Booksellers, publishers, librarians, and agents are encouraged to look at the 72 self-published titles below. Each appears with a list of retailers that are selling the book and a description provided by its author. Some of these writers are waiting to be discovered; others have track records and followings 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
All the Lies We Live
Don Trowden. Publerati. $16.95 paper (258p), ISBN 978-0-9979137-3-6; $7.99 e-book, ASIN B077Y9CN7C
Amazon, BN.com, BookBaby, Indiebound, Ingram
A cast of octogenarians pursue their dreams as a hurricane approaches a Maine island. The theme is redemption through love.
The Family Jewels
Vincent Graziano. GGP Publishing. $24.95 hardcover (290p), ISBN 978-0-692-93682-5
Amazon, BN.com
Destitute middle-aged brothers are forced to return to the tenement apartment where they grew up. Their aged mother will be glad they are home. A third brother, not so much.
Fortune’s Son
Jennifer Scoullar. Pilyara Press. $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-648-30892-8
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Kobo
Set against a backdrop of wild Tasmania, Australian gold, and African diamonds, this is an epic story of betrayal, undying love, and one man’s struggle to find his way home.
Island Fever (Jimjeran, Book 1)
Sarah Carrell. Sarah Carrell. $12.25 paper (363p), ISBN 978-1-980414-73-5; $4.99 e-book, ASIN B07D4KT65F
Amazon
Carlie Beecher, a spunky American nurse, leaves her fiancé in the States in her hunt for adventure and volunteers for a term on a tiny atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Lagging Indicators
Jennifer Anglade Dahlberg. Jennifer Dahlberg. $5.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-77342-049-3
Amazon, BN.com, Chapters
Wall Street executive Mia Lewis finds herself suddenly unemployed and disgraced. A handsome single dad ignites questions about her future, but then the past comes calling.
Man on the Floor!
Daniel L. Coberly. Man on the Floor Productions. $26.99 paper (566p), ISBN 978-1-71949-284-3
Amazon
The son of a military father and a French war bride tries to make sense of a brave new world in post-WWII Munich and Verdun.
My Friend Marilyn: The Great American Destination Series
Christopher Lentz. Christopher Lentz. $3.99 e-book, ASIN B07DDBZZ8C
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Kobo, Smashwords
After being named Marilyn Monroe’s assistant, a sassy small-town spinster is surrounded by showbiz temptations and hidden dangers.
On Burning Mirrors
Jamie Klinger-Krebs. J2K Creative. $14.99 paper (450p), ISBN 978-0-692-11305-9; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-692-11300-4
Amazon, BN.com
Journalist Jules Kanter seemed to have it all, but she also had well-hidden secrets. With everything left unsaid, can those she loved move on, or will they be destroyed by her lies?
Sacred Secrets of the Cedar Chest
Angela Pisaturo. WestBow Press. $17.95 paper (187p), ISBN 978-1-973613-71-8
Amazon, BN.com
A wounded woman, a childhood trauma, a mysterious cedar chest. The poignant story of growing up with bipolar disorder and how God healed the pain.
Sin and Redemption: The Pink Elephant Connection
James E. McCarthy. Ashanti Victoria Publishing. $19.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-944136-02-4
Amazon, Ingram
A story of crime and coming-of-age, from street thug to international heroin smuggler, to murder, to prison inmate, to vengeance, to redemption.
Taming the Twisted 2: Reconstructing Rain
Jodie Toohey. Wordsy Woman Press. $11.95 paper (154p), ISBN 978-0-692-07276-9
Amazon
Alice Sinkey must put her family back together in this sequel to Taming the Twisted.
Tough Love
Aalia Lanius. Catalyst Group. $14.99 paper (201p), ISBN 978-0-692-99921-9
Relationshipsunsugarcoated.com, Amazon, BN.com
Aleyna, known for her passion, success, and picture-perfect family, hides a marriage on life support. When cancer returns, she faces a journey of self-love, courage, and healing.
