This episode originally aired live in June of 2024.

In this episode of Sell Through Social Live, Joseph Lewin welcomes David Hancock, founder of Morgan James Publishing, to unpack the journey of writing and publishing a book as an entrepreneur. David shares how his own career shifted when he wrote his first book, why publishing choices matter, and how entrepreneurs can use books to build credibility, authority, and opportunity.

This podcast is produced by Sell Through Social.

Key Topics Covered

David shares his story of moving from banking into authorship and eventually launching Morgan James Publishing in 2003, a hybrid publisher built to bridge the gap between traditional and self-publishing. He explains how writing his first book doubled his income overnight, not because of book sales, but because the book established him as an authority in his field and opened doors to media, higher fees, and new clients.

The conversation explores why and when entrepreneurs should write a book. A well-positioned book gives credibility, helps reduce negotiations, and positions the author as a trusted expert. But David stresses that the value of a book goes far beyond royalties. Most authors will never sell hundreds of thousands of copies. Instead, the true payoff comes from how a book is leveraged—to generate speaking engagements, consulting opportunities, new clients, and brand recognition.

Joseph and David also discuss the three main publishing paths: traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid. Traditional publishing offers credibility and distribution but requires authors to give up intellectual property rights, often limiting how they can use their own content. Self-publishing gives complete control but lacks credibility and reach beyond online sales. Hybrid publishing blends both worlds—authors retain their rights while still gaining broader distribution and professional support.

Another key insight is the importance of starting to market your book the moment you decide to write it. Too many authors keep their work secret until launch, only to discover they lack momentum. By sharing progress early, authors build accountability, attract interest, and earn the “permission” to ask their audience for support when the book is ready.

Finally, David highlights why intellectual property matters. Without it, entrepreneurs may be blocked from creating courses, keynotes, or spin-off content from their own ideas. Retaining control ensures the book can fuel broader business growth rather than be limited by a publisher’s agenda.

Episode Takeaways

Entrepreneurs should see books as tools for credibility and growth, not as standalone income streams. The best time to start marketing a book is the day you decide to write it. And when considering publishing options, authors should think beyond prestige—control of intellectual property and alignment with business goals can make or break the long-term value of the project.

Connect with David Hancock

Interested in writing your own book? David offers conversations with aspiring authors at chatwithdavid.com.

Takeaways:

• Writing a book can significantly enhance your credibility as an entrepreneur, establishing you as an authority in your field.
• The process of writing a book helps you become more knowledgeable and proficient in your subject area, which can benefit your business.
• Engaging with your audience early on in the writing process builds accountability and generates interest for your book.
• It's critical to start marketing your book as soon as you decide to write it, rather than waiting until it's finished.
• Understanding the different publishing options—traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid—is essential for any aspiring author.
• Retaining control over your intellectual property allows you to leverage your book for additional opportunities without needing permission from a publisher.