Booksellers, publishers, librarians, and agents are encouraged to look at the 56 self-published titles listed below, with descriptions provided by their authors. Some of these writers are waiting to be discovered; others have a track record and a following and are doing it on their own. If you are a self-published author interested in listing titles in this section, please visit publishersweekly.com/pw-select for more information.
Fiction
And Face the Unknown: The Journey of a Lincoln-Freed Colored
C.D. Harper. iUniverse. $15.95 paper (232p), ISBN 978-1-4759-4756-4; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-4759-4754-0
Amazon
A Lincoln-freed colored named Levy escapes slavery and searches for liberty and justice, only to discover a governing hypocrisy.
Ashes of Waterloo
Olivia Andem. Manor Gate Press. $8.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-9912187-8-3
Smashwords
April 1815: A soldier’s daughter, Lisette refuses to surrender to her tragic past but faces heartache and defeat. Only by conquering her fears can she win a lasting victory.
Bonfire of the Vanderbilts
Gerald Everett Jones. La Puerta Productions. $18.99 paper (438p), ISBN 978-0-9965438-0-4
Amazon, Baker & Taylor, BN.com, Ingram
Julius Stewart’s 1892 painting The Baptism contains an embarrassing secret. In it art historian Grace Atwood finds her personal ghosts.
A Charleston Yankee
Michael D. Mercurio. CreateSpace. $14.18 paper (396p), ISBN 978-1-5009-3486-6
Amazon, BN.com
In segregationist Charleston, S.C., during the explosive 1960s, a former marine maverick joins a band of rebels to battle against an evil political system with blood on its hands.
The Color of Character
Glen Shuld. CreateSpace. $18.95 paper (424p), ISBN 978-1-5089-5515-3
Amazon, BN.com
In 1970 a Jewish boy from a liberal family has his ethics tested by violent encounters with his black classmates that haunt him to the present day.
Dead Sisters: The Thunder: Perfect Mind
Debra L. Manion. CreateSpace. $10.95 paper (290p), ISBN 978-1-4995-4974-4
Amazon, BN.com
Alone in the Egyptian past, Bernadette breaks a 2,000-year-old code but falls down rabbit holes of stolen children, the FBI, and dead sisters.
Discovery of an Eagle
Grace Mattioli. Grace Mattioli. $14.95 paper (322p), ISBN 978-0-615-92800-5; $2.99 e-book, ASIN B00K2AFZJO
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Google Play, Kobo, Powell’s, Smashwords
This cross-country story tells of one man’s spiritual awakening set against vivid landscapes and colorful characters.
The Dog of Jesus: The Dog That Changed the World
Michael P. Sakowski. Baltimore Books. $15.99 paper (328p), ISBN 978-1-939103-00-0
Amazon
The discovery of an immortal dog with miracle healing properties upends the world.
Silver Voyage: A Johnny Donohue Adventure
Sandy Mason. CreateSpace. $7.99 paper (158p), ISBN 978-1-5085-2467-0
Amazon, BN.com
Johnny Donohue traces the exploits of British mathematician Alan Turing as Turing attempts to hide a fortune in silver during the dark days of World War II.
Poetry
Dear You: A Memoir with Poems
Wade Stevenson. BlazeVox Books. $15 paper (68p), ISBN 978-1-60964-224-2
Blazevox.org, Amazon, Talking Leaves Bookstore
This love story about a young man whose wife leaves him after the birth of their child presents an optimistic view of regrowth in the face of adversity.
Fits of Tranquility
Robert Lampros. CreateSpace. $8.99 paper (52p), ISBN 978-1-5122-4288-1
Amazon, BN.com
A book of poetry and prose about hope, healing, perseverance, and joy, as well as faith in Jesus Christ and falling in love.
Mystery/Thriller
Bedeviled Sea
Jerry Earl Brown. Star Peak Press. $12.99 paper (276p), ISBN 978-0-9908299-7-3; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-9908299-6-6
Amazon, BN.com
On the edge of the Bermuda Triangle, salvage divers risk everything and face unforeseen calamity in their quest for lost treasure.
The Hut in the Woods
VLZ. VLZ Books. $1.99 e-book, ASIN B00RKUFZ1M
Amazon, BN.com
There is something in the woods along Laden Lane, something very sinister hidden deep within its plush greenery of forest trees and shrubs.
The Night the Angels Wept
Peter West. CreateSpace. $2.99 e-book, ASIN B00WDVFJ46
Amazon
In this apocalyptic thriller, the Daughter of God and the Devil fight to control humanity. Their battle rages across the Australian outback.