Uncommon Counsel
Art Smith. Obumbravit Press. $14.95 paper (300p), ISBN 978-1-73217-330-9
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Kobo
Rip Taylor is a lawyer wrestling with schizophrenia and difficult choices. His journal entries and psychiatrist’s notes offer a novel first-person perspective on mental illness.
The Weekend Warriors
James W. Burke Jr. Toplink Publishing. $11.99 paper (238p), ISBN 978-1-948962-01-8
Amazon, BN.com
What if the Cold War suddenly ran red-hot? Burke’s debut novel unfurls the grim historical possibilities of a world lost in war.
Poetry
Beyond the Wire
Gary Galsworth. Close Hand Press. $14 paper (153p), ISBN 978-0-9798063-4-6
Amazon, BN.com
This collection follows an explorer who candidly delves into the nuances of love and loss, beauty and pain, change and reinvention.
Glimmerglass Girl
Holly Lyn Walrath. Finishing Line Press. $14.99 paper (30p), ISBN 978-1-63534-545-2
Finishinglinepress.com
In her debut chapbook, Walrath explores the boundaries of womanhood through speculative poetry.
Life.
Alysa VanderWeerd. WestBow Press. $30.95 paper (456p), ISBN 978-1-973606-96-3
Amazon, BN.com
These poems are modern-day hymns—openly expressing VanderWeerd’s heart in the presence of God and man.
Tales from the Trails
Melissa K. Melton. Xlibris. $19.99 paper (158p), ISBN 978-1-5434-3704-1; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-5434-3703-4
Amazon
A collection of stories from the trails and the roads, which gives a slice of life from a runner’s point of view.
Mystery/Thriller
And the Walls Came Tumbling Down
William S. Moody. AuthorHouse. $10.99 paper (62p), ISBN 978-1-5462-0731-3; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-5462-0730-6
Amazon
This novel examines the possibility of sophisticated Western European countries being legally overthrown by Islamic groups using the ballot box as the vehicle to achieve their goal.
Coyote Alibi: A Naomi Manymules Mystery
J. and D. Burges. Naaltsoos Press. $15.95 paper (281p), ISBN 978-0-9998573-3-5
Ingram
Rookie Navajo paralegal Naomi Manymules navigates a colorful assortment of criminals, surly teenagers, prominent locals, some polygamists, and a mobster or two.
I Didn’t See This Coming from My Family
Niecy M. AuthorHouse. $20.99 paper (272p), ISBN 978-1-5462-1530-1
Amazon, AuthorHouse, BN.com
A mystery/thriller/suspense journey conveyed through the eyes of a razor-sharp nine-year-old named Sofay White.
Sig Alert
David Scott. AuthorHouse. $20.99 paper (322p), ISBN 978-1-5462-3047-2
Davidscottsigalert.com, Amazon, AuthorHouse
Darcy Garcia and Peter Dale are solving the biggest crime of their careers. The future of Los Angeles hangs in the balance.
Tetterbaum’s Truth (Book 1, Just Call Me Angel Series)
S.R. Claridge. Global Publishing Group. $14.99 paper (300p), ISBN 978-0-9898467-0-7
Amazon, BN.com, Smashwords
Angel’s life hangs in a twisted balance of deception and revenge, and her only hope for staying alive is to expose the truth.
The Thanks You Get
Corey B. Collins. Dorrance Publishing. $17 paper (218p), ISBN 978-1-4809-4100-7
Dorrancebookstore.com
Hank Goodman is drawn into a mystery by wealthy Benjamin Beasley and lovely Sonia Santaria. Searching for Beasley’s long-lost brother, the three face surprises and adventure.
Tied to Deceit
Neena H. Brar. Penguide Books. $19.99 paper (326p), ISBN 978-1-77515-803-5; $7.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-77515-802-8
Amazon, BN.com, Google Play, IndieBound
In the hill town of Sanover, the exquisite, secretive, malicious, thoroughly immoral Devika Singh is murdered. SP Sharma probes the sinister web spun around a tangle of lies and deception.
