100 books like The Author's Guide to Write Text That Sells Books

By Rob Eagar,

Here are 100 books that The Author's Guide to Write Text That Sells Books fans have personally recommended if you like The Author's Guide to Write Text That Sells Books. 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 BookBub Ads Expert

Mary Helen Sheriff Author Of Launch Pad: The Countdown to Marketing Your Book

From my list on authors who want to sell more books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I believe that people need stories and book marketing done well can help readers find the stories they need to craft a more hope-filled, compassionate, and meaningful life. The authors I meet are sharp and creative, but many don’t have experience with book marketing. I find coaching authors to amplify their platforms is a rewarding way to support the community. My front-row seat to watching my clients’ dreams become reality is so inspiring. This book was a collaboration of book marketing experts, whom I admire, and I was so honored they agreed to share their insights with our readers. 

Mary Helen's book list on authors who want to sell more books

Mary Helen Sheriff Why did Mary Helen love this book?

While BookBub ads are the easiest to set up, creating a successful campaign is more difficult. Since it costs money to test campaign features, it is wise to learn what you can before you start. 

The guidance this book provides can help you to find success with your ads more quickly and spend less money on the learning phase.

By David Gaughran,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked BookBub Ads Expert as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the author of Let's Get Digital and Strangers to Superfans comes a guide to advertising on the world's hottest book marketing platform: BookBub Ads.

*Create attractive ad images to turn browsers into buyers.
*Optimize your targeting to attract the right readers.
*Manage your bids effectively to drive more sales for less money.
*Learn when to run your BookBub campaigns for maximum impact.
*Boost discovery of your books and improve visibility.
*Train the retailers to recommend your books to the right customers.
*Turbocharge series sales to dominate the charts with multiple books simultaneously.

BookBub Ads Expert will teach you everything…


Book cover of Be the Gateway: A Practical Guide to Sharing Your Creative Work and Engaging an Audience

Mary Helen Sheriff Author Of Launch Pad: The Countdown to Marketing Your Book

From my list on authors who want to sell more books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I believe that people need stories and book marketing done well can help readers find the stories they need to craft a more hope-filled, compassionate, and meaningful life. The authors I meet are sharp and creative, but many don’t have experience with book marketing. I find coaching authors to amplify their platforms is a rewarding way to support the community. My front-row seat to watching my clients’ dreams become reality is so inspiring. This book was a collaboration of book marketing experts, whom I admire, and I was so honored they agreed to share their insights with our readers. 

Mary Helen's book list on authors who want to sell more books

Mary Helen Sheriff Why did Mary Helen love this book?

Writing, publishing, and marketing a book is hard. One of the biggest hurdles for me is my mindset.

Be the Gateway offered me a path to finding my creative why and using that to focus my creativity and my marketing efforts. If you find the creative life a struggle, this book can help you reclaim your excitement.

By Dan Blank,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Many people feel the drive to do creative work, but get overwhelmed by the process of connecting with an audience. They follow best practices in marketing that never seem to pan out, don t produce results, and make them feel lost and oftentimes, frustrated. Be the Gateway offers a powerful way to have an impact. If you want to share your voice and inspire people with your writing, art, craft, or creative idea, you have to be the gateway for them. Instead of throwing products out into the marketplace, you open them up to a new way of looking at…


Book cover of From Page to Stage: Inspiration, Tools, and Public Speaking Tips for Writers

Mary Helen Sheriff Author Of Launch Pad: The Countdown to Marketing Your Book

From my list on authors who want to sell more books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I believe that people need stories and book marketing done well can help readers find the stories they need to craft a more hope-filled, compassionate, and meaningful life. The authors I meet are sharp and creative, but many don’t have experience with book marketing. I find coaching authors to amplify their platforms is a rewarding way to support the community. My front-row seat to watching my clients’ dreams become reality is so inspiring. This book was a collaboration of book marketing experts, whom I admire, and I was so honored they agreed to share their insights with our readers. 

Mary Helen's book list on authors who want to sell more books

Mary Helen Sheriff Why did Mary Helen love this book?

