The Tim Ferriss Show

#726: Hugh Howey, Author of Silo and Wool — A Masterclass on Writing, Unorthodox Self-Publishing, and Living in The AI Age

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Mar 13, 2024
Hugh Howey, a New York Times bestselling author known for his Silo trilogy and Wool, dives into the intricacies of self-publishing and navigating the traditional publishing world. He emphasizes the importance of a reader-first mindset and the power of maintaining creative control. Howey shares insights on the discipline required for daily writing and discusses the impact of AI on the publishing landscape. He reflects on the balance between optimism and existential threats in today's society, providing a thought-provoking perspective on the future of storytelling.
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ANECDOTE

Wool's Success

  • Hugh Howey's novel Wool was the most reviewed item on Amazon.
  • This was unintentional but resulted from a Q&A he included at the end, prompting readers to write reviews.
ADVICE

Write Consistently

  • Commit to writing consistently for an extended period, like two books a year for 10 years.
  • This allows you to focus on improving your craft without the pressure of immediate success.
ANECDOTE

Buying Back Rights

  • Howey bought back the rights to his first book, despite it doing well, to self-publish the sequel.
  • He felt sick giving away his IP, even for a seemingly good deal, as he was already working on sequels.
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