Why the Right Book Subject & Title Make You the Obvious Consulting Choice
Writing a book is one thing. Writing the right book is another. If your goal is to move from therapy into consulting, your subject and title are what make you stand out to organizations who are ready to hire. There are thousands of books available for purchase, positioning yours is the name of the game.
When I was approached by Corwin publications to create a book on Family Engagement after a blog post that I wrote over 10 years ago got some extra buzz, I had no idea that it would lead to me be offered $4000 for a one hour speech a few months later. At that time, that one speech paid me MORE than my monthly salary as a school counselor. The positioning of the book was perfect. Even though my speech was not specifically on the topic of the book, the book let them know that I was an expert and worth the investment.
Choose a Subject That Solves Organizational Problems
Clever titles may look good on a cover, but they don’t necessarily sell. Decision-makers don’t care about abstract theory, they want solutions. Think:
Reducing burnout
Improving staff retention
Managing emotional regulation in high-stress workplaces
Building healthier leadership cultures
When your book tackles a pain point that schools, corporations, or hospitals already know that they are struggling with, you’re no longer just another therapist, you’re the expert they need.
Titles Should Be Clear, Not Cute
Clever titles may impress your friends, but clarity closes contracts. Compare these:
❌ Finding Your Inner Calm in a Chaotic World (sounds like a self-help book for individuals).
✅ Burnout-Proof Teams: A Therapist’s Guide to Mental Wellness at Work (instantly signals value for organizations).
Your title should make a buyer think, “This is exactly what we’ve been looking for.”
Hack the SEO Game
When an HR director Googles your name and sees your book, it’s instant credibility. You’ve literally written the book on their problem, which positions you as a trusted authority before you even walk in the door. If you go the traditional route or even the self-publishing route with cross posting, your book will help your name be attached to the topic and rich keywords that potential clients are looking for. A book goes beyond the benefit of a few blog posts on your site, it gets shared everywhere. I distinctly remember the first time that I realized you could buy my book on Target, Amazon and more. Even today, if you google authentically engaged families, you’ll still see my book high on the first page, even though that phrase can be seen in other areas too.
FAQ: Choosing Your Book Topic & Title
Q: Should my book speak to individuals or organizations?
A: If consulting is your goal, focus on organizational impact. Frame individual concepts (like resilience or emotional regulation) through the lens of workplace challenges.
Q: How long should my title be?
A: Short enough to be memorable, but clear enough to communicate the exact problem you solve. A strong subtitle can do the heavy lifting.
Q: Can I still use my book to attract individual clients?
A: Absolutely, but remember: the clearer your organizational angle, the easier it is to land consulting contracts.
Are you ready to take your book off the shelf in your mind and start getting it on paper? Sign up for a mini strategy session today, get my 5-pack of ebook templates for FREE. We’ll talk about your quickest path to profit and you’ll walk away with a clear plan and focus to finish your dream.