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Business Book Bites

Business Book Bites

By: Karen Williams
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 In the Business Book Bites Podcast, we unlock the secrets behind game-changing business books, diving into the minds of influential authors and experts.

Whether you're writing your first book or looking to amplify your message, each episode provides insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you craft an authority-building book.
  • Series 5: Discover what it takes to write a book that changes everything - insights from authors and experts who want to make a difference.
  • Series 4: Explore publishing and marketing with conversations, inspiration, and top tips to maximise your book’s impact.
  • Series 3: Tackle hot topics in book writing with expert insights and actionable advice from published authors.
  • Series 2: Go behind the scenes with successful business authors and uncover the strategies that got them published.
  • Series 1: Meet the marketing experts from Book Marketing Made Simple and learn how to leverage your book for business growth.
You can find out more about our events at www.librotas.com/librotasevents including our monthly Coffee and Connect Café networking event and writing retreat in Spain.

Get your copy of Karen's latest book at www.bookmarketingmadesimple.com.

Connect with Karen

Website: http://www.librotas.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/librotas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwilliamslibrotas
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/librotas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenwilliamslibrotas
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@librotasKaren Williams - Librotas Ltd Art Economics Leadership Literary History & Criticism Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The Real ROI of Writing a Business Book [S5, E9]

    The Real ROI of Writing a Business Book [S5, E9]
    Jan 15 2026
    In today’s episode, Karen Williams and Sheryl Andrews dive deep into one of the burning questions on every business author’s mind – what does real return on investment (ROI) look like when you write a book? Sure, we all want to sell copies, but as Karen and Sheryl discuss, the true value of a book goes far beyond simple sales numbers. We debunk the 15-pound fallacy, discuss why focusing on book sales alone misses the bigger picture, and explore the unique ways a business book can boost your authority, streamline your processes, and open unexpected doors for your business. Whether you’re using your book to save time, build credibility, or attract your dream clients, you’ll come away with fresh insights on how the process of writing a book is transformative – both personally and professionally. ** Upcoming Events ** If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors. Our Smart Author Momentum programme starts on Monday 19 January 2026, and we also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book! You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com. Related episodes S5, Ep 8: The Mindset Shift Behind a Bigger, Bolder Book with Claire Brumby (where we talk about Claire’s experience of self-publishing vs getting a publishing deal). S5, Ep 6: The Courage to Write a Book That Matters with Deborah Naish (where we talk about how her book shifted her business long before her book was published). S2, Ep 9: Cracking Crowdfunding during COVID with Paul Newton (where we talk about Paul’s crowdfunding experience). S3, Ep 9: Career Trends and Crowdfunding Success with Della (which also touches on crowdfunding). S4, Ep4: 5 Things Every Business Authors Should Know Before Publishing with Karen and Sheryl (where we talk about the pros and cons of the different publishing routes for business authors) Key insights Book sales are not the whole story: The true return on your investment doesn’t come from sales alone. It’s about the credibility, authority, and opportunities you create by putting your thinking, experiences, and processes into words. Clarity is priceless: The process of writing a book forces you to reflect, structure, and articulate what makes your approach unique. That self-awareness helps you communicate your value—and often attracts the clients and work you most want. Momentum matters more than perfection: You start seeing returns even while writing your book. Sharing your expertise, getting feedback, and talking about your project opens doors, builds your visibility, and often draws in business before your book is even published. Bio – Karen Williams Karen Williams is The Book Mentor at Librotas®, a leading authority in helping experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders write and market non-fiction books. Having started out in business in 2006, and writing her first book in 2009, she knows the difference that writing a book can make to your business when done well. With a focus on sharing significant stories and memorable messages, Karen guides her clients through the entire process of planning, writing, marketing, and launching a book that boosts credibility, attracts new clients, and creates exciting opportunities. Karen is the bestselling author of 10 books and a TEDx speaker. Website: https://librotas.com Socials: https://www.facebook.com/librotas https://twitter.com/librotas https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwilliamslibrotas/ https://www.instagram.com/karenwilliamslibrotas https://www.youtube.com/@librotas Bio – Sheryl Andrews Sheryl Andrews is The Listening Detective and is known for helping you do more of what you love and ditch the critic that says you can’t. Sheryl spends her time supporting individuals to work, learn and live at their best, both independently and in groups, and her first book, Manage Your Critic, was published in 2016 and she is currently writing her second. Website: https://stepbysteplistening.com Time-stamped overview: 00:00 Books as Business Tools04:08 Writing with Purpose and Vision09:15 Write Books for Ideal Clients13:14 Making the Invisible Visible16:47 Balancing Writing and Work18:09 Just Start Writing23:39 Overcoming Blocks to Writing25:00 Funding Creative Projects Through Support28:35 Purpose-Driven Book Writing Insights Keywords: book sales, return on investment, business book, book marketing, Amazon sales, self-publishing, traditional publishing, author authority, business credibility, business growth, client acquisition, ...
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    27 mins
  • The Mindset Shift Behind a Bigger, Bolder Book with Claire Brumby [S5, E8]

