My Top 21 books for 2021

Yes, 2020 was a 'challenging' year, but I'd actually say it was also OPPORTUNISTIC. 

Sure, some of those opportunities passed us by, but many were seized and embraced.

That's why, to kick off 2021, I'd like to start by highlighting some incredible people and authors I've worked with, who - with determination and commitment - wrote, published and marketed a book last year.

Reading any one of these top 21 books is a great way to set yourself up this year, so if something below takes your fancy and you buy a copy of any book below in the next 24 hours, DM me and I'll send you a copy of my Author Your Journey journal for FREE :-)

(Psst... Look out for the extra 3 books I snuck in at the end ....)

Service Habits by Jaquie Scammel

It's the small habits in service that create outstanding and impactful results. So what actions and behaviours do you have that are limiting your effectiveness as a service leader? And what ones can you adopt to leverage your impact on your team and the people you serve? This practical handbook has all the answers for a demanding world. 

Published by Major Street Publishing through Private Book Pitching, Coaching and Editing

Becoming Anti Fragile by Dr Paige Williams

Master the art of being anti fragile when facing challenges and setbacks. This book is equipped with real life experiences and science-based guiding principles for leaders to thrive in tough situations. Paige simplifies and adds practical examples to the concept Anti-Fragile that was coined by Nassim Taleb. 

Self-published through The Expert Author Academy. 

Rules of Belonging by Fiona Robertson

"Change your culture and you’ll change your results." Many leaders are aware how organisational culture affects performance, but most of them are not really sure how to reshape it. If you are a leader who wants to influence your people, make a change and guarantee that your culture is fit to your goals and strategy, this book is highly recommended.

Published by Major Street Publishing through The Expert Author Academy.

Raising Leaders by Wendy Born

Bringing up a child is not really different from raising a leader. It's definitely not easy, but it's rewarding. Using the principle of parenting, this book is a guide in creating leaders by focusing on five core areas: love, environment, health and wellbeing, language, and vision.

Wendy's second book was a finalist for the Leadership category in the Australian Business Book Awards 2020.

Published by Major Street Publishing through The Expert Author Academy.

Everyday Creative by Mykel Dixon

What's holding you back from unleashing your full creative potential at work? Your workmates? Your work environment that doesn't encourage it? Or your mindset? Filled with compelling and practical tools, this read is perfect for anyone who struggles to get past obstacles that limit your self-expression at work and in your personal life. 

(P.S - Did you catch Mykel's 24-hour live book launch last year? It was wild! Hopefully you made it to the Book Pitching Session with myself and the publishing / publicity team.)

Published by John Wiley through Private Book Pitching, Coaching and Editing. 

Be Brilliant by Janine Garner

Everything seems so competitive and fast-paced now, and that can leave us exhausted, stressed and full of self-doubt. We worry and search hard for things that we think will help us keep up and accomplish more. This book reminds us that we already have what it takes to have a brilliant and fulfilling life, if only we are brave enough to look within. 

Janine attracted lots of attention with this book last year - especially with her online marketing campaign (which I'm pleased to say I was involved with).

Published by John Wiley through Private Book Pitching, Coaching and Editing. 

Into The Spotlight by Nicola Moras

In a noisy world, how do you make sure that your team or your business is in the spotlight? Digital strategist Nicola helps entrepreneurs and leaders unlock their inner rockstar to make their businesses flourish. This book will help you develop your brand, create impact, and see great results.

Published by Major Street Publishing through The Expert Author Academy. 

Thriving Mind by Jenny Brockis

Stressed? Lonely? Overwhelmed? You are not alone. Discover how to become happier and healthier by taking actual science-based steps (delivered with Jenny's compassion and humour) to prioritise your self-care.

Published by John Wiley through Private Book Pitching and The Expert Author Academy.

Urgent! by Dermot Crowley

Today's workplaces demand you always deliver more AND more quickly. How do you do that without feeling stressed or like murdering your colleagues (or boss)? Urgent! is a wonderful guide that uses urgency for good (not evil) to boost productivity, alleviate stress, and reach your goals.

Published by John Wiley through Private Book Coaching and Editing. 

Reimagine Change by Ciara Lancaster

This book is perfect if you're struggling to cope with organisational changes, demands, and expectations. Ciara provides a six-step framework for leadership and personal change, as well as boosting resilience in life. Her engaging tone and pop culture references make this anything but another boring business book.

Self-published through The Expert Author Academy. 

Hacking Happiness by Penny Locaso

Uncertainty in your personal or professional life is scary, but how can you find true happiness despite that? Hacking Happiness encourages you to get out of your comfort zone and thrive despite life's unpredictability. It's full of great learning tools to help you reevaluate the meaning of success, face your fears, and lead a fulfilling life.

