7 Microsoft Outlook Books That Experts Turn To For Success

Recommended by Faithe Wempen, Joan Lambert, and Michael Linenberger, these Microsoft Outlook books deliver proven productivity techniques and certification guidance.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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What if you could tame your overflowing inbox and regain control of your workday with Microsoft Outlook? Many professionals struggle daily with managing emails, calendars, and tasks, but a handful of books have become trusted guides in transforming Outlook from a source of stress into a productivity powerhouse.

Authors like Michael Linenberger, who developed systems to conquer email overload, and Joan Lambert, a Microsoft Certified Trainer with decades of experience, have helped countless users navigate Outlook's complexities. Faithe Wempen, known for her clear teaching style, also offers accessible strategies for mastering Outlook’s evolving features.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific job roles, skill levels, or learning goals might consider creating a personalized Microsoft Outlook book that builds on these insights. Such customization can accelerate your mastery of Outlook in ways generic guides cannot.

Best for mastering daily workflow control
Michael Linenberger, called the 'Efficiency Guru' by The Detroit News, brings over two decades of experience as a management consultant and technology professional to this book. Having served as a V.P. at Accenture and led the IT department at the US Peace Corps, he leverages his expertise to help you transform your Microsoft Outlook experience. His insights address common pitfalls that burden professionals with email overload and long work hours, offering you tested techniques to regain control and optimize your daily productivity.
2017·473 pages·Microsoft Outlook, Time Management, Task Management, Email Management, Productivity Techniques

When Michael Linenberger realized the traditional ways of managing Outlook were causing more stress than relief, he crafted a focused approach that redefines how you handle your workday. This book dives deep into mastering time, task, and email management within Microsoft Outlook version 365, including tips for integrating smartphones effectively. You'll find specific frameworks for sorting tasks and emails, like his "Inbox Zero" adaptation and the "Rule of Three" for prioritizing daily goals. Whether you're overwhelmed by messages or routinely working late, the practical strategies here help reclaim control over your schedule and streamline digital workflows.

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Best for practical Outlook basics and automation
Faithe Wempen, M.A., is a Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor and author of over 150 books on Windows, Office, and technology. Her deep expertise shines through in this thorough guide, designed to help you unlock the full potential of Microsoft Outlook Office 2021. Drawing on years of teaching and writing, she breaks down complex features into manageable steps, ensuring you can boost your productivity and confidently handle Outlook’s many tools.
Outlook For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) book cover

by Faithe Wempen··You?

2021·400 pages·Email, Microsoft Outlook, Productivity, Scheduling, Collaboration

Faithe Wempen, with her extensive experience as a Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor, offers a clear and approachable guide to mastering Microsoft Outlook in this edition tailored to Office 2021. You’ll learn not only the essentials like emailing and calendar management but also discover lesser-known features such as automated mail rules, message translation, and calendar sharing that can streamline your daily workflow. Chapters walk you through syncing across devices and organizing tasks, making it ideal if you want to turn Outlook into a powerful productivity hub. This book suits both newcomers and those upgrading, providing practical insights without overwhelming jargon.

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Best for personal action plans
This AI-created book on Microsoft Outlook mastery is tailored to your experience and productivity goals. You share your current knowledge, areas of interest, and what you want to achieve with Outlook, and the book focuses on exactly those aspects. It makes sense to have a custom guide here because Outlook’s depth means you might want to concentrate on different tools or workflows than others. This personalized approach cuts through the clutter and helps you build the skills that matter most to your work style.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Outlook, Email Management, Calendar Scheduling, Task Tracking, Workflow Customization

This personalized AI-created book explores the essentials and advanced features of Microsoft Outlook, tailored to your background and goals. It covers everything from mastering email management and calendar scheduling to customizing workflows and optimizing task tracking. By focusing on your specific interests, the book reveals practical ways to navigate Outlook’s complex interface and integrate its tools into your daily routine effectively. This tailored guide matches your skill level and desired outcomes, offering a focused learning path that bridges expert knowledge with your unique productivity needs. It examines how to leverage Outlook’s capabilities to regain control over your inbox and workday with confidence.

