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<p>Are you an author with a manuscript or maybe still staring at a blinking cursor? Either way, you’ve probably asked yourself the big question: <strong>How do writers get published at Penguin or HarperCollins?</strong></p><p>You’re not alone. For many emerging writers, seeing their name on the spine of a Penguin or HarperCollins book feels like a dream just out of reach. These are not just publishing houses; they’re institutions. Homes to literary legends, bestselling novelists, and some of the most powerful voices in storytelling today. So, as an aspiring, hopeful, maybe even quietly brilliant writer, how do you get noticed?</p><figure id="figure-b1zm3vgn1qmau48q82"><img id="b1zm3vgn1qmau48q82" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1470340715/photo/deepfake-concept.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=4ycs-yFlPX93U-U2zehaFw9UyVyg3s8m5QPcnVJurmQ=" alt="Deepfake Concept" title="Deepfake Concept" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1470340715/photo/deepfake-concept.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=4ycs-yFlPX93U-U2zehaFw9UyVyg3s8m5QPcnVJurmQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><blockquote><p><em>So, as an aspiring, hopeful, maybe even quietly brilliant writer, how do you get noticed?</em></p></blockquote><h3>Let’s talk through it</h3><p>Start by Thinking Like the Top Author :)</p><p>Before you send off anything, take a moment and ask: Would the top author in my genre submit this? That shift in mindset is important. The top authors don’t just write well—they revise relentlessly. They take feedback seriously. They read constantly and understand the market without chasing trends.</p><p>If you're aiming for big global publishers, the baseline expectation is a manuscript that feels polished, original, and emotionally resonant. It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing literary fiction, sharp contemporary drama, or a narrative non-fiction memoir—what matters is that your work makes the reader pause. That pause is what gets a publishing editor's attention.</p><h3>Understand what publishers are looking for<br></h3><p>While both Penguin Random House India and HarperCollins India are open to debut writers, each publisher has a distinct editorial voice and preference. </p><p>Penguin tends to have a wide canvas—they embrace literary fiction, memoirs, thrillers, and even experimental voices. HarperCollins, on the other hand, often leans toward contemporary, sharp storytelling and is particularly strong in business, politics, and commercial fiction.</p><p>Both publishers actively scout for new voices. In fact, one of the best-kept secrets in Indian publishing is that Penguin India accepts unsolicited manuscripts. You don’t need an agent. You just need a great story and the courage to put it out there. HarperCollins India also accepts direct submissions, though they’re more selective and deliberate in their response times.</p><p>The submission process itself isn’t complicated. Most publishers ask for a synopsis, a short author bio, and a few sample chapters. For non-fiction, you’ll need a book proposal. And here’s where many writers stumble—because writing a good proposal means knowing how to talk about your book like the top author you are becoming.</p><figure id="figure-9vgygv9awrmau4b1oa"><img id="9vgygv9awrmau4b1oa" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1247026216/photo/friendly-diverse-employees-congratulating-businesswoman-with-business-achievement.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=vDVNunCgPFMh47dXwajaL6Y4-wAjnkijtw18GsYrU1I=" alt="Friendly diverse employees congratulating businesswoman with business achievement" title="Friendly diverse employees congratulating businesswoman with business achievement" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Build Your Author Identity<br></h3><p>Think of your submission as the start of a conversation. It’s not just your manuscript that’s being evaluated—it’s you as an author. Editors are not only asking, “Is this book publishable?” They’re also asking, “Is this someone we want to work with?”</p><p>That’s why building your author brand matters. You don’t need a million followers or a viral tweet. But a simple author website, a thoughtful social media presence, and a clear sense of who you are and why you write—it all helps. Especially in today’s publishing world, where discoverability and voice go hand in hand.</p><p>If you want to be seen as one of the top authors of your generation, act like one from day one. That means showing up online with intention, engaging in the literary community, and thinking of yourself not just as a writer—but as a professional storyteller.</p><h3>Do You Need a Literary Agent?</h3><p>You can get published by Penguin or HarperCollins without an agent. Many writers in India have done just that. However, having a literary agent can still make a difference, especially when it comes to positioning your book, negotiating better contracts, and getting editorial feedback before submission.</p><p>If you’re writing in a highly competitive genre or aiming for international markets, an agent can be a powerful ally. But don’t wait around hoping one will swoop in. Start submitting to publishers directly, and if your writing speaks for itself, the rest will follow.</p><h3>Rejection Isn’t the End<br></h3><p>No honest conversation about publishing is complete without this part. Even the top authors you admire faced rejections - some more than they care to admit. What set them apart wasn’t that they got lucky on the first try, but that they kept going, learning, and refining their voice.</p><p>If Penguin or HarperCollins passes on your manuscript, it doesn’t mean the book has no value. Sometimes it just means it wasn’t the right fit for their list at that moment. That’s not a full stop. That’s just a pause.</p><h3>Your Story Deserves a Shot<br></h3><p>Breaking into publishing with Penguin or HarperCollins isn’t about having connections or luck. It’s about doing the work, understanding the industry, and believing your story is worth sharing.</p><p>So, if you're sitting on a manuscript you believe in or a story that keeps you up at night, don’t wait. Start now. Submit. Learn. Repeat.</p><p>Because the next time someone searches “the top author” online, there’s no reason it can’t be your name that comes up.</p>