Picking Up Pennies
J.D. Wellander. iUniverse. $11.95 paper (114p), ISBN 978-1-4917-3997-6; $3.95 e-book, ISBN 978-1-4917-3996-9
Amazon, BN.com
Lucie and Avalon are ready for summer break. Unfortunately, three crimes are about to shock their quiet town, and it’s up to them to catch the criminal.
Sweetest Revenge
Yvonne Yourkowski. CreateSpace. $15.99 paper (290p), ISBN 978-0-9880932-2-5; $3.99 e-book, ASIN B012OP14R6
Amazon
The only way to stop the voices is to appease them with more blood, and he’s more than capable of obliging.
Warrior: #2 in the Freelancer Series
Terry Irving. Ronin Robot Press. $10.99 paper (428p), ISBN 978-0-9860873-8-7; $2.99 e-book, ASIN B010GKWK88
Amazon, BN.com
Rick Putnam discovers a tangle of corruption, greed, and death at Wounded Knee and must use all his skills to get out alive.
SF/Fantasy/Horror
American Siddhi
Curtis Mitchell. Flying Key Ventures. $15.99 paper (188p), ISBN 978-0-9907067-1-7; $8.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-9907067-0-0
Flyingkeyventures.com, Amazon, BN.com
This spiritual memoir pitting the forces of the culture against the power of the individual aims to leave the reader with a sense of hope and the possibility for a new myth and a new story.
Assignment Yggdrasil
Christopher James Dubey. AUK Authors. $2.99 e-book, ASIN B00DL1DC7I
Amazon, BN.com
Subjects have been genetically converted from human to transhuman, immune to all human pathogens, with special abilities from other species.
Romance/Erotica
Dare to Dream
S.B. Alexander. S.B. Alexander. $14.99 paper (268p), ISBN 978-0-9887762-9-6; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-9887762-8-9
Amazon, BN.com
Bad boy Kade vows to protect Lacey even if it means trading his life for hers. Lacey vows to rise above tragedy, even if she has to run into the arms of a killer to save a loved one.
A Diamond in the Rough
Elisa Marie Hopkins. Stellar Jay Publications. $14.99 paper (364p), ISBN 978-0-692-37234-0; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-63415-642-4
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Kobo
A young model is threatened and almost kidnapped. After meeting a handsome, enigmatic man, things begin to change; the need for the truth becomes a key issue and one of life or death.
A Heart’s Forgiveness
Joanne Schwehm. Joanne Schwehm. $2.99 e-book, ASIN B012LJ8KB8
Amazon
Julie has always protected her heart. She never thought falling in love with Brett would cause it to break. Now she needs to find it in her heart to forgive him or lose him forever.
HellKat
Robyn Roze. Robyn Roze. $2.99 e-book, ASIN B00ZB80IYE
Amazon, BN.com
Kat is a savvy entrepreneur who likes her men in suits, not cowboy boots. Is it time for a different kind of man? It won’t matter if Kat doesn’t survive a dangerous family secret.
Kisimba
Gillian M. Mercurio. CreateSpace. $13.99 paper (286p), ISBN 978-1-5088-5823-2
Amazon, BN.com
A story of love, passion, murder, and political intrigue set in Idi Amin’s Uganda during the bloody revolution of the early 1970s.
The Light Who Binds (Bluebell Kildare Series, Book 2)
Lilo Abernathy. Lilo Abernathy. $5.99 e-book, ASIN B010CZJX2I
Amazon
Jack reveals that Blue has prophesied to save all vampires from a fiery eternal damnation by destroying the Great Demon Lilith. Worse yet, she will die three deaths during this one life.
The Light Who Shines (Bluebell Kildare Series, Book 1)
Lilo Abernathy. Lilo Abernathy. $3.99 e-book, ASIN B00HYH3ZU4
Amazon
Agent Bluebell Kildare (aka Blue) is an empath who can see souls and has a mysterious wolf, but when her sexy vampire boss sends her after a psychotic killer, will that save her?
Nowhere to Hide
Lindsay McKenna. Blue Turtle Publishing. $5.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-929977-02-4
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com
This is Lia Cassidy’s last chance to rebuild her life. But soon her world is shattered. Will she survive?
The Shortstop
A.M. Madden. CreateSpace. $2.99 e-book, ASIN B010TVBZWQ
Amazon, BN.com, Smashwords
Quint Lawson had two passions in life: his girl and baseball. When everything in life is perfect, it’s hard to imagine heartbreak in any form. Is Quint prepared?
Inspirational
Beating the Odds: Inspirations from Matthew 25
Anselm Nwaorgu. Anselm Nwaorgu. $12.95 paper (91p), ISBN 978-0-595-47482-0
Franselm.com, Amazon, BN.com, iUniverse
A motivational book that uses compelling life experiences to enunciate eight practical principles for success in life and their applications to everyday life.
