Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

Sallie Dawkins' Self-Publishing Simplified: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success has new and prospective authors in mind. However, this book contains many golden nuggets that will also help seasoned authors. Sallie motivates the reader by giving all the information needed to be a successful self-publisher. I have over fifteen books published and still found the information in this book very useful. Every step in the publishing process is thoroughly covered with advice for maximizing the impact of your book. One piece of advice Sallie gives is to “concentrate on what you did well rather than fixating on what didn’t go according to plan.” While Sallie gives the different options involved in publishing, she makes her own suggestions but leaves the choice to you. This is not a book for “Dummies,” but a guidebook for those who think and want to know what options are available. I highly recommend this book to all who plan to write and publish a book.

Self-publishing can be complex and time-consuming, but Self-Publishing Simplified by Sallie Dawkins cuts to the chase and gives expert advice from one who has been there and done that. As one reads Sallie’s easy-to-understand instructions, writing does not seem such a foreboding task. After guiding the reader through the four main ways to publish—tradition, hybrid, vanity, and self-publishing—Sallie breaks the writing task into key stages that are easy to follow: preparation, writing, revision, publishing, launching, and marketing. In her successful effort to make sure all the bases are covered, she gives plenty of resources that expand the contents of her book. I look forward to applying the new knowledge to increase my sales and continue to publish quality books. Sallie has thought of everything, including a practice project at the end. When you see your books in publication, you will be grateful that you took the time to read this guide.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Escape the Writer’s Web by Colleen M. Story is a comprehensive guide to understanding and overcoming procrastination, specifically tailored for writers and creative artists. The book begins by illustrating how procrastination is an insidious curse that can sabotage dreams and lead to lifelong regret. It explores the science and psychology behind why we delay tasks, highlighting that procrastination is often more complex than mere laziness or lack of discipline. The author emphasizes that each person has a unique "procrastination type," such as Worrier, Avoider, Dreamer, Perfectionist, or Crisis-Maker, and provides detailed insights and strategies for identifying and addressing these specific patterns. The book offers personalized tools, mindset shifts, and actionable steps to untangle one's web of delays, encouraging readers to embrace their authentic selves and take consistent, meaningful action toward their creative goals.

I haven’t written a book and didn’t have any plans to write one, but Colleen M. Story made me feel like I can do it. I learned a lot from this book because it is not written only for writers, but for anyone struggling with a passion, a task, or a dream; the strategies outlined can be applied to any area of life. Escape the Writer’s Web explores various themes and discusses self-awareness, compassion, and the importance of mindset in overcoming procrastination. It underlines that procrastination often stems from underlying fears—fear of failure, rejection, or imperfection—that must be acknowledged and addressed with kindness rather than self-criticism. The author encourages readers with practical steps to shift perceptions of tasks from daunting to manageable and fun, breaking projects into small, achievable steps, and to celebrate progress along the way. This book gives you the tools you need to succeed as a writer or an artist; it is written in clear prose, filled with actionable steps and insights.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Self-Publish & Succeed: The No Boring Books Way to Writing a Non-Fiction Book that Sells by Julie Broad is the perfect cheerleader and guide to start or finish the book that is crucial to you, your brand, or career. This compact, succinct book brims with information on how to self-publish your non-fiction book. Whether it's a how-to or your brand's life story, Broad's inside information will give you the tools and boost you need to succeed. Some of the topics covered are overcoming procrastination, how to avoid writing a boring book, how to find a good editor, a one-page secret that could turn your book around and generate a mountain of leads and sales, speed writing, how and where to market, how to change lives with your book, write for the reader and not yourself, and lots more. This author gives you the keys to unlocking your potential, your future, and your business; making sure that your non-fiction book is, above all, fun.

Broad has crafted a book that needs to be in front of anyone who's even thought about writing a non-fiction book. Some writers have a natural talent for it, and some need a book to boost their business or career, but all writers need the information contained in Broad's book. Even experienced writers can use a refresher course, some new ideas, or some motivation. A book can open new revenue streams for you, and reach different audiences or customers. The author puts forth her No Boring Books approach to publishing, and it's information you can refer to again and again. I love Broad's motto that non-fiction books don't have to be boring. The best ones never are. Non-fiction can be just as moving, thoughtful, and inspiring as a fiction novel. I also like the way the author gets into the nuts-and-bolts of writing non-fiction, the publication process, which changes with the times, and you the reader or potential writer can change right along with it. Also interesting are the real-life success stories she profiles. Broad also shows you what not to do, which is just as important. Read Julie Broad's Self-Publish & Succeed from cover to cover, and you will hit the ground running with your non-fiction book.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Karin Adams' One Week Writing Workshop offers a structured, seven-day approach to story writing. It includes daily warmups and core exercises to enhance skills, stimulate creativity, and tackle writer's block. Writers can either start a new project or refine an existing one, with a focus on idea generation, plot development, and storyboarding. For example, day four highlights the plot with a mini storyboard; and Adams' workshop leans into the importance of the writing process over the end product. Techniques such as brainstorming, "Writer’s Walks," and using sensory elements like music are employed to boost creativity. Readers are taught about building characters by writing detailed biographies, first-person viewpoints, and visual aids; the setting is integrated with character actions, and the story world is expanded through backstories and physical models. The workshop stresses revision, advising a focus on story core, gathering feedback, and incremental improvements.

