Reviewed by Lorraine Cobcroft for Readers' Favorite

The road to becoming a published author has radically changed over recent decades. No longer are authors entirely at the mercy of traditional or vanity publishers. Now, anyone can be a published author, and the market has been flooded with self-published works. But the term 'self-published' is often, sadly, associated with poor quality. Authors are frequently told 'you can do it all yourself at no cost'. Mary E. Neighbour explains in clear terms how authors can avoid the reputation-damaging mistake of believing that myth. In Self-publishing Wizard or Wannabe: How to Hire the Best Editor, Designer or Book Guide, Mary Neighbour provides, in simple language, all the knowledge an author needs to select and work with professionals who can ensure their book is professionally edited and published and presented to the market in a way that gives the author the maximum chance of success.

Mary Neighbour warns that no professional can guarantee market success. They don't control the market. But the right professionals can apply the all-important polish that makes your book shine. They can help you avoid mistakes that detract and reduce market appeal. They can guide you to avoid legal problems such as copyright breaches. With a wealth of experience in the publishing industry, Mary Neighbour clearly knows how to find the best professionals for each task. She explains the terminology authors need to understand and offers guidance as to the questions authors should ask editors, cover artists, book designers, and book guides. In an easy-to-read book that provides a classic example of a quality presentation, she offers a wealth of practical tips for authors who are serious about making a mark with their book.

Many authors will, sadly, find the cost of high-quality professional services prohibitive, but before embarking on the path to self-publication, smart authors will at least educate themselves about what makes a book stand out, and why claims that you can do it all for free are grossly misleading. Armed with the knowledge Mary Neighbour provides, authors will be far better positioned to make smart decisions about engaging professional help and to avoid some of the classic mistakes that mark a self-published work as an amateur production. For all serious authors, Mary Neighbour's Wizard or Wannabe: How to Hire the Best Editor, Designer or Book Guide should be compulsory reading.