Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in publishing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Scott Waxman, CEO of Diversion Books, located in New York, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a book publishing company focused on general interest topics like music, history, science, and business. All major bookstores, both online and in retail, carry our titles. Our end customer is the reader with an interest in the topics on which we publish.

Tell us about yourself

I began my career working for HarperCollins book publishers in 1991. After several years of climbing the editorial ranks, I began my next career as a literary agent in 1997 and represented authors in big publishing houses. I started Diversion Books in 2010.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm proud of the people who I have developed and managed. Mentoring and managing are what I love most, and many of the people associated with the companies I founded have gone on to do amazing things.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

There are a lot of ups and downs as a business owner, and navigating the rough waters can be a challenge. You can never get too high or too low, but instead, you have to believe in your people and the culture you have built to weather the storms that will inevitably come your way.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Believe in your vision.
  2. Take the plunge even if you don't think you are ready (because you may never feel ready).
  3. Listen to your closest colleagues even when they contradict you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://diversionbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiversionBooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diversionbooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/diversionbooks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-waxman-9826608/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.