Panelist at the Hong Kong Women In Publishing Society

Hong Kong Women in Publishing Society Event

How To Publish Your Non-Fiction Book

In June 2026, I had the pleasure of serving as a panelist at an event hosted by the Hong Kong Women in Publishing Society, focused on the journey of writing and publishing a book. It was a dynamic conversation with aspiring authors, and I’m excited to share the highlights here, along with my personal perspective shaped by my own path from corporate leader to published author and speaker.

The session was hosted by Imogen Short and my fellow panelists were Bee Lim, Clinical Psychologist and Marysia Juszczakiewicz, Founder of Peony Literary Agency.

Whether you're dreaming of writing your first book or looking to scale your existing one as part of a broader business strategy, these insights can help you approach it with clarity, strategy, and entrepreneurial spirit.

What to Consider Before You Write

One of the first big questions we tackled was: What should you think about when deciding to write a book?

It starts with passion: your authentic drive and unique perspective. But passion alone isn’t enough. You also need to consider market demand:

Is there an audience hungry for what you have to say?

And credibility: What lived experiences or expertise position you to write this book?

I shared that the strongest books come from the intersection of these elements. Your unique voice and story are what make your book stand out. Don’t just pitch the book: pitch the author too. Publishers, readers, and opportunities respond to the person behind the pages. You are the face behind the book.

Think Like an Entrepreneur

You must treat your book as a commercially viable product.

We emphasized shifting from “I want to write a book” to “I’m building a product.”

Approach your book like a startup: Validate the idea, understand your ideal reader, and design it to deliver value. This entrepreneurial mindset helps you create something that’s not just creatively fulfilling but also commercially smart.

Choosing Your Publishing Path

A significant part of the discussion compared the three main publishing channels:

- Self-publishing: Full control, faster timeline, higher royalties—but you handle everything from editing to marketing.

- Hybrid: A middle ground with some support and distribution.

- Traditional: Prestige, professional editing, and wider reach but more competitive and less control over the timeline.

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Inform yourself about the industry, learn the pros and cons, and own the decision-making process. Research contracts, timelines, rights, royalties and what each path demands from you as the author. Knowledge empowers you to choose what aligns with your goals and avoid surprises and disappointment.

Strategy First

What role will your book play in your business?

Your book shouldn’t live in isolation: it’s a strategic asset that’s part of a wider ecosystem. We discussed how it can serve as:

- A credibility builder (establishing you as an expert)

- A lead magnet for other offers

- A gateway to speaking engagements, workshops, or coaching

- Part of a larger personal brand

In my journey, publishing four books has dramatically boosted my credibility as a public speaker. From panels in Singapore, Hong Kong, and India to podcasts and corporate events, my books opened doors I couldn’t have accessed otherwise. They’ve helped me build trust, attract opportunities, and grow a global community.

The Marketing Engine

Here’s the truth we all need to hear: The author is the primary marketer of their book. No publisher will promote it as passionately as you will.

You must grow a community, engage your readers, and actively find your audience. I shared my experience building my Substack, The Lemon Tree Mindset, over three years—consistently showing up, repurposing content, and connecting authentically. Speaking on literary panels and podcasts has been instrumental in reaching readers worldwide.

My final message is this: Find your readers before you write the book. Build the audience, test ideas through newsletters or talks, and create with them in mind. This makes the entire process more sustainable and impactful.

My Author Journey

Leaving a successful corporate career (with stints at Apple and Estée Lauder) wasn’t easy, but it led me to embrace my voice fully. I’ve now published four books, including self-published titles and a traditional deal with Penguin Random House for The Anti-Procrastinator. Each one taught me something new about resilience, strategy, and the power of persistence.

These books have not only shared my mindset frameworks but have solidified my role as a speaker and coach. They’ve been instrumental in building my personal brand and creating a writing-speaking business that aligns with my values.

If you’re an aspiring author, remember: The path isn’t linear, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you treat it as a business while staying true to your story.

Are you thinking about writing a book, or are you in the middle of the publishing journey?

Drop a comment below, send me an email at veronica@veronicallorcasmith.com or connect with me on Substack at The Lemon Tree Mindset🌳🍋

I’d love to hear from you!