    The Mindset Shift Behind a Bigger, Bolder Book with Claire Brumby [S5, E8]
    Jan 8 2026
    In today's episode, Karen Williams (The Book Mentor) sits down with Claire Brumby, motivational speaker, leadership coach, and bestselling author. Claire shares her journey from launching her first book, The Winning Mix, back in 2018 – a guide inspired by her own entrepreneurial experience in the food industry – to mapping out her upcoming title, Forget Normal, I Want Magic, which introduces her progressive leadership framework and is set to be published in April 2026. Together, they dive into the differences between self-publishing and securing a publishing deal, the evolution of Claire Brumby's business and message, and the ambitious goal of making her next book a Sunday Times bestseller. You'll hear practical advice for aspiring authors, candid reflections on book writing challenges, and unique marketing tactics like 'lumpy mail' and leveraging your network. Plus, Claire Brumby reveals the origins of her signature MAGIC acronym and how it's shaping leaders and organizations for the future.** Upcoming Events ** If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors. Our Smart Author Momentum programme starts on Monday 19 January 2026, and we also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book! You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com. Key Takeaways Find Your Why Before You Start Writing: Claire stressed the importance of sitting with yourself, understanding your motivations, the audience you want to serve, and what you want your book to achieve. Knowing your why gives you the staying power you’ll need for the writing process. The Power of Networks & Bold Marketing: When preparing for her second book launch, Claire is going all in on connection—leveraging her network, reaching out directly, and even bringing back old-school lumpy mail marketing! Don’t be afraid to ask for help or experiment to spread your message. Frameworks Make Ideas Stick: The MAGIC framework (Mindset, Awakening, Gumption, Intuition, Charisma) isn’t just memorable—it's actionable. Whether you’re leading a team or presenting on stage, frameworks like this make complex ideas tangible and practical, helping both you and your audience grow. Bio Claire Brumby is a motivational speaker, leadership coach and best-selling author helping leaders and organisations unlock intuitive, emotionally intelligent and future-ready leadership. As a former FMCG founder and Dragons’ Den alumna, Claire brings real-world commercial experience together with deep insight into resilience, mindset and transformation. Her new book, Forget Normal – I Want Magic! introduces her pioneering MAGIC framework—Mindset, Awakening, Gumption, Intuition, and Charisma, offering a progressive approach to self-leadership in a world reshaping fast. Claire challenges outdated, overly masculine leadership norms and invites every leader, regardless of gender, to embrace balanced energetics, intuition and personal power. Claire works internationally with organisations, boards and executive leaders to develop cultures that are authentic, human-centred and high performing - without burnout. She speaks powerfully on intuitive leadership, emotional intelligence, authenticity in modern leadership, and how to lead with courage in times of uncertainty and change. Her mission is to inspire individuals and organisations to lead with heart, clarity and confidence, and to create impact that feels meaningful, aligned and sustainable. Website: www.clairebrumby.com Book link: https://tinyurl.com/ForgetNormalIWantMagic Socials: https://www.instagram.com/theclairebrumby Time stamped overview: 00:00 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Food Industry06:27 Pandemic Pivot: Expanding Business Horizons10:11 Overcoming Self-Doubt for Success14:01 Shooting for the Bestseller Goal17:27 Chasing Sunday Times Bestseller18:33 Leveraging Networks and Celebrations21:32 Overcoming Fear for Leadership25:50 Memorable Impact Through Magic28:35 Quick Mindset Boost Guide32:14 Business Culture Fuels Burnout37:59 Blending Memoir and Advice Keywords: book writing, self-publishing, publishing deal, Sunday Times bestseller, keynote speaking, leadership, coaching, business growth, food mentor, entrepreneurial journey, women leaders, positive disruption, marketing tactics, lumpy mail, personal development, pivoting in business, author journey, goal setting, book proposal, magic framework, Kogan Page, organizational change, storytelling, writing process
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    33 mins
  • Stepping Into the Spotlight - How to Raise your Visibility with Susan M. Barber [S5 E7]

