7 Book Publishing Books That Change Your Publishing Game

Dive into Book Publishing Books recommended by bestselling authors Michael Wallace, Martin Taylor, and David Penny to sharpen your publishing skills.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if the difference between your book languishing and soaring lies in the insights hidden inside a few well-chosen guides? Navigating the complex world of book publishing can be daunting, especially as digital platforms and marketing strategies evolve. Today, understanding not just how to write but how to effectively publish and market your work is more crucial than ever.

Consider Michael Wallace, a bestselling author who found fresh, practical insights in "Let's Get Digital" despite his seasoned background. Then there's Martin Taylor, a Grammy-nominated guitarist, who praises "Self-Published Millionaire" for its blend of publishing savvy and marketing prowess. These experts discovered that even established authors can sharpen their approach through the right resources.

While these carefully selected books offer proven frameworks, those seeking tailored advice on specific publishing paths or marketing strategies might consider creating a personalized Book Publishing book designed to fit unique backgrounds, goals, and experience levels. This approach bridges expert knowledge with your personal publishing journey.

Best for indie authors mastering digital self-publishing
Michael Wallace, a bestselling author with deep experience in indie publishing, found this book invaluable despite his background. After encountering it during his efforts to navigate ebook marketing, he shared, "Even with my background as an indie writer, I picked up several valuable tips...this is simply the best book about the ebook revolution that I have read." His perspective highlights the book’s ability to offer fresh and practical insights even to seasoned authors, making it a compelling choice if you want to understand the current self-publishing landscape and boost your book's success.

Recommended by Michael Wallace

Bestselling author

Even with my background as an indie writer, I picked up several valuable tips...this is simply the best book about the ebook revolution that I have read. (from Amazon)

David Gaughran draws on years of experience helping authors navigate self-publishing to deliver a detailed guide that demystifies the process. You’ll learn how to build a platform, optimize your ebook’s discoverability through keywords and categories, and understand the pros and cons of distribution channels like Kindle Unlimited. The book dedicates chapters to writing for market, cover design, and pricing strategies, providing concrete tools for authors aiming to sell more effectively. If you’re an aspiring or established indie author looking to grasp the evolving landscape of digital publishing, this book offers straightforward insights without fluff.

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Best for authors building a publishing business
Martin Taylor, a Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist, praises Joseph Alexander’s deep understanding not only of music education but also of publishing and marketing. Taylor highlights Joseph's clear communication skills and marketing expertise, which make his approach accessible and effective. Discovering this book during his career, Taylor found it a formidable resource that blends practical music teaching with savvy business tactics. His endorsement signals why you should consider this guide if you want to master the self-publishing process. Additionally, David Penny, an Amazon bestselling author, respects Joseph for turning ideas into a thriving publishing business, reinforcing the book's value for non-fiction and fiction authors alike.

Recommended by Martin Taylor

Grammy nominated jazz guitarist

Joseph Alexander has a deep understanding of the guitar and music education. He really knows how to communicate with music students and get the message across in a clear and concise way. Coupled with phenomenal marketing skills and vast knowledge and experience in publishing, he is a formidable force in music education (from Amazon)

Joseph Alexander's experience as a prolific indie author who has published over 120 books and earned millions in royalties shapes this no-frills guide to self-publishing. You get a detailed walkthrough of every stage, from generating marketable book ideas and overcoming writer's block to mastering Amazon KDP publishing and advanced marketing tactics like AMS ads and email automation. The book also benefits fiction writers through Tim Pettingale's traditional publishing insights. Chapters on outsourcing and building an engaged email list stand out, making this a practical manual for authors ready to take control of their publishing business.

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Best for personal publishing plans
This AI-created book on book publishing is tailored to your skill level and unique publishing goals. By sharing your background and specific interests in publishing stages, you receive a book that covers exactly what you need to understand and master. This personalized approach helps you focus on the elements most relevant to your journey, making the complex publishing world easier to navigate and more rewarding to explore.
2025·50-300 pages·Book Publishing, Manuscript Preparation, Editing Techniques, Distribution Channels, Marketing Essentials

This tailored book explores the multifaceted world of book publishing, guiding you through each critical stage with a personalized focus that matches your background and goals. It covers everything from manuscript preparation and editing nuances to distribution choices and marketing tactics, providing a clear pathway through complex publishing decisions. By addressing your specific interests, this book ensures that you gain knowledge relevant to your journey, helping you navigate challenges and make informed choices. With a tailored approach, the content synthesizes core publishing concepts with insights aligned to your experience level, revealing how each step connects to successful book release. This personalized guidance transforms the overwhelming landscape of publishing into an accessible, engaging learning experience designed just for you.

