Self-publishing vs. working with O'Reilly Media
I met Joe Wikert, GM at O'Reilly Media, in 2008, while negotiating terms for Confessions of a Public Speaker. I've talked to many editors and executives at publishing companies, but he quickly charmed me with his genuine intelligence and honest good nature. Like my editor at O'Reilly, Mary Tressler, he's one of my favorite people at O'Reilly Media.
When I decided to self-publish my newest book, Mindfire: Big Ideas for Curious Minds, many people assumed there was some bad blood between O'Reilly Media and myself. It was one of the most common questions I heard, despite it not being the case.
When Joe asked to interview me about self-publishing, I imediately said Yes, as this is exactly the kind of good natured curiosity, and interest in providing a level playing field, that made me happy to work with Joe and O'Reilly Media in the first place.
We talked about the choices I've made, what I learned, advice I have for authors and publishers, and more (here's Wikerts summary).
Related posts:
The age of the platform: lessons on self-publishing from 4 time author
Free chapters from Confessions
Calling bullshit on social media
How to call BS on a social media guru (event)
Why I'm self publishing my next book
