Booksellers, publishers, librarians, and agents are encouraged to look at the 74 self-published titles below, with descriptions provided by their authors. Some of these writers are waiting to be discovered; others have a track record and a following and are doing it on their own. If you are a self-published author interested in listing titles in this section, please visit publishersweekly.com/pw-select for more information.
Fiction
The Aclla’s Legacy
Bonnie Adams-Little. Yawn’s Books & More. $16.99 paper (380p), ISBN 978-1-943529-36-0
Amazon, BN.com
A mystery involving Incan acllas ends with insights into a young astrophysicist’s life, ancient astronomy, and the myth surrounding Machu Picchu.
Antonia Barclay and Her Scottish Claymore: A Rebellious Romantic Comedy
Jane Carter Barrett. River Grove Books. $16.95 paper (334p), ISBN 978-1-63299-038-9
Amazon, BN.com
In 1586, Antonia Barclay embarks on a quest to find her real mother, Mary, Queen of Scots. Fun, adventure, romance, and treachery follow her along the way.
The Beech Tree
Don Phelan. CreateSpace. $14.99 paper (332p), ISBN 978-1-5194-2388-7
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Kobo
On the first dune from the shore, the beech tree held secrets of love, life, and redemption.
Blue Moon Over Fenway
Alden C. Glass. Bluefish River Press. $15.95 paper (272p), ISBN 978-0- 9714701-9-4
Amazon, Authorcloud-ware.com, BN.com, Ingram
The year is 2018: the occurrence of two blue moons, Cubs and Sox in the World Series, tragic events at Fenway, a mysterious scorekeeper, the deal for a Yankee superstar, and more.
A Crowded Heart
Andrea McKenzie Raine. Inkwater Press. $3.99 e-book, ASIN B017MRUS6O
Inkwaterbooks.com, Amazon, BN.com, Powell’s
Willis Hancocks enlists in World War II, hoping to break out of his small-town existence. After the war, he is left to battle his demons and reconcile his life choices.
Deviating Minds
Chinedum Igwe. RoseDog Books. $12 paper (92p), ISBN 978-1-4809-6125-8
Rosedogbookstore.com
A coming-of-age story set in Nigeria during the civil unrest of the 1990s. Munachiso is in love with three very different women. Will he choose the right one?
Eirwen’s Dream: Inside Snow White’s Sleeping Mind
Kristen Reed. Kristen Reed. $2.99 e-book, ASIN B01G2H6KCG
Amazon, Apple iBooks, Nook, Kobo, Scribd
Princess Eirwen awakens in the fantastical realm of Edwig after eating a poisoned apple. There she must defeat an evil queen whose power comes from bathing in the blood of virgins.
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts
Sherry Maysonave. Balboa Press. $20.99 paper (326p), ISBN 978-1-5043-5111-9; $9.99 e-book, ASIN B01EV8J8SQ
Balboapress.com, Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com
This novel explores intuition, angels, the afterlife, and social issues. Protagonist Kate struggles deeply with her rare seventh sense.
The Governor’s Daughter: The Scribes of Brahmadhan
Sambath Meas. CreateSpace. $12.99 paper (160p), ISBN 978- 1-5193-6101-1
Amazon
Anjali Chinak sets out to catch the attacker of Esmè Laurent, the governor’s daughter, only to be brutalized herself. Will she survive?
Keep-er: Sydney Keane Series; The Beginning
Laryl Dixon. LCD Literary. $15.99 paper (332p), ISBN 978-0-9966983-0-6
Amazon, BN.com
Sydney’s life seemed placed in a storybook setting in East Texas. But bad choices are soon leaving Sydney vulnerable to the terrible things that can happen in this world.
The Paris Effect
K.S.R. Burns. Velvet Morning Press. $11.99 paper (264p), ISBN 978-0-692-71085-2; $4.99 e-book, ASIN B01GGOCKJC
Amazon
Nothing’s what it seems in this debut novel about a food-obsessed young woman who sneaks away to Paris without telling anyone—not even her husband.