The Tribal Case
Theresa M. Janson. Red Garnet Press. $14.95 paper (188p), ISBN 978-0-692-06461-0
Amazon, BN.com
FBI Special Agent Samantha Wright inherits the serial killer case of her life when her mentor at the bureau dies. The case sends her to the Cheyenne reservation in the wilds of Montana.
SF/Fantasy/Horror
The Aesir: Midgaard Cycle, Vol. 2
Tim Slee. T.J. Slee. $12.99 paper (634p), 978-1-983047-95-4
Amazon
Norse mythology and crime noir join in this sequel to Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Prize–winning novel The Vanirim.
Angelvoice
John Keeling. Xlibris. $19.99 paper (166p), ISBN 978-1-5434-4857-3; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-5434-4858-0
Amazon
Eric, a mortal, is conscripted to find angel Ariel trapped in hell and take her from the depths of her prison to salvation. Will he complete his perilous mission?
Die to Live Again
David Crane. Foremost Press. $3.99 e-book, ASIN B00FZW20AQ
Foremostpress.com, Amazon, BN.com
Tanya Gray made a promise to her father on the day the missiles were launched. She promised to survive the unthinkable.
Eris Adrift
Bruce Post. CreateSpace. $9.99 e-book, ASIN B07DBT551W
Amazon
Civilization collapses and chaos erupts after the cruise ship Eris sails out of Jamaica. Capt. Willa Freundlich has the strength and confidence to keep the ship safe, but Dave Sturgis knows the odds are bad.
Heart of the Dragon: The Oracle
Peter Man. iUniverse. $20.99 paper (358p), ISBN 978-1-5320-4855-5; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-5320-4856-2
Amazon, BN.com, Chapters, iUniverse
Victoria, a Canadian teenager, goes on a perilous odyssey to China, where she discovers that her family was from a mythical paradise planet. She must save her parents and then save the world.
Short Days, Long Nights
Shawn Scuefield. Archway Publishing. $19.99 paper (304p), ISBN 978-1-4808-6120-6
Amazon, Archway, BN.com
Six tales take readers on a journey through the dark and unknown, where nothing is certain except uncertainty.
The Warrior Revealed (The World of Evendaar, Book Four)
A.R. Winterstaar. Evendaar Publishing. $5.97 e-book, ASIN B07DFDTGRS
Amazon
The fourth book in the World of Evendaar series, a tale filled with adventure, romance, and unlikely heroes.
Romance/Erotica
Mary Poser
Angel A. Angel’s Leap Pty. $16.99 paper (480p), ISBN 978-0-9876222-2-8; 99¢ e-book, ISBN 978-0-9876222-0-4
Amazon, Apple iBooks, Google Play, Ingram
There’s troubled love in Music City, U.S.A. Despite deeply entrenched obstacles, Mary falls for Simha Das, a visiting Bolly-wood director.
The Unexpected Wife
Caroline Warfield. Soul Mate Publishing. $3.99 e-book,
ASIN B07FGGC918
Amazon, BN.com
Canton, 1838: the Duke of Murnane expects work to heal him; he doesn’t expect to confront his wreck of a marriage or find the love of his life.
Nonfiction
10 Most Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make: And How to Resolve Them!
Tammie Rogers. CreateSpace. $12.99 paper (156p), ISBN 978-1-5484-8279-4
Amazon
Relying on 30 years of experience, Rogers offers an honest, compassionate, and dependable approach to solving 10 of the most common problems that plague dog owners.
Are You Happy? A Guidebook on How to Earn Happiness
Lea Colleens, illus. by Calvin Tony. Harlen Books Pty. $9.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-648-22951-3
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Booktopia, Google Play, Kobo
The guide aims to offer a clear definition of what happiness is, lay out the recipe to achieve it, and describe how to find one’s own unique path.
