Literary Blend: A Publishing Podcast

May is mental health awareness month, so there’s no better time for me to share my wonderful conversation with Caroline J. Trussell for chapter thirteen on mental health and publishing. By covering subjectivity, social media, rejection, mental health representation in books, and more, we explored mental health and publishing through both the author and agent perspectives. I truly hope you find our...

Are you ready to take a deep dive into deadlines? I hope so because I sat down with Bri Eberhart to cover this topic for chapter twelve. From discussing why we like deadlines and how we set realistic ones to sharing how we deal with all the emotions when the clock is ticking, this conversation gives a glimpse into deadlines like never before. I had a blast chatting with Bri, so I hope our conversa...

It’s time to give the spotlight to the fabulous small publishing houses out there! I’m so excited to welcome S.E. Reed onto the show for chapter eleven on the small press path to publishing. Whether you’re interested in signing with a small press or you would like to discover more about this path to publishing, our chat is for you. Shelby is a very talented author who has found success with this p...

Woohoo, we have made it to chapter ten of the show. I couldn’t be more delighted to share my fabulous conversation with Amy Nielsen on writing and submitting short stories. During our chat, Amy and I cover the benefits of writing short stories, how to approach submission calls, the key elements of short stories, and much more. I truly loved having Amy on the show, so I hope our conversation inspir...

Wow, look at that! We have almost reached double digits for the chapters. Before we do, though, I have an insightful conversation to share for chapter nine with my fabulous literary agent, Michelle Jackson, surrounding being an agent and author. There are so many talented individuals in the publishing industry who are both, and Michelle sat down with me to share her experiences. During our chat, M...

As authors, we have big dreams, like becoming best sellers and having our books adapted for film and TV. Though it’s amazing to shoot for the stars, we need to remember to keep our expectations realistic. I’m excited to bring you a fabulous chat with Christina Dotson for chapter eight, covering realistic expectations in the publishing world. We talk about where unrealistic expectations come from,...

Are you feeling lucky? I hope so because I’m honored to share chapter seven of the show with Jillian Forsberg on luck in the publishing industry. When we think of being lucky, what usually comes to mind are things like winning the lottery and having our names drawn out of a hat. Luck in publishing is very different, and I’m so glad Jillian joined me for such a fascinating conversation. I hope you...

Subjectivity and marketability are tightly intertwined in the publishing industry. I’m beyond honored to bring you an informative and entertaining conversation with Rachel McMillan on these blended topics for chapter six. During our chat, we cover the pros and cons of subjectivity, finding a balance between writing a book of your heart and fitting the market, comp titles, word count expectations,...

The bookish conversations continue with a fascinating one for chapter five of the show. I couldn’t feel more excited to unveil my insightful chat with Rebecca A. Carter on the difference between being a writer and author. Through sharing our perspectives, realizations, and experiences, Rebecca and I explored the distinction between writers and authors, along with where the line blurs. I hope our c...

Hey, you. Yes, you. Are you impatient? I see you. I’ve been in your shoes. I’m so delighted to share chapter four of Literary Blend with Megan Murphy on patience in traditional publishing. As authors, we have to develop patience for the business, the writing process, and ourselves. I hope my conversation with Megan makes you feel less alone and gives you insight into ways to become more patient as...

The literary fun continues with an outstanding conversation with a true rising star in the publishing world. I’m beyond honored to share chapter three of the show with Ginny Myers Sain on writing for the young adult audience. From covering key characteristics of YA to the market and beyond, my conversation with Ginny is packed with advice and insights. No matter if you are just beginning to write...

Woohoo, we have flipped the page to chapter two! Get ready, friends, because a fabulous conversation is waiting for you. I’m delighted to welcome Sara J. Kader onto Literary Blend to chat about the benefits of having author friends. From having a support system to seeking advice and beyond, author friends are pure gold. I hope my conversation with Sara gives you a glimpse into the benefits of maki...

Let the bookish fun begin! I’m over the moon to share chapter one of Literary Blend with Andie Smith on giving and receiving feedback. No matter your chosen publishing path or where you are on your journey, feedback will always play a vital role in your evolution as an author. I hope my conversation with Andie gives you valuable insight into feedback as a whole and how you can get the most out of...

Did someone say, “prologue?” Yep, that’s right! It’s Demi here, and I’m beyond excited to finally kick off Literary Blend. Before releasing the first chapter, I wanted to share this prologue to introduce myself and give you insight into what you can expect on the show. Literary Blend is going to be a fun adventure, so flip over the cover of the show’s metaphorical book and dive into the prologue....

Welcome to Literary Blend: A Publishing Podcast. My name is Demi Michelle Schwartz, and I’m your host for this bookish adventure. Tune into new chapters every other Sunday to hear my insightful conversations with authors, agents, editors, and other publishing professionals on topics related to the craft of writing, navigating the industry, and beyond. Through remaining inclusive, informative, and...