    Stepping Into the Spotlight - How to Raise your Visibility with Susan M. Barber [S5 E7]
    Dec 18 2025
    Today, Karen Williams, The Book Mentor, sits down with Susan M. Barber, a leading visibility coach and former Kraft Heinz executive. With over 25 years of corporate leadership experience under her belt, Susan has turned her journey – from battling imposter syndrome to becoming an influential author and podcast host – into invaluable lessons for quiet, high-achieving professionals looking to step into the spotlight. In this conversation, Susan shares the story of how blogging about her own struggles and triumphs led to writing her influential books and building a business centered on helping others embrace their unique strengths. You’ll hear insights about her signature “Rise” framework for gaining visibility, why she wrote a workbook to accompany her main book, and practical tips for anyone struggling with self-promotion – especially those who identify as introverts. If you’ve ever wondered how to authentically share your achievements without feeling like you’re bragging, or what it takes to go from corporate life to author and entrepreneur, this episode is full of honest advice and inspiration. ** Upcoming Events ** If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors. We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book! You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com. Key TakeawaysVisibility Is a Skill, Not Just a Trait: Susan shared how her own struggles with imposter syndrome and being “too quiet” inspired her to develop authentic strategies for visibility that work—even for introverts and reluctant self-promoters.Your Story Resonates More Than You Think: By openly sharing her personal and professional stories through blogs, books, and her podcast, Susan found her vulnerability created connection—and clients saw themselves in her journey.Books (and Workbooks!) Create Ecosystems: Publishing her story unlocked new opportunities—including speaking gigs, workshops, and international connections. Her recent workbook goes beyond inspiration, providing practical prompts and resources to help readers implement real change.BioSusan M. Barber is a leading visibility coach who helps quiet, high-achieving corporate leaders step into the spotlight and become visible, valued, and influential. With over twenty-five years of leadership experience at Kraft Heinz, Susan understands the challenges of corporate life. She’s the author of Your Journey to Visibility Workbook, The Visibility Factor and the host of The Visibility Factor podcast. Through her coaching and work, Susan empowers professionals to embrace their unique strengths, grow their influence, and take their careers to the next level. Website: https://susanmbarber.com Book link: The Visibility Factor and Your Journey to Visibility Workbook Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbarbercoaching Time stamped overview: 00:00 From Imposter Syndrome to Business05:45 Prioritizing My Role as Author09:06 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Visibility12:44 Career Clarity for Decision Making16:27 Share Impact, Not Ego18:54 Inspiring Others to Try Boldly20:29 Embracing a Voice to Help24:47 Guidance Unlocks Limitless Potential Keywords: visibility coach, imposter syndrome, authentic leadership, personal branding, career success, blog writing, storytelling, book writing, workbook creation, influence growth, author mindset, podcast hosting, visibility challenges, pandemic career impact, career transition, career clarity framework, introverts in business, book publishing, developmental editing, business ecosystem, public speaking, business networking, marketing books
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    26 mins
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