GREENFIELD PUBLISHERS
Business book brief template
Free book planning resource | Version 10 October 2026
https://greenfieldpublishers.com/pages/author-resources.html

1. THE READER
Describe one reader, their role and the situation in which they would
reach for this book. Avoid trying to address every audience at once.
Reader and situation: ______________________________________
Problem they want to solve: ________________________________
What they already know: ____________________________________
What they should be able to do after reading: _______________

2. THE CENTRAL ARGUMENT
Complete: This book helps [reader] make [decision or change] by explaining
[your method, experience or argument].
___________________________________________________________
Why your approach matters: _________________________________
What the book deliberately leaves outside its scope: _______

3. YOUR SOURCE MATERIAL
[ ] Talks or presentations
[ ] Articles, notes or research
[ ] A partial or complete draft
[ ] Interview availability
[ ] A documented method or framework
[ ] Permissioned examples

Source / location / intended chapter: ______________________
What can be shared with a writer: __________________________
What requires permission or anonymisation: _________________
Claims that need independent support: ______________________

4. A CHAPTER MAP
Draft five to eight chapter questions before choosing clever titles.
For each chapter record: reader question, key idea, example, supporting
source and practical takeaway. Each chapter should move the argument on.

Chapter question: _________________________________________
Key idea: _________________________________________________
Example and permission status: _____________________________
Supporting source: ________________________________________
Reader takeaway: __________________________________________

5. VOICE AND REVIEW
Three words describing your voice: _________________________
One paragraph or talk that sounds like you: ________________
Voice or tone to avoid: ____________________________________
Author reviewer and availability: __________________________
Other reviewers and their role: ____________________________
How conflicting feedback will be resolved: _________________

6. PROJECT SCOPE TO DISCUSS
Starting material and approximate length: __________________
Interview, writing and research needs: _____________________
Editing, design and edition needs: _________________________
Preferred timing and real external deadlines: ______________
Author responsibilities and approvals: _____________________
Revision rounds, files, rights and account access to agree: __
___________________________________________________________

7. A USEFUL SUCCESS DEFINITION
Describe the intended use: explaining a method, supporting a talk,
preserving an argument or making expertise accessible to readers.
Separate deliverables you can approve from sales or publicity outcomes
that depend on readers, distribution and promotion.
Intended use: ______________________________________________
Deliverables and approval criteria: _________________________

Prepared with AI assistance. This original worksheet is a planning aid.
You may share an unmodified copy with this attribution and resource link.
For business book support and a project proposal: https://greenfieldpublishers.com/services/business-book-ghostwriting.html