A Better Human: The Stoic Heart, Mind, and Soul
George J. Bradley. Bradley Publishing. $12.95 paper (250p), ISBN 978-0-692-90492-3
Amazon, Apple iBooks
This book looks at what the Stoic philosophers said and did, and how it impacted their lives by increasing their tranquility, joy, and success, and it shows how the Stoic lifestyle can be beneficial.
Blessings and Betrayals: A True Story of One Woman’s Fight for Freedom and Love
R.J. Blum. Bookstand Publishing. $14.95 paper (208p), ISBN 978-1-63498-634-2
Amazon, BN.com
The true story of one 90-year-old woman’s fight with her son for her freedom and to be with those she loved.
Enerjettics: Your New Energy
Jeremy Gorman. Toplink Publishing. $7.99 paper (92p), ISBN 978-1-948962-09-4
Amazon, BN.com
This is a guide to enjoying saving money while saving the Earth. The world’s outrageous demand for energy is destroying the atmosphere and poisoning the oceans, so we must change our energy sources from fossil fuels to clean energy.
Etiquette... Manners... Uncensored Unfiltered & Raw!
Claudio Capra II. Uncensored Publishing. $2.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-73250-210-9
Amazon
A candid take on how people should and shouldn’t be conducting themselves, delving deeper into some very relevant life lessons that we should all be reminded of today.
Extrapolating the Unknown: A Unified View on Spirituality
M.V.K. Mohan. PartridgeSingapore. $13.77 paper (144p), ISBN 978-1-5437-4141-4; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-5437-4142-1
Amazon
This philosophical and spiritual commentary explores the law of correspondence and how it, along with Hindu spirituality, can answer life’s most profound questions about the universe, God, and humanity.
A History of the People and Events at One of the Residential Hotels that Proliferate the Cities of America
Frank M. Lick. Dorrance Publishing. $30 paper (630p), ISBN 978-1-4809-4564-7
Dorrancebookstore.com
True stories from the author’s residential hotel, which hosts a mix of people with different talents and disorders, leading to many adventures.
The Hormone Shift: Using Natural Hormone Balancing for Your Mood, Weight, Sleep & Female Health
Dawn M. Cutillo. Book-Art Press Solutions. $14.99 paper (272p), ISBN 978-1-948817-23-3
Amazon
A 30-day guide for those who wish to lose a stubborn 10–20 pounds, diminish hot flashes, improve sleep, and banish mood swings.
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great, Part 1: The 1998 Footsteps of Alexander the Great Tour
Mansur Johnson. CreateSpace. $40 paper (212p), ISBN 978-1-976392-63-4
Amazon
This book follows the author’s journey through six Middle Eastern countries—Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt—in 1998, with more than 200 color illustrations.
Journey into Health: Heal Yourself with Meditation and the Aid of Your Spirit Guides
Katrina Blecher. Balboa Press. $12.99 paper (156p), ISBN 978-1-5043-8336-3; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-5043-8337-0
Amazon
Blecher employs hypnosis, meditation, and other holistic healing methods as a conduit to self-healing. The book also introduces ways readers can meet their own spirit guides.
Mountaintop Mornings
Alysa VanderWeerd. Xulon Press. $34.99 paper (792p), ISBN 978-1-5456-2036-6
Amazon, BN.com
This is a 365-day devotional that is pure Scripture pieced together, with every devotion ending in an amen. Included is a three-year journal.
Not So Politically Correct: A Collection of Laughs, Inspirations, Favorite Emails, and Great Stories
Martha Howald. iUniverse. $20.99 paper (252p), ISBN 978-1-5320-3027-7; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-5320-3026-0
Amazon
The author recalls life’s funny moments of growing up on a farm and spending time with her dad, even if he was loading the manure spreader.
Principles to Fortune: Crafting a Culture to Massively Grow a Business
Scott J. Bintz. Red Headed Rebel. $19.95 paper (214p), ISBN 978-0-9996234-0-4
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com
Bintz shares hardcore experience and practical actions any business can take to create a winning workplace culture, and provides many ideas that can be used in everyday life.