Patching Time
Kathleen Curtin. Kathleen Curtin. $7.20 e-book, ASIN B01GWSEDR4
Amazon
This novel is set in contemporary rural Ireland, where money lending, drugs, blackmail, and murder are the backdrop to a story about retribution, love, and forgiveness.
Stitches
Kathy Weyer. Wild Rose Press. $16.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-62830-587-6
Wildrosepublishing.com, Amazon, BN.com
A widow must recreate her life at 56 and discovers her old life was a bit of a sham.
Storykeeper
Daniel A. Smith. CreateSpace. $14.96 paper (352p), ISBN 978-1-4662-1297-8; $3.99 e-book, ASIN B007HCHLEW
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Kobo
Hernando de Soto and 350 conquistadors entered the Mississippi River valley in 1541. A century later, Manaha fights to keep the story of her decimated and abandoned homeland alive.
Swearing Allegiance
Jana Petken. CreateSpace. $16.99 paper (462p), ISBN 978-1-5308-2269-0; $3.50 e-book, ASIN B01DMKSYTS
Amazon
A historical family saga about love, war, and betrayal, set during the First World War.
Tattle Tales: Essays and Stories Along the Way
Abbe Rolnick. Sedro Publishing. $13.95 paper (170p), ISBN 978-0-9845119-5-2
Amazon, Ingram
The stories in this collection range from the basement of a girl learning about the Holocaust via a repairman, to a literal and psychological deep dive in the Caribbean, to the humble truths of a dung beetle in Africa.
Thank You for the Shoes: The Story of an Extraordinary Ordinary Man
Raffaela Marie Rizzo. Giro di Mondo. $16.95 paper (358p), ISBN 978-0-9966687-1-2
Amazon, BN.com
A fatherless southern Italian boy embarks on a solo journey to America in 1909 to seek the grave of his father, a man he never knew.
Mystery/Thriller
The Black Opera
Raymond Embrack. Raymond Embrack. $1.99 e-book, ASIN B005MZB8P4
Amazon
An epic thriller spanning a secret history of FBI/CIA black operations from 1963 to 2017, when a nuclear crisis is created by the man behind both Kennedy assassinations.
Broken Eagle
James T. Crouse. Caromount Island Publishing. $17.99 paper (262p), ISBN 978-0-9974712-0-5
Amazon, Ingram, Smashwords
A thriller about Jake Baird, whose quiet law practice is blown apart when an ex-military officer gives him classified documents about the fatally flawed Sea Eagle aircraft.
Chinese Puzzle: A No Sin Mystery
T.M. Raymond. CreateSpace. $14.25 paper (402p), ISBN 978-1-5055-8443-1
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Smashwords
An action-filled, extensively researched murder mystery set in Shanghai during the sultry August of 1928. The first book in the No Sin mystery series.
Circle of Betrayal
Jacqueline Simon Gunn. CreateSpace. $14.95 paper (352p), ISBN 978-1-5187-8821-5
Amazon, BN.com
When Kadee’s love for Noah turns obsession, what could possibly go wrong? Besides his murder.
Cold Hollow: Cold Hollow Mysteries, Book 1
Emilie J. Howard. Emilie J. Howard. $2.99 e-book, ASIN B00X2KNJZS
Amazon
Cold Hollow—a quaint town where insanity reigns and a madman sits on an imaginary throne. Who will survive living in the town?
Constant Guests
Patricia Nedelea. Patricia Nedelea. 99¢ e-book, ASIN B01G0VYTYK
Amazon
A Parisian party girl uncovers four lost-and-found stories related to a tarot deck from 1389. This book is a hybrid novel, swinging across Europe between history, mystery, and fantasy.
Enclosure: A Trappist Tale
Jerry Buzyniski. Xlibris. $23.99 paper (676p), ISBN 978-1-4653-7212-3
Amazon, BN.com, Xlibris
A glimpse into the confines of a monastery through the eyes of Brother Andrew. After a near-fatal immolation, he is able to scratch out his two-word message: “Kill me.”
