In "Perennial Seller," Ryan Holiday reveals the secrets behind creating art that resonates across generations and maintains its relevance. He argues that the best works are crafted with intention, enduring quality, and a deep understanding of audience dynamics. Holiday delves into powerful examples from various fields, demonstrating how timeless ideas can flourish amid fleeting trends. With practical insights and a focus on resilience, he encourages creators to embrace the long game in their craft. Are you ready to transform your work into a lasting legacy that captivates and inspires?
By Ryan Holiday
Published: 2017
"Creating is a process, not an event."
The book that Inc. says "every entrepreneur should read" and an FT Book of the Month selection... How did the movie The Shawshank Redemption fail at the box office but go on to gross more than $100 million as a cult classic? How did The 48 Laws of Power miss the bestseller lists for more than a decade and still sell more than a million copies? How is Iron Maiden still filling stadiums worldwide without radio or TV exposure forty years after the band was founded? Bestselling author and marketer Ryan Holiday calls such works and artists perennial sellers. How do they endure and thrive while most books, movies, songs, video games, and pieces of art disappear quickly after initial success? How can we create and market creative works that achieve longevity? Holiday explores this mystery by drawing on his extensive experience working with businesses and creators such as Google, American Apparel, and the author John Grisham, as well as his interviews with the minds behind some of the greatest perennial sellers of our time. His fascinating examples include: • Rick Rubin, producer for Adele, Jay-Z, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who teaches his artists to push past short-term thinking and root their work in long-term inspiration. • Tim Ferriss, whose books have sold millions of copies, in part because he rigorously tests every element of his work to see what generates the strongest response. • Seinfeld, which managed to capture both the essence of the nineties and timeless themes to become a modern classic. • Harper Lee, who transformed a muddled manuscript into To Kill a Mockingbird with the help of the right editor and feedback. • Winston Churchill, Stefan Zweig, and Lady Gaga, who each learned the essential tenets of building a platform of loyal, dedicated supporters. Holiday reveals that the key to success for many perennial sellers is that their creators don’t distinguish between the making and the marketing. The product’s purpose and audience are in the creator’s mind from day one. By thinking holistically about the relationship between their audience and their work, creators of all kinds improve the chances that their offerings will stand the test of time.
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“Creating is a process, not an event.”
Perennial Seller
By Ryan Holiday
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Ryan Holiday is a prominent American author, marketer, and media strategist known for his writings on Stoicism and personal development. He gained widespread recognition for his bestselling books, including "The Obstacle Is the Way," "Ego Is the Enemy," and "The Daily Stoic," which have made Stoic philosophy accessible to a modern audience. With a background in media, he has worked with various high-profile clients and is known for his innovative approaches to marketing and brand building. In addition to his writing, Holiday serves as the founder of the creative agency Brass Check, where he helps authors and brands develop their stories. An engaging speaker and thought leader, he continues to inspire individuals to embrace resilience and self-improvement through his insights and teachings.
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