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Author Nation: State of the Nation
Reclaiming Creative Control with Sean Platt
Feb 13, 2025
In this intriguing discussion, Sean Platt, founder of Sterling & Stone and co-author of Write. Publish. Repeat, shares his insights into the ever-evolving world of indie publishing. He highlights the decline of algorithm-driven strategies and emphasizes the critical need for direct sales. Platt touches on the importance of nurturing reader relationships and adapting to shifting revenue models. He also explores 'genre therapy' for authors and how curiosity can enhance creative marketing, urging listeners to embrace critical discourse in their journeys.
48:35
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Quick takeaways
- Indie authors must pivot from algorithm-driven strategies to prioritize direct sales and deeper engagement with their readers.
- Understanding genre alignment through 'genre therapy' helps authors identify their true narrative strengths for improved market success.
Deep dives
Navigating the Publishing Landscape
The discussion emphasizes the evolving nature of the publishing industry, where traditional avenues like Kindle Unlimited (KU) have become increasingly crowded and algorithm-driven. The speaker reflects on a time when their team realized that as their KU audience grew, their connection with readers diminished, causing dissatisfaction with their work. This led them to pivot their focus towards producing quality intellectual property intended for film and television, rather than settling for the easier but less fulfilling path of creating buffet-style content. The analogy used highlights that customers often choose a buffet not for the chef's culinary skills but for the abundance of options, underscoring the need for authors to redefine their approach to storytelling.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode