From Party Boy to Millionaire Bestselling Author: Mark Manson on the Business of Books

07/12/24 • 47 min

Most known for his book The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck, Mark Manson is a three-time #1 NY Times bestselling author and entrepreneur. In this episode, he tackles questions, less about his books, and more about the business of being a writer. Can authors really make a living? Is the pursuit of fame and fortune really as glamorous as it seems? Mark also reveals what it’s like working in Hollywood, explaining why he believes the creator economy offers a brighter future.
Join us as we explore Mark's story and learn about:

The business of the publishing industry
Literature’s place in current society
Hollywood’s inefficiency and the future of the creator economy
The impact that fame and wealth has on people and relationships
Mark’s current struggles as well as what he’s looking forward to in the future

Craving honesty over hype? Mark gives you the unvarnished truth. Don’t miss this candid discussion about his journey from broke blogger to bestselling author, the challenges of working with Hollywood, and the surprising lessons learned from achieving everything he ever wished for.
Resources Mentioned

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
Old Man in The Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Hemingway by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
All The Light You Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Garmin watch
Chapters

00:00 Intro
0:34 Can You Make Money As A Writer?
2:23 Should You Become An Author?
3:25 Is Mark More of An Author or an Entrepreneur?
4:40 Mark’s Journey to Wealth
7:04 Wealth’s Impact on Life and Relationships
12:10 Achieving Your Dreams Isn’t As Great As It Seems
15:17 Is Mark Done With Money?
16:42 Mark’s New Aspirations
18:31 Fame’s Impact on Mark’s Life
18:54 Mark’s Team
20:10 Mark on Managing His Team
21:23 Are Books Still Relevant Today?
23:12 Protecting Mental Health While Working in Social Media
24:16 The Advantages of Social Media
26:03 Mark’s Experience Making A Film
30:13 The Creator Economy is the Future
30:51 What Mark’s Does With His Money
31:46 Changing Social Circles & Finance Bros
36:55 Writers & Books Mark Loves
39:57 Mark’s Current Source of Stress
41:23 Mark’s Favorite Products
42:56 Mark’s Role Models
43:38 What Mark’s Excited About
🔗 Connect with Mark:

Twitter: @IAmMarkManson
Instagram: @markmanson
LinkedIn: @markmanson
Tiktok: @IAmMarkManson
Youtube: @IAmMarkManson
Website: https://markmanson.net
🔗 Connect with Andrew:

Twitter/X: @awilkinson
LinkedIn: @awilkinson
Website: https://www.neverenough.com/
Sign up for Andrew's newsletter

The business of the publishing industry
Literature’s place in current society
Hollywood’s inefficiency and the future of the creator economy
The impact that fame and wealth has on people and relationships
Mark’s current struggles as well as what he’s looking forward to in the future

Previous Episode

Building a Software Company and Saying 'No' to Millions with Jason Fried.

In world where we’re constantly encouraged to want more, how do you find the courage to say no?

Founder and CEO of 37signals (makers of Basecamp, HEY, and ONCE) Jason Fried joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation covering software products and services, saying ‘no’ to millions, learning drums, and more. Jason shares his unique perspectives on building and running a hugely successful software company while staying true to his values.

Join us as we explore Jason's story and learn about:

The motivation behind Basecamp's recent expansion into new products like email and calendar apps
How Jason and his co-founder have structured the company to maximize independence and avoid things they don't want to do
Thoughts on wealth and what he plans to do with the financial success of Basecamp
Current interests and passions outside of work, and what he would do if he couldn't run Basecamp anymore
Books and favorite products

Whether you're a tech entrepreneur or simply fascinated by the career of one of the industry's most unconventional and opinionated leaders, Jason's experiences and philosophies are sure to challenge and inspire you. Tune in for an honest and spontaneous discussion touching on the deepest questions in life and business.

Resources Mentioned

Drumeo
Decent Espresso Machine
1978 Porsche 928
Books: The Old Man and the Sea, The Overstory, Rabbit is Rich
Hey Calendar
Once
Campfire

‍

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction
2:20 - Inspiration Behind Hey Calendar
3:47 - Fantastical vs. Hey Calendar
4:55 - What Keeps Jason Going
7:24 - Why Hey Calendar Caps at $99
9:09 - Jason’s Commitment to Independence
12:59 - Limits to Improvement and Acceptance
15:56 - Jason’s Plans on Growing His Business
19:12 - Learning to Trust CEO Hires
20:59 - Why Jason Decided to Build New Products After 10 Years
24:21 - Changing Your Mind & Balancing Growth and Maintenance
28:06 - Keeping Businesses Simple
32:20 - What Jason Does With His Money
36:28 - The Courage to Close A Business
39:42 - The Burden of Wealth: Philanthropy and Responsibility
42:43 - Finding Joy in Spaces and Experiences
45:11 - Alternate Career Paths Jason is Drawn To
48:01 - The Future and Existential Worries
52:56 - Growing Old, the Younger Generation, and Life
59:27 - Things Jason Has Been Loving Lately
62:49 - Embracing Fiction: The Power of Storytelling

🔗 Connect with Jason:

Twitter/X: @jasonfried
LinkedIn: @jason-fried
37signals: https://37signals.com/
🔗 Connect with Andrew:
Twitter/X: @awilkinson (exclusive monthly AMAs for subscribers)
LinkedIn: @awilkinson
Website: https://www.neverenough.com/
Sign up for Andrew's weekly newsletter

Next Episode

How to Become a Friend Billionaire with Nick Gray

Museum Hack Founder and Author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, Nick Gray joins the podcast for an exciting conversation on the power of hosting and the ways in which it changed his life. From giving a tour to the Saudi Arabian royal family to hanging out with a billionaire in Asia, he openly delves into all his fascinating adventures while sharing practical tips on hosting and making friends.

Join us as we explore

Nick’s journey from trying to start a software company in India, moving to NYC and building Museum Hack, to where he is now
The art of active hosting and how to use it to meet interesting, new people
Dealing with rejected invitations and importance of providing value to the people you meet
His passion for adventure, along with tips for aspiring travelers
The little things that Nick splurges on and uses everyday

If you’re someone who’s interested in learning about the best way to host a party or simply love a good adventure, Nick’s stories are sure to give you all the fun and insight you need!

Resources Mentioned

Chapters
00:00 - Preview
00:50 - Mateina Yerba Mate
2:56 - How Andrew First Met Nick
5:08 - Nick’s Newsletter
6:01 - Starting a Software Company in India to Living in NYC
9:30 - Museum Hack
11:33 - Benefits of Having A Newsletter
14:25 - The 2-Hour Cocktail Party & Active Hosting
19:25 - The N.I.C.K. Method
23:03 - Prioritizing Adventure Over Money
24:34 - Growing Social Circles Through Hosting
28:33 - Nick’s Friendship Funnel
37:55 - Tips for Hosting
41:00 - Rejection With Invites
43:23 - Nick’s Favorite Hosts
44:28 - Adding Value to People You Meet
54:34 - Balancing Adventure With Routine
59:11 - Finding Interesting Experiences
1:03:01 - Nick’s Views on Travel
1:05:22 - Nick’s Blind Date in Tokyo
1:09:10 - Nick’s Investments
1:11:02 - How Nick Enjoys His Money
1:18:15 - Nick’s Daily Routine
1:22:43 - Nick’s Productivity System