36 books like How NOT To Write A Book

By Michelle Kulp,

Here are 36 books that How NOT To Write A Book fans have personally recommended if you like How NOT To Write A Book. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Media Secrets: A Media Training Crash Course

Scott Lorenz Author Of Book Title Generator: A Proven System in Naming Your Book

From my list on how to market and promote a book.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a book publicist and President of Westwind Book Marketing, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. I work with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it's their first book or their 15th book. I’ve handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers, and Adventurers. My clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman's World, and Howard Stern. 

Scott's book list on how to market and promote a book

Scott Lorenz Why did Scott love this book?

When I arrange for my clients to do a radio or podcast interview, some sell books, while others do not. Why is that?

In many cases it’s the little things said during an interview that make people want to buy that book. That’s why Media training is important, because what good is landing an interview if you can’t get the listener/viewer to take action and buy the book? If you take your interviews seriously then read this book. Besides learning tips and techniques you’ll gain confidence which is an important element of any interview. This book is for anyone who is planning on getting media coverage including: Authors, C-Suite Execs, Politicians, and Sports Figures. 

The author Jess Todtfeld worked as a national TV-News Producer at NBC, ABC and FOX News. He coached guests on how to look and sound good for years. Now he brings that experience to his…

By Jess Todtfeld,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Media Secrets as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Strategies for Getting the 
Most From TV, Print, Radio, Internet & 
Social Media Opportunities. The most up to date media training book on the market. The idea of Media is more than just TV, Print, and Radio. Media now includes social media interviews, Skype, Periscope, Facebook Live, Blog interviews. It means Leveraging Traditional and Internet Media. All are important. Includes “Media Training Quick Start” Free Audio Download “Jess Todtfeld is a media training expert.” —The Washington Post


Book cover of PyroMarketing: The Four-Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them for Life

Scott Lorenz Author Of Book Title Generator: A Proven System in Naming Your Book

From my list on how to market and promote a book.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a book publicist and President of Westwind Book Marketing, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. I work with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it's their first book or their 15th book. I’ve handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers, and Adventurers. My clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman's World, and Howard Stern. 

Scott's book list on how to market and promote a book

Scott Lorenz Why did Scott love this book?

Sales of Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ were driven in part by techniques outlined in PyroMarketing by Greg Stielstra. The essence of the book is to get small groups of people to buy and read your book and tell their friends. You start this by going to the people most likely to want to read your book and expand from there.

This book covers the essential elements of how to motivate people to buy a book and start word-of-mouth marketing. I’ve listened to the audiobook several times as it's just as packed with solid information authors can use.

By Greg Stielstra,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked PyroMarketing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The era of mass marketing is ending-replaced by the power of customer evangelists unleashed through a systematic approach to word-of-mouth called PyroMarketing. Learn how the system that sparked a revolution in the Christian marketplace can fuel the success of your business. Word-of-mouth is the biggest influence on consumer purchases and its influence is growing. How do you tap its power? The key is not some new technology or advertising fad. The best way to understand the marketing process, the way messages are sent, received, acted upon, and spread, is to think of fire. PyroMarketing simplifies word-of-mouth to a four-step system…


Book cover of Let's Get Visible: How To Get Noticed And Sell More Books

Scott Lorenz Author Of Book Title Generator: A Proven System in Naming Your Book

From my list on how to market and promote a book.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a book publicist and President of Westwind Book Marketing, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. I work with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it's their first book or their 15th book. I’ve handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers, and Adventurers. My clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman's World, and Howard Stern. 

Scott's book list on how to market and promote a book

Scott Lorenz Why did Scott love this book?

In my years as a book marketer and book publicist I have found the real experts in this field are other authors. These are the people whose livelihoods depend on selling books. This is not a hobby for David Gaughran, being an author is how he makes a living. As a result, he’s studied, analyzed, and written about what makes a successful book and graciously shared this knowledge with fellow authors.

The fact that he is a bestselling author himself and has taken the time to analyze Amazon in every way conceivable way is reason enough to buy this book. I highly recommend Let’s Get Visible and consider it a must-read for all authors.

