
The BOOK Method
The BOOK Method: A Proven Framework for Writing Your Business Book
Writing a business book is one of the most powerful ways to showcase your expertise, reach new audiences and grow your brand. But, sadly, only 30% of aspiring authors ever finish their books.
It’s not because they can’t write, or don't know their topic: it’s because they don’t have a clear process.
That’s why I created The BOOK Method - a simple, strategic 4-step framework that helps business owners finally write the book they’ve been dreaming about.
What Is the BOOK Method?
The BOOK Method is a framework designed to take you from book idea to finished manuscript. It stands for:
B = Big Idea
O = One Reader
O = Outline & Ongoing Editing
K = Keep Going
It blends strategy, structure, developmental editing and accountability - the four key ingredients that turn scattered notes into a published business book.
Why Business Owners Struggle to Write Their Books
Time and again, this is what I see with entrepreneurs and leaders:
They’re overflowing with ideas but don’t know which one should be the focus.
They try to write for everyone, or worse, their peers rather than their audience - and end up writing for no one.
They start strong but get stuck halfway when the structure collapses.
They lose momentum without accountability.
Does this sound familiar? If so, the BOOK Method is designed for you.
The Four Steps of the BOOK Method
1. B = Big Idea
Every great book starts with a core message. This isn’t just a theme or a topic - it’s the one idea you want your reader to remember, how you want them to feel whilst reading your book and the transformation that you would like them to go through.
When we work together, we also tie your book idea directly to your business strategy. Your book should open doors, attract opportunities and support the bigger goals in your business - naturally.
Action step: Write one sentence that sums up the message of your book. Keep refining until it’s clear and specific. Focus on your reader's transformation.
2. O = One Reader
Most unfinished books fail because the author tries to write for “everyone.” The problem with this approach? When you write for everyone, you connect with no one. It can be common for business owners to write to their peers rather than their audience. There is always that fear of judgement, isn't there? If your reader doesn't feel that they are being spoken to directly, they will disengage with your book.
The BOOK Method encourages you to imagine your one reader and encourages you to write as if you’re having a conversation with them over coffee. The more specific you are, the more compelling your book will become.
Action step: Create a one page profile of your ideal reader. Give them a name. Write down their challenges and what they’re searching for. Put yourself in their shoes - imagine their reaction when your book makes something finally make sense for them.
3. O = Outline & Ongoing Editing
A strong book needs strong foundations. Your outline is your roadmap: it shows how your reader will travel from chapter one to the end, and why. Chapter mapping is an essential time saving practice. When you are crystal clear on what your chapters are and why they come in the order that they do, your book will be much easier to write.
Books aren’t written once - they’re shaped through developmental editing. This is where we refine your style, cut what doesn’t fit and strengthen your arguments. It’s what turns a good draft into a great book.
Action step: Draft a contents page for your book today. Even if it changes later, it will give you a structure to follow.
4. K = Keep Going
Most abandoned books aren’t missing talent - they’re missing accountability.
Writing requires consistency more than brilliance. Short, focused sessions add up as do longer planned sessions built into your calendar with a non-negotiable label attached. With the right accountability, you’ll keep going when motivation dips. That’s why I build weekly check-ins, milestones and encouragement into every coaching programme.
Action step: Set a realistic weekly writing goal (e.g. 1,000 words or 2 hours). Share it with someone who will hold you accountable.
Why the BOOK Method Works
The BOOK Method works because it blends four essentials most authors miss:
Strategy: Your book aligns with your wider business goals.
Reader focus: You’re writing for the right audience.
Structure & editing: Your book has flow and clarity.
Accountability: You actually finish it.
This combination ensures your book doesn’t just exist - it makes an impact.
How to Start Using the BOOK Method Today
If you’re ready to move from 'someday' to 'done', this is how to begin:
Write down your Big Idea.
Create a profile of your One Reader.
Draft an Outline.
Commit to Keep Going with small, consistent steps.
These four actions alone will transform how you think about your book.
And if you’d like expert guidance, developmental editing and accountability along the way - that’s where my coaching comes in. Together, we use the BOOK Method to turn your expertise into a book that you’re proud of.
FAQs About Writing a Business Book
Q: How do I start writing a business book?
A: Think about why you want to write it. Then think about how you want your reader to feel. Finally, define your Big Idea in one sentence. Without clarity on your message, your book will drift.
Q: How long does it take to write a business book?
A: With structure, editing and accountability, many of my clients finish a first draft in 6 - 9 months while running their business. To write 50,000 words in 6 months, for example, you need to aim to write 2,000 - 3,000 words per week.
Q: Why do most business books fail?
A: They lack focus, structure or accountability. The BOOK Method solves all three.
Q: Can a book really grow my business?
A: Absolutely. A well written book builds authority, opens new opportunities and creates long term visibility for your expertise. It lasts a lot longer than a piece of content that's subject to the vagaries of algorithms.
Ready to Write Your Business Book?
Your book idea doesn’t need to sit in a forgotten folder called “Someday.”
The BOOK Method is your roadmap - clear, practical and proven.
If you’d like to finally finish your business book with clarity and confidence, let’s talk. This is exactly what I help my clients do every day.
Ready to use the BOOK Method?
→Book in for a chat and let's discuss how I can help you
Or, if you're ready to get started . . .
→Book a strategy session with me here