What was Hugh Howey's writing strategy before 'Wool' became a bestseller?

Howey committed to writing two books a year for ten years in obscurity, aiming to produce 20 books. His goal was to focus on improving his craft and building a 'backlist' of content, believing that early fame could hinder a writer's process. This allowed him to write for the love of creation without the pressure of sales.

How did Hugh Howey regain the rights to his first book and negotiate unique publishing deals?

Howey initially signed away the rights to his first book to a small press for a low sum, regretting the loss of IP control. With the success of 'Wool' (which was self-published), he gained significant leverage. His agent, Kristin Nelson, helped him secure a groundbreaking five-year print-only deal with Simon & Schuster, allowing him to retain all digital and audio rights and re-auction print rights after the term.

Was it possible for a self-published book like 'Wool' to hit the New York Times bestseller list?

Yes, 'Wool' did hit the New York Times bestseller list, though Howey believes it was due to sheer volume of sales that could not be ignored, rather than a fair assessment. The New York Times list is somewhat curated and has biases against self-published books and Amazon sales, often applying a fractional multiplier to discount them. However, when sales are overwhelmingly high, even those biases can't prevent recognition.

What made 'Wool' different and contributed to its massive success?

'Wool' benefited from the rise of e-readers and print-on-demand. It was short, making it easy to finish and review, which boosted word-of-mouth. Howey also priced the ebook at 99 cents (and later even free for the first part of the serialized version), prioritizing readership over immediate profit, which attracted a large audience.

How did Hugh Howey develop a consistent daily writing habit?

Howey struggled with writing for 20 years until he started reviewing a book a day for a friend's website. This intensive reading exposed him to vast amounts of prose and plot elements while the daily review writing forced him into a consistent habit. He tracks his word count daily, aiming for around 1,000 words a day now, to maintain momentum.

What are the common mistakes writers make when approaching publishing?

Howey highlights two common mistakes: blindly trusting expertise and spreading identity across multiple pen names. He advises trusting one's gut, as the industry constantly changes, and consolidating one's identity as the brand, as readers will follow good prose across genres. Building a direct relationship with readers is key.

How does AI impact book creation and the publishing ecosystem?

AI can significantly enhance a writer's weaker skills, like cover art creation, bringing them to an 80% expert level quickly. While it is leading to an 'avalanche' of AI-generated books, potentially displacing some authors, Howey notes that Amazon has always dealt with content issues like plagiarism. AI also presents opportunities like conquering the 'empty page' through voice-to-text generative tools.

Hugh Howey is an optimist, yet he writes about dystopian futures. How does he reconcile this?

Howey describes himself as a 'short-term optimist' and 'midterm Optimist,' but a 'long-term pessimist.' He believes in humanity's ability to navigate short- and medium-term challenges but fears the inevitable 'Big Crunch' or 'heat death' of the universe, or more acutely, the development of a technology (like advanced genetic engineering or powerful batteries for drones) that could lead to human extinction. He believes humanity will eventually use such a 'button' if it's created.

What is Hugh Howey's perspective on having children given his long-term pessimistic view of the future?

Howey and his wife are actively pursuing parenthood, despite his long-term pessimism. He believes that the quality of human life, even amidst adversity (like pandemics or terrorist attacks), provides a 'set point of happiness' and allows for laughter and love. He doesn't think life will ever be 'not worth having' and sees having kids as the 'best adventure' and 'leveling up in the journey of becoming a man.'

Does Hugh Howey believe in objective moral truth, despite being a former militant atheist?

Yes, Howey believes in an objective moral truth, finding the argument for it compelling. He cites his global travels, where he observed that despite superficial differences, human emotions and core values (like loving children, laughter, and desired fairness) are universal. He also references 'tit-for-tat' Game Theory as reinforcing a universal understanding of fairness and retribution.

How does Hugh Howey define good collaboration in creative projects?

Howey emphasizes that personality is the number one factor for good collaboration. Working with his co-writer, Matt Mados, feels like 'fun' rather than work. They brainstorm together, create detailed outlines, and then divide writing tasks (e.g., one works on Act One, the other on Act Two), effectively doubling or quadrupling their output due to shared deadlines and momentum.

