Blog Archives
Literary Titan Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Chasing Permanence: How Businesses on Our High Streets Can Adapt and Thrive
Chasing Permanence explores why some High Street businesses fade while others seem to hold on with surprising strength. Author Steven N. Adjei blends research, interviews, personal history, and real-world case studies to show how companies can adapt and thrive even as the world around them shifts. He lays out seven mindsets, five determinants, and a set of strategies that give owners and leaders a clearer way to build resilience and community in a time when storefronts close by the thousands. The book reads like a roadmap for anyone who wants to understand not just how businesses survive, but how they can shape their own future even when conditions look bleak.
Adjei writes with a kind of grounded warmth that makes the research feel personal. His stories about his mother working at Selfridges and his own early days on the High Street pulled me in right away. Those scenes made the later arguments hit harder, because they show the emotional cost behind the statistics. At times, the writing surprised me with its honesty. I found myself nodding along when he talked about the hollow excuses we make about market forces and how easy it is to blame the world instead of looking at what a business can actually change. I liked that he didn’t shy away from calling out lazy thinking. It made the whole message feel more alive and a bit braver.
I also found myself wrestling with some of the ideas. Adjei argues that businesses need to embrace collaboration, community, and what he calls Permanence, but he never paints it as a simple formula. The mix of mindset, strategy, and realism made me stop more than once and think about how often we expect business success to come from some magic trick. There were moments when I wished he had expanded on certain examples, especially when he talked about towns that felt like ghosts. Still, the rhythm of the book kept pulling me forward. His insistence that companies can shape their own destiny felt hopeful without drifting into fantasy.
The book made me look at High Streets with fresh eyes. It reminded me just how much these places mean to people and how much potential sits in the hands of owners, staff, and communities who care enough to adapt. I would recommend Chasing Permanence to entrepreneurs, local leaders, and anyone who wants to understand why some businesses hold their ground while others disappear. It’s practical, heartfelt, and surprisingly moving. And it’s a great fit for readers who want guidance, but also want a story that speaks to real human experience as much as business theory.
Pages: 391 | ASIN : B0F4R8G9BC
Visibility is Everything
Be Recognized is a step-by-step guide that lays out a clear path for experts who want to build authority, grow their business, and embrace AI rather than fear it so that they can stand out in the crowd. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book had to be written! Jenn and I saw this huge shift happening right before our eyes. AI was exploding, and people were either running toward it with curiosity or running away in fear. We thought, what if we could show experts how to embrace it? Because let’s face it: if you’re not standing out, you’re blending in, and no one gets discovered by hiding in the shadows.
We’ve helped hundreds of authors build their brands through books, but this time, we wanted to take it up a notch. We wanted to empower entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, and business owners to not only be seen but to be recognized as the authority in their space. And AI, when used right, can supercharge that.
AI has a negative reputation, particularly in the creative and publishing industries. What advice do you have to help those hesitant to use AI recognize its value, the direction this technology is taking, and how it can add value to their industry and business?
AI is not here to replace your voice. It’s here to amplify it. The way we look at it is this: AI is a tool, just like your laptop, just like your phone. It’s how you use it that matters.
I always say, imagine having a research assistant, an idea bouncer, a content booster, all available 24/7. That’s AI! And in publishing? It helps with brainstorming, outlines, editing, and even marketing strategies. But the soul of your book, your brand, your story, that’s all you. AI just helps you get it out there faster, smarter, and more efficiently.
So my advice? Don’t ignore it. Leverage it. Learn to work with it and let it enhance your creativity, not replace it.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There were so many, but a few key ones stand out. First, visibility is everything. You can’t be in business if no one knows you exist. So we really hammer in on how to build your personal brand strategically, through publishing, speaking, and showing up online consistently.
Second, authenticity beats perfection. AI can help polish and scale your message, but your story, your voice, that’s what makes the difference. And finally, we wanted to show that being a thought leader isn’t reserved for celebrities. You can start right where you are with the knowledge you already have. You just need the right engine, and that’s what we give you in this book.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Be Recognized: The AI Authority Engine for Experts Who Want to Be Known, Be Profitable, and Be Published?
If there’s one thing, it’s this: you already have everything inside you to be recognized. You don’t need to wait for someone to discover you. You have a story, expertise, and value the world is waiting for. The only thing you need is a system to shine, and that’s what this book gives you.
I want every reader to walk away feeling inspired, equipped, and empowered to show up as the authority they are. And when you combine that with the tools of today, like AI and publishing, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website | Amazon
Dominate your niche. Automate your growth. Become the authority.
In a world where AI is reshaping every industry at lightning speed, standing still is not an option. Be Recognized: The AI Authority Engine for Experts Who Want to Be Known, Be Profitable, and Be Published is the ultimate playbook for business owners, CEOs, consultants, and thought leaders ready to rise above the noise and lead with unstoppable momentum.
