Two Books · One Mission

The Books That Changed Careers

Amazon #1 bestsellers that have helped tens of thousands of developers build careers they're proud of — and get paid what they're worth.

Soft Skills: The Software Developer's Life Manual
Book One

Soft Skills: The Software Developer's Life Manual

By John Sonmez · Published by Manning Publications

Amazon #1 Bestseller Career & Tech Free on Kindle Unlimited

A career, productivity, personal finance, and mindset guide for software developers — everything they don't teach you in computer science class. Written for developers who know how to code but want to know how to thrive: negotiating raises, building a personal brand, staying productive, managing finances, and building a life that's about more than the next commit.

What You'll Learn

  • How to negotiate a 20–40% salary increase without fear
  • Building a personal brand that attracts opportunities
  • The productivity systems used by the highest-output developers
  • Personal finance basics: saving, investing, and building wealth as a developer
  • Fitness, mindset, and the habits that sustain a long career in tech

Also available: Audiobook · Paperback · eBook

Book Two

The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide

By John Sonmez · Published by Simple Programmer LLC

Amazon #1 Bestseller Job Search & Growth Free on Kindle Unlimited

The most comprehensive career guide ever written for software developers. Covers everything from getting your first developer job (with or without a CS degree) to landing FAANG roles, negotiating compensation, choosing the right tech stack for your career, and building the reputation that makes people come to you.

What You'll Learn

  • How to get hired as a developer — with or without a CS degree
  • The exact resume and portfolio formula that gets interviews
  • How to ace technical interviews and coding challenges
  • Navigating the career ladder from junior to senior to staff engineer
  • When and how to go independent: consulting, freelancing, products

Also available: Audiobook · Paperback · eBook

The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide
Reader Reviews

What Developers Are Saying

★★★★★

“John’s is the most valuable advice I’ve gotten about how to boost my career. It opened my eyes. Now I knew exactly where I’d been going wrong before.”

José Nieto — Android Developer, London
Soft Skills
★★★★★

“This book changed the way I think about my career entirely. I got a 42% salary raise within 6 months of implementing what John teaches.”

Devansh Ramen — Senior Developer
Career Guide
★★★★★

“Your material offered the inspiration I needed. In just over a year I built a successful blog, spoke at 20+ conferences, and joined Microsoft as a Senior Engineer.”

Christos Matskas — Microsoft, Glasgow
Soft Skills
You've Read the Books

Ready for the Next Level?

The books give you the map. Rockstar Developer University gives you a guide who walks the path with you — 1:1, specifically for your situation, until you get results.

  • You're an experienced developer but income has plateaued
  • You want to build authority, not just apply for jobs
  • You're ready to invest in your career the same way you invest in your skills
  • You want specific, tailored guidance — not generic advice
See If RDU Is Right For You →
Rockstar Developer University

John's intensive 1:1 coaching program for senior developers.

$40–100K+
Average income increase per year
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