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How to Sell Millions with Self-Publishing — Hugh Howey, Bestselling Author of Wool

Tim Ferriss

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Hugh Howey shares insights on self-publishing, creative process, and building a resilient author career.

Key Insights

The importance of a consistent daily writing habit to overcome creative blocks and maintain momentum.

Strategic use of reader engagement, like author Q&As and online interaction, to build word-of-mouth and community.

Self-publishing authors can achieve significant success, including bestseller lists, by prioritizing reader connection and unique value.

Retaining rights and negotiating time-limited deals are crucial for long-term authorial control and financial benefit.

AI's potential to democratize creative skills, boost productivity, and change the publishing landscape, while also posing existential questions.

Embracing collaboration and a reader-first approach are key to building a sustainable and fulfilling author career, regardless of publishing route.

THE POWER OF CONSISTENCY AND EARLY HABITS

Hugh Howey emphasizes the critical role of a daily writing habit, stating that for 20 years, his own self-doubt prevented him from writing despite it being his lifelong ambition. Unlocking the ability to write daily became a key to his success, ensuring the creative 'switch' remained on. He likens this discipline to never missing a day, whether traveling or in between other commitments, highlighting that even a small amount of writing each day contributes significantly over time. This consistent output is presented as the antidote to self-imposed creative stagnation.

INNOVATIVE READER ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Howey discusses his unconventional approach to ending his novel 'Wool,' using a Q&A with the author section not just for acknowledgments but as an emotional buffer and a catalyst for reader action. This section aimed to elicit an emotional response, acknowledge the reader’s investment, and then offer a final nugget of engagement, such as asking for reviews. This strategy proved remarkably effective, leading 'Wool' to become the most reviewed item on Amazon in its release year, demonstrating the power of directly engaging readers post-story.

THE STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE OF SELF-PUBLISHING

Before achieving bestseller status, Howey spent a decade building a backlist, a strategy he learned from observing successful authors. He initially self-published a sequel to his first book, eventually buying back the rights to his debut novel to self-publish both. This ten-year commitment to writing in obscurity allowed him to focus on craft and production without the pressures of immediate success or market expectations. This period was invaluable for developing his skills and understanding reader preferences, laying the groundwork for future triumphs.

NEGOTIATING RIGHTS AND LONG-TERM CONTROL

A cornerstone of Howey's success is his meticulous approach to rights management, particularly in his dealings with traditional publishers. He famously retained digital and audio rights, opting for limited-term print-on-demand deals. This strategy, born from an early experience where he felt he gave away too much IP for too little, allows him to renegotiate terms periodically, a move that grants him immense leverage and financial benefits over time. He advocates for authors to believe in their work's value and negotiate for ongoing control.

THE IMPACT OF AI ON CREATIVITY AND PUBLISHING

Howey views AI as a transformative force that can democratize skills, enabling creators to reach an '80% expert level' in areas like cover design, even if they lack natural talent. While using AI for efficiency, he still values human artistry for significant projects. He acknowledges AI's potential to flood the market but draws parallels to the abundance of public domain classics, arguing that reader connection and unique voice will remain paramount. AI's impact extends to existential questions about human consciousness and the future of work.

BUILDING A CAREER THROUGH READER CONNECTION AND COLLABORATION

Howey stresses that the personal relationship with readers is the bedrock of his career, transcending agent or publisher dependencies. He encourages authors to consolidate their brand identity, as readers often follow authors across genres. He also highlights the growing importance of collaboration, finding that working with partners like Matt Midos enhances productivity and enjoyment, particularly in TV and film projects. This collaborative spirit, coupled with a focus on reader engagement, fosters a more resilient and fulfilling authorial path.

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Common Questions

Hugh Howey included a Q&A section with himself (the author) at the end of 'Wool.' After emotionally engaging the reader, one question asked how readers could help spread the word about the book, prompting them to write reviews on Amazon and share on social media. This unique strategy made 'Wool' the most-reviewed and highest-reviewed item on Amazon in its release year.