Authors Melanie Johnson and Jenn Foster, trailblazers in digital marketing and authority publishing, pull back the curtain on how high-level experts are using AI not just to survive, but to scale, sell, and succeed faster than ever before. This isn’t a book about future trends or theory. It’s a step-by-step execution plan to:
Position yourself as a Category King in your industry
Build an AI-powered content machine that never sleeps
Automate customer engagement, sales, and visibility
Turn a single book into a lead-generating empire
Launch high-ticket offers with authority and ease
Future-proof your brand with intelligent systems that scale
Whether you’re just AI-curious or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, this book meets you where you are and takes you where you need to go. The strategies inside have already helped countless entrepreneurs go from overlooked to iconic.If you’re ready to stop dabbling and start dominating, Be Recognized is your blueprint to become the face of your field in the AI age.
The old game is over. It’s time to build your authority engine and own your future.
Be Recognized: The AI Authority Engine for Experts Who Want to Be Known, Be Profitable, and Be Published
Be Recognized: The AI Authority Engine for Experts Who Want to Be Known, Be Profitable, and Be Published is a fast and bold guide that lays out a clear path for experts who want to build authority, grow a business, and embrace AI instead of fearing it. The authors walk through the changing landscape of visibility, the rise of AI content systems, and the steps entrepreneurs can take to position themselves as leaders. They explain why a book becomes the defining asset of your brand and how AI tools can turn that book into the engine that powers visibility, sales, and long-term authority. The chapters move from mindset to practical frameworks to future strategy, and the message stays consistent. If you want to be seen, you must publish, position yourself, and build systems that keep working even when you’re offline.
The writing is direct and friendly, and at times it feels like the authors are sitting across from you, reminding you to stop hiding and start owning your voice. I liked how many of the ideas blend personal stories with straightforward instruction. The concept that visibility is now the real currency really resonated with me. The book makes that point over and over again. The warnings about staying invisible stung me a little because they rang true to me. The energy of the writing kept pulling me forward, with short lines and a clear push to take action, not just learn.
What surprised me most was how emotional some of it felt. The authors challenge you to look at your habits, your excuses, and your fears about being seen. I appreciated how they fold AI into the story without making it cold or mechanical. Instead of painting AI as some giant force, they describe it as a partner that reinforces the voice you already have. I laughed a few times at the casual jokes and real-life examples because they made the ideas easier to absorb. The book doesn’t pretend the world hasn’t changed. It just says, “Here’s how you keep up and stay ahead.” That honesty gave the whole thing a stronger punch.
I walked away thinking this book would be great for any entrepreneur, consultant, coach, or leader who knows they have something meaningful to say but hasn’t put their message into the world in a strong way. It’s especially good for people who feel overwhelmed by AI or by the constant pressure to create content. The tone makes the process feel doable. The steps feel practical. And the push to publish a book as a core authority move really stands out. If you want a clear path to getting noticed and building a smarter business, this book is a solid choice.
Pages: 234 | ASIN : B0FS2C5MFH
Share and Accept Feedback
The Magic of Imperfection uses stories from real people to show that embracing imperfection helps people make more progress, take smarter risks, and actually enjoy their work without overthinking. How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
The Magic of Imperfection is a summary of my work philosophy and approach I’ve honed over three decades – it didn’t require outside research – as my work has been the driver for the book. The act of writing the book was fairly quick, given it was information I’ve used for years – from start to finish it, was a 6-month project.
What is the 3/4 baked philosophy, and how does it help improve people’s quality of work?
The idea is that people hold onto their work too long, and many great ideas don’t get out in the world as a result. The 3/4 baked philosophy asks people to find a sweet spot to share and get feedback from others, precisely when the work isn’t yet perfect – but has enough form and clarity that your intentions are clear – not half baked – and not fully baked…. But 3/4 baked.
Over time, when we are willing to share and accept feedback (good or bad) sooner and more rapidly, we develop tools and an inner compass that makes our work stronger over time. We learn the most from failure – and a willingness to test ideas as widely as possible.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Magic of Imperfection?
Stop trying to be perfect with what you do – and magically – by using the 3/4 baked approaches in the book – your work will get more perfect over time…. But with less effort, stress, and drama – giving you more time to spend on things you love and people you care for – or just getting a lot more shit done!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Break free from perfectionism and finish your creative projects. This unconventional guide shows you how to overcome creative blocks and finally complete your work through strategic imperfection.
The world is full of creative people. So why do some get their ideas out in the world while others don’t? Why are some incredibly prolific while others struggle with deadlines or can’t complete projects? In this book, Jason F. McLennan-a master in “getting stuff done”-shares secrets to boosting productivity, innovation, and personal success. By adopting his “¾ baked” philosophy and the key lessons that surround it, readers will be able to dramatically increase their output while also keeping their creative juices flowing.