How to Get Published at Penguin or HarperCollins

People sit dark movie theater. Spectators wait film start. Cinema audience watch

<p>There are books that entertain, books that move you, and then there are books like Onyx Storm — the kind that draw you in quietly at first and soon hold you in a grip you didn’t expect. Rebecca Yarros returns with the third installment in the <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV9WPS4M?binding=hardcover&amp;ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_thcv" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV9WPS4M?binding=hardcover&amp;ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_thcv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Empyrean series</a>, and once again, she proves her mastery in balancing intricate world-building with deeply human emotion.</p><p>Onyx Storm is very much a novel of consequence. The world of Basgiath is no longer just a training ground for dragon riders — it’s a fractured battlefield where trust is rare, power is shifting, and no one escapes unscathed. Yarros paints this evolution with subtlety. The tone has matured, as have the characters, and the stakes feel heavier, more permanent.</p><h3>Characters</h3><p><strong>Violet Sorrengail </strong>- At the center remains Violet, a protagonist whose strength never feels forced. She is wounded, yes, but never weak. In Onyx Storm, Violet is not only grappling with the physical cost of her choices but also with the emotional weight of war, betrayal, and identity. Yarros handles her arc with grace, letting Violet's growth unfold through difficult decisions and moments of quiet reflection rather than grand gestures.</p><h3>Plot<br></h3><p>It’s fair to say the relationships - romantic, platonic, political are where this book truly breathes. </p><p>The romance deepens but never overshadows the urgency of the narrative. Tensions simmer beneath every interaction, and the quietest scenes often carry the most weight. </p><p>Yarros doesn’t rush resolution; she trusts her readers to sit with discomfort, to observe the fractures before they break.</p><p>Buy <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-DISCOVER-FOLLOW-UP-PHENOMENONS/dp/0349437068" href="https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-DISCOVER-FOLLOW-UP-PHENOMENONS/dp/0349437068" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Onyx Storm</a> on Amazon - <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-DISCOVER-FOLLOW-UP-PHENOMENONS/dp/0349437068" href="https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-DISCOVER-FOLLOW-UP-PHENOMENONS/dp/0349437068" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-DISCOVER-FOLLOW-UP-PHENOMENONS/dp/0349437068</a></p><h3>Final Thoughts<br></h3><p>Onyx Storm is not a book of easy victories. It’s thoughtful, well-paced, and deliberate, a necessary evolution in a story that’s always been about more than dragons and battle strategy. </p><p>Yarros offers no shortcuts here. What we get is a story that respects its readers and characters alike: mature, layered, and hauntingly real beneath its fantasy skin.</p><p>For fans of the series, this is an essential and rewarding chapter. </p><p>For new readers — start at the beginning. The storm is worth weathering.</p><p><br></p>

Book Review - Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Upset girl on her smartphone in the dark.

