8 Best-Selling Google Apps Script Books Millions Love

Discover 8 best-selling Google Apps Script books authored by leading experts offering practical, widely validated automation and development insights.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the fast-evolving world of Google Apps Script. This scripting language offers powerful ways to automate and enhance Google Workspace, making it an indispensable skill for developers, administrators, and productivity enthusiasts. As businesses increasingly rely on Google services, mastering Apps Script means unlocking new efficiencies and custom workflows that save time and reduce errors.

These 8 books, authored by experienced professionals like Serge Insas, James Ferreira, and Barrie Roberts, have become trusted resources within their communities. Their practical approaches stem from real-world experience—from government IT migrations to hands-on teaching and development. These texts provide clear frameworks and examples that readers repeatedly return to when solving scripting challenges.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Google Apps Script needs might consider creating a personalized Google Apps Script book that combines these validated approaches. This option offers a focused learning path aligned with your background, goals, and preferred project types.

Best for newcomers automating tasks
Serge Insas has spent much of his career manufacturing professional audio equipment, but his curiosity about simplifying daily tasks led him to master JavaScript and become a Google Top Contributor. His expertise shines through as he translates complex scripting concepts into accessible guides, driven by his work creating IT tools for a Belgian cinema upper school. This background equips him uniquely to help you grasp Google Apps Script’s capabilities and apply them meaningfully to your own workflows.
2014·178 pages·Google Apps Script, Google, Google Apps (G Suite), Google Apps, Spreadsheet Automation

When Serge Insas began exploring JavaScript to simplify his daily work, he uncovered the powerful potential of Google Apps Script to streamline tasks across Google services. This book walks you through practical examples like creating custom spreadsheet functions, designing forms, filtering emails, and publishing web apps, making automation accessible even if you lack a coding background. It’s especially suited for those who want to enhance productivity within companies by building tailored solutions without deep technical expertise. Chapters that focus on real-world applications help you quickly apply what you learn, though the book is best if you’re ready to engage with hands-on scripting rather than just theory.

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Best for developers building web apps
James Ferreira managed public communications for two state political campaigns and served as Chief Information Officer for the New Mexico Office of Attorney General, where he led the first government migration to Google Apps. He has spoken nationally about new technology adoption and created software extending Google Apps to over half a million users. His deep expertise drives this book, which equips you to harness Google Apps Script for building dynamic web applications integrated across Google-hosted services.
2014·213 pages·Web Application Development, Google Apps Script, Google Apps (G Suite), Google Apps G Suite, Scripting

Drawing from his extensive experience as Chief Information Officer for the New Mexico Office of Attorney General and his role in migrating government agencies to Google Apps, James Ferreira offers a detailed guide to building web applications with Google Apps Script. You learn how to create interactive, data-driven apps that integrate seamlessly with Google Drive and other Google-hosted services, including building custom web UIs, managing spreadsheets, automating workflows, and debugging deployed scripts. Ferreira’s practical approach suits anyone with basic coding and JavaScript skills aiming to leverage Google Apps as a development platform rather than just an automation tool. If you want to move beyond simple scripting and develop scalable web apps within the Google ecosystem, this book lays out the necessary frameworks and examples clearly.

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Best for expert automation plans
This AI-created book on Google Apps Script is tailored to your specific automation challenges and skill level. By focusing on your unique background and desired outcomes, it offers a custom learning journey that zeroes in on the advanced techniques you need most. Instead of broad overviews, it dives into areas you want to master, making your learning time more effective and relevant. Personalizing your Google Apps Script experience like this ensures you build exactly the skills and insights that match your projects and goals.
2025·50-300 pages·Google Apps Script, Automation Techniques, Custom Functions, Error Handling, API Integration

This personalized book explores advanced automation techniques within Google Apps Script, tailored precisely to your background and goals. It delves into complex scripting challenges, revealing how to craft efficient, custom solutions designed to streamline workflows in Google Workspace. By matching your specific interests and skill level, it uncovers nuanced automation tactics that elevate your scripting mastery beyond basics. The book embraces a hands-on approach that encourages deeper understanding through targeted examples and practical problem-solving tailored to your projects. It also examines integration possibilities with various Google services, offering insights that refine your ability to automate with precision and creativity.