The Errant Child
Ozzie Logozzo. Medialinx. $12.99 paper (288p), ISBN 978-0-9948605-0-7
Theerrantchild.ca
A husband is obsessed with his wife’s psychological unfaithfulness. Their confrontations boil as conspiracy, crime, and corruption intervene to worsen their irrepressible wrangles.
Family Business: An Outer Banks Crime Mystery
Colin Beckett. CreateSpace. $13.99 paper (448p), ISBN 978-1-5304-7018-1; $6.99 e-book, ASIN B01FG52K42
Amazon
A highly intelligent and deadly killer has found his way to the Outer Banks, and Sheriff Marty Tate will stop at nothing to catch him.
Kentucky Weed
Jim Miller. Moonshine Cove Publishing. $13.95 paper (266p), ISBN 978-1-937327-72-9
Jimmillerbooks.com, Amazon, BN.com
Ex-Marine Joshua Stiles comes seeking his roots only to find his mother’s and father’s families locked in a bloody feud over marijuana.
Last Call Lounge
Stuart Spears. Stuart Spears. $2.99 e-book, ASIN B011ANCPLM
Amazon
A coke dealer in his bar.
A hurricane bearing down on the Gulf Coast. And the love of his life just walked back in. It’s gonna be a hell of a weekend.
Naked Ambition
Rick Pullen. Blair House. $14.99 paper (374p) ISBN 978-0-692-63435-6
Amazon, Ingram
A reporter investigates a Republican presidential candidate opposed by his own party. Nothing is quite as it seems. When the reporter thinks he’s solved the riddle, he realizes he hasn’t.
Reanna Reloaded
Edward Vogler. Outskirts Press. $14.95 paper (231p), ISBN 978-1-4787-7696-3
Outskirtspress.com, Amazon, BN.com
In 1950, CIA agent Jim Wilson has five days to rescue German scientist Derrick Schneider before the Russians transport him to Moscow. Wilson and his partner find themselves in a cat-and-mouse game with the Soviet agent protecting Schneider. But an unexpected player enters this high-stakes mission: Wilson’s wife, Reanna. With her Russian background and martial arts expertise, she is a force to be reckoned with, and she will protect her husband at any cost.
A Secret to the Grave (Detective Parker Bell, Vol. 1)
Jane Blythe. Bear Spots Publications. $11.95 paper (260p), ISBN 978-0-9924180-1-4; $3.99 e-book, ASIN B00M6ACSPM
Amazon, BN.com, Fishpond.com
Secrets can kill you. Tessa Micah is determined to keep hers even though a lunatic is stalking her. Detective Parker Bell is just as determined to find out what she’s hiding.
A Silver Medallion
James R. Callan. Pennant Publishing. $14.95 paper (366p), ISBN 978-0-692-67922-7; $3.99 e-book, ASIN B01DJB7U8G
Amazon
Crystal Moore’s conscience forces her into Mexico to rescue two young hostages. Only then can she free their mother from modern-day slavery in Texas. Now Crystal must fight to stay alive.
Starfall
John Hegenberger. Black Opal Books. $12.99 paper (294p), ISBN 978-1-62694-419-0
Amazon, BN.com
In March 1959, a hard-luck private eye searches Hollywood to learn who killed the eighth candidate for America’s first man in space.
Three Decades of Lily
Diane C. Smyth. Xlibris. $19.99 paper (181p), ISBN 978-1-4500-9119-0
Amazon, BN.com, Google Play, Xlibris
Time is of the essence to prove danger lurks in the shadows as five women struggle with secrets, lust, and deceit that threaten to tear their alliance apart forever.
The Trial of Grover Henry Hendershot
Evan Richards. CreateSpace. $15 paper (280p), ISBN 978-1-5196-7503-3
Amazon, Baker & Taylor, BN.com, Ingram
After becoming supernatural, Grover seeks other humans with “the warmth” while suffering the hatred of those who don’t understand him. A trial reveals even more about his identity.
SF/Fantasy/Horror
Calling Tower: Calling Tower Saga, Book 1
Josh Leone. XYcom Publishing. $14.95 paper (332p), ISBN 978-0-9725024-1-2
Amazon, BN.com, Ingram
A far-future saga of heroes and villains. Sci-fi action with a touch of the fantastic.
