Your trusted platform to guide you to legitimate online courses that delivers real results.
A comprehensive, feedback-driven self-publishing course for authors ready to take their manuscript to launch
We found ourselves intrigued by the Simply Self Publish Course, a 10-week intensive program hosted by Jericho Writers and led by Debbie Young. After digging into the details, we discovered it's not your typical passive video course, instead, it's a hands-on mentorship experience designed for authors with completed manuscripts.
The course caught our attention for its practical weekly structure: live Zoom sessions, personalized feedback on assignments, and a focus on producing professional-standard books. We particularly noted how Debbie Young brings over eight years of experience as Commissioning Editor at the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), along with 13 published novels under her belt (two shortlisted for the BookBrunch Selfies Award).
What sets this apart? The curriculum covers everything from manuscript preparation to post-launch strategy, including editing standards, book formatting, cover design, and distribution strategies. We appreciated how it addresses both Amazon-exclusive and wide distribution options, something many courses overlook.
The program offers two tiers: the CORE package (£995) focuses on essential publishing mechanics, while the FULL package (£1995) adds comprehensive marketing training and website setup. Both include indefinite access to course materials, which we found generous compared to subscription-based alternatives.
For authors ready to transform their manuscript into a market-ready book, this course positions itself as a bridge between writing and professional publishing. It's clearly designed for those who want expert guidance rather than figuring everything out through trial and error.
Intermediate (Some Foundational Knowledge Recommended)
Hybrid (Mix Of Pre-Recorded Lessons & Live Workshops)
Learn A New Skill
Students consistently praise the course for its practical approach and Debbie's expertise, though the small cohort sizes mean fewer public reviews compared to mass-market courses.
"It was the best investment I've ever made. There's nothing Debbie Young doesn't know about self-pub." - Susan Davies, SSP Alum 2022
"Debbie clearly knows the self-publishing business inside out." - Jericho Writers student
"My publication dream is now a reality." - Course graduate
"She provides amazing, encouraging feedback." - Recent participant
"Brilliant, practical advice for navigating Amazon and marketing." - Instagram review
We found minimal discussion on Reddit or Quora specifically about this course, likely due to its boutique nature. However, Debbie Young's reputation within ALLi circles is stellar, with consistent mentions of her integrity and knowledge in self-publishing forums.
Students who complete the course report high satisfaction with the practical knowledge gained and personal attention received, though the limited public feedback makes broad generalizations difficult.
The course promises to help authors "produce professional-standard books" and "get books into online stores worldwide." These are achievable claims focused on process rather than income guarantees. We verified Debbie Young has indeed published 13 novels and serves as ALLi's commissioning editor.
Pricing appears stable since launch, no evidence of artificial discounts or "limited time" pressure tactics
Additional mentoring hours available but not aggressively pushed. The two-tier structure (CORE vs FULL) is transparently explained upfront.
Susan Davies (2022 alum) called it "the best investment I've ever made." We found several published authors crediting the course for their launch success, though specific sales figures aren't tracked publicly.
Honest marketing focused on realistic outcomes. No red flags in promotional practices.
Jericho Writers' established platform, reliable and professional with good user experience
Indefinite access to all course materials, downloadable resources, recorded sessions for review
Platform works on mobile devices, though desktop recommended for assignments and live sessions
Stable broadband for Zoom calls, standard computer capabilities, no special software required
Solid technical infrastructure through Jericho Writers. The blend of live interaction and self-paced materials works well for adult learners. We particularly liked the indefinite access policy, rare at this price point.
We found no significant complaints about content quality or delivery in our research across multiple platforms.
The refund policy isn't publicly detailed on the sales page (we always prefer clear policies upfront). Prospective students should clarify this before purchasing.
The marketing is refreshingly transparent, no exaggerated income claims or "publish your way to millions" nonsense. The focus remains on professional standards and realistic expectations.
No red flags emerged from author forums or ALLi community discussions. Debbie Young's long-standing role at ALLi adds credibility.
While we'd like clearer refund terms published publicly, the course appears legitimate with no major warning signs.
At £995-1995, this sits in the high-ticket category but delivers personalized mentorship typically costing much more. Considering Debbie Young's credentials and the intensive support provided, we find it fairly priced for what's delivered. The indefinite access adds value compared to subscription models.
After thorough investigation, we believe the Simply Self Publish Course offers legitimate value for authors serious about professional self-publishing. Debbie Young's combination of personal publishing success (13 novels) and industry leadership (ALLi commissioning editor) provides rare credibility in a field full of overnight "experts."
What impressed us most? The course avoids the hype common in this space. There are no promises of bestseller status or six-figure incomes, instead, it focuses on building professional skills and sustainable author businesses. The personalized feedback element justifies the higher price point compared to passive video courses.
We noted some limitations: enrollment windows are restrictive, the price may exclude budget-conscious authors, and public reviews remain limited due to small cohort sizes. The missing public refund policy also gave us pause (always ask before purchasing).
For authors with manuscripts ready to publish who value expert guidance and accountability, this course delivers solid education. It's particularly strong for those overwhelmed by the technical aspects of self-publishing or wanting to avoid costly beginner mistakes. However, if you're still writing your first draft or seeking purely passive learning, other options might suit better.
The bottom line? This is a professional development course with realistic expectations and genuine expertise behind it. At this price point, we'd recommend it for committed authors ready to invest in their publishing journey.
At £995-1995, this sits in the high-ticket category but delivers personalized mentorship typically costing much more. Considering Debbie Young's credentials and the intensive support provided, we find it fairly priced for what's delivered. The indefinite access adds value compared to subscription models.
No reviews yet for this course. Be the first to leave a review!
We found ourselves intrigued by the Simply Self Publish Course, a 10-week intensive program hosted by Jericho Writers and led by Debbie Young. After d...
We found ourselves intrigued by the Simply Self Publish Course, a 10-week intensive program hosted by Jericho Writers and led by Debbie Young. After d...
We found ourselves intrigued by the Simply Self Publish Course, a 10-week intensive program hosted by Jericho Writers and led by Debbie Young. After d...
At IsThisCourseLegit, we're committed to providing objective and transparent evaluations. Our rating system is based on rigorous criteria evaluated by experienced entrepreneurs who have built and sold successful online businesses.
Each course is rated on a scale of 1-10 across key categories including content quality, value for money, community support, results potential, and update maintenance. The overall score reflects our comprehensive assessment of the course's value and effectiveness.
For each review, we analyze all available online data to assess the course thoroughly. Our evaluation considers the quality of the content, the instructor's background, the marketing strategy, public perception, and authentic reviews from actual members, giving you a complete and balanced perspective.
If you're the creator of a course we've reviewed and believe there are any inaccuracies or outdated information in our review, we want to hear from you.
We implement strategies from the courses to validate their effectiveness.
We track course updates and community development over time.
Copyright © 2025 Is This Course Legit. All Rights Reserved