<blockquote><em>Is your kid doing fine or just really good at pretending?</em></blockquote><p>If you’ve ever watched a teenager scroll through TikTok with the intensity of a surgeon mid-surgery and wondered, “What is this doing to their brain?” then Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation is your next unskippable read.</p><p>This isn’t just another “phones-are-bad” TED Talk in print. </p><p>It’s more like a deep (but not preachy) diagnosis of a quietly spreading cultural flu and yes, we might all be carriers. </p><p>Haidt, a social psychologist best known for The Righteous Mind, now turns his lens on the generation that grew up in the glow of Instagram filters and push notifications. Spoiler: it’s not looking great.</p><p>You’ll meet a character more powerful than any villain in fiction - the "phone-based childhood", a system so subtly embedded in kids' lives that even parents cheering from the sidelines didn’t see the crash coming.</p><figure id="figure-1ru5sqg5momaouu1xf"><img id="1ru5sqg5momaouu1xf" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1419525812/photo/close-up-of-girl-using-mobile-phone-outdoors.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=6veRCgeN1h6hyUCzGpg5utBikVs7gYMqlhMDpr6WVkE=" alt="Close-up of girl using mobile phone outdoors" title="Close-up of girl using mobile phone outdoors" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1419525812/photo/close-up-of-girl-using-mobile-phone-outdoors.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=6veRCgeN1h6hyUCzGpg5utBikVs7gYMqlhMDpr6WVkE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p> </p><p>There’s no dramatic twist - just a slow, data-driven unraveling of how the great digital rewiring turned up the volume on anxiety, depression, and isolation. </p><p>And no, this isn’t just about teens. It’s also a mirror for us, the adults who handed them the device.</p><p>Haidt isn’t wagging a finger. He’s waving a flag. And while some of his suggestions might feel bold (like “no smartphones before high school”), they’re grounded, not doomsday. The real magic? He manages to sound like your smartest friend, not your scolding uncle.</p><p><strong>Should you read it?</strong><br></p><p>Absolutely! If you're a parent, a teacher, a student, or simply someone who wants to understand why Gen Z seems both hyper-connected and heartbreakingly alone. </p><p>It’s part research, part cultural commentary, and part rally cry. You’ll walk away with a clearer head and maybe... a few less screen-time excuses.</p><p>Buy it on Amazon - <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036" href="https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036</a></p>

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness

Secret and silence. Quiet silent shh gesture with finger on lips. Man doing expression with hand on mouth. Taboo topic, censorship or freedom or speech. Conspiracy theory.

<p>You’ve written your manuscript. You’ve edited. You’ve obsessed over every word. And now, it’s time to pitch it to publishers. But in a world where hundreds of manuscripts flood their inboxes daily, how do you make yours rise above the slush pile?</p><p>Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer aiming for traditional publishing, these seven insider secrets—straight from editors, agents, and publishing pros can increase your chances of getting noticed.</p><figure id="figure-3dxggb176maj89agw"><img id="3dxggb176maj89agw" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/499463233/photo/vintage-letters.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2BKPJV2gXmOuvLuKRu18btlLqwcYuWpcaBl0hLYRwO0=" alt="Vintage letters" title="Vintage letters" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/499463233/photo/vintage-letters.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2BKPJV2gXmOuvLuKRu18btlLqwcYuWpcaBl0hLYRwO0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>1. Start Strong - Your First Page Is Everything<br></h3><p>You have one page (sometimes one paragraph) to hook a publisher. Make it count. Avoid lengthy exposition or world-building right off the bat. Instead:</p><p>✔️ Open with tension, a surprising detail, or a compelling voice.<br>✔️&nbsp;Drop the reader directly into the action or emotional heartbeat of the story.<br>✔️&nbsp;Rewrite your first page at least five times. It’s that important.<br></p><p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> If the first chapter feels flat, try cutting the first few pages. You may be starting too early.</p><h3>&nbsp;<br>2. Know Your Genre and Your Market<br></h3><p>Publishers want to know you’ve done your homework. They’re not just buying your manuscript—they're investing in a marketable product.</p><p>✔️&nbsp;Understand where your book fits in the genre landscape.<br>✔️&nbsp;Know 2–3 comp titles (comparable books) and be able to articulate how yours is similar and what makes it fresh.<br>✔️ Avoid pitching a romance as a thriller, or calling a 200-page novella a novel. Precision matters.<br></p><figure id="figure-aztug69us3maj8cz07"><img id="aztug69us3maj8cz07" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1199289856/photo/businesspeople-holding-dartboard.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=RqX68L6w7QnnonZByIKB3GJH6y0jj02OGXl-V-gQ4rA=" alt="Businesspeople Holding Dartboard" title="Businesspeople Holding Dartboard" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>3. A Polished Manuscript Is Non-Negotiable<br></h3><p>Even the best story can be ignored if it’s riddled with typos or inconsistent formatting.</p><p>✔️&nbsp;Use a clean, professional format (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12pt font).<br>✔️&nbsp;Run spellcheck, but also consider using grammar tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid.<br>✔️&nbsp;Better yet, hire a freelance editor for a professional polish.<br></p><p><strong>Remember:</strong> You're not just submitting your words; you're demonstrating your professionalism.</p><h3>4. Craft a Killer Query Letter<br></h3><p>Your manuscript might be brilliant, but if your query is weak, it may never get read.</p><p>✔️&nbsp;Open with a hook: a 1–2 sentence summary that sells the premise.<br>✔️&nbsp;Include a brief synopsis and relevant author bio (writing credits, platform, etc.).<br>✔️&nbsp;Keep it under one page and tailored to the specific publisher or agent.<br></p><p><strong>Avoid:</strong> “This is the next Harry Potter!” It’s a red flag.</p><figure id="figure-i7yld1q3aemaj8b2k4"><img id="i7yld1q3aemaj8b2k4" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/590241864/photo/i-overcome-every-obstacle-with-a-smile-on-my-face.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tbIzvsBa0ulBlMXK9H9ExmPlvHhkOgBPScXiHR2eg6k=" alt="I overcome every obstacle with a smile on my face" title="I overcome every obstacle with a smile on my face" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/590241864/photo/i-overcome-every-obstacle-with-a-smile-on-my-face.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tbIzvsBa0ulBlMXK9H9ExmPlvHhkOgBPScXiHR2eg6k=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>5. Build a Presence Before You Submit<br></h3><p>Publishers love authors who come with a built-in audience. That doesn’t mean you need 10K Instagram followers, but:</p><p>✔️&nbsp;Maintain a professional online presence (a simple website or portfolio is enough).<br>✔️&nbsp;Be active in relevant writing communities (Twitter, LinkedIn, or niche platforms).<br>✔️ Mention any relevant platform in your submission, especially for nonfiction.<br></p><h3>6. Show, Don’t Tell. Even in Your Synopsis<br></h3><p>Your synopsis should summarize the plot—but don’t make it read like a grocery list of events.</p><p>✔️&nbsp;Infuse it with voice and stakes.<br>✔️&nbsp;Make the emotional arc clear: What does your character want, and what’s in their way?<br>✔️ Keep it under 500 words unless requested otherwise.<br></p><h3>7. Rejections Aren’t the End—They’re Research<br></h3><p>Finally, don’t fear rejections. They’re part of the process—and sometimes come with golden nuggets.</p><p>✔️&nbsp;If feedback is offered, use it.<br>✔️&nbsp;Track responses and note patterns (e.g., “great premise, but pacing is slow”).<br>✔️ Keep submitting. Many successful authors were rejected dozens of times before their “yes.”<br></p><figure id="figure-ynvqivexqmmaj8bixg"><img id="ynvqivexqmmaj8bixg" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1404356069/photo/nature-therapy-health-vitality-calm-woman-forest.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=0QT28wzoTbN1jCR4JbRCj5M651VndJhAVwrHFraH46M=" alt="nature therapy health vitality calm woman forest" title="nature therapy health vitality calm woman forest" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1404356069/photo/nature-therapy-health-vitality-calm-woman-forest.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=0QT28wzoTbN1jCR4JbRCj5M651VndJhAVwrHFraH46M=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Final Thoughts<br></h3><p>Breaking into publishing isn’t easy, but with the right mix of preparation, polish, and persistence, your manuscript can stand out. Think like a writer, but pitch like a pro.</p>