By David Gaughran,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Let's Get Visible as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Take your sales to the next level! The author of the award-winning, bestselling Let's Get Digital is back with an advanced guide for more experienced self-publishers.

There are over 4 million books in the Kindle Store, with thousands more added every day. How do you get yours noticed? Visibility isn't a challenge that can be bested once - it requires continual work. But there are tools and strategies to do much of the heavy lifting for you.

In Let's Get Visible: How To Get Noticed And Sell More Books, you'll discover how to:

* Leverage Amazon's famous recommendation engine to…


Book cover of Book Funnels & Amazon Ads: Use Your Book & Amazon Ads To Attract Customers and Build a 6+ Figure Business

Scott Lorenz Author Of Book Title Generator: A Proven System in Naming Your Book

From my list on how to market and promote a book.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a book publicist and President of Westwind Book Marketing, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. I work with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it's their first book or their 15th book. I’ve handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers, and Adventurers. My clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman's World, and Howard Stern. 

Scott's book list on how to market and promote a book

Scott Lorenz Why did Scott love this book?

In Book Funnels & Amazon Ads, Alex draws from his experience of working with hundreds of authors. He delves into Amazon Advertising and reveals how to leverage this unique opportunity to your advantage. Amazon ads can be very effective for authors but you need to educate yourself before diving in. There is too much to know to just ‘wing it.’ This book was written by a person who is first a techie guy and understands Amazon algorithms like you and I will never comprehend.

Follow Alex’s advice and use Amazon ads.

By Alex Strathdee, Gabi Youssef, Josh Navarro

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Book Funnels & Amazon Ads as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Your book was meant…

…to help build your brand.

Why can’t you find the readers?

Alex Strathdee can help. He’s built a successful Amazon Ads consulting business with over $300,000 in ad budget and this book shows you how he did it. If you need to scale your marketing, then you must learn these techniques.

Do you understand book funnels?

He will walk you through every step to build profitable book funnels. You’ll learn the importance of social proof and how to pick a winning title.

Do you know how to run AMS ads profitably?

You’ll learn the art of…


Book cover of The $1000 Project

Justine Crowley Author Of Saving Money Is Awesome

From my list on to save money, no matter what the economy is doing.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since engaging in my own personal development since 2006, and in buying my first investment property at the time; I have always had an interest in saving money and building wealth. We live in an abundant universe, and it is our birthright to have money to enjoy, and to achieve our goals. In high inflationary times, having ample amounts of cash in the bank is a source of comfort. Writing books also came from my passion for writing, and from also working in therapy, where many patients experienced financial difficulties. Regardless of the current rate of inflation, you can stay on top of it with the right tools and knowledge. 

Justine's book list on to save money, no matter what the economy is doing

Justine Crowley Why did Justine love this book?

This is a unique way of saving money by engaging in some extra creative activities, and thereby earning money from them outside of your normal salary/income.

For instance, this is similar to an employee or business owner having their own side hustle. Extra ways to earn money are also covered, and when you have saved in $1K parcels; then that money goes towards the relevant goal you have set for yourself.

The author uses her $1K parcels to buy shares. 

By Canna Campbell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The $1000 Project as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A guide to mindful saving from the financial guru behind online sensation SugarMamma.TV, The $1000 Project shows how easy it is to set yourself up for financial wellbeing.

Financial planner Canna Campbell saved $32,000 in twelve months by using her unique strategy of bundling—saving and earning extra money in small, achievable parcels of $1000. Now she wants to empower you to get the same results!

Drawing on material from her popular YouTube channel and website, here Canna shares all of her tips and tricks for saving and earning additional money, as well as advice for turning these savings into long-term…


Book cover of Rich Dad Poor Dad

David Pere Author Of The No B.S. Guide to Military Life: How to build wealth, get promoted, and achieve greatness

From my list on service members who want to achieve financial freedom.

Why am I passionate about this?

I joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2008 and by 2015 I was a Sergeant who had made all the same financial decisions most service members make…tattoos, alcohol, cars, chasing tail, etc., and had a negative net worth to show for it. Then I read Rich Dad Poor Dad and the light came on. I started buying houses, and by 2021 I exited the military as a financially free millionaire and spend my time helping service members and veterans learn how to build wealth. The military is one of the best places to set yourself up for success, and these books will help you get started on that journey!

David's book list on service members who want to achieve financial freedom

David Pere Why did David love this book?

Rich Dad Poor Dad is the book that changed the trajectory of my life forever.

It is a parable that explains the difference between the traditional way of thinking “Go to school, get a good job, work hard, retire” with the entrepreneur mentality, and the concepts of utilizing passive income to replace your job at an earlier age.

I love this book because it takes the normally boring subject of finance and investing and breaks it down in a fun and easy way to learn so that you will actually finish the book and have the ability to experience that light-switch moment! 

Without a doubt this is the most commonly mentioned book that I hear referenced on podcasts as “the book that started it all”.

By Robert T. Kiyosaki,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked Rich Dad Poor Dad as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It's been nearly 25 years since Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad first made waves in the Personal Finance arena.
It has since become the #1 Personal Finance book of all time... translated into dozens of languages and sold around the world.

Rich Dad Poor Dad is Robert's story of growing up with two dads his real father and the father of his best friend, his rich dad and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing. The book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains…


Book cover of On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

James Phelps Author Of Australia's Most Infamous Jail: Inside the walls of Pentridge Prison

From my list on getting any writer started in the industry.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am passionate about this book list because it helped me get where I am today, a multiple-times bestselling author and an award-winning senior reporter. I began working as an overnight police round reporter before moving into sports, where I became one of Australia's best news-breaking rugby league journalists. I was then appointed News Corp Australia's Chief National Motorsports Writer and traveled the world chasing Formula 1 story, as well as covering Australia's V8 Supercar races. Everyone has to start somewhere, and for me, this list of books helped me begin and continue to grow to reach the level of success that I have.

James' book list on getting any writer started in the industry

James Phelps Why did James love this book?

It’s 2005, and it’s my first day at The Daily Telegraph. I still couldn’t believe they had hired me as a cadet journalist. The smile I was wearing–from ear to ear–suddenly vanished when the Chief of Staff walked over and said, ‘Phelpsy, a bus has just crashed in Egypt. We have been told that there may have been some Australian tourists on board. Punch out 500 words and give it to me in an hour.’ 

I turned to my computer screen, looked down at my keyboard, and suddenly realized that I had no idea what I was doing. I’d never had any writing training, and my experience was limited to the gibber I had been submitting to the paper (for free) for the past year in the hope of landing a job. After ten minutes of writing a word or two, deleting them, and then doing it again, I…

By Stephen King,

Why should I read it?

24 authors picked On Writing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Twentieth Anniversary Edition with Contributions from Joe Hill and Owen King

ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S TOP 100 NONFICTION BOOKS OF ALL TIME

Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, this special edition of Stephen King’s critically lauded, million-copy bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.

“Long live the King” hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the…


Book cover of Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within

Lin Wilder Author Of Plausible Liars: A Dr. Lindsey McCall Medical Mystery

From my list on preparing for writing/walking/thinking/acting against the crowd.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a writer who just published a book I didn’t have any interest in writing. I didn’t like the subject matter, so I had no interest in doing the research to create credible characters and a cohesive plot.

Lin's book list on preparing for writing/walking/thinking/acting against the crowd

Lin Wilder Why did Lin love this book?

This book had me laughing from the first paragraph.

I had no plan to write novels then. I just wanted to write in a beautiful leather journal a good friend gave me to record my thoughts on my trip to Greece. It was a trip I’d planned with others, one in particular. But when he decided to leave, I went anyway. Alone.

A friend of mine knew the trip would be emotionally and technically difficult. Travelling alone in a non-English-speaking country can be dicey. She hoped that this book would provide relief from the debris of my personal life. And it did.

