Writing Podcast Episode 725: Matt Rogers introduces his latest thriller novel, ‘The Damned’

Are YOU curious about self publishing? Wondering how much you can make from it and how it differs from traditional publishing? In this episode, prolific self-published author Matt Rogers shares his experience writing three or four novels a year and selling more than a million copies! He also talks about his move to traditional publishing in 2025 – including his latest novel, The Damned, as well as some unique writing methods he employs in his routine and much much more!

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00:00 Welcome
03:39 Graduate spotlight
07:55 Writing tip: Don’t give up after your start!
12:12 WIN: Murder Most Delicious by Danielle Postel-Vinay
14:20 Word of the Week: ‘Accoutre’
15:07 Interview with: Matt Rogers
16:19 Matt’s early writing origins
18:28 Self-publishing breakthrough
22:02 Transcribing for craft
25:33 Prolific output and bookstores
29:15 Influences and endorsements
32:47 Self-publishing hustle
35:41 From indie to bookstores
37:55 Matt describes his new books
41:02 Embedding philosophy inside thrillers
44:21 Ideas and writing routine
47:24 Editing workflow and wordcounts
50:13 Self versus traditional publishing
53:33 Writing advice and reading recommendations
57:22 What’s next?
58:20 Final thoughts

Links mentioned in this episode

Writer in residence: Matt Rogers

Matt Rogers is the internationally bestselling author of the Dante Jacoby series. Matt began self-publishing at the age of eighteen, and in the following eight years he single-handedly wrote and marketed more than thirty-five thriller novels. His books have collectively sold over one million copies. His stories weave stimulating philosophy with relentless, page-turning action, and he aims to educate and entertain in equal measure. As an ultramarathon runner and mountain trekker, Matt enjoys exploring the capabilities of the body and mind, lending experiential weight to his visceral writing.

Follow Matt on Instagram.

Follow Simon & Schuster AU on Twitter and Instagram.

This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre and our course Crime and Thriller Writing.

 

Find out more about your host, Valerie Khoo (@valeriekhoo on Twitter and @valeriekhoo on Instagram).

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