Reverse Mortgage 360, a New Perspective
Jim Hostler. CreateSpace. $17.95 paper (132p), ISBN 978-1-981192-46-5
Amazon
Hostler writes to dispel yesterday’s myths and misconceptions, explaining how today’s reverse mortgages work; simple and clear with real-life stories of their benefits.
The Rise and Fall of Paradise
I.K. Fleming. iUniverse. $24.95 paper (372p), ISBN 978-1-4917-3529-9; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-4917-3527-5
Amazon
Fleming shows ancient Paradise’s scattered symbolism survives to offer an alternative perspective on how life might be lived on this Earth.
Rule Breaker: An Entrepreneur’s Manifesto
Shelly Weinig. CreateSpace. $12.95 paper (224p), ISBN 978-1-71957-494-5; $3.95 e-book, ISBN 978-1-71957-494-5
Amazon
Thousands of entrepreneurs from all over the world seek advice from Weinig, “the father of electronics materials.” Here are his rules for rule breakers.
Secrets to Tame a Mystical Dragon: Cracking the PTSD Code... Now You Have a Choice
Sharron Gleason. Conscious Media Publishing. $12.99 paper (176p), ISBN 978-1-941595-00-8
Amazon, BN.com
Gleason argues that our deepest, darkest emotions hold us back in life, preventing us from achieving happiness. She explains from personal experience, study, and helping trauma survivors what works best and why many therapies today are ineffective, and puts forward a method to crack the PTSD code.
Slave to the Dream
Gaylan D. Wright. Outskirts Press. $20.66 hardcover (152p), ISBN 978-1-4787-5611-8; $11.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-68118-678-8
Outskirtspress.com
A memoir of one man’s intense rebellion, roadblocks, and ultimately his inspiring growth, powered by the healing powers of family support and divine intervention.
Two Journeys: Father and Son Wresting Meaning and Hope Through Suffering, Forgiveness, and Prayer
Daniel C. Nelson. Xlibris. $15.99 paper (166p), ISBN 978-1-4931-5261-2; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-4931-5263-6
Amazon
This is about the spiritual journey of two people who found purpose and meaning in their lives through their suffering, their struggle to forgive, and their faith in the power of prayer.
A Vermont Idyll
Laurence Grey. Dorrance Publishing. $14 paper (162p), ISBN 978-1-4809-5131-0
Dorrancebookstore.com
At 84, a coldhearted professor encounters the great love of his life, and everything is transformed. An unusual memoir of torment and love, with a startling revelation.
Whistleblower: Having Ethics Regardless of the Outcome
Edward R. Lane. Dr Rock Press. $12.99 paper (92p), ISBN 978-0-692-14588-3
Amazon
This book details Lane’s story as the focus of a whistle-blower case that garnered national attention and was eventually ruled in his favor by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Why Being Happy Matters: Discover How the Power of Joy Will Energize Your Life
Peter Jennings. Peter Jennings. $17.26 paper (200p), ISBN 978-0-9949013-1-6
Whybeinghappymatters.com, Amazon, BN.com, Chapters
Profiles of 37 people from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia who share how happiness improves their outlook, adds value to their days, and enhances their peace of mind.
Wild Child to Couture Style: The Shailah Edmonds Story
Shailah Edmonds with Chester L. Fultz. Lyons Publishing. $21.99 paper (242p), ISBN 978-0-9712338-4-3
Amazon
This book follows international model Edmonds’s journey from Portland, Ore., to the couture runways of Paris. The stories are intended for people of all ages, and the book ends with a tutorial for aspiring models.
Children’s/YA
The Adventures of Anna and Andy Hummingbird
Linda P. Young. Xlibris. $21.99 paper (42p), ISBN 978-1-4568-9568-6
Amazon
This story follows Anna and Andy’s journey through a backyard full of beauty and adventures. This was inspired by little hummingbirds who were born in a tree on the author’s back patio.
