#163: David Moldawer — Diving deep into book publishing with an industry insider
Sep 5, 2023
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David Moldawer, an independent writer and editor with experience at Penguin and Amazon, dives into the intricacies of book publishing. He discusses who should write, when, and why. Listeners will learn about the publishing landscape, including advances, royalties, and the auction process. Moldawer sheds light on the balance between mainstream and indie publishing, and how authors can navigate market dynamics. He also reveals the motivations behind book purchases, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and unique perspectives.
Writing a book in your area of expertise can position you as a thought leader and increase your influence in your field.
The choice between traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing depends on an author's goals, audience, and level of control desired.
Different categories of books require different qualities, with fiction being open to anyone with storytelling skills and business books relying on expertise and success in the field.
Deep dives
The Value of AI-powered Tools in Workflows
Integrating AI-powered tools like HubSpot CRM into workflows can help employees save time on manual tasks. Research suggests that using AI tools can cut the time spent on tasks like pulling reports or summarizing data in half. This can result in significant time savings of up to 4 weeks per year.
Using AI to Work Smarter, Not Harder
HubSpot's AI-powered tools, such as ChatSpot and content assistant, can streamline business processes, from research and strategy to content creation and optimization. These tools are integrated into HubSpot CRM, allowing users to generate reports, get copy inspiration, and summarize data with simple chat commands.
Insights into Book Publishing and Who Should Write a Book
In this podcast episode, the guest is David Maldauer, a book publishing expert. He shares insights into the publishing industry, including the different categories of books, such as business, self-help, and fiction. Maldauer emphasizes that anyone with storytelling skills can write fiction, whereas for other categories like business books, expertise and success in that field are crucial. He also explores the commercial success of books, the role of advances and royalties, and the importance of managing reader expectations.
Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing and Hybrid Publishing
When it comes to publishing a book, there are different options to consider. Self-publishing is a viable route for fiction authors who have a deep understanding of their genre and already have an established audience. It allows them to have more control over the publishing process and potentially earn more per copy sold. On the other hand, hybrid publishing is gaining popularity, especially for platform-driven nonfiction authors who already have a substantial following. With hybrid publishing, authors pay a fee to a publisher who offers the same professional services as traditional publishers. The quality of the book is on par with traditionally published books, and authors can still benefit from distribution services and credibility. Overall, the choice between traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing depends on an author's goals, audience, and level of control desired.
The Power of Writing a Book for Thought Leadership and Influence
Writing a book in your area of expertise can have a profound impact on your career and reputation. A well-written book positions you as a thought leader and increases your influence in your field. It allows you to be part of important conversations, get media coverage, and be seen as an authority. Even an unsuccessful book can still have a positive impact, as it demonstrates your commitment and knowledge in a particular topic. Additionally, a book can serve as a lightning rod, attracting opportunities and connections within your industry. It's not just about financial success, but also about shaping your personal brand and creating long-term opportunities for growth and recognition.
David Moldawer has spent more than a decade in book publishing, acquiring and editing best selling books for Penguin, Saint Martin's Press, McGraw Hill, and Amazon Publishing New York. Those books were predominantly nonfiction in the areas of business, technology, health, and memoir.
Today, David is an independent writer and editor with his business Bookitect. David helps authors create bulletproof book proposals.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Who should write a book
When they should write a book
Why they should write a book
What they should write a book about
And how the publishing industry works - from royalties to advances, the auction process, hybrid publishing, self publishing, and more