7 Insider Secrets to Make Your Manuscript Stand Out to Publishers

<blockquote><em>Ever met someone who felt like forever in a single day?</em></blockquote><p>That’s the spark Abby Jimenez ignites in Say You'll Remember Me. It's a heartfelt journey through unexpected connections, personal challenges, and the kind of romance that lingers long after the last page.</p><h3>Meet Samantha and Xavier</h3><p><strong>Samantha</strong> - A devoted daughter navigating family crises, especially her mother's early-onset dementia.<br></p><p><strong>Xavier - </strong>A charming veterinarian with a knack for saying the wrong thing at the worst time.</p><p>Their paths cross over a kitten in need, leading to a date that's nothing short of magical. But life throws its curveballs, and Samantha's impending move across the country threatens to end their story before it truly begins.</p><figure id="figure-divfltx62wmahxwdxt"><img id="divfltx62wmahxwdxt" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1830453429/photo/cartoon-boy-and-girl-holding-hands-valentines-day-concept-3d-render.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Lgp14GIAd3uaiVrXKmag3MdDz7kGwf6vaYcFSugQ11Q=" alt="Cartoon boy and girl holding hands. Valentines day concept. 3d render" title="Cartoon boy and girl holding hands. Valentines day concept. 3d render" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 15%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined%" data-positiony="15%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1830453429/photo/cartoon-boy-and-girl-holding-hands-valentines-day-concept-3d-render.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Lgp14GIAd3uaiVrXKmag3MdDz7kGwf6vaYcFSugQ11Q=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 15%;"></figure><h3>Why you'll love It</h3><p>Samantha and Xavier are beautifully flawed, making their journey all the more compelling. The story tackles real-life issues like family responsibilities and personal growth with sensitivity and grace. Jimenez masterfully balances laugh-out-loud moments with poignant reflections.<br></p><p>Buy on Amazon - <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Say-Youll-Remember-Abby-Jimenez/dp/1538759195" href="https://www.amazon.com/Say-Youll-Remember-Abby-Jimenez/dp/1538759195" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">https://www.amazon.com/Say-Youll-Remember-Abby-Jimenez/dp/1538759195</a></p><h3>Final Thoughts</h3><p>If you're seeking a romance that blends humor, heartache, and hope, Say You'll Remember Me is a must-read. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, one perfect day can change everything.</p><h3>About the Author<br></h3><p>Abby Jimenez is a force of heart. A former baker and the founder of Nadia Cakes, Abby brings that same sweetness and grit to her novels. She's known for stories that tackle real-life emotional terrain while keeping the hope alive. Abby is super active on Instagram and Facebook, where she shares writing updates, life stories, and adorable dog photos. Her books consistently hit the New York Times Bestseller list and for good reason.</p>

