Enjoy this episode & transcript below where Kimberly Spencer, Master NLP Mindset & Communications Coach and CEO of Communication Queens, interviews Founder and CEO of Finish the Book Publishing, Susie Schaefer.

You’ve got the idea. The story. The mission.

So why haven’t you finished the damn book?

In this episode, publishing strategist Susie Schaefer reveals why so many entrepreneurs stall on writing their book—and how to finally turn your story into a powerful authority asset for your brand, business, and impact.

If a book has been living in your head for years… this might be your sign.

FYI Transcripts may contain a few typos. With many episodes lasting 30-minutes, it can be difficult to catch minor errors. Enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Castbox, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Pandora, Youtube, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Stop Overthinking and Finish the Damn Book

Communication Queen Podcast with Kimberly Spencer & Susie Schaefer

Introduction: Why So Many Brilliant People Never Finish the Damn Book

[00:00]

Kimberly Spencer (host):

How many brilliant people do you know who still haven't finished their damn book?

The ideas, they're there. The stories are there. The mission is there. But the manuscript is still halfway finished in drafts.

Today we're asking the question: What does it actually take to finish the damn book? Especially when your story, your brand, and your business are basically relying on you to get it out there into the world.

Today I'm joined by Susie Schaefer, known as the Book Doula, who helps non-fiction authors publish books that bring together what she calls the trifecta: your story, your brand, and your community, all aligned to support your mission through cause publishing.

She works with business authors, spiritual and faith-based leaders, legacy storytellers, and anyone who feels called to share something meaningful with the world.

Susie left the corporate world and took a leap of faith to become the first entrepreneur in her family. Since then, she has built not one but two businesses, including a yoga studio rooted in local community.

And recently she went through a massive transition and lost her entire subscriber base. Ground zero.

Which makes this conversation even more powerful, because finishing the damn book isn't just about writing.

It's about resilience, courage, and stepping into visibility.

The “Book Doula”: Helping Authors Birth Their Story

How Susie Schaefer Guides Authors Through Publishing

[03:00]

Kimberly Spencer (host):

Susie, welcome to the show. I'm so excited for this conversation because the phrase Finish the Damn Book resonates with so many entrepreneurs.

Susie Schaefer (guest):

Thank you so much for having me. I love this conversation because there are so many people who know they have a story inside of them, but something gets in the way.

That's why I call myself a Book Doula.

Just like a doula helps someone bring a baby into the world, I help authors bring their books into the world.

It's a process that requires support, structure, encouragement, and sometimes someone standing beside you saying: You can do this.

Why Authors Struggle to Finish the Damn Book

The Resistance That Stops Most Entrepreneurs

[06:00]

Kimberly Spencer (host):

One thing I see a lot with entrepreneurs is that they start writing a book, but somewhere along the way they stop.

What do you see as the biggest obstacle?

Susie Schaefer (guest):

Resistance.

It's rarely that someone doesn't have the knowledge or the ideas. Most authors actually have too much to say.

The real question that starts to surface is:

"Who am I to write this?"

That question is rooted in ego construction. It's a moment where people start questioning their worthiness or authority to share their story.

But what they often forget is that their story has the potential to help someone else feel seen or understood.

The Author Trifecta: Story, Brand, and Community

The Strategy Behind a Powerful Business Book

[09:00]

Kimberly Spencer (host):

One thing I love about your approach is that you don't just talk about writing a book. You talk about aligning the book with the author's business and message.

Susie Schaefer (guest):

Exactly.

I call it the Author Trifecta:

• Your story
  
  
• Your brand
  
  
• Your community
  
  

When those three things align, your book becomes more than just something you wrote.

It becomes a tool that supports your mission.

Your book should connect your story to your work in a way that invites people into deeper relationship with what you're building.

The Biggest Book Marketing Mistake Authors Make

Why Marketing Should Start Before the Book Is Finished

[12:00]

Kimberly Spencer (host):

Let's talk about book marketing because I see so many authors who think marketing begins after the book is published.

Susie Schaefer (guest):

That's actually one of the biggest mistakes authors make.

Marketing should start long before the book is finished.

You want to bring people along on the journey so they feel connected to the story and invested in the message.

When the book finally launches, you're not asking people to care about something new.

You're inviting them into something they've already been part of.

Authentic Storytelling vs. Artificial Content

Why Human Voice Still Matters in the Age of AI

[15:00]

Kimberly Spencer (host):

We also live in a time where AI can generate content instantly. How do you see that impacting authorship?

Susie Schaefer (guest):

AI can be helpful as a tool, but people are incredibly savvy.

They can tell the difference between authentic storytelling and something that feels canned or artificial.

Authenticity is what creates connection.

If you're writing a book, people want your voice, your experience, your perspective.

That's what makes the story meaningful.

The Emotional Journey of Writing a Book

Why Writing Changes the Author

[20:00]

Kimberly Spencer (host):

Writing a book isn't just a technical process. It's emotional.

Susie Schaefer (guest):

Absolutely.

Writing a book can feel like running a marathon.

You start with excitement, then somewhere along the way it gets hard.

But by the time you reach the finish line, you're not the same person who started.

That's one of the most beautiful parts of authorship.

Why Finishing the Damn Book Matters

Your Story Could Change Someone's Life

[24:00]

Susie Schaefer (guest):

Sometimes people underestimate the impact their story can have.

But the truth is, your story might save someone else's life.

If your book reaches even one person at the right moment, it can make a difference.

That's why finishing the damn book matters.

Not because of book sales.

But because of impact.

The Real ROI of Writing a Book

Why Books Create Opportunity

[28:00]

Kimberly Spencer (host):

Many entrepreneurs worry about whether writing a book is worth it.

Susie Schaefer (guest):

The return on investment from a book often comes from opportunities.

Books can open doors to:

• speaking engagements
  
  
• partnerships
  
  
• new audiences
  
  
• deeper credibility
  
  

Your book becomes a platform for the work you're here to do.

Final Advice: Finish the Damn Book

Permission to Share Your Story

[32:00]

Kimberly Spencer (host):

For anyone listening who has a book idea but hasn't started yet, what would you say to them?

Susie Schaefer (guest):

I would say this:

Most authors just need permission to finish the damn book.

So if you're waiting for permission…

This is it.

Your story matters.

Your voice matters.

And someone out there may be waiting for exactly the message you have to share.

Closing Thoughts from the Communication Queens Podcast

Writing a book isn't just about publishing.

It's about owning your voice, stepping into leadership, and sharing a story that can impact others.

If you've been carrying a story inside you, maybe it's time to finally do the thing that so many entrepreneurs put off for years:

Finish the Damn Book.

Ranked No.55 in the United States by Apple Podcasts for Marketing, within just one week of launching, and over 33,000 downloads in the first 5 months, the Communication Queen Podcast with Kimberly Spencer is on the fasttrack to becoming an industry GAMECHANGER, in supporting listeners to tell better stories, enhance their communication skills, and learn how to leverage getting booked on podcasts to grow their business.

From interviews with Top 100 Podcasters, to providing real-life storytelling coaching, and communication #quickies of bite-sized communication tips that you can start leveraging right away, to increase your authority and influence in your niche, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to level up their storytelling skills to serve + sell more in their business. To listen to any of our past episodes for free, check out this page.