Podcast Summary
Discussing the Upcoming Release of Unstressable and the Power of Collaboration: Building meaningful relationships and working together can lead to the successful publication of important ideas
The importance of collaboration and friendship in achieving success. Mo Gawdat, the host, welcomed listeners to the special episode of Slow Mo, where he introduced his literary agent, Michael Carlyle, and executive editor for Unstressable, Elizabeth Beyer. They discussed the upcoming release of Unstressable and encouraged listeners to pre-order the book to help it become a bestseller. Michael shared how he had helped Mo become a writer by improving his manuscript, and Elizabeth spoke about the pleasant and effective editing experience they had working together. Mo and Michael met due to their shared interest in understanding the world beyond their immediate surroundings, and they have since formed a valuable partnership. The conversation underscores the significance of building meaningful relationships and working together to bring important ideas to a wider audience.
A publisher's journey with an unlikely author: Passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds can make a significant impact in the publishing industry with the right guidance and human connection.
The publishing industry, while often perceived as a self-help or light-hearted business, is in fact a complex and vital part of human life. Michael Healey, a publisher, shares his experience of working with Moe Abdou, an Egyptian executive turned happiness writer, who despite coming from a tech background and having no prior publishing experience, was able to make a significant impact in the industry. They connected on a personal level and shared a passion for understanding the human condition. Moe, having lost faith in the efficiency and fulfillment of his tech career, was determined to create something meaningful and engaging. Healey recognized Moe's potential and took him under his wing, guiding him through the process of publishing a book about happiness. Despite the lack of a legal team, they were able to make a deal and eventually sell the book to a global audience. This partnership not only led to commercial success but also helped Moe transition into a new phase of his life, focusing on spreading happiness and positivity. The experience reinforced Healey's belief in the importance of human connection and the power of passion and dedication in the publishing world.
The Importance of Authentic Excitement and Passion in Publishing: Agents and editors seek authenticity and passion in manuscripts, personal connections and expert advice can aid in the publishing process, and the publishing industry values works that resonate with readers.
Authentic excitement and genuine passion for one's work are crucial factors in the publishing industry. Agents and editors serve as the first readers, and their initial reactions can set the tone for a book's success. Cynicism and preconceived notions about where great books come from can hinder the discovery of fresh and innovative works. For those aspiring to get published, the process involves identifying the genre and format of their work, and seeking expert advice from industry professionals. Personal connections and introductions can also lead to unexpected opportunities. Ultimately, the publishing world values authenticity and the potential for a book to resonate with readers.
Focusing on audience reach is crucial for publishers: Building expertise, platform, and network increases chances of getting published despite a great story or writing
Getting a book published is not just about having a good story or being a great writer. Publishers look at various factors beyond the text, such as an author's platform, comparables in the market, and the ability to reach a large audience. The example shared was of a medical transplant story that was rejected by many publishers despite its incredible text because they could not identify a large audience for it. The lesson learned is that authors should focus on building their expertise, platform, and network to increase their chances of getting published. It's not an easy process, as publishers receive thousands of book submissions every year, and they prioritize based on the potential audience reach. However, with dedication and hard work, anyone can give themselves a shot at getting published.
Strive for strong writing and seek feedback: Improve writing, seek honest feedback, understand industry, and persevere despite rejection.
Writers should strive to make their work as strong as possible before sharing it with others, and be open to revisiting it with fresh eyes. Seek out honest feedback from trusted sources, and be aware of what has already been published in your genre to understand your unique contribution. Originality is key, and don't be discouraged by rejection. Success stories often involve perseverance. Additionally, it's important for writers to be knowledgeable about their industry and the competition. By improving your craft, seeking out constructive feedback, and understanding the market, you'll increase your chances of success.
Authenticity and perseverance in writing and publishing: Write authentically, let your work marinate, and persevere in the publishing industry for long-term success.
Authenticity and originality are key in writing, and perseverance is crucial in the publishing industry. Elizabeth and Michael emphasized the importance of writing in a genuine way that reflects your experiences and passions. They also advised putting your work aside to let it marinate before returning to it with fresh eyes. Michael shared his personal experience of writing his book "Finders Keepers" multiple times before finding success. They also mentioned the importance of a book becoming evergreen and lasting in the market, as exemplified by Jack Kerouac's "On the Road." Alice's background in stress management and therapy evolved from her personal experiences and a desire to help others, leading her to become a therapist.
