The Real Challenges Business Leaders Face When Writing a Book (And How to Overcome Them)

If you’re a business leader who’s thought about writing a book, you already know it’s not a lack of ideas holding you back. You’ve got the expertise. You’ve got the stories. You know your work could change how people think and act.

So why do so many leaders put their book on the “someday” list?

The research is clear - and I want to share the biggest challenges business leaders face when writing a book, plus how to overcome them. I hope it helps you to see that you're not alone and there are strategies that can help you.

The 6 Biggest Challenges Business Leaders Face When Writing a Book

1. Lack of time and constant distractions [3]

2. Low-quality thought leadership books that are flooding the market [1]

3. Being able to stand out in an age of content overload [5]

4. Reaching buyers who aren’t ready yet [1]

5. Shifts in how people consume books (print vs audio) [2]

6. Confusion around publishing routes and costs [3][4]

1. Time Poverty & Constant Distractions

Business owners in the UK spend the equivalent of £19k a year on admin tasks instead of strategy [3]. Many lose 11-15 hours per week to operations and admin that don’t actually grow their business. I know I've been guilty of spending far too much time on Canva creating graphics for social media posts. No wonder book writing can fall to the bottom of the list.

Solution: In my FLOURISH Book Coaching Programme, we work together to create a writing schedule that will work for you. We map out your book so that you work in small sections rather than dealing with the overwhelm of writing the whole book. Your book is project managed and we have weekly accountability check-ins to help you to stay on track. Frequent submission reviews mean your book progresses without needing entire weeks locked away.

2. The Quality Gap in Thought Leadership

73% of decision-makers say they trust thought leadership content more than traditional product marketing [1]. They dedicate real time to reading it - and when it’s strong, it often opens doors to serious business opportunities. Sadly, though, only about 15% of the content they see is rated as “very good or excellent” [1].

Solution: This is where developmental editing matters. I help you to refine your ideas, strengthen your arguments and structure your book so it becomes a premium piece of thought leadership that decision-makers actually want to engage with.

3. Standing Out in an Age of Content Overload

With AI-generated content everywhere, 60% of audiences now doubt authenticity online [5]. Generic business books are simply not good enough. There are already too many and it's only going to get worse.

Solution: Together, we dig into your original frameworks, case studies and lived expertise. That’s how your book becomes something no algorithm (or competitor) could replicate. I encourage all of the writers that I work with to include guest sections, case studies and Q & As - all of these keep your words and teachings authentically yours. No Ai written book can emulate this real, lived experience.

4. Reaching Buyers Who Aren’t Even Looking (Yet)

At any given time, 95% of B2B buyers aren’t actively shopping [1]. The role of your book isn’t just to impress those already searching - it’s to educate, reframe problems and spark demand earlier.

Solution: I guide you to shape a book that plants seeds (it's why my programme is called FLOURISH, after all!) to position you as the trusted authority and to open doors long before someone is “ready to buy.”

5. Shifts in How People Consume Books

Audiobooks are booming - UK audiobook revenue hit £268 million in 2024 (up 31% year-on-year) [2]. Many leaders prefer to learn through quick, accessible formats.

Solution: I help you plan a multi-format book from day one. Think: an executive summary audiobook, sample chapters in audio, a weekly podcast for each chapter or companion resources that extend your reach. Having a QR code that links to your website via an email subscribe button is a tremendous addition to your marketing strategies.

6. Uncertainty Around Publishing Routes

Publishing options and costs are confusing. Self-publishing can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, with print-on-demand paperbacks costing around £3.50 per copy [3][4]. That fog often leads to procrastination.

Solution: I demystify the publishing landscape. I have built The Curious Wolf Collective to ensure that there is an expert on hand for whatever part of the writing and publishing journey you may need help with. Together we map out the right route - whether self-publishing, hybrid or traditional - and set realistic budgets so that nothing stalls your manuscript.

Why This Matters for Business Leaders

A book isn’t just a credibility marker. Done well, it’s a business asset that earns trust, opens doors and creates opportunities you can’t get any other way.

The barriers are real, but none of them are insurmountable - not when you have the right structure, support and strategy. That’s what FLOURISH was built for.

👉 If you're ready to turn your expertise into a book that grows your business, book in for a chat. I'll give you feedback on your book idea and we'll discuss possible routes forward for you. Book a Chat and let’s make sure the challenges don’t hold you back another year.

Sources

[1] Edelman & LinkedIn (2024). B2B Thought Leadership Impact Report.

[2] Publishers Association (2025). Audiobooks and fiction drove publishing growth in 2024.

[3] Federation of Small Businesses (FSB, UK). Research on admin burden and time use.

[4] Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Data on management productivity and strategic time.

[5] Ofcom (2024). Online Nation Report – audience trust in digital content and AI media.