17 expert tips for writing a self-help book

Fast Company

2 days ago

The self-help genre is full of big promises, but when writing for business professionals, inspiration alone won't cut it. These readers are often looking for practical insights they can apply quickly, with little patience for fluff or vague advice. That means authors need to bring clarity, credibility, and purpose to every page.
To help aspiring writers approach the process with intention, 17 Fast Company Executive Board members share what to consider before diving in. Follow their recommendations to craft a book that truly helps readers help themselves.
1. DETERMINE THE PROBLEM YOU'RE TRYING TO SOLVE.
Before writing or marketing a self-help book for business professionals, be crystal clear about the specific problem you're solving. General inspiration isn't enough—identify a real challenge your target audience faces daily, then offer actionable frameworks. Books that succeed in this niche don't just motivate—they provide tools that can be immediately applied. – Boris Dzhingarov, ESBO ltd
2. AVOID WRITING WITH AI.
Resist the temptation to let AI write your book. Too many do—and end up with something that reads just like everything else. If you want to stand out, use AI to research, uncover patterns, and challenge assumptions. Let your voice do the writing. That's what makes it worth reading. – Alex Goryachev
3. KEEP THE JARGON OUT.
Keep it short and sweet, and write in plain English. Avoid acronyms and industry jargon. Often, we are tempted to use ten-dollar words either because we are used to talking that way in our industry or because we simply think it will help us sound more intelligent. It fails every time. The best way to help someone help themselves is to be efficient in the use of your ideas and words. – John William Patton, ProVention Health Foundation
4. MAKE TIME TO WRITE DAILY.
Create a strong outline and try to write every single day. I was able to write my first book in 40 days because I wrote 1,000 words per day. Have an accountability partner to share progress and results. – Jo Ann Herold Herold Growth Consulting
5. PROVIDE MORE THAN INSPIRATION.
Know exactly who you're speaking to and what shift you're helping them make. Business professionals don't just want inspirational stories—they want clarity, action, and proof that it works. Your message has to cut through the noise with real value, not just good, inspirational vibes. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
6. FOCUS ON VALUE, NOT WORD COUNT.
Rethink the standard 60,000-word, 240-page convention. People want big, new ideas. But what they want more is time to execute—and to live. Consider a shorter format. Think 20,000 to 30,000 words. Remember that business readers aren't paying for pages; they're paying for ideas. Give them something valuable that shifts their perspective, then give them back the time to implement it. – Jonathan Fields, Spark Endeavors | Good Life Project®
7. SHARE YOUR LIVED EXPERIENCES.
Write for someone, not at them. The best self-help books start with a clear, specific reader in mind and offer lived insight, not just advice. At our marketing agency, we help founders clarify their message daily, and the most impactful stories always come from personal truth paired with practical value. – Sharon Lee Thony, SLT Consulting
8. FIND—AND FOCUS ON—YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION.
Identify a clear, unique value proposition—what insight or solution are you offering that others aren't? Business professionals want actionable strategies, not fluff. Focus on results-driven content and build credibility through personal experience, case studies, or proven frameworks. – Stephen Nalley, Black Briar Advisors
9. REFLECT VIVIDLY TO RELATE TO YOUR AUDIENCE.
Sharing your journey through writing reveals where you are now, but your audience must grow and relate to you through every step of the reflection. Use lessons learned, vivid anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes revelations that not only show your expertise but also build a bridge. This demonstrates that you understand where they are and are committed to guiding them with authority and compassion. – Larry Brinker Jr., BRINKER
10. DON'T SHY AWAY FROM VULNERABILITY.
Embrace vulnerability as a secret weapon. Readers crave authenticity over perfection. Share failures, awkward moments, and the messy journey to success. This raw honesty fosters connection and trust, making your message resonate more with your audience. By revealing your true self, you invite readers into a shared experience, transforming them from mere consumers into passionate advocates. – Shawn Galloway, ProAct Safety, Inc.
11. ENSURE YOUR ADVICE IS SOUND.
Make sure your advice is practical beyond your own story. If the strategies haven't been tested by others you've helped, you're just writing a diary. People looking for a self-help book for answers want clear, repeatable solutions, not just what worked for you once. – Travis Schreiber, erase.com
12. MAKE YOUR BOOK READABLE.
Before writing, ask yourself if your reader would actually finish the book. Business professionals are short on time and long on information. Structure matters. Keep chapters tight, give them natural stopping points, and make it easy to return without losing the thread. A helpful book is one that people actually read. – Gianluca Ferruggia, DesignRush
13. FIND YOUR NICHE.
There is literally no new advice since 'Self-Help' was published in 1859 by Samuel Smiles. This is all true data. Therefore, you have no new ideas. Don't be sad; no one does. Sam covered it all. However, there is an opportunity for you to position your ideas in a niche way that will resonate more deeply with your audience. That's the opportunity. – Andrea Lechner-Becker, GNW Consulting
14. HELP READERS SEE THEMSELVES IN YOUR STORY.
Don't call it 'self-help.' Business professionals tend to run from 'self-help.' Build credibility with practicality over inspiration. Creating mirror moments, where individuals see themselves, is invaluable for unlocking deeper struggles and growth opportunities. – Dr. Camille Preston, AIM Leadership, LLC
15. FOCUS ON AUTHENTICITY AND ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS.
Business professionals are busy and results-driven—they want practical advice backed by real-world experience, not just theory. Share personal stories, offer clear takeaways, and ensure your marketing highlights how the book can help solve a specific problem or challenge they face. – Maria Alonso, Fortune 206
16. ENSURE YOUR BOOK HAS FUTURE RELEVANCY.
Center the book on an evolving, future-forward challenge—such as navigating AI-driven change, leading hybrid teams, or developing human skills in an increasingly automated world—and position your insights as practical tools for resilience and reinvention. It positions your book not just as a read but as a resource in a moment of rapid reinvention. – Britton Bloch, Navy Federal Credit Union