J. A. Konrath Quotes

Powerful J. A. Konrath for Daily Growth

About J. A. Konrath

Jacob Hessinger Konrath, popularly known as J.A. Konrath, is an American author born on July 31, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up, he was heavily influenced by the works of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Ray Bradbury, sparking his interest in horror, suspense, and science fiction literature. After graduating from Northern Illinois University with a degree in psychology, Konrath worked as a paramedic for ten years before deciding to pursue his passion for writing full-time. He started self-publishing his work in 2004, becoming one of the early pioneers in the digital self-publishing movement. Konrath's breakthrough came with his novel "Whiskey Sour," the first in a series featuring private investigator Jack Daniels. The success of this book led to a seven-figure deal with Hyperion, making Konrath one of the first self-published authors to attract significant mainstream attention. Konrath's works are known for their blend of humor and horror, often tackling dark subjects with a light touch. His bibliography includes over 25 novels, ranging from the Jack Daniels series to standalone works like "Origin" and "Lurker in the Shadows." He is also the co-author, with Blake Crouch, of the New York Times bestselling series, "The Jesus Chronicles." In addition to his writing, Konrath is known for his active presence in the literary community. He frequently shares insights about the publishing industry and self-publishing on his blog, A Newbie's Guide to Publishing, and has been a vocal advocate for author rights. Today, J.A. Konrath continues to write and publish novels at an impressive pace, maintaining a dedicated fan base and making significant contributions to the world of modern horror and suspense literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm not a very good writer, but I can outwrite most people."

The quote implies that while the quality of his writing may not be exceptional, J.A. Konrath has an ability to produce a large volume of work faster than many other writers, due to his sheer output and productivity. This doesn't necessarily mean his writing is not good but rather suggests he prioritizes quantity over refinement in some instances, likely to achieve success through consistent production.


"Writing is easy. All you do is sit staring at a blank screen until drops of blood form on your forehead."

This quote suggests that writing, despite its apparent simplicity, can be a challenging and mentally demanding process. The author implies that the act of creating something from nothing, of filling a blank page with meaningful content, can feel like an arduous task, causing strain or pressure to build up, symbolized by drops of blood forming on one's forehead. This quote underscores the importance of perseverance and determination in the creative process, emphasizing that the effort put into writing often leads to the beautiful end product.


"The secret to writing is simple: write every day."

This quote emphasizes that consistent practice is essential for mastering the art of writing. The repetition of writing daily helps develop writing skills, fosters creativity, and encourages productivity. In essence, the more one writes, the better they become at it.


"Success in publishing is usually more about luck than skill."

J.A. Konrath's quote highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of success in the publishing industry, implying that while skills such as writing talent or business acumen are essential, they alone do not guarantee a successful career. Instead, he suggests that factors like timing, market trends, and fortunate connections can play an equally important role in achieving success. This perspective underscores the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a dash of good fortune for aspiring authors seeking to make it in the competitive world of publishing.


"If you're not getting rejections, then you're not submitting your work enough."

This quote underscores the idea that persistence is key in the creative field. Rejections are a common part of the submission process and should be viewed as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. If an artist isn't receiving rejections, it might mean they aren't submitting their work often enough or to a diverse range of platforms. In other words, it encourages creators to keep putting themselves out there, because each submission brings them one step closer to finding the right fit and realizing their dreams.


Writers are essential. Readers are essential. Publishers are not.

- J. A. Konrath

Publishers, Readers, Writers, Essential

I can hire out for editing, proofreading, formatting, and cover design, and those are fixed, sunk costs. Once those are paid, I can earn 70% on a self-pubbed ebook.

- J. A. Konrath

Hire, Costs, Sunk, Fixed

The business model - where books can be returned, and where a 50% sell-through is considered acceptable - is archaic and wasteful. Writers get small royalties, little say in how their books are marketed and sold, and simple things like cover and title approval are unheard of unless you're a huge bestseller.

- J. A. Konrath

Simple, Small, Acceptable, Bestseller

If a traditional publisher offered me a quarter of a million dollars for a novel, I'd consider it. But anything less than that, I'm sure I can do better on my own.

- J. A. Konrath

Own, My Own, Sure, Million Dollars

After 20 years, a million written words, and nine rejected novels, I finally landed a book contract.

