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'self-help' is perfectly valid in the context of what 'help' alone would imply.

e.g. 'help' losing weight suggests things like a gym partner, a personal trainer, surgery, your spouse adopting your meal goals, etc.

'self-help' losing weight would be things that fall short of that: a workout schedule, a diet plan, etc. Things that have pointed you in the right direction, but don't include other people directly helping you.

What you're describing sounds closer to 'self-made'. As there was no assistance from anyone else, of any kind, it doesn't seem useful to include the word 'help' at all.

Picking up a book to help oneself is you helping yourself. Books written for that purpose are aptly called "self-help." Do you think you need help? If so, such books would help.

I'm sure it's called 'self-help' because it empowers the customers of all the materials. People like to feel in control of their lives, and if you convince them it's them helping themselves, they'll be more willing to buy your 'self-help' stuff.