Public speaking is one of the best marketing tools for authors. Good speakers sell books and can often supplement their incomes through paid speaking gigs.

From Page to Stage helped me hone my speaking points. It is loaded with tips to help even the most shy of authors give a good talk. The author is a psychotherapist who has worked with many clients to overcome their fear of public speaking. I loved that this book was written specifically for authors, and so it directly addressed the types of events and talks common in the book industry. 

By Betsy Graziani Fasbinder,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked From Page to Stage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this accessible, straightforward book, seasoned author Betsy Graziani Fasbinder offers readers the why, what, and how of public speaking, along with exercises and resources to support ongoing learning. She provides inspiration and encouragement to help writers to overcome their fears of public speaking, but she doesn't stop there; she also lays out the practical, nuts-and-bolts tools they need to select, deselect, and arrange the content of what to say when they're on a podium, in an interview, or in casual conversations about their writing, and includes a model for handling challenging questions from interviewers and audience members with confidence…


Book cover of The Business of Being a Writer

Mary Helen Sheriff Author Of Launch Pad: The Countdown to Marketing Your Book

From my list on authors who want to sell more books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I believe that people need stories and book marketing done well can help readers find the stories they need to craft a more hope-filled, compassionate, and meaningful life. The authors I meet are sharp and creative, but many don’t have experience with book marketing. I find coaching authors to amplify their platforms is a rewarding way to support the community. My front-row seat to watching my clients’ dreams become reality is so inspiring. This book was a collaboration of book marketing experts, whom I admire, and I was so honored they agreed to share their insights with our readers. 

Mary Helen's book list on authors who want to sell more books

Mary Helen Sheriff Why did Mary Helen love this book?

This book is a great primer to everything an author needs to know about the business side of the author's life.

Marketing is one aspect that the author touches, but the section of the book I found most helpful delved into how authors make money, how much money authors make, etc. This transparency was eye-opening for me as I was starting to transition from a “writer” to an “author.”

By Jane Friedman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Business of Being a Writer as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Writers talk about their work in many ways: as an art, as a calling, as a lifestyle. Too often missing from these conversations is the fact that writing is also a business. The reality is, those who want to make a full or part-time job out of writing are going to have a more positive and productive career if they understand the basic business principles underlying the industry. The Business of Being a Writer offers the business education writers need but so rarely receive. It is meant for early career writers looking to develop a realistic set of expectations about…


Book cover of Sell Your Book Like Wildfire: The Writer's Guide to Marketing and Publicity

Joel Stafford Author Of The First 100 Days of Your Book: Book Marketing for Self-Published Authors

From my list on marketing for self-publishing authors.

Why am I passionate about this?

A very good friend of mine wrote a great non-fiction book – I know it’s great because I read it –, and he sincerely asked for help saying “Joel you learned a bit about marketing, how can I get some traffic?”. I checked several “book promotion” websites and I was shocked how awful they were that day. I learned UI design so I decided that I can start my own book recommendation website, which will be at least user/reader friendly. Continuing my friend's story, I helped him trying the most popular promotion methods and I was surprised that there were a lot that simply don’t work and of course we found some that were nearly unknown. 

Joel's book list on marketing for self-publishing authors

Joel Stafford Why did Joel love this book?

Whether this is your first book, or you are already experienced, this book will give you some great value by teaching you how to increase book sales, building a brand, and making sure your book stands out in the crowd. Everything is detailed in step-by-step instructions for easy application in real life.

Furthermore, you will learn how to come up with more speaking engagements and interviews, connect with influencers and gain more notoriety and create a solid fan base that will spread the word. Everything goes in small details, so it makes no difference how experienced you are – follow these steps and your book will skyrocket.

By Rob Eagar,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sell Your Book Like Wildfire as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Note from the author: This book, published in 2012, is outdated and out of print. For my most up-to-date, expert, marketing advice for authors, please refer to my new collection of books called The Author's Guide Series.

