Writers, Ink: Your backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors
Alan Lastufka explains why an entrepreneurial mindset is a must for success in today’s publishing environment.
Apr 15, 2025
Alan Lastufka, a Hoffer Award-winning author and owner of Shortwave, dives into the entrepreneurial mindset essential for success in today's publishing landscape. He discusses the evolution of publishing, highlighting innovative marketing strategies like subscription services. Lastufka shares insights on the challenges independent authors face, including navigating reviewer fees and the impact of AI on creativity. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in engaging readers, making a case for a balance between creative ambition and business savvy.
01:03:30
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses a new subscription service strategy that consolidates book shipments, benefiting both authors and readers financially.
- Listeners are inspired by the humble beginnings of iconic authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King, highlighting persistence in overcoming adversity.
Deep dives
Quarterly Book Subscriptions
A new strategy has been implemented for subscription services that involves sending out multiple books in one shipment instead of individual mailings. This approach allows the publisher to send five titles in a single box for a slightly higher price than one book, reducing overall shipping costs significantly. By consolidating shipments into a quarterly release schedule, readers benefit from more cost-effective subscriptions while ensuring that they receive books early. This method provides a streamlined experience for both authors and subscribers, illustrating an innovative solution to publishing logistics.
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