One Week Writing Workshop by Karin Adams is a wonderfully pragmatic and engaging approach to writing, making it a standout resource for both novice and seasoned writers. Adams’ own writing style within the workshop is comfortably conversational, making it accessible in how she provides a clear seven-day plan that guides readers. I think her encouragement to embrace the act of writing and experiment freely is extremely helpful and brings writers back to the joy of storytelling. The workshop excels in practical advice, such as using sensory details to bring settings to life and creating dynamic characters through innovative exercises. I personally thought the “500/500 Method” for balancing new writing with revisions to be particularly effective. Overall, with Adams' implementation of interactive elements throughout and her thoughtful strategies that foster steps and prompt proactive writing, One Week Writing Workshop is a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their craft and stay inspired. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mansoor Ahmed for Readers' Favorite

The Profitable Author: 1,001 Ways to Build a Business You Love Around Your Books by Sharon Woodhouse is a practical and motivational guide for writers who want to turn their books into a steady, fulfilling source of income. The book doesn’t just focus on writing itself—it’s about what comes next. It teaches authors how to treat their writing like a real business by sharing tested advice on marketing, selling, managing time, creating multiple income streams, and building a life they enjoy around their books. Whether you’re self-published, traditionally published, or just starting, the book offers ideas on how to take small, daily steps to reach bigger goals. With tips on events, partnerships, merchandise, services, social media, and even mindset, Woodhouse helps authors customize a plan that fits their strengths, lifestyle, and values. This is not a “get rich quick” manual but a long-term guide to making writing work financially and personally.

Sharon Woodhouse’s writing is clear, friendly, and energetic. Her advice feels personal and authentic, drawn from years of experience in publishing and business coaching. The narrative structure is organized into themes like sales, marketing, productivity, and mindset, making it easy to use as a reference or read straight through. The tone is encouraging, and I liked how she emphasizes building a business that fits your life, not someone else’s idea of success. Her “do five things a day” tip stuck with me—it’s simple but powerful. The Profitable Author made me feel excited, not overwhelmed, about taking control of my author journey. It’s full of useful tools and motivation, especially for writers like me who want freedom, income, and purpose from their books.

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

Are you an old hand at writing or a newbie? Either way, Mastering Your Scenes: Your Blueprint for Success by J.A. Cox is a great book for all fiction writers. If you have ever been stuck writing a chapter, this book gives you ideas on how to get back to writing. The author lays out a simple plan to construct your chapters so your writing flows from start to finish. After describing the different types of writers, the author delves into what scenes are and how to sketch them. After you have built the book’s skeleton, you can put flesh on it by following the template. The more real the scene is to you, the more real it will be to your readers. Everyone needs a little push sometimes, and this book will give you the push you need to finish your masterpiece.

If you have been looking for a well-crafted book on making your fictional scenes realistic, Mastering Your Scenes by J.A. Cox is the book you want. The author writes in an easy-to-follow style that will get your writing juices flowing. Each chapter includes the following sections: when, where, how, and practical application. Armed with knowledge about perfecting scenes, you will improve your writing and be pleased with how much better your book seems. Since every story occurs somewhere, learning how to develop and describe the location is vital. American football coach Vince Lombardi started each training season with the simple statement, “Gentlemen, this is a football!” Even seasoned writers must remember the basics; this book is a wonderful primer. I highly recommend this book to all fiction writers.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Me and The Times is a thoroughly engaging and fascinating memoir from the pen of Robert W. Stock. Subtitled My Wild Ride from Elevator Operator to New York Times Editor, Columnist, and Change Agent (1967-97), the author presents the details of his life and his many fascinating work encounters through his long career at that paragon of journalistic virtue, The Grey Lady – The New York Times. As a married man with a child at just 19, earning a living for his family was the number one priority for the young Stock and it was through the fortuitous actions of Golda Meir’s sister that he found his first job in a local Bridgeport newspaper. So started a career that would culminate in the role of editor and columnist for the Sunday edition of The New York Times. Through anecdotes and memories of the many stories he covered in his time with the newspaper, the author entertains and enthralls with topics as diverse as covering the petroleum industry when it was in its exploratory heyday, right through to sensitive and relevant topics such as sex for seniors. There will be something here for everyone, especially nostalgia buffs who look back with rose-tinted glasses at the pre-social media and pre-cable news days when the daily newspapers provided the backbone of a citizenry’s information and opinion.

