There’s no shortage of self-publishing courses out there.
Jump into any author group and you’ll see one person recommending a $27 video bundle, someone else swearing by a $600 business-building program, and another proudly announcing they paid over $7,000 for coaching and would do it again in a heartbeat.
So which ones are actually worth it?
Well, here’s the truth most ads and sales pages won’t say out loud:
There’s no such thing as the perfect course… but there is such a thing as the right course for the right person.
Some authors want coaching and accountability. Others just want a clear checklist so they can get their book finished and published without getting stuck in research mode.
Some want marketing only. Others want the full process from idea to launch.
Some care about price, first and foremost. To others, price is no object.
That’s why we created this guide.
As the team behind Kindlepreneur, Publisher Rocket, and Atticus, we’ve seen just about every publishing course model out there, from one-time video libraries to cohort programs with live calls and limited seats. Each one has its place, depending on how you like to learn and how much support you actually want.
To help you sort through the noise, we pulled together a list of today’s most recommended self-publishing courses and broke them down based on:
- Price
- Access model (instant vs. cohort-only)
- Scope (publishing only, marketing only, or full process)
- Who it’s best for
Below, you’ll find an honest overview of each course, plus links if you want to explore any of them further and see which one fits the way you want to publish.
#1. Authorpreneur Academy
by Kindlepreneur
Created by yours truly, this course was built to give fiction and nonfiction authors a complete A-to-Z publishing roadmap without requiring a high-ticket coaching program or waiting for enrollment windows.
Instead of jumping between scattered tutorials, everything is laid out in a clear sequence… from validating your book idea to formatting, uploading, launching, and promoting your book long term.
The lessons are fully self-paced with downloadable checklists, so you can work through the process in order or revisit sections anytime you publish a new book.
If you need live coaching calls, cohorts, or community support, it's not the course for you.
But if you're a fiction or nonfiction writer who wants to learn a proven process for crafting, publishing, and marketing a book (at a price less than dinner for two at a moderately-nice restaurant), it's a great option.
Quick Overview:
- Price: $99 (reguarly $147)
- Access Model: Instant, self-paced, lifetime access
- Scope: Full process — idea → research → building → publishing → launch → long-term marketing
- Who’s Behind It: Created by the team behind Kindlepreneur, Publisher Rocket, and Atticus
- Format: 10+ hours of professional video training with organized modules and downloadable resources
- Best For: Fiction and nonfiction authors who want a full publishing roadmap in one place without cohort schedules, coaching calls, or upsell tiers
#2. Self Publishing Launchpad (formerly Self Publishing 101)
by Learn Self Publishing
Self Publishing Launchpad (previously known as Self Publishing 101 from Mark Dawson) is now led by James Blatch under the Learn Self Publishing brand.
The course follows a structured, start-to-finish format similar to what you’d expect from a full “publishing blueprint” style program. Enrollment opens and closes in cohorts, so you can’t join anytime (you have to wait for the next window).
While the original version was tied closely to Mark Dawson, the current program still carries a similar structured teaching style, just with a new instructor and updated content.
Quick Overview:
- Price: Historically around $497–$597 (price not shown while enrollment is closed)
- Access Model: Cohort-based; enrollment opens during limited launch windows
- Scope: Full publishing process with structured modules released in a guided sequence
- Who’s Behind It: Led by James Blatch via the Learn Self Publishing platform (original course created by Mark Dawson)
- Format: Eight modules estimated at around 20+ hours of learning (based on past reviews and course breakdowns)
- Best For: Authors who like working through a structured curriculum with group pacing
#3. Self Publishing Made Simple
by April Cox
Self Publishing Made Simple’s current flagship program (“Author Accelerator”) is a 90-day guided publishing experience designed specifically for children’s picture book authors.
Unlike a traditional video-only course, it pairs structured training modules with live group coaching twice per week, plus extended support for six months after enrollment.
Students work through the curriculum while also getting access to vetted service provider recommendations, feedback opportunities, and a private community, making this one of the more interactive and higher-investment programs on the list.
Quick Overview:
- Price: $1,999
- Access Model: Enroll-now format with a 90-day structured curriculum + twice-weekly live group coaching and six months of support
- Scope: End-to-end publishing guidance specifically for children’s picture books, including vendor networks and production support
- Who’s Behind It: Created by April Cox under the Self Publishing Made Simple brand
- Format: Includes 12 on-demand modules, plus live coaching sessions
- Best For: Authors who are focused on children’s picture books and want structured coaching and community support rather than a self-paced course
#4. How to Write & Self-Publish Your Book
by Rebecca Hamilton
Rebecca's course is aimed primarily at nonfiction authors who have a story, message, or experience they want to turn into a book.