In Sell Your Book Like Wildfire, marketing expert Rob Eagar explains how to use the best promotional methods available to get your book noticed and drive sales. You'll learn how to: Increase your book sales by driving readers to bookstores and online retailers Build a brand that makes your books stand out from the crowd Secure more media interviews and speaking engagements Connect…


Book cover of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cashing in On Your Inventions

Stephen Key Author Of One Simple Idea: Turn Your Dreams Into a Licensing Goldmine While Letting Others Do the Work

From my list on for inventors with big ideas.

Why am I passionate about this?

The traditional way of commercializing an invention — patenting, prototyping, then marketing it — doesn’t work very well and never has. When I found an easier way to share my creativity with the world, it changed my life, because the feeling you get when you hold something in your hand that you first imagined in your head is second to none. My 10-step process breaks down barriers so that everyone who has an idea — young or old, rich or poor — can get in the game of bringing it to market. I’ve published 5 books, 1,000 articles, and more than 700 videos to help others take advantage of the power of open innovation.

Stephen's book list on for inventors with big ideas

Stephen Key Why did Stephen love this book?

This is the best book I have read about how to become a profitable toy inventor. Richard Levy, the toy inventor responsible for the Furby and many other massive successes, is the real deal. His inventing tips and advice are absolutely priceless. He is the perfect example of the right person to take inventing advice from! By that I mean, he is an inventor who has achieved repeat commercial success.

By Richard C. Levy,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cashing in On Your Inventions as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Presents information on how to successfully market an invention covering such topics as licensing options, negotiating deals, patents and trademarks, and copyrights.


Book cover of The Idea Writers: Copywriting in a New Media and Marketing Era

George Felton Author Of Advertising: Concept and Copy

From my list on copywriters on the rise.

Why am I passionate about this?

I taught writing and copywriting at Columbus College of Art & Design in Ohio for thirty-seven years (retiring as an ancient-but-somehow-still-living fossil in 2014). I taught all our majors, but most of my copywriting students were advertising and design majors. During those decades I wrote nonfiction for newspapers and magazines and copy as a freelancer for ad agencies and design studios. My copywriting book emerged from my experiences in and out of the classroom. I hope I’ve given good advice on advertising: how to think about it and how to write it. But you’ll be the judge.

George's book list on copywriters on the rise

George Felton Why did George love this book?

In recent decades, as advertising has moved from one-way communication about product benefits to conversations with consumers about brands, someone needed to sum things up. Iezzi and the creatives she interviews do exactly that. As she presents it, “First of all, forget about making an ad… You’re making something to compete with every other piece of content, every other media experience that a person has during her waking hours.” The Idea Writers is an excellent primer on this new landscape. How do we create a brand’s story, one that consumers identify with and help propagate, if not create? How do we manage it, move it forward, spread it across various media, and make it viral? How can it become its own never-ending story?

By Teressa Iezzi,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The Idea Writers guides both new and experienced copywriters through the process of creating compelling messages that sell. It shows readers what it's like to work in the fast-paced world of an agency while providing practical adviceplusdetails oncreatingaward-winning multimedia ad campaigns.


Book cover of This Is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See

Cheryl Kaye Tardif Author Of How I Made Over $42,000 in 1 Month Selling My Kindle eBooks

From my list on for authors who want to increase book sales.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up reading my dad’s hardcore sci-fi and my mother’s romance, horror, and thrillers. This led to my desire to become a published author. Prior to 2012, I was a bestselling Canadian author with a handful of titles published. After hitting #4 on Amazon’s Bestsellers list, I was approached by agents and publishers. Within weeks I signed multiple contracts. Trident Media Group asked to represent me. Yes! I signed two audio deals with Audible, and multiple deals with foreign publishers. One of my mottos has always been to help other writers when I can, so I share my marketing expertise and experiences.

Cheryl's book list on for authors who want to increase book sales

Cheryl Kaye Tardif Why did Cheryl love this book?