Tailored Guide
Productivity Optimization
3,000+ Books Created
Sally McGhee is a recognized thought leader and innovator in productivity and change management with over 30 years of experience. As founder and CEO of McGhee Productivity Solutions, she developed the Take Back Your Life! methodology to help individuals regain control over their commitments and achieve work-life balance. This book reflects her deep understanding of how to use Microsoft Office Outlook not just as a tool, but as a system to reclaim your time and enhance productivity.
2017·338 pages·Microsoft Outlook, Productivity, Time Management, Email Management, Work-Life Balance

Drawing from over three decades of expertise in productivity and change management, Sally McGhee crafted this guide to help you master Microsoft Office Outlook as a tool for regaining control over your time and commitments. The book dives into concrete strategies like reducing email overload to zero daily, managing your calendar to prioritize what truly matters, and establishing boundaries to prevent overcommitment both professionally and personally. You gain practical methods for creating a personalized organizational system that supports maintaining work-life balance long term. If you're overwhelmed by digital distractions and want a structured approach to stay organized, this book offers clear, focused guidance without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for certification exam preparation
Joan Lambert has worked closely with Microsoft technologies since 1986 and leads Online Training Solutions, Inc., focusing on transforming technical details into accessible learning. Her extensive background in Microsoft Office certification guides and training shines in this study guide, crafted to help candidates succeed in the Outlook 2016 Specialist exam by offering clear instructions and practical practice materials.
2017·176 pages·Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Certifications, Study Guides, Studying, Email Management

Joan Lambert's deep experience with Microsoft technologies since 1986 shines through in this study guide tailored for the Microsoft Outlook 2016 Specialist exam. You’ll gain clear, task-focused instructions that mirror the exam requirements, including how to manage mail, calendars, contacts, and tasks efficiently. The book breaks down complex procedures into manageable steps, supported by practice files and solution examples, making it ideal if you want to confidently demonstrate proficiency in Outlook. This guide suits both those preparing for certification and users aiming to sharpen their Outlook skills without wading through unnecessary jargon or fluff.

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Best for stepwise Outlook mastery
Joan Lambert has dedicated her career to Microsoft technologies since 1986 and has been a leader in training and certification since 1997. As President and CEO of Online Training Solutions, Inc., she translates complex technical details into accessible learning resources. Her deep expertise as a Microsoft Certified Trainer and Office Specialist Master shines in this book, designed to help you quickly and effectively learn Outlook 2016. With over three dozen authored books and specialized certification guides, Lambert’s guidance is grounded in years of hands-on teaching and development experience, making this a reliable resource to enhance your Outlook skills.
2016·592 pages·Microsoft Outlook, Email Management, Calendar Scheduling, Contact Management, Task Tracking

The methods Joan Lambert developed while working closely with Microsoft technologies since 1986 and her extensive experience in training and certification reveal themselves throughout this book. You’ll learn how to handle Outlook 2016’s email management, calendar scheduling, contact organization, and task tracking with precision, supported by clear lessons and practical examples. For instance, the book walks you through linking contacts to social media data and enhancing message security, skills that are essential in today’s connected work environment. This guide suits anyone aiming to master Outlook 2016—whether you’re preparing for certification or simply want to streamline your daily communication workflows.

Published by Microsoft Press
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Best for rapid Outlook improvement
This AI-created book on Microsoft Outlook efficiency is tailored to your skill level and specific workflow needs. You share your current experience and the Outlook features you want to improve, and the book is created to focus on quick, practical steps that suit your daily routine. Customization makes all the difference here, turning complex Outlook functionalities into actionable improvements tailored just for you. This way, you avoid generic advice and get exactly what you need to boost your productivity fast.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Outlook, Email Management, Calendar Scheduling, Task Organization, Workflow Automation

This personalized book explores rapid techniques to enhance your Microsoft Outlook workflow tailored precisely to your experience and goals. It covers essential Outlook tools and shortcuts, focusing on practical ways to improve email handling, calendar management, and task organization that resonate with your specific needs. By delving into the intricacies of Outlook's features, this tailored guide helps you unlock productivity gains faster than generic manuals, addressing your unique challenges. The book reveals actionable steps and efficient methods that align with your work habits and skill level, ensuring you build a more streamlined and effective Outlook routine. It’s an engaging resource designed to deepen your understanding and deliver measurable improvements in daily Outlook use.

