Dan Martell is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author of Buy Back Your Time, a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want to scale their business without losing their life in the process. After building and exiting multiple software companies, Dan shifted into teaching founders how to grow, systemize, and hire effectively—creating more freedom and profitability. His book, traditionally published with Penguin Random House, became an instant bestseller and sparked conversations about entrepreneurship, publishing, and building evergreen content.

On this episode we talk about:

Why Dan chose traditional publishing for his first book—and why he’d never do it again
The realities of book advances, royalties, and creative control in traditional publishing
The pros and cons of self-publishing vs going with a major house
What it takes to create a perennial seller book that stands the test of time
How Buy Back Your Time became an evergreen global bestseller beyond the business niche

Top 3 Takeaways

Traditional publishers offer credibility—but give away control over how you use your book as an asset.
Self-publishing today allows creators to own their IP, control marketing, and build long-term ROI.
The best books aren’t funnels; they expand their category’s body of knowledge and last for decades.

Notable Quotes

“I didn’t need the advance. I just wanted to learn—and, honestly, a little ego.”
“Traditional publishing feels great for credibility, but you lose control of your own product.”
“I wrote Buy Back Your Time to create something evergreen—something that actually adds to the body of knowledge.”

Connect with Dan Martell:

Website: DanMartell.com

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