We’re diving into a question that might seem obvious but deserves exploration: why is writing a business book so hard?

Whether you’re contemplating writing a business book, currently slogging through it, or ready to publish, at some point you’ll find yourself thinking, “This is bloody hard. This is so much harder than I thought it would be.”

The Emotional Side of WRITING A BUSINESS BOOK We Love to Ignore

When we think about writing a business book, we typically focus on the practical elements:

• How to structure it
• Who our reader is
• How it will benefit our business

We brush aside the emotional aspect. I can give clients all the advice on structure and storytelling quite simply. They listen and say, “Yes, I get that.” But the emotional side? That’s what we underestimate.

Embracing the Beginner’s MindSET

Most of us are beginners in this process, and being a beginner is uncomfortable. It makes us frustrated and annoyed that progress isn’t happening quickly enough.

I’ve written nearly eight non-fiction books, but when it comes to mystery novel writing? Total beginner. And I bloomin’ hate it. I know how to write dialogue after ten years of learning, but crafting a mystery that keeps readers guessing right up to the last page? I’m completely new to that.

You might be beginning your non-fiction journey and wondering why you ever thought you could do it. That’s normal. It’s about embracing being a beginner and doing it anyway.

There Are No Easy Ways Out

Yes, you could get AI to write your business book. (Don’t get me started on that.) But I firmly believe writing needs a human touch.

Yes, writing a book is one of the most challenging things you’ll ever do as an entrepreneur. But if we can embrace being beginners and be kind to ourselves, we can relax our expectations. We can acknowledge that it’s hard because we don’t know what we’re doing but are willing to learn.

That’s what separates business owners who finish their books from those who never do – staying power.

The Vulnerability Factor

Writing isn’t just time-consuming – it’s vulnerable. We’re sharing our thoughts in a way we may never have done before. Perhaps we’re telling a story from our lives we’ve kept private, or putting our opinion down properly for the first time.

There will be days when the words fly and you’re on fire, thinking, “I love writing!” And other days where nothing comes, and you think, “This is rubbish. Who’s going to read this?”

Accept that. Know there will be moments of joy and moments of frustration. Be kind to yourself throughout.

Perfectionism: The Writer’s Nemesis

When we have high standards and expect our first draft to be brilliant, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. The first draft will be shitty – there’s no getting away from it. 

So stop comparing your first draft to books on shelves in your favourite bookshop. They’re incomparable. What’s published is nothing like a first draft. Every author goes through multiple revisions to reach that polished state.

Have high standards, but save them for the end of the journey – after editing and proofreading.

Breaking Down the Mountain

Don’t think about writing 50,000 words. Instead, ask: What’s today’s job? What’s the next step?

This approach makes the process feel less overwhelming. Break it down into manageable steps.

Don’t Do It Alone

Writing can be difficult because we often do it alone, without support. When we shoulder all those emotions alone, they become overwhelming.

Find your tribe of fellow writers who understand what you’re going through. That’s why I created the Happy Writers Hub – a space where you can feel supported and understood.

The Reality of Writing A Business Book

The business book writing process is multidimensional and complex. It’s the emotional stuff, the practical stuff, the time management and the potential loneliness.

If you’re worried you won’t get your business book over the line, remember: you absolutely bloody will, because you know your expertise and your business inside out. 

It’s just about embracing the journey, finding your tribe, and accepting that while it will be hard, it will also be worth it for your business and your brand.

Want more support on your business book writing journey? Join the Happy Writers Hub, where female entrepreneurs and business book writers come together for encouragement and community.  You can also grab a copy of my book, ‘Dare to Write‘ that walks you step-by-step through the process.