Tailored Guide
Workflow Automation
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for upgrading to Outlook 2019 features
Faithe Wempen, M.A., a Microsoft Office Master Instructor and author of over 150 computer technology books, brings authoritative expertise to this practical guide on Outlook 2019. Alongside Bill Dyszel, a seasoned technology consultant and speaker, they set out to help you unlock the full potential of Outlook beyond its basic functions. Their combined experience shines through in clear explanations designed to get you comfortable with features many users overlook, making this book a valuable resource for anyone aiming to enhance their email and calendar management skills.
Outlook 2019 For Dummies book cover

by Faithe Wempen, Bill Dyszel··You?

2018·352 pages·Microsoft Outlook, Email, Productivity, Task Management, Calendar Integration

When Faithe Wempen, a Microsoft Office Master Instructor with extensive teaching experience, teamed up with technology consultant Bill Dyszel, they crafted a guide that demystifies Outlook 2019 beyond its basics. You’ll discover how to harness features often overlooked, such as smart scheduling, integrating tasks with other Microsoft services, and leveraging Outlook’s anti-phishing tools. Chapters on filtering junk email and managing email folders provide practical insights for improving your daily workflow. This book suits anyone upgrading or new to Outlook who wants to move past simple email use and truly optimize their productivity.

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Best for advanced certification readiness
Joan Lambert has worked closely with Microsoft technologies since 1986 and has authored over forty books on Windows and Office. Her extensive experience in training and certification shines through in this study guide, which was developed to support your preparation for the Microsoft Office Specialist: Outlook Associate certification. With hands-on practice files and clear guidance, Lambert’s expertise ensures you’re not just learning theory but gaining practical skills that meet certification standards.
2021·144 pages·Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Certifications, Email Management, Calendar Scheduling, Task Management

After decades working alongside Microsoft technologies, Joan Lambert crafted this guide specifically to help you master Microsoft Outlook and earn the MOS certification. You’ll navigate through managing messages, schedules, contacts, and tasks with detailed procedures and practice files designed to build real proficiency. For example, the book breaks down how to customize Outlook settings and streamline communications, making these skills tangible and test-ready. If you want to validate your Outlook expertise or enhance your day-to-day efficiency with the program, this book aligns well with those goals. It’s especially useful for those preparing for the official exam or anyone looking to deepen practical Outlook knowledge.

Published by Microsoft Press
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Conclusion

Across these 7 Microsoft Outlook books, a few themes stand out: smart email management to reduce overwhelm, efficient calendar and task organization for better prioritization, and focused preparation for certification exams to validate your skills.

If you're overwhelmed by daily email chaos, start with Michael Linenberger's Total Workday Control Using Microsoft Outlook or Sally McGhee's Take Back Your Life! For those aiming to certify their skills, Joan Lambert’s MOS study guides provide targeted exam preparation. To quickly update your knowledge, Faithe Wempen’s Outlook For Dummies editions offer practical, up-to-date advice.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Microsoft Outlook book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and turn Outlook into a true productivity ally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If managing email overload stresses you out, start with Michael Linenberger’s Total Workday Control Using Microsoft Outlook. It offers clear strategies for taming your inbox and organizing your day.

Are these books suitable for someone new to Microsoft Outlook?

Yes. Faithe Wempen’s Outlook For Dummies editions walk beginners through basics and gently introduce automation and advanced features without overwhelming jargon.

Which book is best for preparing for Microsoft Outlook certification exams?

Joan Lambert’s MOS study guides, like MOS 2016 Study Guide Microsoft Outlook and MOS Study Guide for Microsoft Outlook Exam MO-400, are tailored for exam success with practice tasks and clear instructions.

Should I read these books in any particular order?

Start with foundational guides like Outlook For Dummies if you’re new, then progress to focused productivity or certification books depending on your goals.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Microsoft Outlook changes?

While some focus on specific versions like Outlook 2016 or 2019, their core productivity principles remain highly relevant. For the latest features, look to newer editions like Outlook 2019 For Dummies.

Can personalized Microsoft Outlook books complement these expert recommendations?

Absolutely. These expert books provide solid frameworks, and personalized books can tailor strategies to your role, experience, and goals. Check out creating a personalized Microsoft Outlook book for a custom approach.

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