The Self-Publisher's Amazon Playbook

One of my main goals each time I read nonfiction is to learn something new. With The Self-Publisher's Amazon Playbook, I felt like I met that goal with near every page. I did initially believe the scope was larger, but I should have paid more attention to the subtitle: “The author's manual to crafting amazon book listings that sell.” The material definitely delivers on that narrower focus, with the expectation readers are already familiar with the technical use of the Amazon publishing platform.

The author, Jane Tabachnick, breaks down each element of a book listing, providing key insight into what they are, why they matter, and how to create that section with the highest impact. Before reading, I would have thought I was rather familiar with most of what goes into a great book listing. Even with that prior knowledge, I still learned so much with this read. The most valuable for me was informaiton given about optional section, A+ Content, and why it shouldn't be neglected.

When I read informational books, especially books based on how to write or how to sell your own writing, I find myself inevitably falling into a critical trap. Does this book or this author practice what's being preached? If the advice and guidelines being offered aren't exemplified by the work itself, it calls into question how valid the insights are. For the most part, The Self-Publisher's Amazon Playbook does follow its own “plays.” However, the work does stray some, particularly when talking more about book matter versus the book listing itself.

Although the title and description don't make this very clear, this playbook is more geared toward nonfiction than fiction. I do think fiction writers can still glean valuable insight, but the majority of information presented leans into book listings and book matter for nonfiction works. Going into it with the right expectations, The Self-Publisher's Amazon Playbook should be required reading for any author ready to post their best book listing.