Sallie Dawkins

I have always cherished the art of writing, editing, and publishing. However, taking a step back for a year to focus on other pursuits turned out to be just what I needed. You may recall that my last project, completed in 2023, was The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing for Christians. I’m grateful to report that it has received many positive reviews from writers and authors across the Christian, religious, and spiritual genres.

However, not every response was wholly positive—one reviewer, RDB, left a one-star review expressing that the title was “an insulting title for non-Christians” and claimed it turned religion into a corporate venture. While I understand everyone has different perspectives, I purposefully included “for Christians” in the title to signal the book’s focus. It contains valuable scriptures, prayer prompts, and genre-specific resources to assist faith-based authors. I hoped that those outside this audience would simply look elsewhere, which sadly didn’t happen in this case.

Since receiving RDB’s Amazon review in March 2024, I have prayerfully contemplated my response. Instead of reacting in anger, I wish he would have offered constructive feedback. Perhaps he intended to suggest that a similar resource catering to other genres could be valuable—something I wholeheartedly agree with.

After taking a year off from writing and publishing, I realized I needed to go back to The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing for Christians to ease back into my work. In November, I began editing this book to create a more inclusive resource for both fiction and nonfiction authors of all genres. The result is my latest project: Self-Publishing Simplified: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success.

This new guide keeps the essence of the original while removing scripture references and faith-specific resources, making it applicable to writers in any genre. Self-Publishing Simplified offers a broad overview along with detailed, step-by-step instructions designed to help authors navigate the often complex self-publishing journey. I’ve incorporated valuable input from successful authors and included new content regarding AI and the unique needs of fiction authors.

I’ve approached this project at a comfortable pace, allowing me to truly enjoy the process. Without the pressure of deadlines or competition, I can listen to my own instincts and, importantly, God’s guidance. As an early reviewer aptly stated, “One of the most beneficial aspects of Dawkins’ guide is its resourcefulness. It serves as a one-stop shop for many self-publishing resources and tips.”

It’s often said, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” If you’re curious about self-publishing, I believe I’ve created two of the most comprehensive guides available. Whether you’re ready to share your unique message with the world or simply unsure where to begin, Self-Publishing Simplified and The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing for Christians equip writers with the insights they need to explore their publishing options.

Are you writing to build your brand, grow your business, or expand your social reach? Or maybe you’re focused on preserving family legacies, bedtime stories, or treasured recipes? Whatever your writing goals may be, it’s time to unlock your potential and embark on a successful self-publishing journey. Let my books guide you through the process. 

Doreen Chombu from Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews beautifully captured the essence of “Self-Publishing Simplified,” calling it “a vital resource for anyone embarking on the self-publishing journey and pursuing their writing dreams.” This comprehensive guide strips away the mystery surrounding self-publishing, offering step-by-step instructions to help you craft your manuscript and market your finished work effectively.

If you’re ready to bid farewell to confusion and frustration, these books will provide you with the tools and confidence you need to streamline your journey, saving you precious time and equipping you with essential knowledge—especially concerning the legal and financial aspects of publishing.

To celebrate the upcoming launch of Self-Publishing Simplified, I’m excited to offer readers a special PDF resource to jumpstart your self-publishing adventure! This free PDF includes:

- Pre-writing questions to ignite your creativity

- A guide on how to create a Mind Map for your ideas

- A comprehensive self-publishing checklist to keep you on track

- Tips for crafting an impactful author mission statement

Get ready to take that first step toward success—download this free resource today.

Happy writing!