We’re delighted to welcome back the incomparable Dava Sobel, bestselling author, award-winning science writer, and the brilliant mind behind Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, and The Glass Universe. Her work has illuminated the human stories behind some of history’s greatest scientific discoveries, earning her international acclaim and a devoted readership that spans generations.
In this episode, Dava shares the fascinating story behind how Longitude became a global success, from cultivating genuine one-on-one relationships with readers to collaborating with a small publisher that believed in the power of beautiful design. She recalls the early days of marketing before social media, when a thoughtfully crafted book cover, a creative insert, or a well-placed newspaper review could change everything. And in perhaps the most remarkable twist of all, she tells how Neil Armstrong — yes, the first man to walk on the moon — wrote the foreword for the 10th-anniversary edition of Longitude, connecting one historic journey of exploration to another.
Her reflections in this episode are a reminder that while the tools may change, the heart of book marketing never does. It’s still about stories that move people and about authors who care deeply enough to reach back when readers write to them. For anyone who loves books, writing, even science and history, or the power of connection, you’ll be glad you didn’t miss this episode.
Learn more about Dava and her work at www.davasobel.com
Learn more about Longitude here: https://a.co/d/bl0s20D
Check out all of Dava Sobel’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000AQ3J7K/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=d2f2da10-8d6e-4959-a0ec-c8fc32937a2e&ref_=ap_rdr
More Before the Bestseller: https://getshelflife.com/category/podcast/