Self-Publisher Interview with Paul Millerd
1. What can you tell me about your experience as a writer?
I've mostly been what you might call an internet writer and I've been doing that for a long time. I wrote many blogs when younger and then wrote on Quora and LinkedIn and Medium before quitting my job in 2017. When I quit my job, I had more space in my life and the thing I kept coming back to was writing. In 2018 I decided that I would, "write most days." Ever since, that's what I've done.
2. What made you decide to write a book?
It was a culmination of years of writing about our relationship with work and conversations with hundreds of people grappling with it from around the world. The pandemic accelerated a lot of interest in my topic and by the end of 2020 I had several people asking if I would write a book.
3. What circumstances brought you to the decision to self-publish your book?
It was very simple. The traditionally published route is painfully slow, a terrible financial deal, and involves far too many stakeholders making decisions by committee. I wanted to pour my heart into my book and publish the book that I wanted to read. I was also not attached to the outcomes so by finishing the book it was already a success.
4. What has your experience as a self-publisher been like?
It has been far easier and much more profitable than I ever imagined.
5. How do you respond to the negative stigma attached to self-publishing and self-published books?
I don't. It doesn't matter to me. I've sold 25k books, made $130k, and didn't compromise anything at any step in my journey. I couldn't imagine anything better.
6. What is one very important lesson you have learned as a self-publisher?
That it is very profitable! And the coolest thing is that you can print your own book for about $4.50 on amazon including shipping and gift it to anyone quite easily.
7. What do you know now about self-publishing that you wish you knew at the beginning?
I could probably do a book in about 6-9 months now. I waste a lot of time figuring stuff out myself. I also didn't realize you can just put your name is as the publisher. My book is "Published by Paul Millerd." Anyone can do this. There are literally no rules.
8. A lot of authors of self-published books have reservations about promoting and marketing their book. Some even feel that it is a form of vanity or self-importance. What is your opinion about this?
I think step one is to write a book that is true in a deep and powerful way to what you really believe. Then step two is to just "promote" it in the regular course of things you might be doing anyway. I have only written a book about a curiosity that I am still fascinated by. So it's quite easy. For people writing on other topics that aren't core to what they care about, I do imagine it would be hard.
9. How do you promote your books and what form of book promotion has worked the best for you?
I mostly go on podcasts and gift books to anyone who wants one around the world. I believe generosity is one of the most powerful forces in the world so I try to focus heavily on that.
10. What are some other important things you have learned as a self-publisher?
I think finding an editor that REALLY cares about your vision and story matters. They are many editors that will just power through your writing and fix basic mistakes. Don't settle for that. Find one that cares and wants to engage with your ideas and style.
11. Do you feel that self-publishing is a viable choice for other authors?
Of course. I really don't understand why anyone is pursuing traditional publishing if they are getting less than a $200k advance.
ABOUT PAUL:
Paul Millerd is an independent writer, freelancer, coach, and digital creator. He has written online for many years and has built a growing audience of curious humans from around the world. He spent several years working in strategy consulting before deciding to walk away and embrace a pathless path. He is fascinated about how our relationship to work is shifting and how more people can live lives where they can thrive.