(Penny ran a week-long Retreat for her book launch last year, which I was pleased to run a writing session for.)

Published by John Wiley through Private Book Pitching, Coaching and Editing.

Bad Boss by Michelle Gibbings

This book is NOT just about bad boss stories (we all have those). It offers great insights and anecdotes on how to improve work relationships and create a positive space where leaders and employees thrive. Best of all, it's full of hope, joy, and encouragement to do your part in building collaborative relationships.

Published by John Wiley through Private Book Pitching, Coaching and Editing.

The Essential Guide for Area Leaders in Retail by Alison Crabb

This how-to book provides proven strategies, tools and templates that can guide leaders in the retail industry to manage their team and attain great results, even in challenging circumstances (like the pandemic).

Self-published through The Expert Author Academy. 

Team Up by Keegan Luiters

How do you develop and lead high performing teams? With a passion for leadership and experience of two decades, Keegan has filled this book with anecdotes, cases studies, and exercises to help leaders establish competitive and productive teams.

Self-published through The Expert Author Academy. 

On Purpose Leadership by Dominick Quartuccio

Do you ever feel unfulfilled despite being successful in your professional life? If you're thinking of throwing in your career or feel stuck in any way, then this book is a must-read. It empowers leaders to live and lead with purpose and meaning in order to influence others.

Self-published through my Private Book Coaching and Editing. 

Futureproof You by Kellie Tomney

The ever-changing world of work can leave us doubtful, disrupted, and scared for the future. That's why we have to make ourselves futureproof. Kellie addresses how we, not only cope with changes, but how we take responsibility when it comes to managing our career and future.

Self-published through my Manuscript Assessment and Strategy Sessions.

Leading Above The Line by Michelle Bihary

Many employees do not achieve their full potential because they are working in a toxic workplace. In order for people to thrive and deliver their best work, having a positive and psychologically-safe workplace environment is a must. This book not only teaches leaders how to lead others, but also how to lead themselves.

Self-published through The Expert Author Academy.

Raising A Mentally Fit Generation by Kari Sutton

It is every parent's wish that their children grow up with positive mental health and a sense of wellbeing - especially during times of challenge. In this book, Kari provides evidence-based strategies and tools to help us do just that. Learn how to nurture optimism, resilience, and compassion in our future generation.

Self-published through my Manuscript Assessment and Strategy Sessions. 

Self-Fidelity by Cassandra Goodman

How many times do we compare ourselves to others or try to live up to other people's standards? As a result, we end up tired and overwhelmed trying to prove ourselves. Self-Fidelity reminds us that being true to ourselves can bring us fulfilment in work and in our life.

Self-published through The Expert Author Academy.

Naturally Successful by Ingrid Messner

If you're driven by purpose and the social good, then it's too easy to put other's needs before your own and sacrifice your wellbeing as a result. This book teaches leaders that you can actually create better results by looking after yourself first and foremost.

Self-published through The Expert Author Academy. 

Thriving in the Fight by Denise Padín Collazo

Social change often feels like an uphill struggle, and can be emotionally and physically draining. Activist Denise Collazo knows this struggle all too well. So she provides her own experience and victories, and those of other Latina activists in this book. It's an enlightening read with inspirational advice to help Latinas overcome any leadership challenge.

Published February 2021, by Penguin / Berrett-Koehler through The Expert Author Academy.

Magnetic Stories by Gabrielle Dolan

Everyone has a brand and everyone has a story. The reality is people are already sharing stories, both the good and the bad about YOU. Ral is my longest-serving client and her sixth book helps you define your brand, develop compelling brand stories, establish solid online presence and rise above your competitors. 

Published March 2021, by John Wiley through Private Book Pitching, Coaching and Editing. 

?Survivor by Mark Wales

This is a very special project - details and cover to be released soon. It is a memoir by ex-SAS team commander and reality TV show survivor Mark Wales. It is the gripping and raw story of life in and out of the SAS and the very personal struggles he faced. (Also a very timely book with the release of the Afghanistan war crimes report.)

Mark and I are sharing a series of Facebook Lives at 1pm on Tuesdays about the process we used to write and publish this book. View the first session here on Book Pitching.

Published May 2021, by Pan MacMillan through Private Book Pitching, Coaching and Editing.

Please order one of these books before midnight tonight, and I will send you a free copy of my Author Your Journey journal to help kick-start your writing journey this year. 

Kelly x

Thanks for reading :-) I’m Kelly Irving. As a bestselling-book coach and editor, publishing strategist, and creator of The Expert Author Academy I nurture authors to produce work that matters and makes a transformational impact in their lives and others. My work results in industry book awards and major publisher deals (I’ve never had a book pitch rejected), and transforms businesses from 6 to 7-figure turnovers.