How did Yuval self-publish his book?

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Yuval Noah Harari initially self-published his book "Sapiens" under the title "From Animals into Gods" on Amazon. This early version sold around 2,000 copies and is now considered a rare collector's item due to its limited circulation. Despite his own writing skills, Yuval struggled with publication negotiations and the business aspects of publishing. After facing difficulties in finding a publisher on his own, his husband played a significant role in turning the situation around by hiring a competent literary agent, Deborah Harris, who helped significantly in bringing the book to a broader audience. This led to a professional translation and several rounds of editing, culminating in the book's successful English release in 2014 1.

Journey to Publication

Yuval shares the evolution of his book, originally titled "From Animals Into Gods," and the pivotal role his husband played in securing a literary agent. Although the core themes remained intact, the editing process focused on refining the style and ensuring a successful business approach for the English version's release. The journey took over three years, highlighting the importance of collaboration in the publishing world.
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Yuval Noah Harari on The Story of Sapiens, The Power of Awareness, and More | The Tim Ferriss Show
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