing what excites you and what your audience needs?
Reflect on these five questions. They help you build a strong foundation for your book. This book can show your expertise and be a valuable tool for business growth. Approach your book project with strategy. Make sure each page supports your bigger business goals.
Ready to map out your entire book creation journey with precision? Don’t miss out on my free Right Book Roadmap tool. This interactive Google spreadsheet helps you with each step of creating a book. It covers everything from your first idea to the launch, broken down into about 80 micro-steps.
Click here to access the free Right Book Roadmap. Take the first step towards creating a book that truly represents your expertise and serves your business goals.
Remember, a successful book starts with honest self-reflection. By answering these five key questions, you’re not just writing a book. You’re building a strong business asset. This will draw in clients, speaking gigs, and media interest for years. It’s time to turn your expertise into a legacy that grows your business and impacts your industry!
Attention: Executive Coaches, Business Leaders, and Consultants:
Get Your Free Roadmap to Publishing the Right Book for Your Brand
Is it time to write and publish the book that truly reflects your expertise, grows your business, and builds your authority?
About Your Host: Carma Spence
Carma Spence helps big thinkers write books that leave a mark … not just on shelves, but on hearts, businesses, and legacies. Her story began on the tide-washed sands of Mombasa, where her father carved her name into the beach and sparked a lifelong bond with words. Since then, she’s wandered through science labs, marketing war rooms, and a dream-lit castle haunted by Frankenstein’s monster, each chapter sharpening her gift for turning complexity into clarity. Now, she’s the strategist behind the curtain, guiding visionary coaches and consultants to write the book that was always theirs to write. The one that opens doors. The one that doesn’t fade. The one that rewrites everything.