Tailored Guide
Publishing Pathways
3,000+ Books Created
Best for first-time authors navigating editing
Sandra Wendel is a highly experienced book editor who specializes in helping authors write, polish, and publish their nonfiction manuscripts. Her extensive work with diverse clients—from Holocaust survivors to CEOs—and her co-authorship of award-winning health books at Mayo Clinic position her uniquely to guide first-time authors. In this book, she distills insider knowledge on the editing process, empowering you to move beyond feeling vulnerable with your manuscript toward confident publishing.
2022·230 pages·Book Publishing, Editing, Manuscript Preparation, Author Collaboration, Developmental Editing

Sandra Wendel brings decades of hands-on editing experience to this guide designed specifically for first-time authors navigating the complexities of preparing a manuscript for publication. You learn how to identify the right editor for your project, understand various levels of editing—from developmental to proofreading—and avoid common pitfalls like relying on self-editing or untrained friends. The book offers practical tools such as a pre-editing checklist and insights on collaborating with cover designers and audiobook producers. If you’re stepping into the world of publishing with your first book, this book walks you through the editorial process with clarity, making it easier to turn your raw manuscript into a polished final product.

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Best for cost-conscious nonfiction self-publishers
Jerry Minchey, with a background spanning NASA engineering to Harvard Business School, brings a methodical and business-oriented perspective to nonfiction book publishing. His expertise shines through as he guides you through writing and publishing your first book on Amazon at zero cost, drawing on his experience as a prolific author of 28 books and numerous patents.
2022·226 pages·Book Publishing, Publishing, Nonfiction Writing, Amazon Publishing, Self Publishing

Jerry Minchey leverages his unique mix of engineering precision and business savvy to demystify the process of writing and publishing your first nonfiction book on Amazon, all without upfront costs. You’ll learn how to craft compelling titles and subtitles, design eye-catching covers, and identify profitable keywords that boost sales, as detailed in Chapter 16. Minchey also challenges the traditional reliance on editors and unveils multiple strategies to gather authentic reviews, which are crucial for visibility on Amazon. This book suits aspiring authors eager to navigate the entire publishing journey independently, especially those looking to self-publish efficiently and cost-effectively.

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Best for editors refining publishing manuscripts
Amy Einsohn was a professional editor with extensive experience in scholarly, trade nonfiction, and corporate publishing. She also taught numerous copyediting courses and conducted corporate training workshops, which informed the authoritative and practical nature of this handbook. This background makes the book a trusted guide for understanding the craft of copyediting within the evolving landscape of book publishing and communications.
2019·568 pages·Publishing, Book Publishing, Copyediting, Style Guides, Digital Editing

Amy Einsohn’s extensive experience as a professional editor shines through in this updated handbook, which tackles the evolving demands of copyediting in book publishing and corporate communications. You get a detailed look at how to handle modern challenges—from digital text preparation and accessibility to navigating global audiences and plain language rules. The book also offers practical insights into using current editorial tools and style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style. Chapters on new workflows for on-screen editing and serving self-publishing authors provide concrete skills that both newcomers and seasoned editors can apply. If you want to sharpen your copyediting judgment and stay current with industry shifts, this book serves as a solid, no-frills reference.

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Best for rapid publishing wins
This custom AI book on publishing success is created based on your experience and goals in book publishing. By understanding your unique background and what aspects of publishing you want to focus on, this book offers a tailored pathway through the vast publishing landscape. Instead of generic advice, it addresses your specific objectives with clear, step-by-step guidance to help you achieve quick wins and jumpstart your publishing journey with focus and confidence.
2025·50-300 pages·Book Publishing, Self Publishing, Manuscript Preparation, Marketing Basics, Distribution Channels

This tailored book explores a step-by-step pathway designed to deliver quick, tangible wins aligned with your unique publishing goals. It examines essential publishing elements including manuscript preparation, distribution options, marketing essentials, and author branding, all matched to your background and interests. By focusing on your specific challenges and objectives, this personalized guide reveals how to efficiently navigate the complex publishing landscape without unnecessary detours. It offers a clear, actionable roadmap that balances expert knowledge with your individual circumstances, helping you jumpstart your publishing journey with confidence and clarity.

