Before You Publish a Book, Ask Yourself This One Important Question

Writing a book is a big accomplishment. But if you’re an entrepreneur, coach, consultant, or speaker, there’s an important question to consider before you start:

What do I want this book to do for my business?

I’ve worked with entrepreneurs for years, and one thing I’ve learned is that writing a book is only part of the process. There’s also publishing, marketing, and figuring out how the book fits into your bigger business goals.

And that’s where a little planning can make a significant difference.

A Book Can Be More Than Something You Sell

When people think about publishing a book, they often focus on selling copies. Of course, book sales can be part of the picture, but there are other ways a book can support your business.

Depending on your goals, your book can help you:

• Establish credibility and demonstrate your expertise.
• Introduce potential clients to your ideas and approach.
• Create opportunities for speaking engagements and interviews.
• Give people a better understanding of the work you do.
• Support your marketing and client acquisition efforts.

Your book doesn’t have to become a bestseller to make a meaningful contribution to your business.

The key is understanding what role you want it to play.

Don’t Rush the Publishing Process

It’s easier than ever to find tutorials, design tools, and publishing resources online. If you’re a do-it-yourself person, you can learn a great deal on your own.

But having access to information doesn’t always mean knowing which decisions to make, when to make them, or how those decisions affect the finished product.

From editing and interior layout to cover design, publishing, and marketing, every stage deserves attention.

A mistake in one area can create extra work or expenses later. And if you’re already running a business, spending months trying to figure everything out by yourself can take time away from other priorities.

You don’t necessarily need someone to do everything for you. Sometimes, you simply need the right guidance to move forward confidently.

You Don’t Have to Figure Everything Out Alone

One of the things I emphasize when working with authors is the importance of understanding where you are in the process and what your next step should be.

Not every author needs the same support.

Some people need help organizing their ideas. Others are ready to work on their manuscript, choose publishing resources, or develop a marketing plan.

Having an experienced person guide you through those decisions can help you avoid unnecessary detours and keep your project moving.

It can also be helpful to have access to trusted resources, such as editors, cover designers, and book layout professionals, rather than starting your search from scratch.

The goal isn’t to make the process complicated. It’s to make it more manageable.

Give Your Book a Purpose Before You Write Chapter One

Before you dive into your manuscript, take some time to answer these questions:

1. Who is this book for? Be specific about the people you want to reach.
2. What do I want readers to learn or understand? Identify the central message you want to communicate.
3. How does this book connect to my business? Consider whether it supports your services, speaking goals, expertise, or marketing strategy.
4. What happens after someone reads it? Think about how readers can continue learning from you or discover other ways to work with you.
5. What support will I need to finish and publish it? Identify the skills, resources, and accountability that could help you complete the project.

You don’t need to have every answer figured out immediately. But thinking through these questions can give your book a much clearer direction.

Your Book Deserves a Thoughtful Plan

I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas and expertise into published books. I’ve seen how much there is to learn throughout the process, and I believe authors deserve access to guidance that helps them make informed decisions.

You can absolutely take a hands-on approach to writing and publishing your book. You just don’t have to navigate every decision alone.

If you’re considering writing a book, start by looking beyond the manuscript itself. Think about the message you want to share, the people you want to reach, and the role your book could play in your business.

That clarity can make the entire journey more purposeful.

And if you’d like to explore resources and support for your publishing journey, you can learn more at Jumpstart Publishing.

Your book is your expertise in a form people can hold onto. Give it the thought and strategy it deserves.

1. The Profitable Author Program – It’s $497 for 5 months with me and calls every other week or so. Plus, bonus additional trainings and 1-on-1 as needed and a private FB group for 24/7 personalized support and feedback. Interested in this? Go here for the details www.TheProfitableAuthor.net

2. She Levels Up Mentorship – It’s $297/month with laser coaching small group calls twice monthly, a private FB group for 24/7 personalized support and feedback. Plus, bonus additional trainings and 1on1 as needed. Interested in this? Go here for the details and enroll now for just $97/mo using coupon code 200OFF: www.SheLevelsUp.biz

3. PolkaDot Powerhouse Events – If you’re looking for more connection, sisterhood, support, and community with other positive-minded women, then I would invite you to check out what we’re doing at Polka Dot Placer County! Learn more about our upcoming events and get on the email invite list here. (P.S. There are chapters everywhere and online; if you’re not local to me, still go.)

4. The Author Success Collective Group – Are you writing a book and want some motivation, inspiration, or guidance to write, market, or sell a book? Do you have questions about book publishing, Amazon, or getting visible with your book? Or how you can leverage it in your business? If so, you want to join ‘The Author Success Collective’ Facebook group today—it’s free! Join HERE! 

5. She Levels Up Podcast with Katrina Sawa – She Levels Up Podcast is for women entrepreneurs who are done playing small, undercharging, and overthinking their next move. Hosted by business coach and publisher Katrina Sawa, this show delivers bold strategy, real talk, and zero-fluff guidance on sales, visibility, positioning, publishing, and building serious profit. Through unfiltered solo episodes and powerful conversations with women on the rise, you’ll learn how to own your expertise, charge what you’re worth, and finally build a business that pays you back. WANT TO BE A GUEST? Click here.

6. Private 1-on-1 Coaching & Publishing Projects – High-level 1-on-1 coaching is available to a select few for business or book publishing. Openings for co-authors on 2–3 compilation books will launch soon, with publication set for 2027.

7. Power of Connection book, v2 – Sign up now to get into Volume 2 of The Power of Connection! It’s launching in Spring/Summer of 2027… the call for authors is happening now because you get a good 6 months with me during the process of writing, marketing, and publishing the book. 

I know how to show you how to tweak what you’re doing to get really BIG RESULTS in the next year! Book a 1on1 clarity session with me here now! Here’s to creating and enjoying a life full of lots of Love & Money!

Katrina Sawa, The Jumpstart Your Biz Coach

I know how to show you how to tweak what you’re doing to get really BIG RESULTS in the next year! Book a 1on1 clarity session with me here now! Here’s to creating and enjoying a life full of lots of Love & Money!

Katrina Sawa, The Jumpstart Your Biz Coach