Email From Author House
Interesting cover Cash.
 I think the subject is appealing and a very sellable product. Maybe not for everyone, but there is an audience. My Great Uncle wrote a book similar called "The Inner Self" shortly before he dies in the late 50's. Nearly 10,000 copies sold in New England.
 I look forward to assisting you with bringing your book to the market.
 
Sincerely, Buddy Dow
Publishing Consultant, Author House

THE MOST ENCOURAGING COMMENT RECEIVED TO DATE;

Highways of the Mind
I picked this off the booklist even though it isn't the sort of book I normally review on here; however, I've read so many self-help and inspirational=type books over the past decade or so that I feel I'm in familiar territory and can comment from the viewpoint of someone who's tried a lot of pathways. I'm also a trained Life Coach although I don't operate a business as such.
I'm shelving your book because it's well-written (despite your introductory warnings I find it one of the best I've come across on Authonomy for clarity of expression, ease of reading, and standard of presentation); also because I can relate to your story. My brother, who now lives in the States, battled the same demons with all the awful consequences, and has won through just as you did. I know what he went through and I salute you - and those who helped you to save yourself.
My own book, although it's a novel, is the outcome of a fairly cathartic process of unloading a lot of tough experiences I've dealt with over the past twenty years, and I'm a great supporter of anyone who can turn bad into good in this way - even more so if it helps other people.
So to your book. I've read the first chapter and will come back to read more simply because I want to; I don't think it will alter my opinion of your work. Your style is perfect for this genre; you speak with authority which gives the troubled reader confidence. You also take the attitude straight away that you are not here to mess around with pretty phrases or meaningless platitudes - there's a vigorous, no-nonsense approach which gives me a lift straight away and makes me want to read on and learn.
The only point I would nitpick about is that the body of writing can look quite heavy - misleadingly so, because it certainly isn't heavy reading. I think just breaking it up somehow in the final presentation would make a big difference to this aspect. Step-by-step progress is what most readers want, I think, so that goes down well as does the way you keep offering encouragement to 'stay with it'. The definitions you give are succinct and useful - not only in understanding the text but in concentrating the reader's mind on exactly what this is all about. Focus is one of the most important elements in this genre, and one which is often sadly lacking in some of the sprawling, self-important tomes I've invested in!
I will probably come back and comment more when I'm further through the book - please bear with me on that. Meanwhile, I wish you success with this, and hope it reaches the people it needs to reach.
Katie