Jimmy Soni — The Courage of Creative Risk (EP.214)
May 2, 2024
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Author and friend-of-the-show Jimmy Soni discusses the future of publishing, the changing world of book marketing, the courage of creative risk, and emphasizes the importance of trying new things. Topics include traditional publishing stasis, talent spotting, self-publishing challenges, and the value of collaboration in publishing.
Traditional publishing needs innovation to break stasis.
Authorial freedom and creative risk-taking are incentivized in publishing.
Experimentation and embracing failure lead to growth and innovation in creative endeavors.
Deep dives
Infinite Loops Podcast Focuses on Resetting Thinking
The podcast, Infinite Loops, aims to reset thinking patterns and offer a fresh perspective on various topics by exploring history, philosophy, art, science, linguistics, and quantitative analysis. The goal is to help listeners understand why they think the way they do and how to change thought processes to avoid being stuck in unproductive loops of thinking. Each episode seeks to provide insights to improve both investing skills and overall critical thinking abilities.
Revolutionizing the Future of Publishing
The podcast delves into the innovation and evolution of the publishing industry by discussing the challenges faced and the need for change to embrace new ideas. It highlights how traditional publishing methods have stagnated over decades and explores efforts to disrupt the industry with hybrid publishers, publisher service providers, and traditionally published authors pushing for a shift towards better practices. The discussion underscores the importance of breaking away from outdated norms and striving for improvement in the publishing landscape.
Encouraging Creative Risk-Taking in Publishing
An emphasis is placed on incentivizing creative risk-taking and expanding authorial freedom within the publishing industry. The podcast explores the impact of existing incentive structures on limiting creative flexibility and encouraging a culture of conformity. Authors are encouraged to explore diverse topics and styles, with a focus on embracing innovation and nurturing talent beyond traditional confines to foster a more dynamic and engaging literary landscape.
Benefits of Working with a Publisher
Working with a publisher provides essential quality control measures that self-publishing may lack. Publishers can offer independent feedback, encourage authors to refine their work, and ensure the book's overall quality in terms of design and content. The process of working with a publisher involves slowing down, allowing ideas to mature, and incorporating feedback from experienced editors, contributing to a more polished final product.
Importance of Creative Risk-Taking
Encouraging creative risk-taking and embracing failure as a learning opportunity are highlighted. Exploring new ventures, trying different approaches, and stepping outside of established roles or industries lead to growth and innovation. Examples like Dr. Dre's tango album and Michael Jordan's baseball stint emphasize the value of taking risks, experimenting, and evolving creatively. The message of persisting despite self-doubt and societal norms to pursue diverse interests resonates as a path to personal and professional development.
Author and friend-of-the-show Jimmy Soni returns to discuss the future of publishing, the changing world of book marketing, the courage of creative risk, and MUCH more!