Tailored Guide
Publishing Roadmap
3,000+ Books Created
Best for marketers optimizing Amazon book sales
Richard McCartney is an author and entrepreneur based in The Netherlands. He founded KBookPromotions and KindleBookReview to help authors promote their work and has written multiple books including guidance on selling books on Amazon. His practical, engaging style reflects deep knowledge of self-publishing marketing challenges. This book offers insights drawn from his hands-on experience helping authors get noticed and sell more in the competitive Amazon marketplace.
2023·118 pages·Book Publishing, Publishing, Book Industry, Amazon Marketing, Book Promotion

What if everything you knew about self-publishing and book marketing was incomplete? Richard McCartney, drawing from his experience founding KBookPromotions and KindleBookReview, unpacks the hidden tactics that help books break through Amazon's noise. You learn how to navigate Amazon's search algorithms, spot effective advertising opportunities, and measure your marketing impact beyond surface-level metrics. Chapters like "Investigating The Secrets Of Amazon's Search Box" offer concrete strategies, making this especially useful if you want to understand why certain titles soar to bestseller status while others languish. If you’re ready to rethink promotion and focus on proven methods, this book serves those aiming to get noticed in the crowded self-publishing arena.

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Best for children's book authors and illustrators
Amy Jones brings her extensive editorial expertise as editor in chief of Writer’s Digest to this authoritative guide for aspiring children's writers and illustrators. With a background managing content for WD Books and North Light Books, she understands what publishers seek and how to connect creators with the right markets. Her passion for literary fiction and diverse storytelling informs this edition, making it an essential resource for those aiming to succeed in children's publishing.
2022·416 pages·Publishing, Book Publishing, Children's Literature, Literary Agents, Submission Guidelines

After years directing content at Writer's Digest, Amy Jones crafted this guide to demystify the children's publishing world. You'll discover detailed listings of over 500 publishers, agents, magazines, and contests, each with submission guidelines tailored for children's and young adult markets. Beyond directories, the book offers insightful interviews with bestselling authors like N.K. Jemisin and practical articles on narrative techniques and building your author platform. If you're aiming to break into children's literature, this book equips you with both the market intelligence and craft knowledge to navigate the path with confidence.

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Conclusion

The collection of these seven books reveals a few clear themes: mastering the digital self-publishing landscape, understanding the editorial and marketing essentials, and navigating niche markets like children's books. Each book tackles a critical piece of the puzzle, whether it's building a platform, refining your manuscript, or harnessing Amazon's algorithms.

If you're starting your publishing journey, begin with "Let's Get Digital" to grasp the evolving indie landscape. For those ready to build a sustainable publishing business, Joseph Alexander’s "Self-Published Millionaire" offers step-by-step guidance. And if you’re preparing your manuscript for the world, "Cover to Cover" and "The Copyeditor's Handbook" will sharpen your editorial skills. Combining these resources accelerates your learning and implementation.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Book Publishing book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and turn your publishing ambitions into reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Let's Get Digital" by David Gaughran. It provides a clear overview of modern self-publishing essentials, ideal for gaining a solid foundation before diving into specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Book Publishing?

Not at all. Books like "Cover to Cover" and Jerry Minchey’s guide are beginner-friendly, walking you through editing and publishing step-by-step with practical advice.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with "Let's Get Digital" for an overview, then "Self-Published Millionaire" to build business skills. Follow with editorial guides like "Cover to Cover" and "The Copyeditor's Handbook" to refine your manuscript.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on relevance over age. For example, "Let's Get Digital" and "Self-Publishing" by Richard McCartney offer up-to-date marketing strategies that reflect the current publishing climate.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Book Publishing?

No, most are designed for authors at various stages. For instance, "How to Write a Non-Fiction Book and Publish It on Amazon" is tailored for beginners seeking a cost-effective path to publishing.

Can I get personalized publishing advice instead of general guides?

Yes! While these expert books provide valuable insights, you can create a personalized Book Publishing book that tailors strategies to your background, goals, and specific publishing needs for a more focused approach.

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