It’s March 2025, and my latest book – The Little Book of Confusables 2 – has won non-fiction runner-up in the UK Selfies Book Awards. I share my excitement in a LinkedIn post, and fellow copywriter Katy Lassetter asks if she can interview me for her blog about the process of self-publishing. Below are my responses to her questions…Tell us about your books

My first book, Survival Skills for Freelancers came out in 2020* – conveniently, at a time when the whole world faced the challenges of working from home.

It shares 20 years of freelance advice, plus quotes and case studies from 100 freelancers – and it’s helped entrepreneurs in 28 countries grow in confidence and show self-employment who’s boss.

*A new 2025 edition has just been released with a lower price (£11.95) and advice from 20 more freelancers.

My second and third books – The Little Book of Confusables 1 and 2 – demystify over 1,000 misused words using fun, memorable tips. They’ve been described as “an absolute joy” and “essential for anyone who ever writes anything” (which means pretty much everyone).

The original Little Book of Confusables won three awards, including a gold medal, and The Little Book of Confusables 2 has been shortlisted for a non-fiction award in the 2025 Selfies (keep everything crossed!).

If your books were a sweet treat, what would they be?

The Little Book of Confusables 1 and 2 would be pick and mix.

They’re the sort of delicious, fun book you can dip into when you want – whether you need an answer to a language conundrum, a chuckle or an “I did not know that!” moment.

Where did the idea for your books come from?

I first had the idea for The Little Book of Confusables back in 2016, when my #confusables tips became popular on social media. I remember meeting up with someone who’d published fiction on Amazon and leaving our chat thinking “absolutely not”. It sounded like a minefield. (I wasn’t far wrong, to be fair!)

Four years after I’d parked the idea of creating The Little Book of Confusables, I shared a heart-on-your-sleeve blog on LinkedIn about surviving and thriving as a freelancer, based on my own experience.

The blog became so popular that I decided it’d make a good foundation for a book.

Survival Skills for Freelancers started with the tagline how to go solo without going loco, which I loved but ended up dropped after the CEO of Mental Health First Aid England – a huge supporter of positive language around mental health – wrote the foreword.

What was your main inspiration to write a book?

You know how they say everyone has a book in them? I never felt that way. I write for a living – the last thing I ever wanted to do was spend my spare time writing, too. But the ideas came along and seemed to want to be written, so… who am I to argue?!    

Where’s your favourite place to write?

Confusables 2 was pretty much entirely written in the lounge bar at my gym (I call it my second office). I have ADHD and find I’m most likely to get into a state of hyperfocus when the conditions are just right. For me, that’s a busy location, surrounded by people, listening to a trance playlist on my noise-cancelling AirPods!

What’s your favourite writing snack?

I started 16/8 fasting in July 2023 and it’s pretty much become my lifestyle. I break my fast every working morning with a raw green protein shake, followed by coffee and a homemade protein bar. (What can I say? I’m a creature of habit!)

I’m pretty disciplined and rarely snack now, but when I do, it’s a combination of cheese, crisps and chocolate.

As a copywriter, did you find parts of the book writing process easier or more challenging?

I wouldn’t say I found it easier or harder – just different. I love using my own voice when I’m writing, and don’t always get a chance to do that when copywriting for clients.

Did you use professionals in the self-publishing process?

I used designers I’d worked with on client projects for my cover design and book layout, and an editor I’ve known for years as my second pair of eyes.

Even though I’m a copywriter and editor myself, it’s next to impossible to spot mistakes in your own work, so it’s a necessary investment.

I uploaded everything to Amazon KDP myself, and invested in a supply of litho-printed copies so I could sell direct.

Most indie authors would agree that the upload process can be glitchy – if not a total pain – but I wouldn’t have been able to support readers in 28 countries without Amazon. For me, it’s paid off.

What was the hardest part of the self-publishing process for you?

Getting the timings right was challenging. I expected each stage of the process to take longer than it did in reality.

For example, with Survival Skills for Freelancers, I uploaded the manuscript way too long before the launch date, which meant it missed the boost Amazon naturally gives to new titles.

It still hit bestseller in four categories in the launch week, but may have done even better if I’d got my timings right.

The other thing I found hard, given I have clients and a day job as a copywriter, was the fact that book promotion can be a full-time job if you let it.

I spent way too much time spreading the word about the first book.

Truthfully, I hadn’t thought beyond the launch date: I’d assumed I’d hit publish then go back to the day job, but it didn’t happen. Suddenly I was being asked to guest on podcasts (I’m now close to 90 guest appearances), deliver webinars for professional bodies, be interviewed for publications, and even become a mentor for a freelance programme for women… it was exciting! But I took my eye off the ball and my income plummeted as a result.

What did you enjoy most about the self-publishing process?

It has to be launch day! Seeing people’s social posts and photos, and reading reviews is so gratifying. Pure dopamine!

What advice would you give to other writers looking to start the self-publishing journey?

Self-publishing is a minefield, and you need to know what you’re doing. Done well, a business book can position you as the go-to expert in your field. Done badly, it’s an expensive waste of time.

If you want to avoid adding to the mountain of mediocre business books out there, do your research! (Reading blogs like this is a great place to start.)

Do you plan to write any more books?

There will be other books, for sure! I’ve already started a note on my phone that will become Confusables 3. I may also write a book for neurodivergent freelancers, having had my own diagnosis a couple of years ago and created a successful business around my neurodivergent brain.

I don’t push the ideas, though. They come to me when they’re ready, and I only focus on my books when I have the energy behind them.

My drive to write books that help others and entertain shows in the end result (and the five-star Amazon reviews!).

So far I’ve launched books in 2020, 2022 and 2024. Watch out 2026!

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