Farhayven: Vengeance
S.K. Ng. Epic Lore Publishing. $6.90 e-book, ISBN 978-967-13884-0-2
Kobo
Follow Ray and Spirit in their quest of vengeance against demons and deadly assassins. Along the way, Ray gets drawn into the Fallsian Military. Will they succeed in their quest?
The Game of VORs
Andrew Orange. Ridero. $7.48 e-book, ISBN 978-5-4474-8531-3
Amazon
This book is a sharp social fiction novel disguised as a science fiction parody.
Hyperpowers
Bascomb James, ed. Third Flatiron Publishing. $8.99 paper (172p), ISBN 978-0-69271407-2
Amazon
This collection from Third Flatiron Anthologies contains 16 short speculative fiction stories that explore space opera and military fiction themes.
The Mighty (The Druid’s Guise, Book 1)
Michael J. Sanford. Michael J Sanford. 99¢ e-book, ASIN B01BH86IJK
Amazon
The Regency wants Rozen dead. Athena wants to escape. And Wyatt can’t stop bouncing between the two different worlds. Can he save them both?
Romance/Erotica
The Other Side of Someday
T.K. Leigh. Tracy Kellam/Carpe Per Diem. $2.99 e-book, ASIN B01GKU3D1G
Amazon
He’s a producer with the perfect life. She’s a North Carolina transplant starting over. Can he convince her that men and women can just be friends? Or is he destined to lose the bet?
Running to Stand Still
J. Theron. J. Theron. 99¢ e-book, ASIN B01E0OBQC2
Amazon
This book explores true love and the sacrifices we make to be with the one we are destined to love.
See You Then
Susan Coventry. Coventry Industries. $13.99 paper (346p), ISBN 978-0-692-64822-3
Amazon
A sweet and steamy romance blossoms between a 40-year-old widow and her 23-year-old neighbor.
Walking Sam
Deanna Lynn Sletten. Deanna Lynn Sletten. $3.99 e-book, ASIN B01BLVIWQU
Amazon
Two people have to let go of the past in order to see what’s right in front of them.
Words We Never Speak
Scarlet Darkwood. Dark Books Press. $11.95 paper (284p), ISBN 978-1-5335-6558-7; $3.99 e-book, ASIN B01GH7SJ4S
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com
Kit’s life is moving along without a hitch. Soon everything unravels one thread at a time. She must choose between two men. Desperate for answers, she calls on the spirit world.
Inspirational
A Country Boy on the Camino
Tommy Ray. BookBaby. $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-4835-7384-7
Amazon, Apple iBooks, Baker & Taylor, BN.com, Kobo
Ray reveals his journey of preparing, partaking of, and reflection on walking the Camino de Santiago in 2012.
Nonfiction
Auto Empire
Eric and Richard Choi. Eric Choi. $24.99 paper (306p), ISBN 978-1-5333-3468-8; $9.99 e-book, ASIN B01FZMPIL8
Amazon
This book follows the dramatic moments in global automobile corporations’ mergers and acquisitions, analyzing what they mean for the car industry and looking forward to what the businesses of the future may hold.
Battles and Battleships: A Narrative History of Naval Warfare from 1866 to 1905
Paul Janson, illus. by Rick Schroeppel. JM Publishing. $14.99 paper (310p), ISBN 978-0-9907424-2-5
Amazon
A narrative history from the first ironclads to the dreadnought battleship, 1866–1905. This book chronicles events and personalities still relevant today.
Chasing Shadows
Daryl May. Documeant Publishing. $14.97 paper (226p), ISBN 978-1- 937801-66-3
Amazon
Former deputy sheriff May tells his story with humor, suspense, and drama. After being a lawman, he launched a successful career in stand-up comedy.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Jason Correia. BookBaby. $18.95 paper (246p), ISBN 978-1-4835-6670-2; $9.95 e-book, ISBN 978-1-4835-6637-5
Amazon, Apple iBooks, Baker & Taylor, BN.com, Kobo
Take an in-depth look at our American pastime and explore legal issues, winning tips, and everything there is to know about the fantasy sports industry.
