Here’s a strategic six-week pre-writing roadmap that aligns with your goals for business growth and impact:

Week 1: Vision Clarity & Market Research

– Define your unique “book fingerprint” (what makes your perspective unique)

– Research top 5 competing books in your space

– Identify specific gaps your book will fill

– List 3-5 clear business outcomes you want from your book

Week 2: Audience Deep Dive

– Create detailed reader avatar(s)

– List 10 burning questions your ideal readers are asking

– Identify 3 key transformations readers will experience

– Map reader’s journey from pain point to desired outcome

Week 3: Content Mining & Story Banking

– Document 5-10 pivotal stories from your experience

– List major client success stories and case studies

– Catalog your unique frameworks and methodologies

– Create a “wisdom bank” of your key insights and lessons

Week 4: Structure & Flow Planning

– Draft potential book hooks and openings

– Create rough chapter outline

– Map your expertise into teachable chunks

– Identify places where stories will have maximum impact

Week 5: Platform Preparation

– Audit current content (articles, talks, posts)

– List potential promotional partners

– Draft your author bio and positioning

– Begin building an email list of interested readers if you don’t have one

Week 6: Writing Systems Setup

– Create your ideal writing environment

– Set up a sustainable writing schedule

– Choose and learn your writing tools

– Develop your accountability system

This preparation phase focuses on the strategic elements that will make your book more impactful for business growth while making the actual writing process smoother and more focused.

Time frame

Let me break this down realistically, considering holiday constraints:

Essential Core Activities (3-4 hours/week):

Week 1: Vision & Research (3 hours)

• Vision clarity exercise (45 mins)
• Quick competitive book scan (1 hour)
• Business outcomes planning (30 mins)
• Gap analysis (45 mins)

Week 2: Audience Focus (3 hours)

• Reader avatar worksheet (1 hour)
• Reader questions brainstorm (1 hour)
• Transformation mapping (1 hour)

Week 3: Content Collection (4 hours)

• Story banking – 2 stories per hour (2.5 hours)
• Framework documentation (1.5 hours) *Can be done in small chunks while commuting/waiting

Week 4: Basic Structure (3 hours)

• Hook ideation (45 mins)
• Simple chapter outline (1.5 hours)
• Key story placement (45 mins)

Week 5: Platform Basics (3 hours)

• Quick content audit (1 hour)
• Author bio draft (1 hour)
• Basic promotional plan (1 hour)

Week 6: Setup (2 hours)

• Writing space setup (30 mins)
• Schedule blocking (30 mins)
• Tool setup & testing (1 hour)

Total Minimum Time: 18 hours over 6 weeks (average 3 hours/week)

This can be done in:

• Six 30-minute morning sessions per week
• Three 1-hour lunch breaks per week
• One focused 3-hour session per weekend
• Or any combination that fits their schedule

You can also:

• Use voice notes while driving/walking to capture stories
• Do quick brainstorming during coffee breaks
• Use waiting time (appointments, kids’ activities) for reading competitor books
• Block one “power day” for multiple tasks if weekdays are too busy