I didn't write a book for 17 years.
Not because I couldn't. Not because I didn't know how. Because I didn't have accountability and didn't actually value creating them. I only valued reading them.
Then I decided to change that. I published "One Presentation Away" in November 2025. And what happened next changed how I think about building authority in my business.
The ROI loop is long-18 months from start to finish. You're not making money in three weeks like you do with a presentation launch. But here's what I discovered: people who've never met me read the book and decide to join my programs. They buy courses. They invest in coaching. The book becomes the crown that says "I know what I'm talking about."
In a saturated market where everyone claims to be an expert, that crown matters more than you think.
This episode breaks down the entire process-why I waited so long, what finally made me do it, how to structure a book that actually works, and the practical tactics that got me from idea to published author.
Real Insights:
You don't need ability to write a book-you need accountability and a shift in how you value creating. Once I signed with a publisher (external accountability), everything changed.
The book structure is where most writers fail. You don't write linearly. You organize ideas into a hierarchy: parts (meta-context), chapters (mini-context), concepts (actual ideas). Then you fill those buckets with stories and examples.
Stories embed concepts deep into people's minds. That's why reading slow is better than skimming. Why 3-minute book summaries are useless. The stories are what people remember.
You can publish without writing the traditional way. Talk instead of type. Use Whisperflow (AI-powered transcription). Set a 60-90 minute timer and just go. That's how writers actually get books done.
A book is a long-game authority move. You won't make money on day one. But a year later, people you've never met are buying your programs because of it. That's compounding authority.
Books matter more in a saturated market-not less. Authority, credibility, and believability are what separate you from everyone else claiming to be an expert.
What You'll Learn:
Grab Colin's book:
https://onepresentationawaybook.com/
Interested in Elite?
If you're interested in finding out more information about our Elite Coaching Program, make sure to DM me the word "ELITE" on Instagram, and I'd love to have a chat. https://www.instagram.com/colinboyd
Discover how to authentically connect with your audience & fill your programs with a Conversion Story - Version 2.0 (AI Edition) is now available.
https://www.conversionstoryformula.com
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For all the show notes and links:
https://www.expertedgepodcast.com/blog/episode344
Connect with Colin on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/colinboyd/