Book Review - Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

<blockquote>A must-read for anyone serious about personal growth through the lens of human connection</blockquote><p>I’ll be honest. There was a time when I thought being “likable” meant being extroverted, witty, and the loudest one in the room. As someone who doesn’t naturally fit that mold, I often felt like social success was reserved for the naturally charming. </p><p>That changed when I stumbled upon How to Become a People Magnet by Marc Reklau. This book doesn’t tell you to fake it or become someone you’re not. Instead, it gently but firmly shows how small, intentional changes in how you treat others, and yourself, can make a big impact.</p><p>Buy it on Amazon - <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Become-People-Life-Changing-Attract-Everyone/dp/935333473X" href="https://www.amazon.com/Become-People-Life-Changing-Attract-Everyone/dp/935333473X" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Become-People-Life-Changing-Attract-Everyone/dp/935333473X</a></p><p>Reklau writes like a friendly mentor, someone who genuinely wants you to succeed without preaching or promising overnight miracles. His style is clear, casual, and actionable. No fluff, no long-winded theories—just quick, useful tips you can apply immediately. Each chapter is short (a big win if you’re reading between tasks or commutes) and ends with a takeaway that sticks.</p><p>This book is for you if you’ve ever felt awkward in social settings, if you want to connect better with people at work or in your personal life, or if you're in a role like sales, leadership, or customer service, where being relatable and trustworthy matters. It’s especially helpful if you want to sharpen your emotional intelligence but don’t know where to start.</p><h3>Top Takeaways<br></h3><ul><li>You teach people how to treat you. Reklau underscores that self-respect and boundaries are foundational to being respected and liked by others.</li><li>Consistency beats intensity. Building social trust isn’t about grand gestures, but about showing up, listening well, and being reliable.</li><li>Smile, listen, and remember names. Basic yet often ignored behaviors that can dramatically elevate your likability.</li><li>Change starts from within. Before attracting others, you must invest in self-confidence, mindset, and your emotional habits.</li><li>Everyone wants to feel seen. Reklau champions the power of paying genuine attention and appreciating others regularly.</li></ul><figure id="figure-l0ksgy9355maevape1"><img id="l0ksgy9355maevape1" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1699441364/photo/cheerful-indian-male-student-smiling-and-covering-half-of-his-face-with-a-green-hardcover-book.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=41V7aium2U0aXZ5VFEfax-mBLzr8MGUrANsN7lJ8ymI=" alt="Cheerful Indian male student smiling and covering half of his face with a green hardcover book" title="Cheerful Indian male student smiling and covering half of his face with a green hardcover book" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1699441364/photo/cheerful-indian-male-student-smiling-and-covering-half-of-his-face-with-a-green-hardcover-book.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=41V7aium2U0aXZ5VFEfax-mBLzr8MGUrANsN7lJ8ymI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><br>What I appreciate most is that Reklau doesn’t try to sell charisma as some mysterious gift. He breaks it down into behaviors anyone can learn and repeat. It’s not about manipulation—it’s about creating real, respectful, lasting connections.</p><h3>Marc Reklau - the Author<br></h3><p>Marc Reklau is a productivity and personal development author whose books have reached thousands of readers worldwide. Best known for his bestseller 30 Days – Change Your Habits, Change Your Life, Reklau brings a practical, coaching-style approach to his writing. His professional background in human resources and coaching informs his advice, and his passion for self-improvement and psychology is evident on every page. He writes not from an ivory tower, but from the trenches—sharing what works because he’s lived it.</p><p>So, if you’re looking for a fast, practical read that can help you connect better with people without having to change your personality, this one’s for you. I’ve already started applying a few of his suggestions, and honestly, the results are noticeable. It’s not about being the most magnetic person in the room, it’s about making others feel good when they’re around you. And that’s a skill worth building.</p>

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