A Conversation with First Flight Books President, CEO, and Author John Minnec

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For our inaugural issue of The Flight Log, we sat down with First Flight Books President & CEO John Minnec to talk about the enduring value of independent publishing, what has changed over the past 46 years, and why he believes there's never been a more exciting time to tell stories.

First Flight Books has been publishing for 46 years. What has allowed the company to endure?

I think it starts with understanding that publishing has never really been about books, it’s always been about the people behind them, their ideas, experiences, and the impact they're meant to have.

Books are the result of someone deciding that their story, their knowledge, or their imagination is worth sharing. Every manuscript represents years of work, vulnerability, and hope. That's something we've never lost sight of.

When I took the leadership reins from our founder, Bruce Bedinger, he taught me that beyond the manuscripts, beyond the marketing, beyond the cover design and all the components that go into making a book, there’s a person’s belief and optimism. An individual’s aspiration that their story matters. I believe very strongly in continuing that legacy of keeping people’s hope at the heart of our business.

Technology evolves. Markets shift. Algorithms come and go. But one thing has never changed: people are still searching for ideas that move them, stories that challenge them, and voices that remind them they're not alone. That's why independent publishers don't just have a role to play, we have a responsibility. We discover the voices the market hasn't recognized yet and bring them to the world in a meaningful way.

The publishing industry looks very different today than it did in 1980 when First Flight Books, well, took off. How has First Flight Books evolved?

We've evolved because we've had to, but also because we've wanted to. The truth is, publishing a book today has never been easier. Anyone can upload a manuscript and call themselves an author. The challenge isn't publishing, it's being read.

That's why today's independent publisher has to think beyond production and focus on what really matters: building an audience, marketing to create discoverability, and turning a great book into one people can't ignore.

At the same time, we've never wanted to chase trends simply for the sake of it. We want to embrace new tools while staying grounded in what matters most: publishing books we believe in and supporting the authors who write them.

Since our inception, we've never measured ourselves by the number of books we've published. We've measured ourselves by the number of voices we've helped amplify and the readers we've helped inspire. That's how we've always defined success, and it's still how we define ourselves today.

So even as trends and technologies evolve, we ask ourselves in every leadership meeting: will this decision serve our readers and our authors? That’s the lens through which we view our business. It’s worked for almost half a century, and I believe it will work for at least another 50 years.

You're not only the President & CEO—you've also experienced publishing from the author's perspective through your own book, Heaven's Rewrite. Has that shaped the way you lead?

Absolutely.

Writing a book gives you a profound appreciation for what authors invest in the process. You live with a manuscript for months, sometimes years, which was certainly my case. By the time you share it with the world, it isn't just a project; it's part of your life, part of your identity.

Having walked that road myself, I understand the excitement, the uncertainty, the vulnerability, and the courage it takes to publish. That perspective influences every decision I and my team make.

I think it’s important to point out that every member of our leadership team is also an author. That matters. We've experienced the excitement, the doubt, the rewrites, and the leap of faith that comes with putting your work into the world. That's why we don't treat authors like projects or titles on a production calendar. They're our partners. We know what's at stake because we've been there ourselves. To us, publishing isn't a transaction, it's a responsibility, and one we hold sacred.

Why does independent publishing matter today?

Oh, man. How much time do we have? Independent publishing matters because we're willing to bet on people before the market does. Too often, large publishers aren't evaluating the quality of an idea, they're evaluating the size of an author's platform. If you don't have hundreds of thousands of followers, you may never get a second look.

But some of the most important books don't begin with viral fame or market trends. They begin with conviction. With hard-earned expertise. With lived experience. With relentless curiosity. With a story or idea that simply has to be shared. Independent publishers exist to make sure those voices aren't overlooked just because they haven't gone viral yet.

Independent publishing gives those stories a chance to find readers. It allows publishers to take thoughtful risks, champion emerging voices, and build lasting relationships. I think that's more important today than ever.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of First Flight Books?

The opportunity.

We're entering a new chapter, if you will, one that honors our history while embracing the future. We're expanding our reach, introducing new authors, strengthening our connection with readers, and finding new ways to support writers throughout their publishing journeys.

The tools available to us today are extraordinary, but they don't replace the heart of publishing. They simply help us connect great stories with more people.

That's what excites me most.

Finally, what do you hope readers will find in The Flight Log each week?

I hope they'll find a community built around ideas worth sharing. Of course, we'll celebrate our authors and share news about our books, but I hope The Flight Log becomes something much bigger than a writing and publishing newsletter. I hope it's a place where people discover fresh perspectives, meet extraordinary thinkers, peek behind the curtain of the publishing world, and maybe even find the inspiration to write a book of their own.

At First Flight, we've always believed that books are just the beginning. Behind every great book is a person with the courage to share an idea, a lesson, or a story that has the power to change someone else's life. That's what excites me, and that's what I hope our readers experience every time they visit us.

Whether you've been reading a First Flight Book for years or you've just discovered us today, welcome aboard. We're honored you're here.

Because bold ideas deserve to take flight. And sometimes, all they need is someone willing to believe in them first.