Rising Stars: Meet Mike Rothmiller

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Rothmiller.

Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My career path has been unusual. I was a police officer for ten years before becoming a TV reporter. Reporting led to producing and hosting a series for ESPN and PBS.

After producing a TV series I met a Hollywood literary agent and convinced him I had an idea for a book. He pitched it to traditional publishers and I soon had a book contract. That book became a New York Times Bestseller and started me on the path to writing.

Knowing a few TV and movie producers, I was asked to play a cop in a few movies. With a background in law enforcement they asked me to make the scenes look real, which I did.

After producing I entered the corporate world. My last corporate position was directing three divisions of Sony Electronics EMCS-America.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The birth of Amazon’s self-publishing marked a pivotal moment in the publishing world. Through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), authors gained the ability to bypass traditional gatekeepers and bring their stories directly to readers. The ease of such platforms has enabled anyone with a manuscript to become a published author.

This innovation has opened the floodgates of literary works. As a result, readers can now choose from millions of printed books and eBooks, with millions more added annually. This abundance, however, has created a challenge: standing out in a crowded market. Outstanding self-published books can easily be overlooked amidst the sheer volume of available titles.

Challenges in Self-Publishing

Success in self-publishing is not solely determined by the quality of writing. It requires strategic marketing and financial investment. Allocating funds for advertising is crucial because even the most well-written book will not sell if readers are unaware of its existence. The element of luck also plays a role, as visibility and timing can significantly impact a book’s reception.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I primarily write nonfiction, but only on subjects that interest me. The subject must hold my interest during the research and writing process or I won’t tackle it.

My first New York Times best seller was over twenty years ago and now twenty-five books later I’m still interested in a number of true subjects. I’m currently under contract for a nonfiction book about one of the world’s most influential individuals. Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to mention the person’s name at this time.

If I could write a book, anyone can. I hated writing in school and college and never thought I’d be an author. The point is, you can also do it.

An added bonus for today’s authors is the explosion of cable networks and streaming services. All are seeking nonfiction books that they can convert into a series or documentary. In the past three years, several of my books TV/Movie rights have been optioned.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Today, genres such as romance and true crime are enjoying immense popularity. These hot sellers reflect readers’ evolving interests and demand for diverse content. As the publishing industry continues to evolve, authors must stay adaptable, leveraging both self-publishing and traditional avenues to reach their audience.

In conclusion, the past two decades have transformed the publishing world, offering writers more opportunities than ever before. Whether through self-publishing or traditional publishing, authors have the potential to achieve success, provided they are willing to invest in their craft and marketing efforts. The future of publishing promises continued innovation and growth, with endless possibilities for writers and readers alike.

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• Other: Books are on Amazon