The Bold Ones: What I Learned From Publishing My First Book
When I decided to write The Bold Ones, I wasn’t chasing a big payday. I was chasing stories that could inspire people to think differently, push boundaries, and spark real change.
And here’s the truth: I still haven’t earned any royalties from the book. But I don’t see that as a failure. In fact, it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my brand, my speaking career, and my ability to make an impact.
Books Aren’t Always About the Money
I was fortunate to get a $37,000 advance for The Bold Ones. Not life-changing, but decent for a first-time author. But instead of pocketing it, I reinvested it all into marketing, launch events, and building the brand around the book. I treated it like a startup.
Because for me, a book is less about direct income and more about the doors it can open:
Speaking engagements
Media opportunities
Partnerships
Credibility in new circles
A book positions you in ways that a marketing campaign or a viral post never could.
How a Pre-Launch Event Changed the Game
Months before The Bold Ones hit shelves, I hosted a pre-book launch event.
It was unconventional, but it worked. We packed the venue, created buzz early, and turned the night into content that fueled the entire launch strategy. We even filmed a special, which extended the event’s reach far beyond that one night.
In a world flooded with new releases, you can’t just announce a book and hope for the best. You have to make people feel part of the journey.
Stories That Don’t Fit Anywhere Else
One of the best parts about writing a book is the freedom to tell stories you can’t share in other formats.
In The Bold Ones, I got to include the tale of Shinxi, the Chinese pirate who commanded one of the largest fleets in history, or Cardi B rising to fame by staying unapologetically herself.
These stories wouldn’t fit neatly into a keynote or a corporate presentation, but in a book, they shine.
Books give you the space to go deeper, to be bolder, and to connect in a way that’s unfiltered.
The Power of Unexpected Endorsements
One of the most surprising moments? The CEO of Volkswagen Canada publicly endorsed my book.
I didn’t see it coming, but that’s the beauty of sharing your work you never know who it will resonate with. High-profile endorsements like this can introduce your work to completely new, influential audiences.
Book Requires a Collaborative Effort
There’s a romantic idea that authors work alone in a quiet cabin until the masterpiece is done. The truth? Writing The Bold Ones was the hardest creative project I’ve ever done, and I couldn’t have done it without a team.
I had:
A literary agent to help navigate the publishing world
A publisher to shape and produce the book
Consultants to refine the message and structure
Collaboration is what turned this book from a concept into something I’m truly proud of.
Why I’m Not Rushing Into a Sequel
People often ask if I’m working on a follow-up. Right now, my answer is no because I know that a book’s life doesn’t end on launch day.
It can take years of sustained effort to reach the audience it deserves. For now, my focus is on getting The Bold Ones into as many hands as possible and continuing to tell its stories on stage, in media, and in conversation.
Final Thoughts
Publishing The Bold Ones wasn’t about chasing sales it was about starting a movement.
If you’re thinking about writing your own book, my advice is simple:
Don’t just aim to sell copies.
Use your book to tell stories only you can tell.
Build a launch that people will talk about.
Keep showing up for your book long after it’s published.
Because the real magic of a book isn’t in the royalties. It’s in the bold, unexpected doors it opens.
Get your copy of The Bold Ones here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 - Is writing a book profitable for first-time authors?
Not usually. Most first-time authors don’t make significant money from royalties. The bigger value comes from the doors a book can open, speaking gigs, media coverage, and building your credibility.
2 - What advice would you give to someone writing their first book?
Don’t just aim to sell copies, use your book to tell stories only you can tell, and invest in building excitement around your launch.
3 - Can you make a living from writing books?
For most authors, books alone aren’t enough to make a living. The real income often comes from speaking gigs, workshops, consulting, or brand deals the book helps create.
4 - What should first-time authors focus on most?
Focus on writing a unique, high-quality book and building an audience early before your book is released.
5 - What are some unique ways to promote a book?
Hosting a pre-launch event, creating behind-the-scenes content, partnering with influencers, or turning your book into a podcast or video series can stand out.
6 - How important is marketing for a book’s success?
It’s critical. Even a great book can fail if no one hears about it. Authors often invest time and money into launch events, social media, and press coverage.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.