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May 29, 2024 • 54min
How This Ex-Navy SEAL Turned A Book Into A $1M+ Empire - Jack Carr
My First Million
In this episode, Sam Parr interviews #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr about his journey as a writer and the strategic, entrepreneurial approach he has taken to building his career and brand. Carr is known for his Terminal List book series, which has been adapted into an Amazon Prime TV show starring Chris Pratt.
How This Ex-Navy SEAL Turned A Book Into A $1M+ Empire - Jack Carr
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Key Takeaways
- Jack Carr is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for his Terminal List book series, which has been adapted into an Amazon Prime TV show starring Chris Pratt.
- Carr takes a very entrepreneurial and strategic approach to his writing career, focusing on building an audience and brand beyond just the books themselves.
- He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and respecting the reader's time, rather than just chasing commercial success.
- Carr's books have resonated with readers, especially young men, for their themes of masculinity, integrity, and the "hero's journey."
- Carr attributes much of his success to manifesting his goals from a young age, combined with a relentless work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement.
Introduction
In this episode, Sam Parr interviews #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr about his journey as a writer and the strategic, entrepreneurial approach he has taken to building his career and brand. Carr is known for his Terminal List book series, which has been adapted into an Amazon Prime TV show starring Chris Pratt.
Carr discusses how he approached writing and publishing his books, the importance of storytelling and authenticity, and the ways in which his background as a Navy SEAL has influenced his work. He also shares insights on building an audience, leveraging partnerships and media, and the role of masculinity and rites of passage in his writing.
Topics Discussed
Launching a Book Like a Business (1:15)
- Carr took an entrepreneurial, strategic approach to publishing his books, rather than just focusing on the writing.
- He paid close attention to packaging, branding, and creating an engaging experience for readers beyond just the book itself.
- Carr sent personalized, high-quality "gift boxes" to influencers and fans, which helped build buzz and word-of-mouth.
Rapid Success with the Terminal List Series (7:30)
- Carr published 6 books in the Terminal List series in 6 years, a rapid pace for a fiction author.
- The books have sold millions of copies and been adapted into a hit Amazon Prime TV show.
- Carr attributes this success to his lifelong passion for storytelling and his strategic, entrepreneurial mindset.
Defining Success on His Own Terms (9:41)
- From a young age, Carr's definition of success was being a "number one New York Times bestselling author" - a benchmark he has now achieved.
- However, Carr has intentionally avoided chasing traditional publishing metrics or accolades, instead focusing on financial freedom, creative control, and serving his readers.
- He believes in defining success based on your own values and goals, rather than external validation.
Lessons from Other Creative SEALs (13:35)
- Carr is inspired by other former SEALs who have found success in creative fields, like the popular YouTube creator "Mr. Ballen."
- He sees these creative pursuits as an extension of the problem-solving, adaptability, and storytelling skills developed in the military.
Branding, Partnerships & Audience Building (15:23)
- Carr strategically incorporates specific brands, products, and gear into his books to add authenticity and give readers a "window" into the protagonist's world.
- He has built strong partnerships with brands, but has avoided monetizing these relationships directly, prioritizing authenticity over commercialization.
- Carr has focused on building a direct audience through his website, newsletter, podcast appearances, and social media, rather than relying solely on traditional publishing channels.
The Writing & Launch Process (24:10)
- Carr writes one book per year, a rigorous pace he maintains through careful planning and prioritization.
- He uses a "one-pager" technique to distill the essence of each book and ensure it's worth the investment of his time and the reader's.
- Carr has intentionally avoided self-publishing, preferring to work with a traditional publisher to leverage their resources and distribution channels.
Themes of Masculinity & Rites of Passage (30:03)
- Carr's books have resonated with many readers, especially young men, for their exploration of masculinity, integrity, and the "hero's journey."
- He sees a lack of institutionalized rites of passage in modern society as contributing to a sense of lost identity and purpose for young men.
- Carr's own experiences in the military have shaped his perspective on the importance of challenge, hardship, and proving one's worth to a community.
Manifesting Success & Partnerships (39:36)
- Carr had the foresight to envision Chris Pratt in the lead role of the Terminal List TV adaptation, even before the first book was published.
- Through a serendipitous connection, Pratt ended up reading the book and optioning the rights, leading to the successful Amazon Prime series.
- Carr attributes much of his success to a combination of strategic planning, hard work, and an ability to "manifest" his goals through visualization and belief.
Conclusion
Jack Carr's journey as a bestselling author and entrepreneur provides valuable insights into building a successful creative career in the modern media landscape. By taking a strategic, multi-faceted approach to his writing, branding, and audience development, Carr has been able to rapidly achieve remarkable success.
Key to Carr's approach is a relentless work ethic, a commitment to authenticity and storytelling, and a willingness to think beyond the traditional publishing model. He has leveraged partnerships, direct-to-consumer channels, and a deep understanding of his target audience to create a thriving, multi-platform brand.
Carr's background as a Navy SEAL has also heavily influenced the themes and sensibilities of his work, which have resonated powerfully with readers seeking stories of masculinity, integrity, and the hero's journey. His ability to "manifest" his goals through visualization and belief is another fascinating aspect of his success story.
Overall, this episode offers a masterclass in building a modern creative career, blending entrepreneurial savvy with a deep commitment to craft and serving one's audience. Carr's journey provides inspiration for aspiring writers, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to turn their passions into a sustainable, impactful career.