Tailored Guide
Advanced Automation
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for VBA programmers transitioning
Bruce Mcpherson is a veteran IT practitioner with over 30 years of experience as CIO, Chief Architect, and in various roles at Motorola and Lucent. His deep expertise in Google, Microsoft, and Oracle technologies, combined with his role as a Google Developer Expert specializing in Apps Script, uniquely qualifies him to guide you through transitioning from VBA to Google Apps Script. His practical insights and focus on integration challenges make this book a valuable resource for developers adapting to Google’s cloud ecosystem.
2016·453 pages·Google Apps Script, Software Development, Automation, JavaScript, VBA Migration

Bruce Mcpherson’s decades of experience as a CIO and architect in major global enterprises shaped this guide, designed to help you transition from VBA to Google Apps Script smoothly. You’ll learn how to translate VBA code into JavaScript-based Apps Script, master key services like Sheets, Docs, Gmail, Calendar, and Drive, and build browser-based applications that interact with REST services or NoSQL databases. The book walks you through practical examples such as automating email workflows and managing content dynamically, making it especially useful if you’re an experienced developer moving to Google’s ecosystem. If you rely heavily on VBA or .NET and want to adapt your skills to Google’s cloud platform, this book is a straightforward companion.

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Best for coders seeking practical automation
Ramalingam Ganapathy is an independent software professional with over 15 years of JavaScript and Google Apps Script experience. Beginning his career as a digital circuit designer, he transitioned into software freelancing with a strong reputation on Upwork. His technical background and logical approach shape this book, which guides you through practical ways to customize and automate Google applications, making it a solid resource for developers looking to leverage Apps Script effectively.
Learning Google Apps Script book cover

by Ramalingam Ganapathy··You?

2016·232 pages·Google Apps Script, Google Apps (G Suite), Automation, Scripting, Google Apps

Unlike most Google Apps Script books that focus solely on syntax, Ramalingam Ganapathy leverages his 15+ years of JavaScript experience to show you how to customize and automate Google applications practically. You’ll learn to create custom menus, automate emails, build interactive web pages, and connect with external APIs through clear code examples and screenshots. Chapters detail building add-ons for Sheets, Docs, and Forms, plus designing workflows and web-forms that solve real problems. This book suits you if you have some JavaScript experience and want hands-on guidance for applying Google Apps Script effectively.

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Best for G Suite admin automation
Cesar Anton Dorantes brings a wealth of expertise as a pioneering Google Developers Expert, recognized for his rapid prototyping and passion for user experience. His background spans major education start-ups and global media companies, giving him unique insight into scalable cloud solutions. This book reflects his commitment to helping administrators master G Suite with practical, scalable strategies drawn from real-world experience.
2019·304 pages·Google Apps (G Suite), Google Apps Script, Office Administration, Google Apps, Administration

When Cesar Anton Dorantes first realized the complexity administrators face managing G Suite across diverse business scales, he crafted this guide to demystify the platform's capabilities. You’ll explore everything from configuring domains and administering Gmail for business to setting up security protocols and leveraging Google Sites for internal tools. The book offers tangible insights into monitoring and troubleshooting with real examples, such as using reports to optimize your environment. If you're tasked with managing G Suite in any organization, this book equips you with the concrete skills to enhance collaboration, security, and administration efficiency.

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Best for rapid skill building
This AI-created book on Google Apps Script is tailored to your specific goals and skill level. You share what aspects of Apps Script you're interested in and your current experience, then receive a book that focuses on practical steps for rapid learning. This personalized approach lets you concentrate on what matters most to you, cutting through general material to help you build real scripting abilities quickly.
2025·50-300 pages·Google Apps Script, Automation Basics, Scripting Fundamentals, Custom Functions, Workflow Automation

This tailored book offers a focused journey through Google Apps Script, designed to match your background and goals for rapid skill development. It explores step-by-step actions that build proficiency efficiently, covering essential scripting concepts, automation techniques, and practical project applications. Combining widely validated knowledge with your specific interests, it reveals how to harness Apps Script to streamline workflows and create custom tools within Google Workspace. The personalized content ensures you engage with material that suits your current level and desired pace, making complex topics accessible and relevant. This approach helps you quickly gain confidence and apply your learning to real-world scenarios, making your mastery both purposeful and attainable.

Tailored Guide
Project Integration
3,000+ Books Created
Best for document workflow experts
Barrie Roberts has been teaching since 2006 and has written several books to share his knowledge on Google Workspace apps and Google Apps Script. He aims to guide you from knowing nothing about these products to using them with confidence, providing step-by-step instructions and practical examples that make complex scripting accessible for automating Google Docs.
2020·159 pages·Google Apps Script, Google Apps (G Suite), Google Apps, Document Automation, Template Editing

Barrie Roberts has been teaching since 2006, bringing years of hands-on experience with Google Workspace to this focused guide. His approach takes you through practical uses of Google Apps Script specifically for Google Docs, offering detailed examples like crafting multi-item invoices and automating student reports with progress bars. You’ll gain skills in document automation, template editing, and integrating real-time web data to keep documents dynamic. This book suits those with basic JavaScript knowledge aiming to deepen their Apps Script expertise and streamline document workflows in professional or educational settings.

