Episode 286 - The New Normal of an Author Career with Johnny B. Truant
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Johnny B. Truant discusses THE NEW NORMAL OF AN AUTHOR CAREER, including the evolving landscape of self-publishing, the dilemma of comparisonitis, the need to accept slow growth in one's author career as the new norm, the value of patience, and the warning signs when patience turns into a rut.
Johnny B. Truant is the bestselling author of FAT VAMPIRE, adapted by The SyFy Network as REGINALD THE VAMPIRE. His other books include PRETTY KILLER, GORE POINT, INVASION, THE BEAM, DEAD CITY, UNICORN WESTERN, and over 100 other titles across many genres. Johnny is one of indie publishing’s early authorities, having created and co-hosted the original Self-Publishing Podcast with Sean Platt and David Wright. He is also the author of the indie cornerstone guide WRITE. PUBLISH. REPEAT., and hosted the Smarter Artist Summit author conference in Austin, Texas from 2015-2018 with the same two partners.
Episode Links
https://johnnybtruantbooks.com
Episode 239 - Moving the Needle to a Different Track with Johnny B. Truant
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Johnny B Truant about the evolving landscape of self-publishing, reflecting on past successes and current realities. During their conversation, Johnny discusses the earlier days of self-publishing, highlighting how initially, many authors experienced what appeared to be overnight success, especially during the beginnings of Kindle Unlimited (KU). There was a wave of authors enjoying significant financial gain from their first book releases, which led to many aspiring writers experiencing "comparisonitis"—the urge to measure their own success against these early trailblazers.
Johnny notes that such immediate successes have become rare in today's market, as the self-publishing environment has matured and become more competitive. It's now more common for authors to experience slower progress, which can feel discouraging but is, in fact, the new norm. This transition can present challenges for new authors who might have entered the field with expectations set by those early success stories.
The Early Days of Kindle Unlimited
In the early days, Kindle Unlimited was a significant catalyst for many authors who saw rapid success. This subscription model enabled a broader readership reach and provided a novel approach for both new and established authors to earn royalties. Authors frequently shared stories of making substantial earnings from their debut projects, feeding the aspirations of others entering the self-publishing space.
The Shift to a More Mature Market
Contrastingly, Johnny describes how today's market has shifted away from these hyper-successful launches. The increased competition and changes in digital publishing algorithms require authors to adopt more sustainable and long-term strategies. There is a greater emphasis on building a consistent readership and focusing on quality and marketing over time rather than expecting immediate high returns.
Johnny emphasizes that the current landscape represents a more sustainable and realistic approach to self-publishing. Although it may feel difficult for some—especially those who entered the field hoping for rapid success—the slow and steady growth model is healthier for long-term career sustainability. Authors are encouraged to focus on honing their craft, developing their authorial voice, and connecting with their audience consistently over time.
Throughout their discussion, Johnny and Matty explore how authors can set expectations that align more closely with today's realities. By understanding the industry's evolution, authors might recalibrate their metrics of success, focusing on gradual improvement and realistic goals. This podcast episode serves as a guidepost for both new and established authors navigating the ever-changing world of self-publishing, suggesting that persistence and adaptability are key components of enduring success in this field.