I think that the economics of book publishing favor hits with long book runs. You make all your money on the last bunch of books, not the first.

Most people with a big idea, great talent and/or something to say don't get lucky at first. Or second. Or even third. It's so easy to conclude that if you're not lucky, you're not good. So persistence becomes an essential element of good, because without persistence, you never get a chance to get lucky.

Treat different people differently. Anything else is a compromise.

Marketing is the way your people answer the phone, the typesetting on your bills and your return policy.

We've greatly exaggerated the risk of sinking, without celebrating the value of swimming.

Don't waste time looking for a better pencil: learn to write better.

Everyone picks the best one when given a choice.