Why 'Just Start Writing' Is Bad Advice for Business Book Authors

Thinking of writing a business book to share your expertise, grow your brand or support your clients on a deeper level? Before you open a blank page and start typing, there’s something crucial you need: strategy. In this post, I explain why “just start writing” is a common (and costly) mistake, and how a Book Strategy Session can bring clarity, confidence, and momentum to your writing journey.

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Why 'Just Start Writing' is the worst advice for business owners who want to write a book.

There’s a phrase I hear too often...

“Just start writing.”

It sounds simple. Encouraging, even (that is, until you actually try it). And in some cases - particularly for journalling - it can be helpful. But if you’re a business owner writing a book to grow your brand, showcase your expertise, or make a meaningful impact in your field?

It’s possibly the worst advice you can follow.

If you're hoping to write a business book that connects with readers and builds your credibility, you need more than enthusiasm. You need a book writing strategy.

A powerful business book must serve both your ideal reader and your business. It needs structure, clarity, and direction, plus a deep understanding of what it’s meant to do in the world. Otherwise, you risk pouring months of time and energy into a book that says something . . . just not the right thing.

Strategy First, Words Second

Just as you wouldn’t run a successful marketing or sales campaign without a clear strategy, you shouldn’t expect to write your best book without one either.

A strong book doesn’t just share information. It tells a story. It builds trust. It leads your audience through a journey and positions you as the guide.

And to do that well, you need to know:

• What you’re writing.

• Who it’s for.

• Why it matters.

• How it connects to your wider work.

These are the core questions I ask in every Book Strategy Session.

When those things are clear, everything else flows more easily: the structure, the tone, the chapter headings, even the book title. The difference between a scattered draft and a purposeful book is almost always found in this upfront clarity.

But when strategy is skipped? That’s when I see business owners and entrepreneurs get stuck.

The Cost of ‘Just Starting’

The problem with “just start writing” is that it assumes the book will shape itself as you go. Sometimes it does. But more often, what happens is:

• You end up with 30,000 words and no clear message.

• You lose momentum because you’re not sure what comes next.

• You write a book that doesn’t do justice to your expertise.

• Or, you try to speak to everyone, diluting your best ideas.

This is one of the biggest mistakes business book authors make - and it’s completely avoidable.

It’s frustrating. Disheartening. Time-consuming. And worse still, it can knock your confidence. You start to wonder: maybe I’m just not cut out for this.

But it’s not you. It’s the process - or rather, the lack of one.

A Strategy Session That Changes Everything

So many entrepreneurs and business leaders I meet have a book idea quietly simmering in the background - but they’re unsure where to start, or how to turn it into something powerful.

That’s where the idea for my Book Strategy Sessions came from.

These sessions are designed to give you the book idea clarity that makes everything else possible. Whether you’re still deciding what to write or you’ve already started, a strategy session helps bring your thinking into focus.

During our time together, we’ll:

• Explore your ideas.

• Untangle any confusion.

• Shape your book into something clear, compelling, and aligned with your goals.

You’ll leave knowing:

• What your core message is.

• Who your book is truly for.

• What type of book you’re writing.

• What to include - and what to leave out.

• And why it matters - to your reader and to your business.

This is where your book stops being a vague goal and starts becoming a strategic project with a clear path forward.

The Power of Clarity

One of my recent clients came to me with three rough ideas. All possible. All achievable. But not at the same time.

She was struggling to pick a direction, worried that if she chose one, she was abandoning the others. (She wasn’t - she was sequencing them.)

By the end of our session, she had one strong, focused concept, a draft title and was already mapping out her chapters. That clarity changed everything. She felt energised. Confident. Ready to write.

No more wondering what kind of book she should write. No more second-guessing whether it would land with her audience. She knew where she was heading - and why.

You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

I started offering the Book Strategy Sessions because I know how it feels to have a great idea but feel unsure of where to begin.

How overwhelming it can be to carry the pressure of “write a brilliant book” on your own. And how powerful it is to have someone listen: to your goals, your ideas, your doubts, and help shape those early sparks into a plan you feel excited to follow.

Writing a book is brave.

And it’s a whole lot easier when you’re not doing it alone.

Your Book Begins Here

If you’ve been thinking about writing a book - or you’ve already started and feel unsure of where it’s heading - a strategy session could be the small, powerful step you need.

You bring the idea; I’ll bring the clarity, structure and support.

Together, we’ll turn your idea into something you can’t wait to write.

🌿 Book your session here: Book Strategy Sessions