McLennan’s recipe for creative success includes the following ideas:
• Look forward to failure
• Discover the power of feedback
• Learn to become a “trim tab”
• Harness the power of momentum to drive creativity
We’ve all heard the phrase “the perfect is the enemy of the good.” Perfection is often what holds so many people back. Trying to reach it means that nothing much can get completed, and inspiration itself is often blocked as people either procrastinate or endlessly self-edit. By chasing perfection, it remains elusively further away.
The world is full of half-baked ideas-but almost no perfect ones. With The Magic of Imperfection, readers will learn how to seriously amp up what they do, how fast they do it, and simultaneously how well it gets done.
Franchise Businesses
Limited Partnership Basics & More! is a practical guide to understanding how limited partnerships work, how they are structured, and how they can help finance a new company. Why is this information important to those looking to enter the entrepreneurship market, and how can it help them?
There are three ways to finance a start up a business: savings accounts, loans, and, equity investments (LPs, LLCs, stock). The lesson that we see here is that start-ups are about the high price of money. And this is an important issue in the REAL business world. Because one group of people, in the US, wants to act like a limited partner investor is really a person making a “loan”. And, of course, equity investors are not making loans. They are investors. My point? My point is this. The business world is tough. Really. And starting up a business is expensive. And if you don’t have the money to start up a business, your business idea is going to go nowhere.
Next, according to the IRS.gov website ‘over 28.4 million Americans registered their tax filings as either that of a general partner, limited partner, or member of an LLC’. What that means is that a lot of Americans are running franchise businesses. It also means that a lot of Americans are investing in local area businesses and franchise businesses – cash cows! So, my book shows people who need to raise “equity” start-up money how the limited partnership ecosystem works. The limited partnership business eco-system matches limited partner investors with limited partnership developers and franchise developers, and doing this helps local communities grow!
What is a common misconception you feel people have about Limited Partnership relationships?
Limited partnership people, in the US, are sort of like people who belong to a club. LP people like the way things work. They like stakes and cash cows, and prefer stakes to stock, quite a bit. And, they like fellow LPs a little bit.
What is the “Friendship Formula,” and how can readers make this formula work for them to achieve their goals?
The “friendship formula” is an old 1930s-40s business formula. This formula worked like this. Best friends created businesses together, and then their wives networked with their friends to secure business clients. Also, Americans were supposed to know between 200-800 people, personally, in the 1970s, too.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your book?
If 28.4 million Americans can do it, so can you! Give it a try. Read my book. Research things. Prepare, and then go for it. Really, if you want to be a millionaire, then you gotta GET IN – you gotta GET IN the MONEY GAME! And why not? If your attempt to start up a business fails, then you can always go back to reading the ‘want ads’ section twice a week.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Rainbow Gold: Building a Business That’s Both the Journey and the Destination
Rainbow Gold tells the story of an entrepreneur who learns, often the hard way, that business is really about people and purpose. The book follows David Hampson from his early struggles owning a restaurant in Cape Town to building a flourishing aviation insurance group in New England. The narrative blends personal loss, gritty lessons, and the slow shaping of a philosophy centered on long-term thinking, responsibility, and the butterfly effect of small but meaningful choices. It reads like a roadmap for building a business that gives back and grows people rather than one designed for quick exits and flashy valuations.
As I read, I found myself pulled into the raw honesty of Hampson’s voice. He doesn’t puff out his chest or pretend every move was a stroke of genius. He shares the messy parts. The moments he panicked. The moments he learned the hard way that trusting the wrong person can empty your stockroom or sink your cash flow. The chapters about the tragic accident involving his restaurant staff hit me hard. I could feel the weight he carried as he tried to care for his team while holding a broken business together. Those scenes made me pause more than once. They also made me appreciate how sincerely he views business as a human endeavor, not a numbers game. His focus on relationships, service, and showing up for people comes through clearly.
I also found myself energized by the parts where he reflects on decisive choices. His take on the fear that keeps people frozen felt familiar to me. The book urges readers to pick a road and walk it with conviction, even if it bends or darkens. That theme threads through his years in South Africa and later through his aviation career. I enjoyed how he mixes practical stories like fighting with VAT filings or chasing down a credit card machine with larger ideas about passion, equity, mentorship, and building a legacy. The writing feels close and direct, like sitting across from someone who has lived a lot and is finally ready to tell you the truth about what it cost. I appreciated that.
I walked away feeling inspired. Hampson writes with humility, and that makes the book accessible even when the subject matter gets heavy. I would recommend Rainbow Gold to new entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed, small business owners who want to build something that lasts, and anyone who is tired of the startup world’s obsession with speed and exits. The book speaks to people who want a business with a heart. It’s a good read for those who want to build something slow, steady, and worthwhile.
Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0FWSZTMHP
LITERARY TITAN 