I listened to this on a very long road trip through miles and miles of desolate desert wasteland. Like other reviewers have noted, it's not perfect. Yes, it starts out with a lot of unnecessary author background, a lot of set up, and "leave now if you don't like x, y, or z," but I didn't mind as I was very bored (see aforementioned miles and miles, &et.) and some of it seemed important (see below).

I think my biggest question mark and wonderment as to whether or not I should recommend this is how out of date it might be. It was written in 2012/2013 and though they say a few times that lots of stuff in their book will be current forever, probably a lot has changed in Kindle publishing since they wrote this. I'd like to read an updated version for 2016 or 2017.

Some things definitely felt out of date. Namely, email marketing. I know a lot of people across genres and business types are still hammering on about 'growing your list,' but come on. In this day and age don't most of us have a throw away email address to use when we are forced to jump through hoops to get something for free? I have never, ever subscribed to an email list with a legit email - not even email lists penned by my favorite authors. I'd much rather follow them on Facebook or Twitter and get their updates that way. My inbox is junked up enough already, thanks.

I also thought the whole 'become a guest blogger!' advice was ridiculously old. Please don't follow this advice, you guys. I have been blogging since the dawn of time and I have deleted every single pitch I have ever received from people offering to guest post. No. My readers read because of my voice, not because I let random guest bloggers on to promote their own crap. I follow author blogs and I don't follow them so I can read stuff other writers write. If an author's blog was flooded with a bunch of guest posts, I'd be unsubscribing lickety split. Much more effective is when a writer I like recommends a book. I follow Sherwood Smith's reviews on Goodreads for exactly this reason.

I found it an enjoyable listen and liked the real-life examples from their own work, even though I've never read (or heard of) anything they've written. It didn't come across as annoying self promotion, especially since they very clearly stated they'd be referencing their own works in the very long introduction part. I find it amusing that other reviewers are upset by this, because dudes, you were warned.

I do not like language, but I appreciated the warning that there would be language in, again, the very long intro. Apparently, the very long intro was needed. For conservative readers, there are f-bombs, and yes, they are unnecessary and dumb, but again, you were warned. I'd subscribe to their podcast but I often listen to podcasts with my kids about, and again, I myself don't like cussing, so I'll pass. Too bad, because I think I'd like to hear more from them. Guys if you are reading this, consider a family friendly version of your podcast? Maybe? Please?

I thought they were mostly funny, though I don't think I'd like their fiction books.

Re the audiobook: Simon's (the audiobook voice talent) accent is lovely though I didn't always like his cadence. He sometimes reminded me of an amusement park attendant. You know, the way they repeat the same thing over and over all day and it gets kind of sing songy? "For your safety while on attractions, please keep your hands, arms, and legs inside the vehicle at all times. Young children should be accompanied by an adult. Fasten your safety belt. Enjoy the ride." Simon talks in that sing song radio announcer voice the whole way through and it kind of gave me a headache. Also, side note, I thought "Realm & Sand" was "Roman Sans" the ENTIRE book. Not being familiar with the authors' works, I had no idea what Realm & Sand was. I could not figure out why they'd have an email list for a typeface. Ha.

Other reviewers made some valid complaints including the fact that they sort of jump the shark at the end where they really ought to continue (we're in this far, might as well keep going) and explain how they write as much as they do, but maybe that is covered in their other books that appear to be a continuation of this same theme.

Still, I'm a how-to-write and how-to-publish book/audiobook/podcast junkie so all in all I liked and enjoyed this - much more than Stephen King's "On Writing" which they reference almost reverentially.