It walks through the writing and self-publishing process in a linear, beginner-friendly way, from finding your topic and overcoming internal blocks to formatting your manuscript and uploading it to Amazon.
The lessons are designed to feel approachable and motivational, with a focus on getting new authors past hesitation so they can make real progress.
The program is self-paced and includes templates and simple checklists, making it easy to follow even if you're starting from scratch. And it comes in at a nice price too.
Quick Overview:
- Price: CA$197 ($145 USD)
- Access Model: Self-paced with lifetime access
- Scope: Focused on nonfiction; covers writing mindset, outlining, formatting, and publishing to Amazon
- Who’s Behind It: Created by Rebecca Hamilton, author of The Million Dollar Bakery and Wake Up & Smell the Coffee
- Format: 12 modules and more than 50+ videos that walk you through Rebecca's process, step by step
- Best For: First-time nonfiction authors who want a step-by-step walkthrough with encouragement and gentle guidance rather than a fast-paced technical training approach
#5. The Complete Kindle Publishing Course
by TCK Publishing
The Complete Kindle Publishing Course from TCK Publishing is a self-paced program focused specifically on Amazon Kindle publishing.
It's designed for both fiction and nonfiction authors who want a straightforward walkthrough of setting up their Kindle book the right way, without the coaching or cohort model that some higher-priced courses use. Everything is laid out in clear lesson blocks you can work through on your own schedule.
Compared to the more expensive enrollment-based programs, this course is a good mid-priced option for authors who want guidance without a large coaching investment.
Quick Overview:
- Price: $297
- Access Model: Evergreen (enroll anytime with immediate access)
- Scope: Focused on publishing specifically to Kindle, with step-by-step platform training
- Who’s Behind It: Created by Tom Corson-Knowles and the TCK Publishing team
- Format: Nine sections, 48 lessons, plus expert interviews
- Best For: Fiction and nonfiction authors who mainly want Kindle-specific publishing guidance without paying for coaching or full business-building extras
#6. Publish & Thrive
by Sarra Cannon
Publish & Thrive is a cohort-based course run a few times per year, focused on helping authors not only publish their books, but also develop a sustainable mindset and workflow around indie publishing.
Instead of being a static video course, it runs live for six weeks with a guided release schedule and community interaction as you move through the modules.
(It's also suited for authors of all genres, not just fiction.)
Because enrollment only opens during specific launch windows, you can’t join anytime. However, many authors appreciate the group energy and pacing that comes with a live-run program.
Quick Overview:
- Price: Historically around $399–$499 (price not visible while enrollment is closed)
- Access Model: Limited-time cohort (runs in 6-week live sessions, typically twice per year)
- Scope: Full publishing and mindset framework with community support and guided pacing
- Who’s Behind It: Created and taught by Sarra Cannon, indie author and founder of Heart Breathings
- Format: 30+ hours of lessons plus bonus Q&A session replays
- Best For: Authors of all genres who like live cohort energy, community involvement, and a more guided pace rather than pure self-paced learning
#7. Authority Pub Academy Pro
by Live Bold Guides
Authority Pub Academy is built around the idea of treating your author career like a long-term publishing business (rather than a one-off book project).
The course leans into systems, platforms, and building a repeatable process so each new book becomes easier to release and promote. Unlike cohort programs, you can join anytime and work through the material at your own pace.
Steve Scott and Barrie Davenport are both prolific indie authors, and their teaching style reflects that (practical, checklist-driven, and based on their own publishing workflows).
Quick Overview:
- Price: $797
- Access Model: Evergreen (enroll anytime and start immediately)
- Scope: Publishing and business-building framework focused on long-term author platform development
- Who’s Behind It: Created by Steve Scott and Barrie Davenport
- Format: Six modules, 50+ lessons, bonuses, and expert interviews (including one with yours truly)
- Best For: Authors who want to build a long-term publishing system
#8. Ads for Authors
by Learn Self Publishing
The Ads for Authors course is designed specifically for writers who want to master paid advertising for their books.
Rather than covering the full publishing process, it zeroes in on running ads, analyzing campaign data, and scaling book sales on platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and BookBub.
Enrollment opens only during launch periods, and pricing isn’t visible until the cart is open. Historically, the course has been positioned as a premium training option for authors ready to invest in advertising as a serious marketing channel.
In short, if you're serious about marking your book with paid ads, it's a course you should consider.
Quick Overview:
- Price: Historically $849 or 12 monthly payments of $75
- Access Model: Launch-based (usually opened twice a year)
- Scope: Advanced advertising strategies focusing on paid traffic and sales optimization
- Who’s Behind It: Created by the Learn Self Publishing team
- Format: Training includes video walkthroughs, campaign breakdowns, and platform-specific tutorials
- Best For: Authors who want a dedicated advertising system and are ready to invest in paid ads beyond organic marketing
#9. Fundamentals of Fiction
by Self-Publishing School
Self-Publishing School has some of the most hands-on options out there.
