In this episode, Jodi interviews Chantelle Andercastle about her book journey. Chantelle shares her insights on making aligned decisions and the importance of hiring out tasks outside of one's expertise. Jodi and Chantelle discuss Chantelle’s unique approach to creating a print-only, visually engaging book series intended to serve as a practical “business binder” for entrepreneurs. They also discuss the benefits of handwriting notes for deeper cognitive engagement and provide tips for navigating the self-publishing process, particularly noting the value of clear documentation and thoughtful design.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Podcast for entrepreneurs on writing, publishing, marketing books.

03:19 Going deeper led me to write book.

08:40 Series of books create a comprehensive business binder.

12:32 Balancing visual creativity with informative content creation.

14:07 Visuals engage differently; aesthetics motivate writing.

17:44 Self-publishing struggles without adequate support and budget.

22:25 Book aids in business calls, enhancing strategy discussions.

25:40 Offer simplified services, not whole design packages.

27:02 Align decisions with your values, despite popularity.

29:36 Recursiveness in business improves through clear documentation.

33:15 Book on brain memory processes, slightly complex.

Keywords:

Hiring out non-strength tasks, Aligned decision-making, Print-only book, Business binder, Decision overwhelm, ISBN publishing logistics, Handwriting vs. typing, Business strategy documentation, Visual book design, Engaging educational content, One-on-one reader interaction, Book series for business owners, Personal values in business, Brand voice development, Time boxing techniques, Memory improvement books, Reading habits, Book review importance, Self-publishing challenges, Traditional vs. self-publishing, Productivity in writing, Author Entrepreneurs Lab membership, Interactive learning, Practical business strategies, Publishing logistics support, Coffee table book design, Marketing self-published books, Personal writing process, Physically interactive books, Business content creation

Resources Mentioned:

Ready Set Write Challenge: www.jodibrandoneditorial.com/readysetwrite

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Freaks Gleeks of Dawson Creek
In the Palaces of Memory
Time Boxing by Mark Zao Sanders
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Ruby Thorpe

About Our Guest:

Chantelle Andercastle works with solo entrepreneurs to create their own personal Business Binder—an evolving reference point that leads to more aligned and deliberate decisions. Beyond Brand Voice, the first title in her Aligned Action book series, offers entrepreneurs practical strategies and insightful exercises to define, refine, and consistently communicate their brand identity in a way that aligns with their values and goals. At Clear Quartz Creative, Chantelle offers hands-on help and engaging workshops for business owners who want to be more thoughtful decision-makers.

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Brand-Voice-Copywriting-Entrepreneurs/dp/1738063003

Website: https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/aligned-action-podcast/id1567842542

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EBNeH80941y1-Pdzv1-a8p3d5lSZ9aCjkTr1LIVbDsM/edit?usp=sharing