Why Book Mapping Is The Secret To Writing A Business Book That Works
Why Book Mapping Is The Secret To Writing A Business Book That Works
Last week was a busy one.
I had book strategy sessions, book proposal sessions and a full-day 1:1 deep dive with a current book coaching client. As different as each of these sessions were, there was one thread running through them all - a topic of crucial importance when it comes to writing your book: book mapping.
What Is Book Mapping?
A business book isn’t just a collection of your thoughts. It’s not a brain dump, a set of standalone blog posts stitched together or a portfolio of your expertise for the sake of it.
A good business book - one that positions you as a thought leader, builds trust and moves readers to act - needs to take your reader on a journey:
From “I’m curious about this topic…”
To “I trust this person knows what they’re talking about.”
To “I’m ready to work with them, or implement what they teach.”
This is where book mapping comes in.
A book map is exactly what it sounds like: a clear, strategic plan for your book’s purpose, audience, structure and next steps. It’s the difference between sitting down to write and staring at a blinking cursor . . . and sitting down to write knowing exactly what today’s focus is, how it connects to yesterday, and where it leads your reader next.
What Does A Book Map Include?
When I work with clients in book mapping sessions, we build out a book map that pins down:
Who you’re writing for . . . and what they actually need from you. Not just what you want to say, but what will resonate, help and move them forward.
What you want this book to do for your business . . . because, let’s be honest - you’re not writing a book for the sake of it. You’re writing to grow your brand, build your authority, open up new opportunities and create impact. Your strategy needs to align with that.
The big promise or transformation your book offers . . . what changes for your reader after they finish your book? Clarity here underpins everything else.
The key ideas, stories, case studies and expertise that must be included . . . this is the real meat of your book. The insights that only you can bring and the stories that make it come alive.
The logical flow - chapter by chapter - so every piece has a place. What has to come before for this point to make sense? Where does it naturally lead to? Why? Mapping this out avoids tangents, repetition and the dreaded “what on earth comes next?” moments.
Why This Helps Your Brain Rest
When you don’t have a book map, your brain is carrying everything at once:
That client story you might include.
The introduction hook you woke up thinking about.
The frameworks you use in workshops.
The vague sense of structure you hope makes sense.
But once you have a map, your brain can rest. You’re not sitting in front of a blank page anymore. You’re following a clear, strategic route. Each writing session has a purpose. Each piece fits. And that makes the writing process just that little bit easier - and a whole lot more enjoyable.
Why “Just Start Writing” Isn’t Enough
You’ve probably heard it:
“Just start writing and it will sort itself out.”
And yes, getting words onto the page matters. But writing without a map is like setting off on a road trip with no sat nav, no route plan and no idea how long it will take to get there.
Could you get there eventually? Possibly. But it will take a lot longer, cost you a lot more energy and leave you feeling lost along the way. Will the end result be as special - unlikely!
When you have a map, you can write with intention. You’re not just writing to fill pages - you’re writing to move your reader through a transformational journey that benefits them and your business.
What Happens In A Book Mapping Session?
In a Book Mapping Session, we sit down together (virtually or in person, with a cup of tea or coffee in hand) and we map out your book from the ground up.
Clients often tell me it’s the first time their ideas have felt clear, doable and exciting again.
We clarify:
Your reader and their needs
Your big idea and book promise
The best way forward for your goals
Your overall book and chapter structure
How this book will integrate with your offers, services or next business chapter
Think of it as setting your sat nav before you start driving. It saves time, stress and wrong turns later.
Ready To Map Your Book?
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed or are waking up at 3am thinking “How will I ever pull this together?”, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Fancy a chat? Let's talk about the best way forward to create a map of your book that will guide you all the way to publication. Book in for a complimentary chat here.
