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Write Your Book & Become a Bestselling Author
We've spent considerable time analyzing Self-Publishing School, and here's what we discovered. Founded by Chandler Bolt in 2013, this isn't just a single course, it's an entire ecosystem of programs designed to transform aspiring authors into published writers.
The core promise? Take you from blank page to bestselling author in 90 days. Bold claim, right? We found their flagship programs focus heavily on non-fiction business books, though they've expanded into fiction and children's books.
What caught our attention was their structured three-phase approach: More Belief (mindset and planning), Better Book (writing and production), and Bigger Reach (launching and marketing). The programs blend self-paced video modules with live group coaching calls, creating what they call a "done-with-you" system.
Here's the catch, prices start at $6,000 and climb from there. You won't find these numbers on their website either. Instead, you'll need to sit through a "strategy call" (we learned these can last 60-90 minutes) where sales reps pitch the various tiers.
The company claims to have published over 7,500 authors since inception. We noticed they emphasize Amazon bestseller status heavily, though we'll discuss what that really means later in our review.
Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)
moderate Moderate (5–10 Hours/Week)
Hybrid (Mix Of Pre-Recorded Lessons & Live Workshops)
Make Money
Mixed reactions dominate the conversation. While some students rave about finally finishing their books, others feel blindsided by the aggressive sales tactics and sky-high prices.
"It only took a couple days before I got that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that said: 'You've been had.'" - Lisa Schnellinger, former student
"I did get the refund, so I wasn't fleeced." - Lisa Schnellinger
"Self Publishing School was not what I'd hoped." - Lisa Schnellinger
"Might be a decent fit for authors who want to do a lot of the work on their own." - JJ Heberton
"The sales call was very high pressure." - Trustpilot reviewer
Reddit threads consistently question whether SPS is "worth it" or a "scam." We found heated debates, with successful graduates defending the program while critics share stories of buyer's remorse. Quora discussions echo similar sentiments, with many recommending cheaper alternatives like courses from Joanna Penn or Mark Dawson.
Students report wildly different experiences. Success seems tied to having disposable income and needing external accountability. The program delivers results for some, but at a premium many find unjustifiable.
The "become a bestseller" promise needs context. We verified students do achieve "Amazon Bestseller" status, but typically in narrow subcategories like "Business Writing Skills" rather than broader fiction or non-fiction lists. It's technically true but potentially misleading.
While exact historical pricing wasn't available, multiple sources confirm steady price increases. Programs that started around $3,000 now command $6,000+, with no proportional increase in content value reported.
The sales funnel is aggressive, free webinar leads to strategy call, which pitches $6,000+ programs. Within the program, additional upsells include done-for-you services, advanced masterminds, and one-on-one coaching, potentially bringing total investment to $20,000+.
The company heavily features success stories, but we couldn't find comprehensive data on average outcomes. Cherry-picked testimonials dominate their marketing, while unsuccessful students rarely get visibility.
Marketing tactics feel manipulative, leveraging emotional triggers and inflated promises. The "bestseller" claim, while achievable, doesn't carry the weight most envision. Transparency about typical results is notably absent.
Custom-branded version of standard LMS (likely Kajabi or Teachable), functional but nothing revolutionary
Video modules stream online, worksheets downloadable as PDFs, lifetime access claimed but not contractually guaranteed
Platform works on mobile devices but optimal experience requires desktop for writing exercises
High-speed internet for video streaming, modern browser, basic computer skills
For an Ultra High Ticket price, we expected innovation. Instead, we found a standard learning platform identical to those used by $97 courses. The technology doesn't justify the premium pricing, content delivery is adequate but unremarkable.
We discovered numerous complaints about the $6,000+ price tag not matching the value delivered. Multiple reviewers described feeling "deceived" or experiencing "buyer's remorse" shortly after enrollment. The most concerning pattern? Students discovering similar information in $20 books or free YouTube videos.
Their "action-based" refund policy requires students to complete all coursework and prove they implemented every strategy without success. This creates an extremely high bar for refunds, essentially making them nearly impossible to obtain.
The sales process raises significant concerns. We found reports of 60-90 minute "strategy calls" that are actually high-pressure sales pitches. Prospects report feeling rushed into decisions, with salespeople allegedly using tactics like false scarcity and emotional manipulation.
Forum discussions reveal a pattern, initial excitement followed by disappointment when students realize the premium price didn't buy exclusive insights. Some describe characteristics resembling MLM schemes, particularly in how success stories are leveraged.
While not an outright scam (they do deliver content and some achieve results), the aggressive sales tactics, restrictive refund policy, and ultra-high pricing create legitimate concerns. Proceed with extreme caution.
At $6,000+, we can't justify the cost. We found similar, comprehensive self-publishing education for under $500 from reputable sources. The premium pricing appears to fund aggressive marketing rather than superior content.
After extensive research, we've reached a clear verdict on Self-Publishing School. Yes, it's legitimate in that it delivers what's promised, video lessons, coaching calls, and a path to publication. Over 7,500 students have published books through their system.
However (and this is a significant however), the ultra-high pricing combined with aggressive sales tactics creates serious value concerns. At $6,000+, you're not buying exclusive information. You're buying accountability and hand-holding.
We discovered the same publishing strategies in books by Joanna Penn ($20) and courses by Mark Dawson ($497). The "bestseller" achievement, while real, typically happens in narrow Amazon categories that most wouldn't consider true bestseller status.
Most concerning? The high-pressure sales calls and restrictive refund policy. Multiple students reported feeling manipulated into quick decisions they later regretted.
Our recommendation? Unless you absolutely need expensive external accountability and have money to burn, explore alternatives first. The self-publishing knowledge you seek exists elsewhere for 90% less cost. This program serves those who need structure above all else and can afford the premium without financial strain.
For everyone else? Save your $6,000 and invest $500 in quality books, courses, and editing services. You'll likely achieve similar results without the sticker shock.
At $6,000+, we can't justify the cost. We found similar, comprehensive self-publishing education for under $500 from reputable sources. The premium pricing appears to fund aggressive marketing rather than superior content.
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We've spent considerable time analyzing Self-Publishing School, and here's what we discovered. Founded by Chandler Bolt in 2013, this isn't just a sin...
We've spent considerable time analyzing Self-Publishing School, and here's what we discovered. Founded by Chandler Bolt in 2013, this isn't just a sin...
We've spent considerable time analyzing Self-Publishing School, and here's what we discovered. Founded by Chandler Bolt in 2013, this isn't just a sin...
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