Phil Simon, author of Why New Systems Fail, The Next Wave of Technologies, and The New Small shares his experience using Kickstarter to start his publishing business.
In May of this year, I was featured on The New York Times’ TechTalk Podcast. During the show, I talked about my second book, The Next Wave of Technologies. The host asked me about my future plans, and I jokingly compared writing another book to having more children. Little did I know that I would soon embark on another book project.
My upcoming book, The New Small: How a New Breed of Small Businesses is Harnessing the Power of Emerging Technologies, explores how small businesses are leveraging technology to compete with larger corporations and create more meaningful jobs. This book is aimed at inspiring budding entrepreneurs to take charge of their futures and create their own opportunities.
When it came time to publish the book, I faced a dilemma with traditional publishers. Their pricing and production timelines didn’t align with my vision for the project. So, I made the bold choice to start my own publishing company.
- I wanted to set a price point that would appeal to a broad audience and not be dictated by traditional publishing costs.
- Timing was crucial in the tech industry, and I needed the book out quickly to stay relevant.
- I was determined to see my book released in 2010, regardless of any obstacles.
These challenges reflect a larger issue in the publishing industry, where big publishers often struggle to adapt to new trends and technologies. I decided to take a different route and explore self-publishing options. That’s when I discovered Kickstarter.
Kickstarter provided a platform for me to raise funds for editing, cover design, and production costs for my book. The response was overwhelming, and I quickly surpassed my initial goal. The experience not only helped me finance the project but also allowed me to connect with a community of supporters.
In the words of Tim Robbins’ character in The Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” My journey in self-publishing and entrepreneurship is a testament to taking control of your destiny and making things happen.
Phil Simon is a renowned author and technology consultant, with books like Why New Systems Fail, The Next Wave of Technologies, and The New Small. He holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and Cornell University and continues to share his insights on emerging trends and technologies. Explore more of Phil’s work on his blog and website.