The Adventures of David and Kringer in Italy
Eddie R. Johnson Jr. Book Venture Publishing. $11.99 paper (38p), ISBN 978-1-64348-038-1
Amazon, BN.com, Bookventure
What happens when a young boy and his dog take the wrong plane and end up at the wrong destination? It turns out to be a great adventure.
The Adventures of Smelly the Garbage Truck: From “PU” to “Woo-hoo!”
Tamara M. Lucas, illus. by Toby Mikle. Tamara M. Lucas. $12.99 paper (58p), ISBN 978-0-692-91023-8
Amazon
Smelly teaches children to find an individual’s inner beauty regardless of size or shape. Children learn that heroes are ordinary people that do extraordinary things.
Bank Magic: Financial Literacy for Young People
K. Samuel Murray. Murray Wealth Group. $17.99 paper (58p), ISBN 978-1-977848-34-5
Amazon, Ingram
This book addresses the critical need for young people to become financially literate. It covers chores and allowances, savings, credit cards, budgeting, investing, giving, and taxes.
Dead Perfect
P.G. Shriver. CreateSpace. $13.99 paper (230p), ISBN 978-1-4699-7054-7
Amazon, BN.com
Two auto accidents turn Mel’s well-planned, get-outta-town future into chaos, and she finds herself falling for a handsome new guy with ghostly secrets.
Excuse Me Ma’am, Excuse Me Sir: I’m Amina, an All-American Girl
Shayma Mustafa, illus. by Ella Newman. CreateSpace. $17.85 paper (30p), ISBN 978-1-983694-76-9
Amazon
Join Amina on her adventure through different states highlighting America’s beauty. Every state is one of a kind, as is Amina, the all-American, proud Muslim girl.
The Flying Rock
Robert Rush, illus. by Ruth Whiting. Prior Manor Press. $19.95 hardcover (38p), ISBN 978-0-9990665-3-9
Amazon, BN.com, IndieBound, Ingram
A boy learns a valuable lesson after accidentally injuring another child.
Henderson the Cottontail Rabbit’s Special Luncheon
B.J. Colvin. Dorrance Publishing. $23 hardcover (30p), ISBN 978-1-4809-5224-9
Dorrancebookstore.com
This story cordially invites readers to a special luncheon at Henderson the rabbit’s place. What’s more special than getting together with friends and loved ones to enjoy one another’s company?
Leftover Girl
C.C. Bolick. Dirt Road Books. $2.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-946089-00-7
Amazon
Found on a dark highway at four, Jes can’t have a normal life without the truth about her parents. Could the mysterious new guy have answers she’s never dreamed of?
Lord Computesalot’s Quintessential Quest to Banish Bullies: A Creative Fun Activity Book
Regina Davis and Carolyn Royer Spencer. AuthorHouse. $11.95 paper (52p), ISBN 978-1-4817-4847-6; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-4817-4848-3
Amazon
Composed by two experienced elementary educators, this activity book with reproducible pages uses poetry, puzzles, games, and cheers to teach children about bullying in a creative way.
The Moon and Stars: A Tale of Dakota Rising
R. Calhoun Sargent and Thelonius Fix. No Doubt Imagination Book Publishing. $14.99 paper (294p), ISBN 978-0-692-11422-3
Amazon
Living on the Greek island of Santorini becomes a vague memory for Dakota Dagger when his parents’ plane crashes, leaving him an orphan.
The Scouts of St. Michael: Operation Archangel
Dan Morales. ELM Grove Publishing. $17.99 paper (339p), ISBN 978-1-943492-37-4
Amazon, BN.com
In 1940 England, six orphan boy scouts find themselves conscripted for a covert mission deep inside Nazi Germany. Success means they grow up heroes. Failure means they don’t grow up.
The Shadow (The Guardians of Time, Book 4)
Marianne Curley. MTC Services Pty. $15.45 paper (345p), ISBN 978-0-648-26360-9
Amazon, BN.com, Powell’s
The war is won, but Ethan struggles with all that he lost, while Jesilla, the Goddess’s secret daughter, swears vengeance on the Guard, propelling them both into an impossible future.