Finding common ground through collaboration: Embrace differences and work together to achieve a common goal, as unique perspectives can bring valuable insights to the project.
Despite our differences, collaboration and finding common ground can lead to something meaningful and impactful. The speakers, Mo and Alice, wrote a book together on the topic of originality, despite their contrasting writing styles. Alice shared her personal experiences of stress and loss, which led her to a new path in life. She found solace in learning about the science behind stress and discovered the importance of collaboration and merging different perspectives to create something valuable. The first few weeks of working together were challenging, but they ultimately found common ground in their mission to help others. Alice's unique perspective, even if it seemed unrelated at first, brought valuable insights to the project. This experience highlights the importance of embracing differences and working together to achieve a common goal.
Bringing new ideas to life in publishing: The publishing industry brings joy and impact through stories of triumph, particularly in self-help books, and remains dedicated to its role in transforming lives despite challenges
The publishing industry, for both Elizabeth and Michael, is filled with stories of triumph. Whether it's the thrill of working with first-time authors or the value of self-help books, they find joy in the process of bringing new ideas to the world. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of the industry, they remain optimistic and passionate about the potential impact a book can have on readers. For Elizabeth, the most rewarding stories are those of authors who have figured something out and managed to share it with the world. She is particularly drawn to the self-help category, which may not be the most prestigious, but can provide invaluable insights and transform lives. Both Elizabeth and Michael agree that the publishing process is intimate and powerful, allowing readers to gain knowledge and comfort for a relatively small investment. Despite the stresses of the industry, they remain dedicated to their roles in bringing these stories to life.
Competition for projects and adapting to new platforms cause stress in publishing industry: Publishing industry faces short-term competition and long-term adaptation to new platforms, while the power of books to change lives remains a driving force
The publishing industry, like any business, faces stressors both in the moment and in the long term. In the short term, editors face competition for projects and the need to make their offers stand out. This can be alleviated with hard work and focus. However, the ongoing stress comes from the changing landscape of book promotion. While traditional methods like bookstores and online retailers are still important, new platforms like TikTok are disrupting the industry. This can be stressful as it requires constant attention and adaptation. Additionally, while books that resonate strongly with readers can reach massive success, there are still many books that struggle to gain awareness and need more support to reach their audience. Despite these challenges, the power of books to change lives remains a driving force in the industry.
The Power of Books and Community: Books shape lives by offering knowledge and community. Maintain open communication for successful collaborations between authors, editors, and agents.
Self-help and books hold immense power in shaping lives, particularly in providing the sense of community and knowledge that we as humans need. The American story, rooted in immigration and the transformative power of libraries, serves as a testament to this. However, the process of creating and publishing a book can also bring significant stress, especially when relationships between authors, editors, and agents break down. These relationships are crucial for the success of the book and the livelihoods of those involved. It's essential to foster open communication and collaboration to navigate the challenges and reach a mutually beneficial outcome.
Managing Relationships and Contractual Issues in Literary Agency: Agents must navigate broken relationships and contractual issues to ensure financial and publishing aspects of agreements are carried out, especially in high-stress environments like NYC. Agents should focus on shared goal of publishing quality works, despite differences.
Being an literary agent involves more than just making agreements; it also requires managing the potential fallout when relationships end and contractual issues arise. The stress comes from ensuring that despite a broken relationship, the financial and publishing aspects of the agreement are still carried out. This is particularly challenging when the industry is based in high-stress environments like New York City. It's important for agents to remember that the privilege of their role comes with the responsibility of providing expertise and support to authors from various fields, even if they may not share the same background or expertise. Agents should aim to move past the competitive stress and focus on the shared goal of publishing quality works.
The transformative power of books drives the publishing industry: The publishing industry filters for passionate individuals who believe in the power of ideas and are dedicated to sharing them with the world, despite the stress and competition.
The publishing industry can be a high-stress environment, whether it's in New York or London. However, the people who thrive in it are often driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of books. Despite the stress and competition, the industry filters for individuals who are passionate about ideas and dedicated to sharing them with the world. The product may look the same, but the process of acquiring a book and working with an author can vary greatly depending on the agent or publisher involved. Ultimately, the industry's focus on ideas and their impact on readers creates a unique and rewarding experience for those who are passionate about the written word.