As Godin states: “Great marketers don't use consumers to solve their company's problem; they use marketing to solve other people's problems.” This book is for anyone in sales. For writers, you may find you see book marketing in a new light after reading this book. Not only is there psychology in how consumers (readers) make their decisions, learning to sell books also has a psychology behind it. Once you know who you are selling to and understand their needs, you can and will sell more.

By Seth Godin,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked This Is Marketing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller & Instant New York Times Bestseller

A game-changing approach to marketing, sales, and advertising.

For the first time Seth Godin offers the core of his marketing wisdom in one compact, accessible, timeless package. This is Marketing shows you how to do work you're proud of, whether you're a tech startup founder, a small business owner, or part of a large corporation.

No matter what your product or service, this book will help you reframe how it's presented to the world, in order to meaningfully connect with people who want it. Seth employs his signature blend…


Book cover of Different: Escaping the Competitive Herd

Alex Budak Author Of Becoming a Changemaker: An Actionable, Inclusive Guide to Leading Positive Change at Any Level

From my list on books for recent graduates.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a faculty member at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. I put my heart and soul into creating and teaching the course Becoming a Changemaker which teaches students how to lead positive change, to go beyond themselves, and to live a life of impact. I spend countless hours meeting 1-1 with students throughout the semester, helping them think through big life decisions and encouraging them to create a life that they are proud of. I also know how to support students in making big decisions in a way that’s true to who they are, the person that they hope to become, and the impact they can make in the world.  

Alex's book list on books for recent graduates

Alex Budak Why did Alex love this book?

This is my surprise pick! It’s technically a book about marketing and branding strategy written by one of the leading experts in the field (a Harvard Professor). But it is absolutely filled with life lessons, large and small, about how you can stand out, question the status quo, and go your own way (even when the pressure to conform is strong). You’ll walk away with new insights on marketing and branding, but more importantly, you’ll get new insights about creating a life and career that you can be proud of.  

By Youngme Moon,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and…


Book cover of The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate Them at Your Own Risk!

Stephen McGarvey Author Of Ignite a Shift: Engaging Minds, Guiding Emotions and Driving Behavior

From my list on the power of ideas and positive thinking.

Why am I passionate about this?

I wasn’t always a reader. Diagnosed with a learning disorder in elementary school, I hated reading and school. Eventually, I discovered my passion for psychology, neurolinguistics, and persuasion and influence, and have now become a lifelong reader! Through my boutique consulting firm Solutions In Mind, my colleagues and I have been coaching executive teams to make the changes required to improve sales, organizational behavior, and communication. In my latest book, Ignite a Shift, I equip readers to think about how they and those around them think, feel and do. With greater awareness you’ll be able to better establish and meet your goals and persuade and influence others to do the same. 

Stephen's book list on the power of ideas and positive thinking

Stephen McGarvey Why did Stephen love this book?

Take a second and think, “what is marketing?” Simply put, marketing involves having an idea and persuading others to believe or buy into that idea. We use marketing in our daily lives and probably don’t even think about it. Getting someone to agree to meet you at the restaurant of your choice or helping your family decide that the movie you suggested is the one you should all watch tonight involves some key marketing tenants. This book can help you examine your ideas and discover why they work or fall by the wayside. The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing helped me better understand that although all my ideas and concepts might not be successful, there is a process of understanding why that is and how I can alter them to be more valuable. 

By Al Ries, Jack Trout,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Al Ries and Jack Trout, two of the world's most successful marketing strategists, call upon over 40 years of marketing experise to identify the definitive rules that govern the world of marketing. Combining a wide-ranging historical overview with a keen eye for the future, the authors bring to light 22 superlative tools and innovative techniques for the international marketplace. The authors examine marketing campaigns that have succeeded and others that have failed, why good ideas didn't live up to expectations, and offer their own ideas on what would have worked better. The real-life examples, commonsense suggestions and killer instincts contained…


Book cover of BookBub Ads Expert
Book cover of Be the Gateway: A Practical Guide to Sharing Your Creative Work and Engaging an Audience
Book cover of From Page to Stage: Inspiration, Tools, and Public Speaking Tips for Writers

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