Bowker reported that in 2013, 458,564 print and e-books were self-published, compared with 85,648 in 2008.

The publishing landscape is changing rapidly. Aspiring authors and author-publishers are eager for up-to-date information about the industry and how they can give their books a fighting chance. This is a true insider's guide.

Everyone loves to champion an underdog. This book is full of success stories from people who succeeded by believing in themselves, turning on its head the notion that traditional publishing necessarily holds the power to make authors' dreams come true.