Title: Self-Publishing Attack
Author: James Scott Bell
Genre: Self-help/publishing
Format: Kindle
Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary:
I picked up this book to gain some insight into what it takes to be a successful publisher. The author, James Scott Bell, presents his ideas in a clear, almost outline-style format, which makes it easy to follow. He highlights several key elements that are crucial to achieving success:

• An Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Self-Discipline
• Goal-Setting
• Time Management
• Talent
• A Social Network
• Perseverance

Strengths:

The information in this book is not only comprehensive but also presented in an accessible manner, making it an ideal resource for anyone seeking a straightforward and easy-to-follow guide.
Here are a couple of examples of Bell’s laws from the book:

Law #1: Become a professional publisher

Law #2: Write the best books you can

I will not spoil it for everyone by listing all five. These “Laws” make sense for either the indie or traditional author. Honestly, I’ve reread this book three times, and each time I find something I missed on a previous reading. The “laws” and their accompanying explanations are priceless resources as they offer a wealth of knowledge and insight that can apply to your author business.

Weaknesses:
Although I located a handful of errors in the book, they were not significant enough to diminish my overall enjoyment or prevent me from finishing it.

Conclusion:
For authors of all levels and types, this book is a truly splendid guide, providing practical advice to elevate their business. For those following the traditional publishing route, this will provide a clearer understanding of publishers’ expectations. It also serves as a valuable guide for independent authors navigating the diverse aspects of their businesses.

Recommendations:
For authors who:
– are just starting and need some guidance
– have been traditional and are thinking about going indie

Personal Reflections:
As I mentioned above, I’ve reread this book a few times. I am approaching this methodically, tackling it one step at a time, as it will take several readings to absorb and understand all the information. I’m glad I got the Kindle version as I can highlight passages I need to reread and take notes on how I want to implement the laws.

Since purchasing this ebook in 2023, I’ve made it an annual ritual to reread it, reflecting on my progress and future goals. Some of the information provided is a reminder, and some of it I haven’t implemented yet. At first I felt the need to do all the things at once, but indie publishing is a long game. I’m in no hurry, and I don’t feel the need to rush into anything.