Me and The Times ranks right up there with the most fascinating books I’ve read this year. Having worked as a reporter for a small, bi-weekly newspaper in another life, I fully recognized and appreciated many of the issues and frustrations reporters felt with editors in general. I, like the author, was a notorious user of puns in my copy and could never understand why my editors insisted on removing or rewriting what I thought was incredibly clever wordsmithing. Author Robert W. Stock has led a fascinating and privileged work life as not only an editor and columnist for the most famous newspaper in the world but also at a time when newspapers and their contents were trusted and believed. I’m not sure the same trust and believability can be applied to “news” sources in general today. I agree, as the author points out, that part of the reason for the deep social schisms in society today can be directly laid at the feet of “click-bait” news and the partisanship of various news sources. This memoir is not only about the author’s work life as he is more than willing to delve into all aspects of his childhood as well as his marriages and personal life. This certainly gives the memoir the human touch. The stories and the people he met through his work are a veritable namedrop of many of the most important figures in business, politics, entertainment, and even sports, which no doubt will arouse envy amongst readers. Few books I have read have been as devoid of errors as this one is, clearly validating the author’s main claim to fame; that of being a first-class editor. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite

The Complete Beginner's Guide to Self-Publishing for Christians is a comprehensive manual for writers publishing for the first time and those who have published before but need to learn more before writing their next book. Author Sallie Dawkins is an experienced writer and publisher who leads her readers through all stages of the publishing process. The chapters start with what needs to happen before beginning to write and go through the writing process and to the launching and marketing of books. Dawkins shares much about her writing and publishing journey, including mistakes and what she got right. There is an emphasis on Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing platform. The book concludes with a practice publishing project, a glossary of writing terms, a step-by-step guide to self-publishing, a list of publishing resources and estimated self-publishing expenses, and some recommended books. As the title states, Dawkins stresses Christian writing.

I have self-published eleven books, and I wish I could have read this book before publishing my first one. I'm sure I would have saved much time, effort, and frustration if The Complete Beginner's Guide to Self-Publishing for Christians had been available then. The word "complete" in the title is not an exaggeration. Author Sallie Dawkins covers everything writers need to know about writing and self-publishing their books. The legal and financial considerations that Dawkins writes about alone are worth the book's price. They will potentially save new writers from making expensive mistakes that could cost them a lot of money. Whether someone is new to writing and self-publishing or has written and published numerous books, I strongly recommend they read this excellent book. Dawkins is a fine writer and explains her topics in easy-to-understand terms. Whether her readers write Christian or secular material, they will find this book invaluable.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

So Good They Call You a Fake by Joshua Lisec is a business and self-help book that offers a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs, authors, and creatives looking to establish themselves as undisputed authorities in their niches. Lisec presents practical strategies for transforming visibility into monetized success, emphasizing the importance of embracing criticism as a marker of excellence. The book encourages readers to maximize their talents, create impactful products, and leverage attention effectively. Lisec has a great balance of solid practical advice and motivational insights in this highly readable work, empowering readers to take bold steps toward success, no matter the potential flack or criticism they may receive along the way. Nobody likes criticism, or so they say, but Lisec’s unique approach to mindset and motivation teaches valuable skills that also stretch far beyond business and into our daily lives to not take the opinions of others too seriously.

Joshua Lisec's writing is clear and actionable, making complex strategies accessible to a broad audience with a bold, confident narrative that lets you know he practices exactly what he preaches between these pages, and with great success. Lisec's approach to turning criticism into a powerful marketing tool is both innovative and inspiring, with wry humor and amusing anecdotes that make you feel as if you’re being guided by a close personal friend. The book's structured, step-by-step guidance is also well-arranged to refer back to essential advice sections with ease. Overall, So Good They Call You a Fake is a refreshing and empowering take on self-help and success that will certainly motivate others into action, no matter the setbacks they face.

Reviewed by Renee Guill for Readers' Favorite

Self-Promote and Succeed by Julie Broad is a non-fiction business book for indie authors. The author talks about what you want your book to do for you, gives you options to publish your book and explains how to do that. She covers different ways to market your book, like using podcasts or speaking engagements. She discusses the different ways to publish your book, like audio versions. Julie even explains how to use metadata and SEO to sell your books. She has tools to assist on her website, in case you need more help.

I thought that Self-Promote and Succeed by Julie Broad was a real eye-opener. I loved that she said the book should be a tool for us, and we should decide how to use it that way. It was a mind-blowing 'aha' moment for me. Definitely, a game changer. I loved that she shared where to publish and explained the differences between the companies, and none was left out. The chapter summaries were nice and made it easier to remember things. My favorite chapter was the bookstore chapter. Not only did Julie explain how they worked, but she did the math too; another mind-blowing fact. She made metadata sound easy, and, as an introvert, I can't wait to try it. I loved that she has so many ideas to promote a book, for both introverts and extroverts. If you are an indie author or plan on becoming one, this is a must-read.