When you're writing that first book, it can seem inconceivable that you might want to run an author business someday. But inevitably, things change! Today I talk about the journey from author to entrepreneur to creative business empire with Sean Platt. In the intro, I mention Kobo's new country store view, how 5 billion people will get access to the internet in the next few years, The World in 2025 and BOLD by Peter Diamandis. Plus, why you should check out the ALCS if you've been publishing a while to help locate little payments you might be missing. This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. Sean Platt is one of the three partners behind story studio Sterling & Stone, publishing a ton of books in multiple genres, and co-hosting the Self-Publishing Podcast along with Johnny B Truant and David Wright. Their successful books include Write, Publish, Repeat, Invasion and Yesterday's Gone amongst many others. His latest product is StoryShop. You can listen above or on iTunes or Stitcher or watch the video here, read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below. * On the changes at Sterling and Stone. * Creating systems and letting go of touching every part of the company. * Recruiting freelancers and employees from within one's own community. * On creating a clear and positive visitor experience for those coming to an author's website. * “Baking marketing into art”. * Writing and selling screenplays. * Teaching writing and why Sean was resistant to that at first. * On story software and rethinking how books and stories are made. You can find Sean at www.SterlingandStone.net and Storyshop at getstoryshop.com Transcript of Interview with Sean Platt Joanna: Hi, everyone. I'm Joanna Penn from TheCreativePenn.com, and today I'm back with Sean Platt. Hi, Sean! Sean: Hello! Joanna: It's great to have you back on the show. Now just in case people don't know who you are, I'll just do a little introduction.