I wish I had this book when I was starting out!
582493
Well, here I was, too distracted to write a proper raving review because I was busy absorbing in all of the wonderful, easy to follow and sometimes downright humorous advice from a long awaited book that is refreshingly geared towards design professionals of any level. Novices will definitely appreciate the start-up tips from the perspectives of a virtual plethora of experienced design communicators from all over. More experienced designers will find helpful suggestions on effectively managing and growing their career. And of course, what good resource is complete without detailing some very useful advice about avoiding pitfalls and other related issues along the way.

With an abundance of references and resources that include contracts, networking, self promotion and more importantly, a guide on how to realistically rate your services, The Savvy Designer's Guide To Success delivers on an even more important level; raising one's awareness on the often underrated value of the Creative Communications Designer.
4878595
As an indie author who has now published three books (two original and one 2nd Ed), I can tell you that I wish I had read this book before finishing my first project; it would have saved me a lot of time.

Helen takes a very well-organized approach to presenting the What to do when your manuscript is ready to be published side of being a writer.  I learned a lot of the information she presents through months and months of painstaking research, yet still learned some things that I did not know.

My recommendation is that you do yourself a favor and add this book to your reference shelf (or eReader).  I think youll be glad you did!
4579092
I wish I had this book when I started my business in 2004. Dr. Presser includes great examples of entrepreneurs and the decisions that led to their successes in business.  He provides bullet points and headings that are easy to follow. This book gives a great introduction to concepts including writing a business plan and deciding upon the legal framework for your business and the various methods of accounting.

A true professor, Dr. Presser even includes thought provoking exercises in the final chapter that review each of the concepts discussed and encourage the reader to articulate a vision for a new business venture.

I humbly admit that even though I'm already a pretty successful entrepreneur, I went back recently and reviewed a chapter of the book and took notes. The book will stay on my desk for many years to come.
2086183
If you are starting off in your business, this book is a must have. Clear and precise direction displayed that makes total sense! Started reading yesterday and couldn't put it down!
2685788
I was feeling pretty confident about my newly-acquired SQL skills so Ive been trying to put up a website in the last four days without much success. This book made me see what I kept doing wrong and made me realize that I have much to learn. The specific examples were a big help, especially since I wanted details. Those were the best part and what set this apart from other guides for beginners. Would hands-down recommend!
3777515
I am very pleased with this book! Through a long, frustrating process, I began with commercial patterns and settled on designing and drafting my own patterns. I discovered the need for blocks, toiles and custom patterns. I wish I had started with this book. It would have saved me years of frustration.

It starts out very basic, but I found that refreshing. I needed to begin from the beginning to get where I need to go. I recommend starting from the beginning, and at least mentally, going through the exercise for paper fitting a block. It's worth the effort.

One of the things I found extremely encouraging is that even professional designers don't get it right the first time. And it's worth the time and effort to perfectly fit the block because that is where perfectly fit patterns come from.

If you (or someone you know) are just thinking of learning to sew clothes, start here. If you have been sewing for awhile but need a better understanding of why things sometimes don't work out the way you expect, this is a excellent reference. And if you just want to get back to basics, this book does it.
2989972
This book really is a good resource to begin and develop a lucrative freelance practice on oDesk and Elance. as the author mentioned in this book. The author is also right about setting your intentions right with this book because if you think your freelance practice will take off in an instant after reading this book, you're in for a disappointing ride. This book is like the trustee map youd bring in your travels. Its your kickstart bible. You go back to it when you need to and it will guide you to the right direction.

Ive been a freelancer for a couple of years now and reading this made me realize a lot of the mistakes and incorrect assumptions Ive made. Fortunately, with this book, Im able to identify those mistakes and correct them moving forward; giving me advantage versus other freelancers. Im also at the stage in my freelance practice where Im trying to make money work for me instead of the other way around so that my quality of life is not sacrificed in the process. This book just gave me a head start and I cant be more thankful for the author for including that aspect of freelancing.

Another part of this book that I would love to highlight in this review is how she breaks down the type of clients freelancers encounter along the way. This is so helpful in more ways than one and if you are just starting out or have already established a good freelancer reputation, youd greatly benefit from this information.

