From Hollywood Dropout to Global Phenomenon: How Soman Chainani Bet Everything on Originality & Won

In this episode, bestselling author and creative entrepreneur Soman Chainani joins us at BookCon 2026 for a candid conversation on business pivots, risk-taking, and maintaining creative control, all topics entrepreneurs and founders constantly navigate. Soman shares his journey from consulting and Hollywood screenwriting to building an internationally acclaimed book series, The School for Good and Evil, which not only sold millions but also landed a Netflix film adaptation. Discover how the setbacks and closed doors in his career fueled bold innovation and how staying connected with his audience (even tutoring teens to keep fresh insight) played a vital role in his creative process.Hear firsthand about trusting your instincts, not bending to market noise, and balancing your main hustle with side work to reduce pressure, practical advice that's crucial for small business owners and startups. Plus, Soman delves into his latest project, “Young World,” and discusses strategies for negotiating rights and keeping control when big studios come knocking. If you’re searching for inspiration and authentic lessons from a seasoned creator who’s walked the unconventional path, this episode is full of real stories and actionable takeaways for entrepreneurs and founders in any industry.Connect with Soman: https://somanchainani.com/https://www.instagram.com/somanc/#BookCon2026 #entrepreneurship #publishing #creativity #netflix #author