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Best for beginners mastering Sheets and Forms
Barrie Roberts has been teaching since 2006 and has authored several books on Google Workspace and Apps Script. His focus is on guiding beginners through these tools with confidence using a step-by-step approach. This book reflects his commitment to making automation accessible, helping you unlock new efficiencies by mastering Google Sheets and Forms scripting.

Barrie Roberts has been teaching since 2006, and his extensive experience shines through in this approachable guide for mastering Google Apps Script. You’ll learn how to automate tasks in Google Sheets and Forms, starting from the basics of scripting and gradually advancing to handling complex forms and data validation. The book breaks down concepts like loops, arrays, triggers, and classes with clear examples, making it accessible even if you’ve never coded before. Whether you want to streamline workflows or create dynamic quizzes, Roberts’ methodical chapters offer practical skills you can apply immediately.

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Best for hands-on project learners
Barrie Roberts has been teaching since 2006 and wrote this book to fill a gap in resources for mastering Google Workspace apps and Google Apps Script. His experience guiding learners from zero to confident users shines through in this project-focused approach, making it easier for you to gain hands-on expertise through real-world tasks.
2021·137 pages·Google Apps Script, Google Apps (G Suite), Google Apps, Automation, Productivity

What started as a teaching challenge led Barrie Roberts to craft this hands-on guide for those ready to move beyond Google Apps Script basics. The book walks you through eight practical projects, each designed to deepen your understanding by applying concepts to real tasks like automating book inventories, managing employee onboarding, and generating personalized certificates. Roberts explains every step clearly, making complex scripts approachable even if you’re new to coding. If you want to build practical skills by doing, especially with Google Sheets as a foundation, this book offers straightforward, project-based learning that will suit you well.

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Proven Methods, Personalized for You

Get proven popular methods without following generic advice that doesn't fit.

Targeted learning paths
Custom script examples
Faster skill building

Validated by thousands of Google Apps Script enthusiasts worldwide

Script Mastery Blueprint
90-Day Apps Script System
Strategic Script Foundations
Automation Success Formula

Conclusion

These 8 books collectively showcase practical, proven frameworks for mastering Google Apps Script—from beginner-friendly automation to advanced web app development and administrative workflows. Their enduring popularity reflects the widespread need for effective scripting solutions within the Google ecosystem.

If you prefer proven methods, start with "Google Apps Script for Beginners" by Serge Insas or Barrie Roberts’ "Beginner's Guide to Google Apps Script 1 & 2". For validated approaches in web application development, James Ferreira’s guide offers deep expertise. Meanwhile, project-based learners will find Barrie Roberts’ "Google Apps Script Projects" especially valuable.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Google Apps Script book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in automating, customizing, and extending their Google Workspace capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Google Apps Script for Beginners" by Serge Insas or Barrie Roberts' "Beginner's Guide to Google Apps Script 1 & 2". Both focus on foundational scripting skills and practical automation, perfect for newcomers looking to build confidence before advancing.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Google Apps Script?

Not at all. Several books like "Google Apps Script for Beginners" and Barrie Roberts' beginner guides are designed specifically for those new to scripting, offering step-by-step instructions and real-world examples to ease learning.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with beginner-focused books to grasp scripting basics, such as Serge Insas' and Barrie Roberts' guides. Then explore specialized texts like James Ferreira's web app development or Barrie Roberts' project-based book to deepen practical skills.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Google Apps Script?

Some books, especially those by James Ferreira and Bruce Mcpherson, expect basic JavaScript or scripting knowledge. However, the collection includes beginner-friendly options that require no prior experience, making it accessible for all levels.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Google Apps Script Projects" by Barrie Roberts offers hands-on projects that let you apply concepts immediately. Similarly, "Learning Google Apps Script" by Ramalingam Ganapathy provides practical examples for real-world automation tasks.

Can I get a Google Apps Script book tailored to my specific needs?

Yes! While these books offer valuable expert insights, you can create a personalized Google Apps Script book that combines popular methods with your unique background and goals for a focused learning experience.

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