By The WBR Team
In 2024, publishing a business book is now easier than ever, thanks to the sheer amount of technology and helpful resources for aspiring authors.
But publishing a successful business book? That might be much harder.
In 2021, 669 million physical books were sold in the UK alone. The competition is fierce and before you hit that “publish” button, there’s one crucial question you need to ask yourself:
Is my book truly ready to SELL?
Publishing a book is only half the battle. To make a real impact, build your authority, and yes, generate revenue, your book needs to be more than just well-written – it needs to be strategically crafted for success.
That’s where this checklist comes in. Consider it your pre-launch audit, ensuring your business book is fueled up and ready to climb to the top of the charts.
1. Crystal clear target audience: do you know who you’re talking to?
You can’t sell a business book to “everyone.” It’s like trying to hit a bullseye with a shotgun – pellets go everywhere, but nothing hits the mark.
To actually sell books, you need a laser focus on your IDEAL reader. Who are they? What are their problems? What language do they use?
Here’s what to do: Create a “buyer persona” – a fictional profile of your perfect reader. Give them a name, a job, and REAL struggles your book solves. When you know exactly who you’re talking to, your writing becomes more direct, engaging, and persuasive. And that translates to sales.
2. A powerful hook that grabs attention: will readers be immediately intrigued?
A dull title and uninspiring opening can doom your book before it even gets a chance. Readers scrolling through options will likely skip over it without a second thought.
Think about it: You’re scrolling through hundreds of books online. What makes you stop and click?
Your title needs to grab attention. Make it clear, punchy, and promise a benefit. Then, hook them from page one. A compelling story, a thought-provoking question, a bold promise – anything to make them NEED to read more.
Pro tip: Study bestselling books in your genre. What grabs YOU? Test different titles and opening lines on your target audience. Get feedback and find out what actually works.
3. Unique value proposition: what makes your book different and necessary?
If your book just recycles familiar advice, it’s likely to get lost in the sea of similar content. Readers are looking for new ideas and practical insights that they can apply.
To stand out, you need a UNIQUE angle. What’s your special sauce? Your personal experience? A new framework? A counterintuitive approach?
Pinpoint 3-5 key takeaways that readers can ONLY get from YOUR book. These are your selling points. Use them everywhere: your book description, website, social media – everywhere you talk about your book.
4. Engaging and actionable content: will readers stay glued to the pages?
Dry, overly academic writing can quickly bore your readers, especially if it’s heavy on theory and light on practical application.
Write like you speak: conversational, engaging, and relatable. Use storytelling, case studies, and real-world examples to bring your points to life. Make your text more readable by incorporating visuals, bullet points, and subheadings to break up dense sections.
Pro tip: End each chapter with actionable takeaways. Give them reflection questions, exercises, or clear steps they can implement immediately. Make it practical and they’ll keep turning those pages.
5. Professional editing and proofreading: is your book polished and error-free?
Typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies can make your book look amateurish and damage your credibility.
Invest in professional editing and proofreading services. An experienced editor can spot and correct errors you might overlook, ensuring your book is polished and professional.
6. Eye-catching cover design: will it grab attention on a crowded virtual shelf?
Studies have shown that readers will continue to judge books by their covers. After all, it’s the very first impression that your book makes, and you know what they say about first impressions!
Analyse the covers of bestselling books in your category to identify common design elements like colour schemes, typography, and imagery. Test different cover designs with your target audience to see which resonates best.
7. Strategic marketing and launch plan: how will you get your book into the hands of readers?
“Build it and they will come” doesn’t apply to books. You need a proactive plan to generate buzz and drive sales.
Develop a marketing strategy BEFORE you launch. Build an email list, get early reviews, and plan promotions. Use social media, email marketing, and collaborations to reach your target audience. Create a detailed calendar to stay organised and track your progress.
8. Compelling author platform: are you positioned as an authority in your field?
Readers are more inclined to purchase books from authors they recognise, respect, and trust. They want to learn from EXPERTS. You need to build credibility and position yourself as an authority in your field.
Create a professional website and share valuable content related to your book. Be active on social media and engage with your audience. Become a recognised voice in your niche!
If you’re not sure how to do this, read our blog on thought leadership here.
9. Clear call to action: what do you want readers to do after finishing your book?
Readers often finish a book without a clear sense of how to apply what they’ve learned or where to go next. Without guidance, the connection they’ve formed with your content may quickly dissipate.
End your book with a strong, clear call to action (CTA) that guides readers to the next steps. This CTA should align with your goals – whether that’s to drive traffic to your website, grow your subscriber base, or cross-sell related products or services. The key is to make this step obvious and easy to follow.
Pro tip: Offer something of immediate value as part of your CTA. For example, direct readers to a landing page where they can access a free downloadable resource, such as a workbook or an exclusive video that expands on the book’s themes. This not only incentivises action but also deepens the reader’s engagement with your material.
10. Passion and enthusiasm: are you excited to share your message with the world?
If you are not visibly passionate about your subject, it will be challenging to engage and inspire your audience.
Keep a note of why you wrote your book and what you hope it will achieve. Refer back to this when you need motivation or when you’re talking to others about your book. Share personal stories that show why you care about your topic. This makes your enthusiasm clear and helps attract readers who will care about your book as much as you do.
Ready for takeoff?
Publishing a business book is a significant investment of time, energy, and resources. By using this checklist as your guide, you can ensure your book is strategically positioned for success, ready to attract readers, generate buzz, and ultimately, make a real impact on your business and your readers’ lives.
And if you need help turning your ideas into a high-quality business book, book a free Clarity Call to find out how we can help you.