J.D. Barker on The Shades of Entrepreneurship

Introduction and background @ 0:00

Gabriel Flores introduces J.D. Barker as a New York Times bestselling author who has written books across genres including horror, thrillers, and science fiction. J.D. provides an overview of his career path, from working in the music industry to becoming a finance executive, before transitioning to full-time writing.

Entrepreneurial mindset @ 5:07

J.D. discusses how he believes entrepreneurship is an innate quality rather than a learned skill. He shares examples of how he spotted opportunities to monetize his access to celebrities while working in the music industry, demonstrating an entrepreneurial mindset.

Unique marketing strategies @ 6:44

J.D. recounts how Madonna's approach of "zigging instead of zagging" in her album promotions inspired his own creative marketing tactics. He also describes how James Patterson's innovative use of TV advertising helped launch his writing career.

Self-publishing and traditional publishing @ 11:21

J.D. explains his initial struggles with the traditional publishing process, leading him to self-publish his first book. He then discusses how his second book landed a seven-figure deal with a major publisher, and how he has since adopted a hybrid publishing model.

Branding and visibility @ 27:26

J.D. emphasizes the importance of building a strong personal brand and leveraging accolades like the New York Times bestseller status to stand out in a crowded market. He also shares insights on optimizing book covers and titles for maximum impact.

Collaborative writing and mentorship @ 46:36

J.D. discusses his current focus on co-authoring books with other writers, both to expand his storytelling capabilities and to provide mentorship and opportunities to up-and-coming authors. He explains how this approach benefits all involved.

Recap and closing @ 49:02

Gabriel and J.D. conclude the conversation by highlighting the key themes of entrepreneurship, creativity, and the evolving publishing landscape. J.D. encourages aspiring authors to connect with him at the upcoming Author Nation conference.