If you’re a coach, entrepreneur, business owner, nonprofit leader, or high-level executive, you’ve likely been told that building trust with your audience is key to your growth. But what if I told you that one of the most powerful ways to build credibility, attract your ideal client, and leaving a legacy is to tell your story?
Not just in a post. Not just in a podcast. But in a book.
That’s right. Your story is your strategy.
It’s a message I’ve been living for decades—long before personal branding was trendy or “authorpreneur” became a buzzword. I learned it through experience, and now I help others do the same.
Let me share a bit of how it all began.
From a Self-Published Book to a Movement
Back in the 1980s, my husband and I were leading a faith-based nonprofit that supported Vietnam veterans and their families—particularly those struggling with PTSD, a term that wasn’t widely understood back then. We saw the healing power of community and storytelling long before group coaching or peer-led support became mainstream.
We wanted to extend that impact by writing a book, Nam Vet: Making Peace with Your Past. But when we pitched it to publishers, we were met with rejection. Over and over again. Doors were closing left and right. But we didn’t give up.
Eventually, someone in a denominational publishing department saw the potential. He offered to rewrite and produce 10,000 copies for just $1 a book. It felt like a miracle—but we still had no idea where we’d get the money.
And then the provision came.
Within two years, those 10,000 copies were gone. The book resonated deeply with its audience. It was eventually picked up by a traditional publisher and has since sold over 250,000 copies.
Over a million have been printed and distributed, many by nonprofits who were given permission to share the book freely. Its impact has stretched across decades, transforming lives and opening hearts.
And guess what? That initial self-publishing decision—once considered a last resort—was the spark that ignited a movement. Today, using self-publishing as a strategic way to demonstrate your message’s value is widely recognized as smart and innovative. We were just doing it before it had a name.
Building a Business Around a Message
After that first book, people started asking for help publishing theirs. One thing led to another, and I found myself at the forefront of what’s now called “independent publishing,” especially within the faith-based and purpose-driven markets.
As I began speaking at writing conferences and mentoring new authors, I compiled everything I’d learned into a guidebook, first titled You Can Do It!, and later rebranded as Your Book in Print: How Custom Publishing Can Work for You.
That book was not only a valuable resource—it became a low-pressure, high-impact way to grow my business. It positioned me as a subject matter expert and opened doors for speaking engagements, author partnerships, and consulting opportunities across the country.
Over the last 40 years, I’ve worked with more than 3,000 authors, helping them tell their stories with excellence.
Today, our company—Redemption Press—is recognized as a trusted leader in the faith-based publishing space. We’ve become known for our commitment to quality, integrity, and our heart to serve authors who want to make an impact.
Why a Book Is a Game-Changer
So why does a book matter so much?
Because a well-written book does more than showcase your expertise—it amplifies your message. It’s a powerful form of long-form content that communicates who you are, what you stand for, and how you can help others.
It builds trust before you even get on the phone with a client. It opens doors you never saw coming. And it allows you to serve people long after the book is in their hands.
We’ve seen this happen time and time again with authors we’ve worked with. People just like you, who used their books to grow their coaching programs, land speaking engagements, attract aligned clients, and scale their businesses with heart and authenticity.
Three Authors Who Did It Right
In fact, on a recent video broadcast, I featured three authors who shared how writing their books became a pivotal point in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Dean Smith used his book to create meaningful conversations that turned into new coaching clients.
Erin Harrigan, a coach for women of faith in business, turned her book into a core part of her coaching framework.
And Ann Griffiths shared how her book helped her transition from ministry to marketplace leadership, bringing her story with her.
What they all had in common was this: They took the time to clarify their message and invested in telling their story well. And that changed everything.
Ready to Start? Here’s How
You might be wondering if you’re ready to write your book. If so, here are three important questions to ask yourself:
- Who is your audience?
- What problem or need are they facing?
- How can your experience, story, or expertise offer them real help?
Once you’ve got clarity there, it’s time to gather what you already have. Think blog posts, newsletters, podcast transcripts, recorded talks, coaching outlines, social media content. Much of this can be repurposed into a compelling manuscript.
Sketch out a basic outline—yes, even if it’s on the back of a napkin. Include your core message, stories that illustrate your points, insightful quotes, data, and testimonials or case studies. And if writing isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry.
We can coach you through it. Or, if time is your biggest barrier, our team of ghostwriters and collaborative editors can help you craft your book while keeping your authentic voice intact.
A Book With Purpose
Not everyone writes a book to promote their business. Some people simply feel called to share a message that matters. A personal transformation. A breakthrough. A cause they can no longer stay silent about.
Others use their book as a platform to build bridges—between faith and leadership, between business and service, between personal healing and professional influence.
Whether your goal is to build a brand, launch a new offer, or simply speak your truth, a book is one of the most versatile and enduring ways to do it.
As one of our authors put it, “If you feel the pull to write a book, that desire didn’t come out of nowhere.” It’s often the beginning of something bigger than you imagined.
Because your story matters. And when you share it with excellence and purpose, it becomes the strategy that opens new doors, deepens impact, and leaves a legacy.
