Short Version This classic writing-related book was first published in 2015, but I only got around to reading it recently. Elizabeth Gilbert’s wonder-filled, “magical” approach to creativity would seem to be the antithesis of my cognitive-science-based approach, but I loved Big Magic and found it inspiring. You probably will as well. Long Version At […]
Book Reviews and Recommendations
One of the greatest gifts someone can give you is a reference to a good book.
I read a large number of books - many as research for the books I write, others just because I love to read them. My topic areas include business and marketing, writing, and cognitive science.
These are links to the book review posts. Visit the Resources pages to find suggested readings for either writing or marketing.
Books to Give the Writers in Your Life
Why do books make such great gifts? Let me count the ways: They don’t perish or go stale. They’re easy to wrap. If the recipient is a writer, you know they like reading. The right nonfiction book can have an impact on the recipient’s life – the gift that truly keeps giving. The hard part […]
The Business of Being a Writer – A Book Review
Short Version It’s fashionable to complain that no one can make a living writing, or that self-publishing is for hobbyists only. In The Business of Being a Writer, Jane Friedman begs to differ. She knows a great deal about the publishing industry, and in this book she suggests that you can make a living, but […]
Master Content Strategy by Pamela Wilson – A Book Review
Short Version What is content strategy, anyway? In this relevant and approachable guide, Pamela Wilson lays it all out in a practical, actionable, and fun guide. Master Content Strategy will become one of those books you refer to again and again. Long Version Few people understand content marketing strategy as thoroughly as Pamela Wilson. Lucky for […]
Pay What You Want Pricing – A Book Review
Short Version The Complete Guide to Pay What You Want Pricing: How You Can Share Your Work and Still Make a Profit by Tom Morkes has inspired me to experiment with this pricing model in my own business. It’s filled with solid, practical advice. Check it out. The Long Version There’s an old (really old) […]
The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan [A Book Review]
Short Version The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan by Stephanie Chandler and Karl W. Palachuk is a comprehensive guide to publishing a nonfiction book, filled with great advice for indie authors. This is now my go-to book to recommend to new and aspiring nonfiction authors. Long version When I decided to self-publish my first book in […]