When it comes to self-help books, some of the best ones by debut writers have arguably stemmed from seemingly simple ideas or solutions to common problems. What made these breakout self-help book authors successful wasn’t their fame, but their ability to break down complex topics into relatable, entertaining, and actionable chunks of information. This is what makes a self-help book great. If you’ve studied how several authors wrote their hit debuts, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to take a page from their books.
That said, here are ten self-help books from 2015 to 2024 that will motivate you to finish your own masterpiece.
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2015: Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead by Laszlo Bock
As a former Google employee and manager, Laszlo Bock’s book explores success not just in terms of numbers, but by balancing creativity and structure to improve both quality of life and market growth. It offers business CEOs and leaders an inside look at building successful companies by focusing on passion and enjoyment in the work rather than obsessing over metrics.
2016: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Psychologist Angela Duckworth delves into human grit, arguing that perseverance often trumps talent and intelligence when it comes to achieving success. In her deeply personal book, she emphasises the importance of character and outlines a systematic approach to practicing and cultivating perseverance.
2017: How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life by Lilly Singh
Written from her unique perspective, YouTuber Lilly Singh offers a guide on how to become a “bawse”—someone who conquers both their career and personal life. Singh’s frank take on the challenges and failures she faced before reaching her goals is a great reminder that hard work and tenacity pay off.
2018: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
One of the most successful self-help books of the last decade, Atomic Habits is an eye-opening guide to the power of small, consistent habits. Drawing from personal experience and insights from athletes, business leaders, artists, and physicians, James Clear shows how mastering small habits can lead to significant life improvements.
2019: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Part autobiography, part self-help, psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb’s book explores the transformative power of therapy from both the therapist’s and the patient’s perspectives. Gottlieb highlights how understanding ourselves and others can lead to profound personal growth.
2020: Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster
Tara Schuster, a successful TV executive, shares candid stories and practical advice on dealing with stress, anxiety, and shame. With humour and honesty, she provides readers with relatable strategies for self-care and self-love, making the book both entertaining and uplifting.
2021: Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross
In his book, acclaimed psychologist Ethan Kross explores the power of our inner voice in shaping mental health. He not only explains the science behind that voice but also provides a practical guide on how to harness it to work for us, rather than against us.
2022: Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith
In her bestselling book, Dr. Julie Smith offers practical strategies for maintaining mental health. With a deep understanding of how the mind works, she provides actionable insights on combating anxiety, managing depression, and building self-confidence, making her book a global hit.
2023: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Music producer Rick Rubin offers an inspiring take on creativity and the process of creation in his bestselling book. Whether you’re a writer, musician, designer, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Rubin’s thought-provoking insights on how to foster creativity will resonate deeply.
2024: The Cure for Burnout: How to Find Balance and Reclaim Your Life by Emily Ballesteros
In this newly released book, organisational psychologist Emily Ballesteros provides research-backed strategies for avoiding burnout. She emphasises the importance of balancing mindset, personal care, time management, boundaries, and stress management without sacrificing career success or personal fulfilment.
Conclusion
If your unique perspective and promise of hope leap off the pages and connect deeply with readers, your debut publication dreams are within reach. No amount of celebrity status can catch a publisher’s attention faster than an engaging and impactful book, as shown by the titles in this list. These breakout debuts prove that fresh ideas, executed well, resonate the most.
Caret Publishing is a small press and imprint of niche non-fiction books, including self-help books. Feel free to send us a book proposal if you have an idea for or have completed a book. Go to Submit Your Work for more details.