Bringing stories to life in publishing: Publishing may have challenges, but it's an optimistic industry with a sense of purpose and satisfaction in bringing stories to life, despite rejections and setbacks.
Despite the challenges and setbacks in publishing, it's an optimistic and enthusiastic industry. Publishers may complain about the ups and downs, but they have the power to say yes and provide opportunities for authors. The stakes may not be as high as in other industries like tech or movies, but the sense of purpose and satisfaction in publishing is significant. Authors and agents may face rejections, but there are always new opportunities and seasons for new books. Publishers are not in it for the money alone, but for the love of bringing stories to life.
Authors share their editing experiences: Authors find editing process challenging, but collaboration and trusting editor's expertise leads to improved final products.
The editing process in publishing can be a challenging and time-consuming experience for authors. Elizabeth expressed her regret about not being able to read the audio book before the final print edit, as she often discovers areas for improvement during this stage. Alice, on the other hand, found the digital editing process stressful and needed to print out her chapters and work on them manually to make sense of the changes. They both emphasized the importance of collaboration and trusting the editor's expertise to produce a better final product. Elizabeth shared her admiration for Alice's ability to tone down her ego and accept changes gracefully. Overall, they appreciated the support and teamwork they experienced during the publishing process.
Navigating the Stress of Book Publishing: Find balance in editing and publishing, appreciate the tactile experience of print books, and remember the coexistence of digital and print formats.
The process of creating and publishing a book can be stressful, especially when it comes to dealing with technology. Perfectionism and the fear of making mistakes can add to this stress. However, finding the right balance and knowing when to stop making corrections can help reduce stress. Additionally, some people prefer the tactile experience of reading a physical book as an immediate de-stressor and a way to fully immerse themselves in the story. Despite the rise of audio books and digital publishing, print books continue to be popular and offer a unique reading experience. The publishing industry has seen both digital and print formats thrive, and it's important to remember that each format has its own advantages and can cater to different preferences.
The enduring appeal of print books: Print books remain popular despite the rise of e-books and audiobooks due to their unique experiences and the diverse reading habits of consumers.
Despite the rise of e-books and audiobooks, print books have not only remained relevant but have even seen a resurgence in recent years. The convenience of these newer formats can make them appealing for certain types of reading, especially during busy commutes or late at night. However, the experience of reading a physical book still holds value for many, and the choice between formats often depends on personal preference and circumstances. The success of both print and digital editions for a single book can be attributed to the unique experiences they offer and the diverse reading habits of consumers. The story of "Lazarus," a tortoise living in the midst of modern urban life, can be enjoyed in various formats, including audio, reflecting the versatility and enduring appeal of literature.
A unique perspective on managing reactions to stressors: The book 'Unstressable' offers a proactive approach to managing stressors by focusing on adjusting one's mindset before reacting.
Elizabeth chose to publish "Unstressable" because it offered a unique perspective on managing reactions to stressors, something she had not encountered in her extensive reading on happiness and self-help. The concept of being "unstressable" resonated with her as it allowed individuals to adjust their mindset before reacting, providing a proactive approach to dealing with stressors. Elizabeth was particularly drawn to this concept as she recognized the inevitability of difficult experiences, such as loss, and the potential for personal growth through understanding human reactions to them. The book's unique approach to stress management stood out to her among the numerous happiness books she had read, which often focused on explaining why and how to cope or providing solutions for specific situations. Overall, Elizabeth's personal connection to the concept and the book's potential to help individuals better manage their reactions to stressors made it a compelling project for her to publish.
The power of a passionate team and publisher: A successful book depends on both great content and a dedicated team and publisher, who will advocate and promote it extensively.
The success of a book is not only determined by its content but also by the passionate advocacy and support of the right team and publisher. The speaker expresses confidence in the upcoming book, "Soul for Happy," due to the involvement of Elizabeth and her team, who will promote it extensively. The speaker also reflects on the importance of collaboration and the impact of Alice, who co-wrote the book with him, bringing a unique perspective and style. The speaker's optimism is fueled by the past experiences of publishing without proper support and the anticipation of a successful collaboration. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and making the world a better place, even in the face of challenges. The conversation highlights the behind-the-scenes role of publishers and teams in bringing books to the public and the impact they can have on an author's career.