- J. A. Konrath

Finally, Nine, Rejected, Novels

Authors need to decide if they want to keep forever to themselves, or share forever with a publisher who takes over half the cover price.

- J. A. Konrath

Need, Over, Half, Publisher

When a single author uploading his own books to Amazon can earn more money than a large N.Y. publisher exploiting both print and e-rights, there's something amiss.

- J. A. Konrath

More, Large, Author, Publisher

I know dozens of authors who have had a lot of books published by New York, and they won't ever take another Big 6 contract since they've gotten a taste of the freedom, control, and money self-publishing offers.

- J. A. Konrath

Big, Dozens, Gotten, Authors

E-books are preferable to paper; they can be delivered instantly. In many cases, they're cheaper; you can buy them with the press of a button.

- J. A. Konrath

Cheaper, Buy, Cases, Button

Amazon is not a monopoly or a monopsony, and even if it were, that by itself isn't illegal.

- J. A. Konrath

Amazon, Itself, Even, Monopoly

I love bookstores and booksellers. In my novel 'Dirty Martini,' I thanked over 3,000 booksellers by name in the back matter.

- J. A. Konrath

Love, Dirty, Over, Martini

We each take up one virtual space per title... Virtual shelf life is forever. In a bookstore, you have anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to sell your title, and then it gets returned. This is a big waste of money, and no incentive at all for the bookseller to move the book.

- J. A. Konrath

Big, Virtual, Weeks, Shelf

Publishers vet books, and they do a good job keeping out the low quality. But they also miss some good quality.

- J. A. Konrath

Some, Keeping, Also, Vet

We all need to focus on our writing. Because the millions of readers out there don't care about your blog.

- J. A. Konrath

Focus, Need, About, Readers

I've been saying for years that readers want inexpensive ebooks.

- J. A. Konrath

Want, Been, Inexpensive, Readers

Together, Amazon and I are giving readers what they want - inexpensive, professional ebooks.

- J. A. Konrath

Want, Amazon, Inexpensive, Readers

My Kindle readers have been incredibly faithful fans.

- J. A. Konrath

Been, Incredibly, Kindle, Readers

I enjoy writing. Publishing... not so much. I've been lucky to work with some very talented people in the publishing world, and the print industry has allowed me to write full time.

- J. A. Konrath

Lucky, Some, Very, Talented

I have turned off Google Alerts and don't Google my name or my pen names. I don't go on message boards. I don't read my book reviews.

- J. A. Konrath

Book, Read, Turned, Pen

No one was interested in picking up a midlist series, even though I have a decent fanbase and respectable numbers.

- J. A. Konrath

Numbers, Though, Respectable, Picking

A company doesn't have to compete with Amazon. A company can instead innovate in sectors Amazon doesn't presently care about.

- J. A. Konrath

Compete, Innovate, Sectors, Amazon

The publishing industry is an archaic and inefficient industry.

- J. A. Konrath

Industry, Inefficient, Publishing

I don't care what people are saying about me, good or bad, in blogs or on Twitter or in the media. There will always be people who don't like you and don't like your books. Ignore them.

- J. A. Konrath

Bad, Will, Always, Care

My grandchildren will be making money from the stories I write and sell as eBooks because they will continue to be making money.

- J. A. Konrath

Making, Stories, I Write, Making Money

Writers aren't in competition with one another. It isn't a zero sum game. If you have a good book, a good cover, a good product description, and a low price, you can sell well.

- J. A. Konrath

Game, Product, Another, Good Book

I doubt I'll ever have another traditional print deal.

- J. A. Konrath

Deal, Print, Ever, Traditional

I really think it is possible to make a very nice living by writing and not worrying about anything else.

- J. A. Konrath

Think, Living, Very, Worrying

It's easier to release an ebook than a print book.

- J. A. Konrath

Book, Release, Than, Print

Because we self-published 'Draculas,' we control the rights. Not just for now, but forever.

- J. A. Konrath

Control, Now, Because, Rights

Time is the ultimate long tail. Even with a big wad of money up front, if something sells forever, the back end is what ultimately counts.

- J. A. Konrath

Big, Ultimate, Sells, Tail

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