After writing millions of words in the trenches of the self-publishing landscape, Johnny, Sean, and Dave have emerged with many lessons learned from publishing more than one hundred titles. In this episode the guys share their biggest takeaways, including:

• Why there are always exceptions to the rules.
• Why you need to “know your why.”
• How to frame your expectations appropriately.
• Why you can’t copy someone’s tactics wholesale.
• The difference between long-term thinking and short term thinking.
• Why you need to hone your craft.
• Why the lack of momentum and unfulfilled promises are the worst things that can happen.
• How to add subtext to your fiction in order to craft great interpersonal conflict.
• How developing your unique writing voice is what will attract your ideal reader.
• How the market is changing and why it will continue to do so.
• Why you should appreciate where you are in your journey.
• Why genre hopping is a LOT of work and costly.
• How publishing on Amazon is similar to SEO.
• Why writing a book is not the finish line, it’s the starting gate.
• Readers don’t care about traditionally published vs. self-published. They want quality.
• How to balance art and commerce when writing stories.
• Collaboration is the most important part of the process.
• Why it’s important that you don’t obsess over stats and sales.

Are you wondering what the ever-growing demand for superb storytelling skills means for your future? Check out our latest interview as Johnny and Sean dive deep into that question in “Storytelling Is the Future: How to Build On Your Self-Publishing Success.” Download the interview from the info box or show notes in YouTube or head over to https://www.sterlingandstone.net/future.