Who am I?
Hi, I’m USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty, and I’m the head unicorn at Hapitalist. I also own Wannabe Press, a publisher that makes weird books for weird people, and help coaching clients find balance between creating projects they love, making the money they need, and having the happiness they seek.
In a previous life, I co-founded Writer MBA with my ex-business partner. Together, we also co-founded the Writer MBA conference and Future of Publishing Mastermind, and co-created the Author Ecosystems. My time there sparked the Frictionless Growth methodology, SCALE paths framework, and Hapitalist Business Tarot.
With such wide-ranging interests and skills, I tend to think about building an author career differently than most writers, integrating lessons from every industry I’ve worked in to help you build a more robust and sustainable business.
I’ve written over 45 novels, yes, but I also write non-fiction, comics, and children’s books. I have written for magazines and newspapers across the country, along with working on licensed content for companies and appearing in 40+ anthologies.
I’ve created over a dozen courses, designed/sourced oodles of merch, and built countless websites. I’ve given 120 different talks at more than 60 unique conferences/communities, and been featured in over 200 podcast episodes across more than 150 unique shows. All while having over 50 articles written about myself and my work (that I can track).
I have worked with hundreds of photography clients and traveled around the world to work on movies. I’ve directed television and written web series. I was an executive producer in the early days of internet television, producing both shows and commercials, along with acquiring hundreds of content hours for the platform.
I have produced audio dramas, narrated audiobooks, and hosted podcasts. I’ve sat on advisory boards across multiple creative industries and licensed books to board game companies and coffee distributors.
I’ve had my work optioned by studios and pitched to companies like Nickelodeon and Disney. I have been repped by literary agents and managers and worked with A-list showrunners to package projects for Hollywood. I’ve sold my books into translation and done book signings on multiple continents.
I have edited and contributed to dozens of anthologies, along with leading editorial teams. I’ve raised millions on my own creative projects throughout my career and helped hundreds of creatives build successful careers for themselves. I’ve created conferences, both digital and physical ones, and masterminds.
I’ve sold hundreds of thousands in sponsorships and advertising dollars, overseen $50k+ ad spends, and worked with tech companies to build their user base.
I’ve built a portfolio career and lead a completely creative life, doing what I want, when I want 60-80% of the time, which is about all anyone can ask. I was even the (co) editor-in-chief of my high school’s yearbook.
If you’re still on the fence about joining Hapitalist, here is what others are saying about us.
“Thank you for creating this space where those of us who never quite fit the mold can find resources for bringing together our love of creating and desire to serve a purpose larger than ourselves. Can’t wait to dive in! “ -Annie Slade
“Thanks for the transparency. It’s what I’ve been searching for--someone I could compare facts and figures with.” -K.P. Davis
“You seem to have the path to success on Substack and you make it look fun. That’s what I want. “ -Rob M. Thompson
“I support your work because you are already doing all the things I wish I knew how to do. I am looking forward to learning how to write and publish the right way! LOL!” -Debbie McMannis
“You’ve helped me so much. Thank you, Russell!” -Tiffany Chu
“I really appreciate the realistic advice and content of substance. “ -Edwin Earl
“Russell is a fount of knowledge, a bit edgy with a sense of humor to go with it. I want to run amuck with my highlighter when I receive his articles. So much great stuff, some controversial thinking (which is always good for me) and genuine caring…Happy to support him supporting us.” -Crasser
“Stumbled upon your post about ai narrated books. Such useful information that is really difficult to find on google searches apparently…Absolute love it and looking for ways to leverage that to publish audiobooks. I just tried the google play auto narration and i dont think its as good. Anyway, love your posts. Thanks. “ -S Pathak
“Discovering I was a ‘Forest’…[it] might be the most important thing I’ve learned as a professional creative. I’m excited to learn more about different ways to publish and succeed. Thanks, Russell, for making this info accessible!” -Kel E Fox
“You are providing solid, actionable guidance…Thank you for both the guidance and the inspiration on multiple levels!” -Donn King
“There is no better place to learn comprehensive real world marketing. Learn from his experience instead of trying to do these tests on your own. Saves years.” -Robert C. Worstell
I just went on a walk with your last comment, and I think my brain just cracked open. Maybe I should say, “A lock was opened.” But it feels more explosive than that. I need to mull this over, but I think shyte might be about to get real here. ~Cracked Brain. Thanks, Russell. You are so good at helping with clarity. -Julia Ashley
Frictionless growth is my new mantra. -Sydney J. Baily
“Russell has years of unparalleled experience writing and selling his work…and the value of his insights and knowledge are incredible “ -Kaj
“There are so many things I don’t know, and the way you approach business resonates with me in a way that I need. Thank you for that. “ -Mary E Thompson
“I support your work because you are an honest hard working writer I admire and I believe I can learn a lot from. I love your transparency, your courage to test new things, to fail forward fast, and your effervescent creativity.” -Sylvia Becker-Hill
“…so many amazing and entertaining resources! You have made me a better and more business-savvy writer. Thank you!” -Rey Katz
I went and noted all the ones that fit best for me (Spotlighter). It feels wonderful to have a strategy for next year instead of throwing spaghetti at the wall! -Amanda Aaron
“After reading the tutorial ‘How to Get Over Your Sales Phobia,’ my mindset has completely changed. There’s one particular section that convinced me to upgrade to the paid version: ‘If you’ve been at this for a while with very little success, then there’s a good chance you think that nobody is interested in what you sell.’ This resonated deeply with me. I hope my work will be that good one day🙏😊” -Jana
“I have taken advice from Russell since following him on FB years before I actually began publishing my work. He was encouraging. I’ve watched him be successful and use no-nonsense methods along the way. So, I’m very curious to learn more. “ -Rachel D. Adams
So what do you think? Are you ready to join us?