Common Book-Writing Myths That Are Holding You Back
When someone books a consultation call with me to discuss writing coaching, we almost always end up in the same conversation: They’re excited about the idea of writing a book. They know it could boost their business, elevate their credibility, and help them reach a wider audience. But they’re also stuck.
That stuck-ness is usually tied to a handful of beliefs they’ve picked up along the way. These beliefs sound reasonable, even logical, because they’ve heard them from other authors, read them in blog posts, or picked them up from well-meaning videos or podcasts.
“I want to write a book, but I know it’s going to take at least a year.”
“I’m still figuring out how to make it truly original.”
“I need to wait until my business is more established before I write anything.”
They think they’re being smart and strategic. But in reality, these beliefs are common myths that keep experts from starting their book.
Once I help them see these myths for what they are—well-intentioned but wildly unhelpful ideas—something shifts. They stop overthinking and start writing. And more importantly, they finally feel excited and empowered to share their message.
These are the top five book-writing myths I end up debunking again and again. If you’re holding onto any of them, it might be time to let them go and finally get that book out of your head and into the world.
Myth #1: “You need a year (or more) to write a book.”
Yes, some books take a year to write. Some take five. But others come together in a few focused months, especially if you’re writing a nonfiction business book based on your own expertise.
The idea that a book must take a year is rooted in traditional publishing timelines and academic writing, neither of which reflects the way most entrepreneurs write books today.
The real reason many authors take a year or more?
They stop and start because they’re overwhelmed.
They don’t have a clear plan or structure.
They keep second-guessing their message.
Writing a book in a shorter timeframe is 100% possible when you get clarity, stay consistent, and focus on what really matters. With a solid outline and dedicated writing time each week, you can absolutely complete a professional first draft in 90 days or less.
Myth #2: “You have to be 100% original.”
This myth is creativity’s biggest buzzkill.
Many would-be authors assume that if they can’t invent something brand new, it’s not worth writing. But originality is overrated—and misunderstood.
Here’s what I tell people: There are no truly original ideas, only original voices, perspectives, and experiences.
Think of all the books on leadership, productivity, or public speaking. Are they completely different from each other? Not really. What makes each one valuable is the lens the author brings to the table.
Your book doesn’t need to be the first to cover your topic. It just needs to deliver a message that is uniquely yours. That could be your personal story, your proprietary framework, or your ability to explain a known concept in a way that finally clicks.
Readers don’t need a revolutionary new idea. They need your version of what works.
Myth #3: “You can’t write a book until your business is ‘ready.’”
Waiting until you have a bigger audience.
Waiting until your offer is airtight.
Waiting until your website is perfect.
This sounds like smart planning, but it’s often fear in disguise.
The truth is, your book can be the catalyst that gets your business to the next level. It can clarify your message, attract leads, build authority, and open doors that weren’t available before.
Books don’t follow business. Books build business.
You don’t need to wait until everything is lined up. If you have a message and a service that helps people, you’re ready.
Myth #4: “You have to include everything you know.”
This is the expert’s trap. You want to be helpful, so you overdeliver. And in doing so, you overload.
You try to squeeze in every story, framework, lesson, and strategy you’ve ever used or taught. What started as a helpful book becomes a bloated, encyclopedic mess.
The best books are focused. They solve one problem or deliver one transformation for the reader.
Trying to say everything is like trying to teach your entire year-long coaching program in a single workshop. You’re not doing your reader a favor; rather, you’re overwhelming them.
Save the extras for your second book, your blog, your podcast, or your coaching program. Keep your book clean and purpose-driven.
Myth #5: “Your book has to appeal to everyone.”
This is a mindset leftover from traditional publishing, where “mass market appeal” was everything. But if you’re a coach, consultant, or speaker, you don’t need millions of readers. You need the right readers.
Books that try to speak to everyone tend to speak to no one. They’re too broad, too vague, and too forgettable.
Instead, write for one ideal reader—the person who’s most likely to hire you, refer you, or be transformed by your work.
The more specific you are, the more powerful your book becomes.
And the funny thing? When you write for one reader, others still benefit. But now your message is sharp, targeted, and unforgettable.
Let Go of the Myths; Get Back to the Message
Every time I walk a new author through these myths, something shifts. The hesitation fades. The overwhelm lightens. They finally see their book not as a massive, impossible project, but as a clear, focused message they’re ready to share.
You don’t need to wait a year.
You don’t need to be perfectly original.
You don’t need to hold off until your business is “ready.”
You don’t need to appeal to the masses.
And you definitely don’t need to cram everything you know into one book.
You just need to start.
If these false beliefs have been holding you back, now is the time to clear them out and finally move forward. Your readers are waiting. Your clients are waiting. And the version of you who’s already finished the book? They’re waiting too.
Ready to get that book out of your head and into the world? Let’s talk. I’d love to help you make your book a reality.