Instead of just handing you video lessons and sending you on your way, their model revolves around live coaching calls, accountability check-ins, and direct guidance from their team. To join, you have to book a consultation call first (pricing isn’t shown publicly).
This setup works well for authors who know they want more than just a course and like the idea of having someone keep them on track as they move through the process.
Quick Overview:
- Price: Typically $6,997–$10,000+ (revealed after consultation call)
- Access Model: Rolling enrollment via coaching intake; access opens after a call with their team
- Scope: Full publishing and marketing system with added coaching, check-ins, and community support
- Who’s Behind It: Established by Chandler Bolt and now run by the Self-Publishing School coaching team
- Format: Lessons paired with coaching calls
- Best For: Fiction authors who want structured accountability and coaching support and are comfortable investing at a premium level
Best Self-Publishing Courses: Comparison Table
| Course Name | Price | Access Model | Genre / Focus | Scope | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authorpreneur Academy | $99 | Instant, self-paced, lifetime access | Fiction + Nonfiction | Full process — idea → publishing → launch → marketing | Authors who want a complete roadmap without upsells or enrollment windows |
| Self Publishing Launchpad | ~$497–$597 (historical) | Cohort-based — opens in limited windows | Fiction + Nonfiction | Full publishing curriculum in a guided sequence | Authors who like structured pacing with defined start dates |
| Self Publishing Made Simple | $1,999 | Enroll-now 90-day program with live group coaching | Children’s Picture Books | Kids' book publishing + vendor support + coaching | Authors writing children’s books who want live guidance and structure |
| How to Write & Self-Publish Your Book | CA$197 (≈ USD $145) | Instant, self-paced, lifetime access | Nonfiction (memoir, self-help, message-driven books) | Writing mindset → formatting → self-publishing on Amazon | First-time nonfiction authors who want an encouraging step-by-step path |
| The Complete Kindle Publishing Course | $297 | Instant, self-paced, evergreen access | Amazon Kindle (general audience) | Kindle-specific publishing steps and platform setup | Authors who want direct instruction on Kindle publishing without coaching |
| Publish & Thrive | ~$399–$499 (historical) | Live cohort, opens 2–3 times per year | Fiction + Nonfiction | Full publishing + mindset + workflow systems | Authors who want community energy and guided pacing |
| Authority Pub Academy Pro | $797 | Instant, self-paced, evergreen access | Nonfiction + Business-minded authors | Publishing + platform/business-building systems | Authors who want to build a repeatable publishing business model |
| Ads for Authors | ~$849 or 12×$75 (historical) | Launch-based — waitlist between enrollments | Advertising (paid ads focus) | Amazon/Facebook ad strategy and sales optimization | Authors ready to invest in mastering paid advertising |
| Fundamentals of Fiction | $6,997–$10,000+ | Coaching-based enrollment via consult call | Fiction | Full process with coaching, accountability calls, and community | Authors who want one-on-one guidance and are comfortable investing at a premium level |
How to Choose the Right Course for Your Publishing Style
Not every author learns the same way, and that’s a big part of why these courses are structured so differently.
To help narrow your options, here’s a simple way to match a course to your working style:
| If you… | Then look at… |
|---|---|
| Are on a budget or want the best bang for your buck | Authorpreneur Academy |
| Prefer to jump in immediately and work at your own pace | Authorpreneur Academy, Rebecca Hamilton’s course, The Complete Kindle Publishing Course |
| Want live interaction, accountability, or a group start date | Publish & Thrive, Self Publishing Launchpad, or Self Publishing Made Simple |
| Are writing a children’s book specifically | Self Publishing Made Simple |
| Already know how to publish and want to grow readers or sales | Ads for Authors |
| Want coaching and don’t mind a premium price for hands-on support | Fundamentals of Fiction, Self Publishing Made Simple |
| Are building a long-term author platform or business model | Authority Pub Academy Pro |
Final Word on Self-Publishing Courses
Each of these courses can be the “right” choice depending on what you want from the publishing experience, whether that’s coaching, community, specialty training, or a long-term business-building approach.
But if you read through this list and found yourself thinking…
“I just want a clear roadmap I can start right now, without paying thousands or waiting for the next enrollment window”
…then you should know my Authorpreneur Academy was built for exactly that kind of author.
It gives you the full publishing process, in order, with everything in one place (so you’re not left piecing things together from multiple programs or trying to catch up with a live schedule). You get lifetime access, you can move at your own pace, and you don’t have to budget for coaching tiers or add-ons later.
So, check it out, if you're interested.
Otherwise, your next step is simple:
Choose the course that matches your style, your timeline, and the way you want to publish.
Cheers!
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