Self-improvement books didn't magically jump out of "Think Positive" mugs to grace the shelves of our bookstores. They've been around for centuries – in some form or the other. Let's take a brief look at their origins.
From Ancient Roots to Bestseller Lists
While early Egyptians did not have Pinterest to curate their aesthetic, they did have Sebayt scrolls. Like papyrus post-it notes, these scrolls had tips on everything from manners to morals.
Fast forward to medieval Europe, where conduct books were all the rage. Think of them as Emily Post for knights, offering etiquette advice like, "Don't pick your teeth at the banquet table, Sir Reginald," and "Remember, chivalry isn't just for jousting," and "How to blow your nose in polite society."
Then came the 19th century and the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality. Enter Samuel Smiles, the godfather of modern self-help. His book, Self-Help, was a Victorian blockbuster, urging readers to embrace thrift, hard work, and "moral muscle." Picture a TED Talk delivered by a stern Victorian uncle, and you get the gist.
How to Win Friends
But self-help wasn't all stoicism and stiff upper lips. The 20th century saw the rise of pop psychology and motivational gurus like Dale Carnegie. How to Win Friends and Influence People (published in 1939) still tops the list of best self-help books.
Suddenly, self-improvement wasn't just about morals and chivalry but also about mastering the art of the back pat and the winning elevator pitch.
By the mid-60s, the humble self-help book leaped into cultural phenomenon status. Major themes emerged, including self-management, growth, relationships, and identity. Books such as Psycho-Cybernetics, A New Way to Get More Living Out of Life, Pursuit of Loneliness, and Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus were on bestseller lists.
And here we are in the 21st century, where self-help has exploded into a billion-dollar industry. Despite much criticism over the years, the genre is still growing, with more focus on work-life balance.
From productivity hacks to mindfulness mantras, there's a book for every angle of your well-being. Marie Kondo is decluttering your closets, Brené Brown is teaching you vulnerability, and somewhere, a squirrel is probably writing a guide on nut hoarding efficiency. It's a self-help buffet.
Is There Space on the Self-Help Shelf?
You're probably thinking that the self-help shelves are already groaning, but that's just the mainstream. There are niches crying out for your unique perspective, your lived experiences, your quirky wisdom. Be the author who breaks the mold, who writes the book that no one knew they needed until they held it in their hands.
A genre hungry for fresh voices. A world of stories waiting to be told.
So, pick up your pen, tap away at your keyboard, and unleash the self-help guru within. The world is waiting for your story.
Within the self-help/self-improvement book genre, there are many niche topics to choose from. Which one is yours?
1. Personal development
2. Business and Leadership
3. Parenting
4. Personal Finance
5. Career and Productivity
6. Mental and physical health
7. Relationships
8. Communication
9. Support and guidance
10. Religious and spiritual
11. Inspirational Memoirs
12. Journaling and creative expression
Like I said before, it's a self-help buffet.
Ready to turn your expertise into a book that empowers and inspires? Not sure how to get started? Let's chat! As a book editor and coach specializing in non-fiction, I'm here to help you take your manuscript from dream to publish date.
The self-help world awaits your unique voice.
Shamila Iyer - your content partner from idea to publication.
(Acknowledgment: 'How to Win Friends' and the Tweet book were sourced from Google images.)
Dale Carnegie knew how to write a hook