By Natalie Goldberg,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Writing Down the Bones as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Experience a modern classic on writing as you've never heard it before. With nearly one million copies of Writing Down the Bones in print, Natalie Goldberg has helped change the way writing is practiced in homes, schools, and workshops across America. Through her heartfelt personal reflections and her ingenious Zen-based exercises, Goldberg makes writing available to you as a tool for personal expression, self-exploration, and healing.

In this enhanced reading of her seminal work, Goldberg offers new commentary about the creative, spiritual, and practical dimensions of writing. Join her as she looks back on her life, sharing the story of…


Book cover of Several Short Sentences about Writing

Mike Errico Author Of Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter

From my list on non-songwriting books for songwriters.

Why am I passionate about this?

People come to songwriting from all different directions. Some have wanted to do this since they were little kids. Some like to make their parents mad. Some are wildly talented but crippled with doubt. All I can say is that no matter which way you’re facing, I think I can help you. I say this because I’ve been teaching college-level songwriting for years now, and every semester I have students who want to meet with me for office hours. They’re all repeat customers and I’ve noticed that many of them ask repeat questions. The point of my book, Music, Lyrics, and Life, is to try to address those repeat questions because chances are good that you have them, too. 

Mike's book list on non-songwriting books for songwriters

Mike Errico Why did Mike love this book?

Do not come to this book in search of warm hugs about the beauty of the process. True to the title, Klinkenborg (best name ever?) offsets each of his sentences like an epic poem in verse. The epic he describes is how epically bad your writing is, and—hopefully—how to improve. He returns to the word "notice" over and over, and that's really it. You're blowing sentences by not noticing what the sentence itself is doing. You're over-emphasizing "meaning" at the expense of the vehicle that delivers it. I sense there's a kind man in there, somewhere, who's working a side of the street he feels has been neglected by years of misguided education. But here, he's dedicated to the larger cause of clean, clear sentences. Not hugs.

By Verlyn Klinkenborg,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Several Short Sentences about Writing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An indispensable and distinctive book that will help anyone who wants to write, write better, or have a clearer understanding of what it means for them to be writing, from widely admired writer and teacher Verlyn Klinkenborg.
 
Klinkenborg believes that most of our received wisdom about how writing works is not only wrong but an obstacle to our ability to write. In Several Short Sentences About Writing, he sets out to help us unlearn that “wisdom”—about genius, about creativity, about writer’s block, topic sentences, and outline—and understand that writing is just as much about thinking, noticing, and learning what it…


Book cover of The Artist's Way: A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self

Lou Lomas Author Of The Bad Habit Kicker

From my list on start your day off right.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m just an ordinary person who’s struggled with their own habits and compulsions. My fear and anxiety led me to read many self-help books over the last thirty-something years, and a lot of them helped me to firmly believe that if you start your day in the best way you can, then there’s no limit to the things that you can achieve!

Each of the books I’ve recommended has given me simple tools to help me do just that. Ultimately, I know they inspired me to create the Bad Habit Kicker system. I truly believe they can all help others optimize their lives and become the best versions of themselves!

Lou's book list on start your day off right

Lou Lomas Why did Lou love this book?

Anyone who’s looking to establish a daily creative practice would be well advised to read this book and put the beautiful ideas inside into practice.

It’s packed with 12 weeks' worth of ideas for bringing out your artistic side. The ideas can help with any type of creative endeavour and are sure to encourage those creative juices to flow!

By Julia Cameron,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Artist's Way as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'I love it. A practical, spiritual, nurturing book.' - Russell Brand

Since its first publication, The Artist's Way has inspired the genius of Elizabeth Gilbert, Tim Ferriss, Reese Witherspoon and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Julia Cameron guides readers in uncovering problems and pressure points that may be restricting their creative flow and offers techniques to open up opportunities for self-growth and self-discovery.

A revolutionary programme for personal renewal, The Artist's Way will help get you back on track, rediscover your passions, and take the steps you…


Book cover of Media Secrets: A Media Training Crash Course
Book cover of PyroMarketing: The Four-Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them for Life
Book cover of Let's Get Visible: How To Get Noticed And Sell More Books

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Interested in writer's block, muses, and creativity?

Writer's Block 22 books
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