For CEOs, firm owners, and business owners

Book publishing for CEOs and business owners who want authority

Last updated: November 2026

Should a CEO or business owner write a book?

Yes, if you want a lasting asset that shows how you think and opens doors to clients, stages, and media. Big Impact Books helps CEOs and business owners do it with about one hour a week: guided interviews create the manuscript in your voice, then the book is published and promoted through podcast placements and media outreach.

Law firm owners and managing partners fit here too. Running a firm is running a business, and the same book that builds an attorney’s reputation also supports the firm’s growth.

Back to the complete guide to book publishing for attorneys

Featured graphic for the Big Impact Books article A Better Way to Talk About Your Expertise — Many leaders know visibility matters but dislike talking about themselves. A book changes the conversation. Read the article

Why do business leaders write books?

Authority that does not depend on self-promotion

Big Impact Books has written that many accomplished CEOs and business owners understand visibility matters but do not enjoy talking about themselves. A book offers a better way to talk about your expertise. Instead of promoting yourself, you share something useful, and people draw their own conclusions about your judgment.

Its articles also draw a line between expertise and trust: experts answer questions, while trusted authorities earn opportunity. Writing a book is one of the clearest ways to move from the first group to the second, because it shows the full depth of your thinking in one place.

A book written for where the business is going

A recurring theme from Big Impact Books is to write for where your business is going next, not only for where it has been. If you plan to raise prices, move upmarket, launch a new offer, or step into speaking, the book can be shaped to support that move.

That is why the process starts with goals rather than chapters. Big Impact Books describes its done-for-you publishing and promotion process as designed to respect your time, honor your authentic voice, and turn hard-earned expertise into a high-impact book that attracts the clients and media attention you want.

How much time does a CEO need to write a book?

About one hour a week with Big Impact Books. That hour is a guided interview where you talk through a chapter. The team captures and organizes the material between sessions, so your role is to bring the expertise and stories, not to sit with a blank page.

The full method is explained on writing your book in about one hour a week.

"This book would have never happened without Melanie and Big Impact Books. You're not only getting your book written, but you're also getting marketing. You're being set up for success beyond the actual book. It's an all-encompassing program. It was the best investment."

Sarah HubbardFounder and author of The Intentional Networker

Featured graphic for the Big Impact Books article Authority Beyond Expertise — Expertise earns attention. Trust earns opportunity. A theme Big Impact Books returns to often. Read the article

When is a book the right move, and when is it not?

A book is a strong fit when you have years of real expertise, you explain the same ideas to clients repeatedly, and you want a long-term asset rather than a quick campaign. It is a weaker fit if you need leads next month, have no clear audience, or are not willing to talk about the book after launch.

If you want to write every word yourself and manage publishing alone, self-publishing may suit you better. Compare the paths on publishing options compared, and see book marketing for business authors for what happens after launch.

Common questions

Short answers here. Every question is also answered on the full book publishing FAQ.

Can CEOs and business owners work with Big Impact Books?: Yes. Big Impact Books works with CEOs and business owners as well as attorneys. The same done-for-you process applies: guided interviews to create the manuscript, publishing support, and promotion such as podcast placements and media outreach. Melanie Herschorn is also the author of Make a Big Impact with Your Book.See this answer in the FAQ
Who is Big Impact Books for?: Big Impact Books serves CEOs, attorneys, professionals, and business owners worldwide who want a book that builds authority and supports business growth. It suits busy experts who have deep knowledge but limited time to write, and who want publishing and promotion handled together rather than coordinated across separate vendors.See this answer in the FAQ
Do I need to be a good writer to publish a book?: No. Many accomplished professionals communicate well out loud but find writing a book intimidating. Big Impact Books built its process around guided interviews for that reason: you explain your ideas in conversation, and the team organizes them into a manuscript. Your expertise and stories matter more than polished prose at the start.See this answer in the FAQ
What if I don't have time to write a book?: Lack of time is one of the most common reasons professionals never finish a book. Big Impact Books designed its process to respect busy schedules, asking for about one hour a week. Attorney Manisha P. Patel said she "never thought I would have the time to sit down and write," and the weekly interviews made it manageable.See this answer in the FAQ
Is a book better than a podcast or blog for building authority?: They work best together. A book is a lasting asset that signals depth, while podcasts and articles spread its ideas to new audiences. Big Impact Books uses the book as the foundation, then supports podcast placements and media outreach. Melanie Herschorn hosts The Big Impact Playbook Podcast, and the blog covers turning book content into marketing.See this answer in the FAQ
Is publishing a book worth the investment for an attorney?: It can be, when the book is tied to a clear business goal such as attracting better-fit clients, earning speaking invitations, or gaining media attention. Big Impact Books client Sarah Hubbard called the program "the best investment." Value depends on how actively the book is promoted after launch, which is why marketing is built into the process.See this answer in the FAQ