On the Podcast:
David W. Carr of Steward Your Business Talks with Jennifer Crosswhite about Turning Your Expertise into a Book
Blog Show Notes:
Why a Book Is Still One of the Most Powerful Business Tools
In a world filled with podcasts, social media, ads, and endless content streams, many entrepreneurs wonder whether writing a book is still worth the effort. According to book coach, editor, and publisher Jennifer Crosswhite, the answer is a resounding yes.
Jennifer joins the Business Roundtable Podcast to unpack how books continue to build credibility, extend influence, and create opportunities that no other medium quite matches.
With over 20 years of experience in publishing and more than a decade helping entrepreneurs self-publish with intention, Jennifer brings both industry expertise and an author-first mindset to the conversation.
From Traditional Publishing to Entrepreneurial Freedom
Jennifer’s journey began in traditional publishing, where she saw firsthand how authors often became just one project among many. While publishers manage logistics, authors are left asking, “What happens after the book launches?”
That insight eventually led her to found Tandem Services, where she helps entrepreneurs take control of their publishing journey through self-publishing—without sacrificing quality or strategy.
Self-publishing, Jennifer explains, gives business owners control over:
- Their message
- Their timeline
- Their audience
- Their long-term use of content
Most importantly, it allows books to function as business assets, not just creative projects.
Why Entrepreneurs Are Perfectly Positioned to Write a Book
One of the biggest myths Jennifer addresses is that entrepreneurs need to “start from scratch” to write a book. In reality, most already have:
- Blog posts
- Training materials
- Presentations
- Client frameworks
- Thought leadership content
A book simply organizes and refines what already exists.
As Jennifer puts it, entrepreneurs don’t need more ideas—they need structure, guidance, and clarity.
The $10 Business Card That Works While You Sleep
Jennifer describes a book as a “$10 business card”—a low-cost, high-impact tool that:
- Pre-qualifies clients
- Builds trust before a sales call
- Extends authority instantly
- Travels far beyond your network
A book allows readers to engage deeply with your ideas without requiring time on your calendar. For speakers especially, not having a book often means leaving both impact and income on the table.
The Writing Process (Without the Overwhelm)
Jennifer recommends a practical, non-intimidating approach:
- Brain dump ideas freely
- Group related concepts
- Identify the reader’s problem and desired transformation
- Build an annotated outline
- Stay in creative mode before editing
She emphasizes that most books can be written in six months, with another six months allocated for editing, formatting, and publishing—making a one-year timeline realistic and sustainable.
Why Coaching Makes the Difference
Every writer, Jennifer included, hits a point where they doubt the work. That’s normal.
A writing coach provides:
- Accountability
- Outside perspective
- Structure for different personality types
- Encouragement through creative resistance
Sometimes coaching even adapts to life circumstances, ensuring the book still gets finished—because the goal isn’t perfection, it’s impact.
Books as Legacy, Not Just Marketing
Beyond sales and authority, Jennifer highlights something deeper: legacy.
Books preserve ideas, values, and wisdom for generations. They allow your message to outlive algorithms, platforms, and trends.
And once an entrepreneur writes one book, many discover new possibilities—courses, podcasts, speaking content, lead magnets—all built from the same intellectual property.
FAQ
Is writing a book still worth it for entrepreneurs?
Yes. A book builds authority, trust, and reach in ways no other medium can replicate.
Do I need to be a “writer” to publish a book?
No. Entrepreneurs already create content. A book simply organizes and refines it.
How long does it take to write a business book?
Most entrepreneurs can write a solid book in six months, with another six months for editing and publishing.
Should entrepreneurs self-publish or pursue traditional publishing?
Self-publishing offers more control, faster timelines, and better alignment with business goals.
What’s the first step to writing a book?
Start with a brain dump—get ideas out without worrying about structure or polish.
