Don't Write That Book What We Wish We Knew
Nov 13, 2025
Hosts discuss the key habits that impact writing, including perfectionism and how to channel personal traits for success. They unveil the unpredictable nature of publishing, comparing it to gambling, and emphasize the importance of understanding publishing contracts. Marketing strategies and the necessity of establishing an author brand are highlighted as critical for success. The conversation wraps up with a call to embrace the business side of authorship and the value of persistence while navigating the industry's complexities.
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Episode notes
Publishing Is A Gamble
- Traditional publishing is largely a gamble because no one can precisely predict which books will be hits.
- Authors should expect uncertainty and avoid over-relying on any single publisher's promise.
Books Are Like Hit Songs
- Mike compares book publishing to the music industry where hits emerge from exposure and airplay rather than obvious superiority.
- Success often follows repeated promotion and the right channels, not just intrinsic quality.
Treat Resistance As Normal
- Accept resistance as normal and manage it so writing becomes steady work, not paralysis.
- Read The War of Art and treat creative blocks as recurring forces to be worked through.