The Book That Could Not Be Written: 20 Years Experience of Lessons Learned for People Leaders
Robert Kiely. Original Writing. $19.99 paper (160p), ISBN 978-1-4828-3136-8
Amazon, BN.com
An executive coach shares 18 tips that will eliminate your fear of people leadership and help form your own leadership style.
Creative Abundance: Artful Possibilities
Aliza McCracken, illus. by Aliza McCracken. Grace Publishing Group. $49.95 hardcover (72p), ISBN 978-0-9667291-3-9
Alizamccracken.com, BN.com
McCracken’s work radiates peace, hope, and dignity. Every creation supports education, so experience the fine art of living. A poetic celebration of life and love.
Nonfiction
Below the Water Line: Getting Out, Going Back, and Moving Forward in the Decade After Hurricane Katrina
Lisa Karlin. Centennial Publishers. $14.99 paper (376p), ISBN 978-0-9962327-0-8; $9.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-9962327-1-5
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Ingram, Kobo
A memoir of hurricane evacuation experiences and everyday life in the aftermath of one of the most devastating events in American history.
Destination Paranormal: Haunted Travels
Jason Hussong. CreateSpace. $9.95 e-book, ASIN B011IZFOM4
Amazon
Hussong details his haunted investigations and shows how you can participate in your own. After all, who are you going to believe: him or yourself?
Detained: Emails and Musings from a Spiritual Journey Through Abu Ghraib, Kandahar, and Other Garden Spots
Brian Rees. Manu Publishing. $19.95 paper (484p), ISBN 978-0-9962779-2-1
Amazon, BN.com, Ingram
During his five deployments, the author described Iraq and Afghanistan in e-mails home. Doctor to detainees and at Saddam Hussein’s trial, he considers how spirituality may affect our wars and our casualties.
Diary of a Mad Lupus Patient: Shortness of Breath
J.H. Johnson. Unique Variety Sales. $12.99 paper (68p), ISBN 978-0-9888810-5-1
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, BookBaby
“I’m not dead yet”: The author takes the reader into her bedroom and thoughts to see how lupus, a life-threatening autoimmune disease, can change your heart, body, and mind.
Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA
Richard Hill. CreateSpace. $15 paper (261p), ISBN 978-1-47519083-0; $9.49 e-book, ASIN B00992NT44
Amazon, BN.com
The intensely personal story of the first adoptee to find his birth family through new DNA tests designed for genealogists.
Growing Up Superheroes: The Extraordinary Adventures of Deihlia Nye
Diane Fraser. The Cosmic Thread. $19.99 paper (307p), ISBN 978-0-692-28892-4
Amazon, BN.com, Ingram
The harrowing true story of Deihlia Nye, the girl who wasn’t supposed to live. Through her humor, mischief, and appetite for life, Deihlia shows people how to live with gusto and maneuver around obstacles —self-created or otherwise.
Lord Have Murphy: Waking Up in the Spiritual Marketplace
Fran Shaw, illus. by Bruce M. Sherman. Indications Press. $19.99 hardcover (144p), ISBN 978-0-9639100-9-7; $4.99 e-book, ASIN B00VA84CVY
Amazon, BN.com
Shaw offers a humorous entrée to the next level of conscious awareness, beyond concepts and techniques, across the threshold into awakening.
Memoirs of an Agent for Change in International Development: My Flight Path into the 21st Century
Ludwig Rudel. Arlington Hall Press. $17.95 paper (356p), ISBN 978-0-9653949-4-9
Amazon, BN.com
Rudel describes his experience with U.S. foreign aid during key events since World War II. They include Iran after Mosaddegh (1956–1960), Turkey’s coup (1960), India after Nehru (1965), and Pakistan (1988).
Memorias de un viejo adolescente: Barcelona 1929–1939
Miguel Lluch, illus. by Miguel Lluch. Paperless Reads. $2.99 e-book, ASIN B00ZDC9VT6
Amazon
In his memoirs, Miguel Lluch chronicles life in Spain in the period between the start of the Second Spanish Republic and the end of the Spanish Civil War.
Military Life—Service or Career: A Soldier’s Perspective
John McClarren. CreateSpace. $12.95 paper (222p), ISBN 978-1-5007-1465-9
Amazon, BN.com
McClarren shows young readers considering the military what that life is really like. The book will also bring back fond memories to those who have already served.
My View from the Summit (VFS)
Nicole Thomas. CreateSpace. $12 paper (116p), ISBN 978-1-4952-6069-8
Amazon, BN.com
Thomas compiles impactful stories from her blog documenting moments of joy and sorrow and reflecting her voice and worldview.
