This episode of the INHABIT podcast is an enlightening one and a must-listen for any aspiring author. We discuss how books can serve as catalysts for business growth and authority.

Let’s bust a major myth right out of the gate: The success of your business book isn’t measured by how many copies you sell. Mind-blowing, right? As someone who recently published my own book, I can tell you firsthand that the real gold lies in how you leverage your book to grow your business and establish yourself as an authority in your field.

Think about it—your book is like a super-charged business card that opens doors you didn’t even know existed. Since publishing Higher Self Habits, I’ve been amazed at how many speaking opportunities and collaborations have naturally emerged. The book isn’t just sitting pretty on shelves; it’s actively working to build my credibility and expand my reach.

In this conversation with book marketing and publishing strategist Melanie Herschorn, we dove deep into how books can transform your business—and it’s not about becoming the next Stephen King.

“If you wrote a fiction book, a fantasy fiction, then heck yes, you want to sell copies because that’s it,” Melanie explains. “But for us [business authors], the book is the beginning.”

The Strategic Approach to Business Book Publishing

Here’s what nobody tells you about publishing a business book: It’s not about writing a bestseller (though that would be nice!). It’s about creating a powerful tool that:

• Establishes your expertise
• Opens doors to speaking opportunities
• Helps fill your programs and services
• Builds trust with potential clients
• Creates multiple revenue streams

But here’s the catch – you need to be strategic from day one. This means having:

• A clear understanding of your message
• A proven system or methodology
• A solid marketing plan
• The right support team (editors, designers, marketers)

The True Investment

Writing and publishing a book is an investment—both in time and money. But consider this: If your book helps you land just a few high-ticket clients or speaking gigs, it’s already paid for itself many times over. The key is viewing your book as a long-term business asset rather than a quick cash grab.

When Should You Write Your Book?

You might be thinking, “I’m not ready yet” or “I’m not a good enough writer.” Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be a literary genius to write a business book. You need:

• A proven system or methodology
• Stories and experiences to share
• A clear vision for how the book fits into your business strategy
• Support from professionals who can help with editing and polishing

The Real Return on Investment

The real ROI of your book isn’t measured in book sales—it’s measured in:

• New client acquisitions
• Speaking opportunities
• Program enrollments
• Media appearances
• Brand authority
• Business growth

Your Next Steps

If you’re considering writing a book to grow your business, start by:

1. Clarifying your message and methodology
2. Outlining your content (you probably have more written than you think!)
3. Creating a marketing strategy
4. Building your support team

Remember, your book is a beginning, not an end. It’s a catalyst for growth, authority, and impact in your business.

Resources in this Episode

Get Melanie’s book, ⁠Make a Big Impact with Your Book: Author Marketing Strategies for Long-Term Success⁠

Want to get your book in the hands of as many people as possible? Grab the FREE ⁠Ultimate Book Marketing Checklist⁠ to make sure you are using every marketing tool available to you when promoting your book and growing your audience. You will get:

• Clarity on what to expect
• Organized with your book marketing plan
• Guidance to develop a lead magnet

Need the time and space to write your book? Join me in Sedona, Arizona for a writers’ retreat in March! Learn more at ⁠alessiacitro.com/writing-retreat.

Listen to Episode 165

Listen to the full episode on Spotify (below) or on Apple Podcasts, where I share more insights about leveraging books for business growth.