In a recent episode of the Expert Insight Interview, host John Golden engaged in a compelling discussion with Eric Jorgensen, the CEO of Scribe Media. The conversation delved into the evolving landscape of book publishing, highlighting the advantages of self-publishing and the unique model offered by Scribe Media compared to traditional publishing. This blog post will summarize the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for aspiring authors.
The Shift in Publishing Models
Origins of Scribe Media
Eric Jorgensen began by explaining the origins of Scribe Media, founded by Tucker Max, a renowned author who recognized a growing demand for independent publishing options. Tucker’s vision was to provide authors with high-quality support while allowing them to maintain control over their work. This model contrasts sharply with traditional publishing, where authors often relinquish significant rights and control over their books.
Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
In traditional publishing, authors often give up control over their copyright, including decisions about their book’s title, cover, and even the content. This lack of control can be disheartening, especially when authors realize that they are not the primary beneficiaries of their book sales. Traditional publishers typically focus on their bottom line, often prioritizing their most lucrative titles and leaving lesser-known authors to fend for themselves in terms of marketing and promotion.
The Advantages of Self-Publishing with Scribe
Complete Ownership and Control
One of the key advantages of working with Scribe Media is the complete ownership authors retain over their rights and royalties. Eric cited the example of David Goggins, whose memoir became a bestseller after being published with Scribe. Goggins retains full control over his intellectual property, allowing him to maximize his earnings and leverage his book for various opportunities, such as speaking engagements and business ventures.
Empowerment in the Digital Age
Eric explained that the traditional publishing model, which may have made sense in the past, is increasingly outdated in today’s digital age. With the rise of print-on-demand technology and social media, authors can connect directly with their audiences, making it unnecessary to rely on traditional publishers for validation or success. This shift empowers authors to take charge of their publishing journey, allowing them to reap the rewards of their hard work.
Understanding ROI in Book Publishing
Shifting the Mindset
A significant theme in the conversation was the return on investment (ROI) for authors. Eric encouraged aspiring authors to shift their mindset regarding what constitutes a successful book. Many authors mistakenly focus solely on book sales as the measure of success. However, Eric argued that the true ROI often comes from the opportunities that arise from having a book, such as speaking engagements, consulting gigs, or new business ventures.
Personal Anecdotes
Eric shared a personal anecdote about how his first book led to unexpected opportunities, including a partnership with a CRM company after a CEO reached out to him after reading his work. This illustrates the point that a book can serve as a powerful marketing tool, opening doors that may not have been accessible otherwise.
The Importance of Quality and Audience Connection
Producing a High-Quality Book
Eric emphasized the importance of producing a high-quality book that resonates with readers. He noted that many authors underestimate the effort required to create a compelling narrative. A well-crafted book not only showcases the author’s expertise but also builds trust and credibility with potential clients or customers.
Understanding the Audience
Eric advised authors to consider their motivations for writing a book. He suggested that authors should have a “selfish reason” for wanting to publish, as the journey can be emotionally taxing. At the same time, authors must also focus on the reader’s perspective, ensuring that their book provides value and addresses the needs of their target audience.
Navigating the Writing Process
Identifying the Right Time to Write
For those contemplating writing a book but unsure where to start, Eric offered practical advice. He suggested that individuals who find themselves frequently having the same conversations or who feel their expertise is not being fully utilized may be ready to write a book. He encouraged authors to think about their unique experiences and the insights they can share with others.
Narrowing Down the Focus
Eric also highlighted the importance of narrowing down the focus of the book. Many aspiring authors have multiple ideas or stories they want to tell, but it’s crucial to define a specific message and audience for the book. This clarity will help guide the writing process and ensure that the final product is cohesive and impactful.
Preparing for the Journey Ahead
Embracing the Challenges
As the conversation wrapped up, Eric reminded potential authors to be prepared for the challenges that come with writing and publishing a book. He emphasized the need for resilience, as there will be moments of doubt and frustration along the way. Authors must be ready to embrace the journey, knowing that the effort they invest can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
Scribe Media’s Services
Eric provided an overview of Scribe Media’s services, explaining that Scribe is a leading professional publisher that specializes in helping authors bring their books to life. Whether an author has already written a manuscript or needs assistance in the writing process, Scribe offers tailored support to ensure that the final product is polished and professional.
Conclusion
This episode of the Expert Insight Interview provides valuable insights into the world of book publishing, particularly the benefits of self-publishing with companies like Scribe Media. Eric Jorgensen’s experiences and advice serve as a guide for aspiring authors, encouraging them to take control of their publishing journey, understand their audience, and create high-quality work that resonates with readers. Whether for personal fulfillment or professional advancement, writing a book can be a transformative experience that opens doors and creates lasting impact.
For those interested in exploring the world of self-publishing and the services offered by Scribe Media, Eric invites them to visit the Scribe website for more information. The episode wraps up with John thanking Eric for his insights and encouraging listeners to take the plunge into the rewarding journey of writing and publishing a book.
Our Host
John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.
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