David, Did You Know?
David Edward Keesey. Dorrance Publishing. $16 paper (214p), ISBN 978-1-4809-2033-0
Dorrancebookstore.com
A reflection on a life committed to God. Keesey has devoted his life to teaching—and living—God’s Word to all. An intimate spiritual journey.
Dining Out in Paris: What You Need to Know Before You Get to the City of Light (Rev. Ed.)
Tom Reeves. Discover Paris!. $14.95 paper (110p), ISBN 978-0-9815292-1-9
Amazon
Dining customs in France are not the same as in the U.S. Reeves gives travelers crucial information on how to avoid social blunders and enjoy a meal in a Parisian restaurant.
Every Body’s Guide to Everyday Pain
Ya-Ling J. Liou, D.C., illus. by Sandy Johnson. Return to Health Press. $23.95 paper (316p), ISBN 978-0-9913094-0-5; $15.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-9913094-1-2
Amazon, BN.com, Ingram
For day-to-day life plagued with pains that seemingly come out of nowhere, easily discover here why pain develops, how to make it stop, and keep it from recurring.
Footprints in the Dew: Damon ‘Chub’ Anderson and the Unsolved Mullendore Murder
Dale R. Lewis. Buffalo Dale. $21.70 hardcover (310p), ISBN 978-0-692-50353-9
Originalbuffalodale.com
This story is about the most famous unsolved murder in the Southwest and the life of the man who held the key to that murder.
From the Errors of Others: How to Avoid Embarrassing Mistakes in Writing and Speaking
Rebecca M. Lyles. Archway Publishing. $42.95 hardcover (394p), ISBN 978-1-4808-2847-6; $23.99 paper (394p), ISBN 978-1-4808-2846-9
Archwaypublishing.com, Amazon, BN.com
A seasoned editor and business manager invites you to laugh and learn from the mistakes other people make in writing and speaking.
I Am Not a Barbie: A Guide to Healthy Relationships Filled with Great Advice!
Cathy Rafferty. CR Publishing. $13.95 paper (204p), ISBN 978-1-5055-0625-9
Amazon, BN.com
This book aims to help women find their power and grow, heal, or in some cases, start relationships that enhance their lives.
Keys of Faith: Fifty-Two Meditations for Living
Erwin K. Thomas. Erwin K. Thomas. $16 paper (202p), ISBN 978-1-5236-5242-6
Amazon
This book contains biblical verses and quotes that support the grandeur of God, with meditations for all peoples and cultures.
Learning to Like Yellow: Lessons from My Mother
K.E. Wass. iUniverse. $16.95 paper (192p) ISBN 978-1-4917-2211-4
Amazon, BN.com, iUniverse.com
No human being is a blank slate. We all have a story, a shared history. Lolo is the matriarch of a family struggling to exist while protecting a damning family secret.
Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges
Patty Wipfler and Tosha Schore. Hand in Hand Publishing. $25 paper (309p), ISBN 978-0-9974593-0-2
Handinhandparenting.com, Amazon, Baker & Taylor, Ingram
This book offers a practical understanding of children’s emotions. It provides tools for easing challenging interactions and shows parents how to build meaningful relationships.
Memories from a War: A Stolen Youth
Aloysius Pappert. Wamfam Press. $18 paper (210p), ISBN 978-1-5328-6144-4
Amazon
An emotionally charged account of a young German coming of age under the harsh dictatorship of the Nazi party in World War II.
Memories from After the War: The Blood of the Prisoners
Aloysius Pappert. Wamfam Press. $18 paper (209p), ISBN 978-1-5330-9134-5
Amazon
An account of the author’s ordeals in Russia’s prisoner of war camps in the aftermath of World War II—about surviving pain, starvation, and the cruelty of his captors.
The Power of Courage: An Uplifting Saga of Moving Beyond Abuse
Charol Messenger. Messenger Publishing. $19.95 paper (400p), ISBN 978-1-5187-5016-8; $9.99 e-book, ASIN B00YDXI2OG
Amazon
A spirituality woman relentlessly defies a manipulative and menacing alcoholic narcissist. He’s in her house—and he will not leave.
Somebody Else’s Business
Charlton James. Charlton Books. $32.95 paper (400p), ISBN 978-0-578-14819-9; $10 e-book, ASIN B01EKQZ3FQ
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Outskirtspress.com
Misplaced assumptions lead to the devastation of one marriage and the destruction of several relationships. Drama and intrigue set the stage, revealing infidelity and betrayal.
Surviving Mental Illness: My Story
Linda Naomi Katz. Outskirts Press. $13.95 paper (125p), ISBN 978-1-4327-8399-0
Outskirtspress.com, Amazon, BN.com
Written from the perspective of someone whose life has been challenged by mental illness, this book offers help, hope, and inspiration to others struggling with psychological disorders.
Underneath the Makeup Series: Nurture the Powerful You! 365 Daily Inspirations
Cherise A. Williams. Chb Media. $19.99 paper (504p), ISBN 978-1-5136-0994-2
Amazon, BN.com, Ingram
This is a devotional blueprint to a more powerful you. The 365 daily inspirations cut to the heart of how we live today and nurture faith and courage.
Vagabonding with Kids: How One Couple Embraced an Unconventional Life to Work Remotely and Show Their Kids the World
A.K. Turner. Brown Books Publishing Group. $16.95 paper (232p), ISBN 978-1-61254-914-9
Amazon, BN.com, Google Play
Humorous stories from the author’s experiences around the world on life as a part-time digital nomad, parenting abroad, and long-term extended travel.
Witness to Greatness: The Consequential Presidency of Barack Obama in Perspective
Obi Nwasokwa. Xlibris. $26.99 hardcover (528p), ISBN 978-1-5144-5271-4
Amazon, BN.com, Google Play
This is the story of the presidency of Barack Obama, the first nonwhite elected leader of a white nation. It is a tale of his triumphs despite spirited opposition by political foes.
Children’s/YA
Charlie’s Chalk Stick
Renée Wendinger, illus. by Sharon Grey. Legendary Publications. $12 hardcover (38p), ISBN 978-0-9913603-3-8
Amazon, Theorphantrain.com
A story about a historic figure born out of America’s Great Depression—a hobo. By means of his chalk stick, Charlie teaches the children a new language—the hobo language.
Fairalon
T.J. Roberts. Fairalon Books. $2.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-9970071-2-1
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Smashwords
This fantasy novel explores themes of trust, friendship, and self-reliance within a real and magical world. For middle grade and young adult readers; 30 full-color illustrations.
The History of Lions
Linda Pavlos, illus. by Linda Pavlos and Lyndy Jones. CreateSpace. $14 paper (200p), ISBN 978-1-5236-9320-7
Amazon
This book explores the evolution of the modern-day lion and the lion’s family life. It stimulates creativity through coloring and activities such as freestyle drawing.
Kin Seeker (Dragon Calling, Book 1)
N.R. Eccles-Smith. Starsea Press. $10.99 paper (220p), ISBN 978-0-9922742-1-4; $2.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0- 9922742-0-7
Amazon, BN.com, Readings, Smashwords
A young dragon begins the quest to find the others of his kind, whose mysterious vanishing threatens the balance of peace in the world.
A Letter to My Daughter
Nina Simone Gaines. Nina Simone Gaines. $5.50 e-book, ISBN 978-1-4954-6878-0
Amazon, BN.com
A short book that will inspire readers to be the very best versions of themselves.
Making It Home
Suzanne Roche, illus. by Alessandro Vene. Oak Lei Press. $11.99 paper (193p), ISBN 978-0-9961484-6-7
Amazon, BN.com
A new stepsister, a mysterious book, and a relic take two brothers back in time to the mass immigration to America in the 1900s. Photos, projects, and games bring the story to life.
Skin
Brenda Corey Dunne. Fortunate Frog Fiction. $14.99 paper (262p), ISBN 978-0-9881562-2-7
Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Chapters/Indigo
When Ocean O’Malley moves from the big city to beachside Prince Edward Island, she discovers the true meaning of her name. And that she’s missing something—her skin.
