The Biggest Mistake People Make Writing a Book

If you're a business owner, coach, consultant, or expert who's ever thought about writing a book — or even dreamed of it — but something keeps holding you back, you're not alone.

Maybe you've said things like:

• "I don't have time to write a book."

• "I'm not really a writer."

• "Who would even want to read what I have to say?"

If any of that sounds familiar, you're exactly who this article is for. Because today, I want to clear the air on the biggest misconceptions I see around writing a book — and what actually matters instead.

I’ve been there. Before I became a book coach and publisher, I was just someone with an idea and a whole lot of hesitation. I didn’t have a big brand or a huge following. I didn’t even know what my business was yet. But writing that first book became the spark that changed everything.

Here’s what most people get wrong when it comes to writing a book — and why it might be holding you back more than you realise.

Myth #1: You Need a Huge Audience Before You Write

This is probably the most common myth I hear. So many people believe they have to be famous or have 100,000 Instagram followers before they’re “allowed” to write a book.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t write a book because millions of people know who you are.
You write a book so the right people can find out who you are.

Your book isn’t a reward for having built a huge audience — it builds your credibility. It opens doors. It gives people something to buy, something to believe in, and something to refer others to.

When I wrote The Six Pillars of a Rewarding Life, I had no business, no email list, and no audience. But I had something to say — and writing helped me figure out what I wanted to do next. That one book kicked off my entire publishing journey. It helped me realise I wanted to help others do the same. And now, through Idea to Impact, that’s exactly what I do.

So don’t wait for the audience. Write the book. Then let your audience find you.

Myth #2: It Has to Be Perfect

This one’s a killer. Perfectionism often shows up disguised as “professionalism.”

But here’s the deal:
Your book isn’t meant to win literary awards. It’s meant to create impact.

Maybe it opens doors. Maybe it lands clients. Maybe it helps someone finally understand something they’ve struggled with for years.

Trying to write and edit at the same time is where most people lose momentum. That’s when doubt creeps in. That’s when you second-guess every sentence and talk yourself out of finishing.

Here’s the golden rule I teach inside Idea to Impact:
You can’t improve what doesn’t exist.

Get the messy draft done first. Then shape it into something strong.

When I was writing Publish to Impact, I found myself wondering halfway through if I even had anything new to say. The truth? I was just saying it my way. That’s what makes it valuable. Once I stopped trying to sound like an author and just focused on sounding like me, everything got easier — and better.

So if you're halfway through your manuscript or haven’t even started, stop aiming for perfect.
Aim for done.
You can polish a rough diamond. You can’t do anything with a blank page.

Myth #3: “I Don’t Have Anything New to Say”

This one hits especially hard for experts. You’ve been around long enough to see other people talk about your topic, and suddenly you think, “Why would anyone listen to me?”

Short answer: They will.
Longer answer: Your voice is the reason people listen.

There are hundreds — maybe thousands — of books on productivity, leadership, or business growth. I’ve written books on topics that have been covered a million times. But people still buy them. Not because they’ve never heard the concepts, but because they like how I explain them.

Your clients don’t hire you just because you have knowledge. They hire you because you explain it in a way that lands. That’s what your book does, too.

Your voice. Your framework. Your perspective. That’s what makes your book unique — even if the topic isn’t. And when you attach your story to it? That’s what builds trust.

If someone says “I’ve heard this before,” that means you’re on the right track.
Now it’s your job to say it in a way that sticks.

Myth #4: A Book is Just a Passion Project

Let’s get real for a second.

If you're a business owner or expert, your book is not just a personal milestone.
It’s not something to push aside until “one day.”

It’s your business asset.

It’s a lead generator.
A sales tool.
A credibility builder.
It’s the thing that moves someone from “Who are you?” to “I trust you.”

Your book can do things that Instagram posts or weekly newsletters can’t. It positions you as the expert before you even show up.

When people speak to me now, there's often a level of trust that’s already there. They've read my book, or they know I’ve written one. And that shifts everything — for them and for me.

So if you’ve got knowledge, experience, and a clear offer, your book shouldn’t be an afterthought.
It should be doing the heavy lifting for you.

Myth #5: Once You Publish, the Work Is Done

If only.

So many authors treat the publishing date as the finish line. But really?
It’s just the start.

Once your book is out, that’s when the real opportunity kicks in.

You can:

• Land podcast interviews

• Send it to leads before sales calls

• Build programs and offers around your content

• Speak on stages

• Run workshops or events

• License your ideas or IP

Your book is the door. You still have to walk through it.

That’s why inside Idea to Impact, we focus on the bigger picture. Writing the book is just one piece. But building everything around it — your brand, your message, your business — that’s where the real transformation happens.

So What Now?

Here’s what most people get wrong about writing a book:

• They wait until they’re “big enough.”

• They obsess over getting it perfect.

• They believe their message isn’t unique.

• They treat it like a side hobby.

• And they think the work ends after publishing.

But if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re not “most people.”

You’re a business owner. An expert. Someone with real perspective. Someone who knows their book could help others — and unlock new growth at the same time.

You don’t need to wait for permission. Or more time. Or some magical moment where you suddenly feel ready.

You just need to start.

And if you want help getting that book out of your head and into the world, I’ve got you.
Come find me via the links on this page — or just subscribe to keep learning.

And whatever stage you’re at:

Keep creating.
Keep growing.
Keep writing.