Book Review – Author Inc: The Entrepreneur’s Secret Playbook to Skyrocketing Leads and Sales by Self-Publishing a Book by Ray Brehm and Jack Canfield

Ray Brehm helps entrepreneurs publish books, become bestselling authors, and build authority. And most people know who Jack Canfield is, co-creator of the Chicken Soup series of books with heartfelt stories on multiple subjects. Together they’ve assembled a treasure trove of book publishing wisdom from some of the top authors in the world. In Author Inc: The Entrepreneur’s Secret Playbook to Skyrocketing Leads and Sales by Self-Publishing a Book, you’ll find one of the strongest collections of real-world publishing and marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. What makes this book especially valuable is its practical, business-focused approach to publishing—not just writing a book, but using it as a platform for visibility, authority, and sales.

Write a book for your business

Most entrepreneurs already understand that writing a book can elevate their business. But what they often underestimate is what it actually takes to make a book work as a marketing asset: strategy, positioning, audience clarity, and consistent follow-through. This book removes some of that guesswork by showing how successful entrepreneurs have used publishing as a core business growth strategy. Following in the footsteps of over 30 successful “authorpreneurs” will guide you to your success as well. You’ll see how a book will not only add revenue and attract clients to your business, but open doors to opportunities you could not have imagined.

Learn from those who’ve been there

One of the most powerful aspects of Author Inc is its structure. The contributors are asked a simple but revealing question: If you had to start over today—with no audience, no list, and no reputation—would you still use a book to rebuild your business? Their answers offer a behind-the-scenes look at how experienced entrepreneurs would restart from zero using publishing as a strategy. You’ll read a world-class handbook for entrepreneurs who want to use a book as one of their primary marketing tools in their business. Some of the authors you’ll meet are Rob Kosberg on “One Good Client is All it Takes,” Alinka Rutkowska on “Learn and Implement,” Derek Doepker on “The Growth Mindset,” Matt Stone on “Writing a Great Book,” Paul Brodie on “Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot,” Richard McCartney on “The Opportunity to Try Something New,” and so many more.

What you’ll actually learn

After reading Author Inc, what stood out most for me is how comprehensive the lessons are—not just about writing, but about building a business around a book. Among many of the topics you’ll learn from these successful authors is how to build a mailing list from scratch, ways to improve habits for success, building an online empire with your book, the support you need, plans to strategize your book and business, how to build a successful platform and following, and more resources than you’ll ever need. This is not just a book about writing—it’s a book about business growth through authorship.

If you get value from books like this, you will get value from my books

Although my books are not a collection of wisdom from many authors, I do have invaluable tips and techniques for first-time nonfiction authors. While my own work focuses specifically on helping first-time nonfiction authors go from idea to published book step-by-step, Author Inc is an excellent complement for those who want to understand how a book fits into a broader business strategy—taking you to the next level by building a fan base and a bestselling book.