Before You Write That Book: Ally Machate on Publishing, AI & Writing the Right Book

Everybody seems to be telling entrepreneurs to write a book.

Write it in a weekend. Use AI. Upload it to Amazon. Become a bestselling author. Watch the clients roll in.

Except…that’s not quite how it works.

This week on Casa De Confidence, Julie sits down with publishing expert Ally Machate, founder of The Writer’s Ally, to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to write and publish a book that supports your business, serves your reader, and creates lasting impact.

With experience that includes working at Simon & Schuster and helping authors navigate the publishing process, Ally challenges one of the biggest assumptions in entrepreneurship: just because you can write a book doesn't necessarily mean you should—or that the book you're planning is the right one.

Ally explains why the first question shouldn't be “What should I write?” but rather “What do I want this book to do?”

Do you want it to attract clients? Generate speaking opportunities? Grow your email list? Establish thought leadership? Change the way people think about an issue?

That answer changes everything.

Julie also gets personal about her own publishing experience, including what she would do differently, the emotional reality of receiving developmental edits, and why publishing her book ultimately opened doors far beyond book sales.

In This Episode

What You’ll Hear

• Why not every entrepreneur needs to write a book
• The difference between publishing a book and publishing a book people actually want to read
• Why identifying your reader comes before writing
• How a book can support your larger business strategy
• Why your book is a product—not your baby
• What developmental editing actually does
• Why copyediting alone isn't enough
• Where AI can help authors—and where it still falls short
• How to create a transformational journey for your reader
• The “macrocosm and microcosm” approach to structuring nonfiction
• Traditional publishing vs. hybrid publishing vs. DIY self-publishing
• What Ally calls supported indie publishing
• Why distribution, ISBNs, Amazon KDP, and IngramSpark matter
• Why giving books away can sometimes be smarter than selling them
• How books create opportunities for coaching, consulting, speaking, and visibility
• Why becoming a bestseller isn't the only—or even necessarily the best—definition of publishing success

One of Ally's most important reminders?

“If you're talking to everyone, you're connecting with no one.”

Before investing months—or years—writing your book, get clear about the person you're writing for and what you want the book to accomplish.

Because the goal isn't merely to become a published author.

It's to write the right book.

🔗 Connect with Ally 

Website: http://www.writersally.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allymachate/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonemachate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allysonemachate

Free Offer

https://offers.thewritersally.com/dont-write-the-wrong-book-podcasts/

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Casa De Confidence is a podcast for women navigating midlife reinvention, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. Hosted by Julie DeLucca-Collins, the show explores confidence, sustainable business success, visibility, authority building, and aligned growth for women entrepreneurs ready to lead boldly and live intentionally. Through real conversations and practical insights, listeners gain clarity, strengthen confidence, and develop strategies to expand their impact, voice, and opportunities.

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Follow Julie DeLucca-Collins on Instagram at @julie_deluccacollins