It also helps to do the things that I was hesitant about at first but now know are right after all. This book will definitely get you going. Consider this a freelancers best friend and adviser. Grab your copy now if in your heart of hearts, you want to live a fulfilling life and have a sustainable one at the same time. There are valuable truths a freelancer will take away from this book that you won't find elsewhere because thats just not easy to compile especially if that person you're reading it from doesnt know what he or she is talking about or has not simply had any experience with freelancing at all.
4136937
I wish I had this book when I started.  A must have book for beginners as well as all BJJ practitioners.
4806092
I have purchased several books and high end products on kindle publishing, so I thought I knew just about everything.  I decided to give this book a shot thinking maybe I'd pick up a thing or two and I'm glad I did!  This is the exact book I wish I had when I started.  I probably could have been making a lot more money after realizing a few mistakes I was making.

For instance, I never quite understood how to effectively choose the right categories and this book laid out the exact process to ensure a person can make the most sales by picking the right category and knowing when to change the category.  I also learned about increasing sales of international books because it explained how the setup for foreign amazon listings is different than the US.

I recommend several books and products to others for selling books on kindle, and this has gone straight to the top of my list for providing simple, no-fluff, actionable steps that are purely about selling more books.  I'm using it as a reference right now for promoting my current kindle book&nbsp;.

A must read for even experienced kindle publishers to learn some simple steps that can dramatically increase sales.
408942
I wish I had this book three months ago when I first began planning my wedding. Although some of my plans are set in stone, this book has given me some fantastic ideas to complete my planning...without spending a fortune!
This is a must read for anyone getting ready to plan their dream wedding!
1388430
I wish I'd read this book before my own moves! Maybe I'd have actually used some of her great tips, or maybe I'd have been able to keep at least some of my own sense of humor after reading about this writer's adventures (and misadventures!)
3345470
I am in the beginning stages of writing my first book, and Chandler Bolt's book "Book Launch" lays out in clear, accessible prose  - with idiot-proof examples - the exact steps I need to take to plan, create, and launch my book. "Book Launch" is quick reading, full of helpful tips that I keep referring back to as I go through the steps. If you're just starting out, and you have no idea WHERE to start, then this book will be your best friend!
4547003
I wish I had bought this book when I was just planning to start my handbag manufacturing business. It would have saved me a lot of time and money in both production and marketing. I've had to learn the hard way, but am now enjoying the tips in this book (some in retrospect), and will use the information to help me continue to grow my business more cost-effectively. ericaharel.com
2344964
This book introduced the body's muscles and how to improve them in a way that made perfect sense to me. Here I was resting when my muscles got sore but come to find out they were actually tearing and rebuilding to become stronger! I especially liked the way the author highlighted important concepts to draw my attention by providing informative TIPS to help me execute his suggestions. Then when I thought I couldn't slog exercising any further, his MENTAL TIPS inspired me to push harder. I would highly recommend this book for anyone just getting started toning their bodies as it is the right amount of information presented in an easy format you can absorb in just a few hours!
2321927
I found this book on the eve of debuting under a new pen name, and boy am I glad I did. It's already saved me from several more or less serious mistakes. I also understand marketing in a way I didn't know was possible. The best thing about the book is the many practical strategies that are outlined--very, very doable strategies that I'll be trying out in the next couple of weeks. I'll try to update this review after I do.

My one complaint about the book is that the success story section wasn't updated for this edition. It's cool to read about the big names who blasted off in the halcyon days of early self pub, but I'd really have been encouraged to read about somebody breaking in in 2016 or 2017--just to know it's still possible!
203847
Amazing book for anyone who is just starting out.  Beginning something new is scary, and often intimidating. Especially the thought of going to the gym and looking like an idiot. This book will lessen all those fears.  It truely is a beginners guide that will give you detailed instructions on how to start and succeed in your new work out.

A definite recommendation!
1004567
I wish I had had this book before I wrote my first business plan! This First Time Guide provides clear, easy to follow steps to take from the beginning to the end of a plan. The instructions are clear and concise, with good examples and research sources.
  A wealth of information is packed into each page, but is not overwhelming and does not require a dictionary to understand the appropriate terms. Of special interest and importance is the section on creating a Power Point presentation. In here, Mr. Tokan presents specific examples of what he has used in his own presentation slides, and that is most helpful.
  This is the book that will keep you on the path to success and will help you avoid the pitfalls of not answering the basic questions that your business plan must provide.

Laurie Loveman
Author of the Firehouse Family Mysteries