In 'The Power of Now', Eckhart Tolle discusses the importance of living in the present moment to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The book draws from various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and mysticism, to explain how people's emotional problems are rooted in their identification with their minds. Tolle argues that the present moment is the only truly real time and that past and future are mere mental constructs. He provides methods for relaxation and meditation to help readers anchor themselves in the present, such as avoiding multitasking, spending time in nature, and letting go of worries about the future. The book also introduces concepts like the 'pain-body' and the distinction between one's thoughts and true self, emphasizing the need to recognize and separate from the destructive influence of the mind[2][4][5].
In 'Wool', the first book of the Silo series, Hugh Howey depicts a dystopian future where humanity lives in a self-sustaining underground silo. The story follows Sheriff Holston and later Juliette, a mechanic turned sheriff, as they uncover the sinister truths and conspiracies within the silo. The novel delves into the lives of the silo's residents, who are kept in the dark about the true state of the outside world, and the harsh punishments for those who express a desire to leave. The book is known for its suspenseful and engaging narrative, exploring themes of survival, hope, and the quest for truth in a confined and controlled environment.
In 'Choose Yourself,' James Altucher argues that the traditional paths to security such as college, employment, and retirement are no longer viable. He advocates for individuals to take control of their own lives, focusing on building physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. The book provides actionable steps for personal growth and creating a fulfilling career and life on one's own terms. Altucher emphasizes the importance of doing what you enjoy, surrounding yourself with positive people, and continually expanding your horizons to achieve success and happiness[1][3][5].
Notes from James:
Let’s be honest: most people who write a book never make money from it. Why? Because they stop at the last page. I want you to go further. In this episode, I show you how I turned my books into speaking gigs, consulting work, investment deals, and more. You don’t need a big publisher or a massive budget—just the right strategy.
Episode Descriptions:
In Part 4 of my 30-day writing series, I tackle one of the biggest questions aspiring authors face: Should you self-publish or go the traditional route? I’ve done both—some of my books were published by big-name houses, others I put out myself. This episode breaks down the pros, cons, and misconceptions of each approach—and how to make the smartest decision for your goals.
You’ll also learn exactly what to do after the writing is done. I cover how to market your book, build buzz, land media, grow your audience, and ultimately make your book work for you—financially, professionally, and personally.
Whether you're writing your first book or your fifth, this episode lays out the modern publishing roadmap and how to turn your words into real-world results.
What You’ll Learn:
- The truth about traditional publishing—what it offers and what it takes away
- Why self-publishing can earn you more money and give you more control
- What agents, publishers, and bookstore placement actually mean today
- How bestseller lists really work (and why most are just marketing tools)
- Exactly how to market your book after it’s published: newsletters, podcasts, and more
- How to build momentum before your book even comes out
Timestamps
00:00 Traditional vs. Self-Publishing: The Debate Begins
00:41 The Evolution of Self-Publishing
01:10 Benefits of Traditional Publishing
03:17 Challenges with Traditional Publishing
06:58 The Power of Self-Publishing
15:09 Steps to Professionally Self-Publish
16:34 The Importance of Audiobooks
21:15 Marketing Your Book: An Overview
21:53 Building and Utilizing an Email List
24:48 Leveraging Online Platforms for Book Promotion
27:08 The Power of Podcasts and Public Speaking
32:31 Maximizing Social Media for Book Sales
38:47 Final Thoughts on Book Marketing
P.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The James Altucher Show 
