This Week in Books - Scott Sigler

TL;DR

Scott Sigler is a successful author who started out as a podcaster and self-published his books before becoming a New York Times bestselling author.

Transcript

foreign my guest today is one of the biggest potty mouths on the planet but much like South Park there's utter Brilliance in this Panorama of porcelain featuring monsters with Rich backstories based on well-researched science his books are absolutely tearing it up the charts he is one of the very first and most successful audiobook authors of all t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤩 Persistence is key in the publishing industry. Sigler spent almost a decade trying to get his books published before finding success as a self-published author.
• 📔 Combining genres can be a challenge for publishers, who often prefer books that fit neatly into one category.
• 💦 Podcasting can be a powerful tool for authors to promote their work and build a loyal fan base.
• 🤳 Self-publishing can lead to traditional publishing deals, as demonstrated by Sigler's journey from self-published author to New York Times bestseller.
• 💦 Building a personal brand and engaging with fans on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can help authors connect with readers and promote their work effectively.
• 🥶 Using innovative marketing strategies, such as giving away free stories, can help authors attract new readers and build a dedicated fan base.
• 💦 Software tools like Scrivener can assist authors in organizing and structuring their writing, particularly if their work involves complex plotlines and multiple storylines.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Scott Sigler initially try to get his books published?

Sigler spent nearly 10 years submitting his manuscripts to agents, editors, and publishers through traditional routes but received rejections due to the combination of genres in his work.

Q: Why did publishers find it difficult to categorize Sigler's books?

Sigler's books blended genres like science fiction, horror, and thriller, making it challenging for publishers to identify a specific shelf for them in bookstores.

Q: How did Sigler use podcasting to promote his books?

Sigler discovered podcasting and realized its potential for serialized audiobooks. He was one of the first authors to release his books in podcast format, which helped him gain a loyal following.

Q: How did Sigler's success as a podcaster and self-published author lead to a publishing deal?

Sigler's podcast novels gained popularity and helped him attract the attention of a small Canadian press, Dragon Moon Press. The success of his self-published books on platforms like Amazon also caught the interest of traditional publishers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Scott Sigler spent almost 10 years trying to get his books published through traditional avenues before finding success as a self-published author.

• His books combine genres like science fiction, horror, and thriller, making it difficult for publishers to categorize them.

• Sigler used podcasting to promote his books and gain a loyal fan base, which eventually led to a publishing deal.