Name Your Price
Joe R. Eagleman. CreateSpace. $9.99 paper (171p), ISBN 978-1-5122-1343-0
Amazon, BN.com
Eagleman’s lab tornado is now a main attraction at Universal Studios in Orlando. He tells of growing up on a farm and his life as a professor, scientist, artist, musician, taxidermist, and luthier.
OK2BG
Jack Dunsmoor. Lulu. $9.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-4834-2853-6
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Kobo, Lulu
Narrative nonfiction in memoir format about a guy who attempts to help kids at risk; together with 2,000 biographies about bold men who had the tenacity to express themselves.
100 Years in the Life of an American Girl: True Stories 1910–2010
Suzanne Sherman. SZS Publishing. $17.95 paper (334p), ISBN 978-0-9904527-0-6
Amazon, BN.com, BookBaby
Over 50 true stories about girlhood under age 13 by women and girls who were there, from 1910 to 2010. Sherman intends the stories to be entertaining and educational.
Risking It: An Intersection of Faith and Work
Tim Hoerr. Serra Creative. $14.95 paper (236p), ISBN 978-0-692-28245-8
Amazon, BN.com
How does one integrate faith, personal purpose, work, and risk taking? This highly personal memoir explores these powerful, spiritual themes through storytelling.
Safe Computing Is Like Safe Sex: You Have to Practice It to Avoid Infection
Richard Lowe Jr. The Writing King. $5.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1943517-01-5
Amazon, BN.com, Smashwords
The data that resides on your computer is far more valuable than the machine. How difficult would it be to replace your digital photos or documents? Lowe recommends that you use this book to prevent infection.
Silver Taps
Max Knight. Outskirts Press. $8.99 e-book, ASIN B00W43DJN6
Amazon
This book pays tribute to Knight’s father, who served his country in three wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. It also pays homage to the author’s alma mater, Texas A&M University.
Taking Risks Defining Life: A Soldier’s Memoir
John McClarren. CreateSpace. $14.95 paper (293p), ISBN 978-1-5117-0512-7
Amazon, BN.com
McClarren presents his own life of risk taking, presuming all readers can identify to some degree with that necessity in life.
Tear-Free in Disneyland: A Parent’s Guide to Less Stress and More Fun for the Whole Family
David W. Edgerton. CreateSpace. $10.95 paper (154p), ISBN 978-1-5077-5727-7; $7.95 e-book, ASIN B00CPGYW0G
Amazon, Baker & Taylor, BN.com, Ingram
Part travel guide, part parental handbook, this book readies parents with young children for the Disneyland Resort with family-friendly planning tools and sensible advice.
Tuna on Toast, Sister Clotildis, UFOs & Other Things I Survived: Growing Up
Sherri Bobzien. Mill City. $12.95 paper (221p), ISBN 978-1-63413-600-6
Amazon, Baker & Taylor, BN.com, Ingram
Bobzien captures the hilarity, the awkwardness, the heartache, and the occasional magic of childhood in a huge, quasi-functional Catholic family.
Walking in Grace with Grief: Meditations for Healing After Loss
Della Temple. Button Rock Press. $14.95 paper (126p), ISBN 978-0-9963878-0-4
Amazon, BN.com, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, Ingram
Temple shares her journey of loss in the hopes of broadening the discussion about death, grief, and life after life.
A Year of Learning, Laughter, and Life: 365 Motivational Parables
Jaishen Rajah. CreateSpace. $19.95 paper (470p), ISBN 978-1-5024-6247-3
Amazon
Rajah presents a collection of 365 parables in 12 themed chapters, each with a relevant message and quote.
Children’s/YA
The Duchess Adlai: Introductions, Inventions, and the Most Awesome Adventures
Tonya Knudsen, illus. by Tonya Knudsen. Tonya Knudsen. $2.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-692-47217-0
TonyaKnudsen.com, Amazon
An adventure/fantasy story for young adults and old. When Adlai’s older brother, the Duke Cynt, is mysteriously killed on an expedition to the nearest planet, young Adlai finds her world changed overnight.
Risk the Wings of Sisterhood
J.R. Evangelisti. CreateSpace. $6.49 paper (140p), ISBN 978-1-5121-7746-6
Amazon, BN.com
A coming-of-age story about two girls from opposite ends of the personality spectrum who find a way to become true friends.
The Scorch of a Skilten
Nashat Zaman, illus. by Maleeha Mustafa. Lucky Penny. $14.95 paper (312p), ISBN 978-1-938136-53-5
Luckypennypress.com, Amazon, Chaucer’s Bookstore
At school, Clara Skilten bashes animated wolves, fends off library vandals, and befriends a cheetah. Now she must free her classmates from the prison at Queen Muscaria’s palace.
