Ally Machate shares expert insights on how writing a book can serve as a powerful business tool (rather than merely a product to sell) on the episode of ReLaunch to a Rich Life. Joining host Hilary DeCesare, Ally emphasizes that business owners should view books as strategic assets that drive business growth rather than focusing solely on book sales. A core message of Ally’s personal and business philosophy is that writing a book must be tied to clear business goals such as attracting clients, increasing revenue, or elevating one’s professional authority. Simply writing a book to sell copies often results in low returns—typical authors sell fewer than 200 copies—so the book’s purpose should be to act as a marketing and branding vehicle that supports larger business offerings like coaching or consulting. Ally encourages authors to consider several important questions before writing or publishing a book:
- Why am I writing this book? Connect the motivation to business goals.
- Is this the right time? Ensure your business is stable enough to leverage your book effectively.
- Who is my target audience and what problem am I solving? Narrow and clarify this to focus the book’s content.
- How will this book support my broader business offerings? Your book should lead readers toward further engagement.
- Am I prepared for the time and energy commitment? Writing and publishing demand significant resources.
Strategic planning is the key to success, but the right sort of support will make a huge difference for your personal or business goals. Ally and Hilary also discuss the landscape of the publishing industry, including the impact of AI, as well as the different paths to publication and the personalized services available to aspiring authors at The Writer’s Ally. To hear more in greater detail, check out the full episode on your preferring audio platform!
“How to Write a Book That Grows Your Business, Income, & Authority with Ally Machate”
ReLaunch to a Rich Life Podcast
Hosted by Hilary DeCesare
January 28, 2026
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Ally Machate is on a mission to help authors make great books and reach more readers. A bestselling author and expert publishing consultant, Ally has served small and “Big Five” publishers, including Simon & Schuster, where she acquired and edited books on staff. Her clients include authors with such companies as Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, Rodale Inc., Chronicle Books, Kaplan Publishing, Sourcebooks, and Hay House, as well as independently published bestsellers. As founder & CEO of The Writer’s Ally, Ally and her team lead serious authors to write, publish, and sell more high-quality books.
