Publishing Disrupted

How a multi-published, celebrated author, instructor, and literary agent finds her focus. Follow what genuinely surprises you. This is one big takeaway for writing (and maybe for life) in this episode of Publishing Disrupted with Audrey Clare Farley. We also discussed what makes nonfiction stand out today: a strong hook paired with real substance, the rise of “memoir plus,” how the publishing worl...

Following some professional and personal updates, we embrace the energy of the coming summer by digging into a recent Publisher's Weekly Religion article highlighting how "anxious readers" are apparently buying up Bibles. It felt like a suspiciously familiar trope, so we tried to unpack that assumption a bit.  No mention of the widely publicized decreases in church attendance, or re...

In this episode, David and I talked about the difference between writing books that seem important or interesting, and writing the stories that you didn't choose, but must be told. That's a massive difference, and it's not often talked about enough. So we talked about it.  I shared two quotes: one from Jeff Foster about being less prepared and more vulnerable, and another from Brené...

David and I discussed our impressions of the FFW writers conference this year where we had many conversations at the Lake Drive Books table about some of our favorite topics--and books. For some reason, none of the big 5 Christian publishers were there. Which is pretty interesting when you realize this is one of the bigger and better-known book conferences that included many well-known Christian a...

We're joined in the library studio by our friend and publishing colleague Robert Hudson to talk about his boutique chapbook publishing and the soul of the indie press.  Much has been made (and is still being made) about mainstream publishing, their dominance and supposed clout, and the validation of authors they offer. But listening to Bob, an insider who has always cultivated his little gard...

David and Mick are joined by fellow book editor and Hyponymous literary agent Ivy Zeller to discuss her refreshing response to the disrupted publishing landscape.  What can we learn from zine culture? How specific can we get with audiences? How do representation and advocacy inform our publishing path? There was so much to discuss in this vibrant conversation! Please let us know how you responded...

Extending our theme of how to find new gatherings and community (when the old ones are no longer serving), Publisher David shares his recent experiences with a local German club, and at the progressive-Christian Ember Conference in Oakland, CA.  If you're looking to connect with more diverse people, learn new things you never knew, or just seeking new ways to experience a wider world, this is...

In this conversation with long-time journalist, author, and writing coach Ann Byle, she provided us with some industry analysis, career advice, and some opinionated takes on relevant themes, particularly getting creative in modern Christian publishing. The publishing landscape is definitely changing, so she shared the difference between vanity and custom publishing and noted that as part of her wo...

As snow falls outside the window in Grand Rapids we decided it was finally time to share how our personal faith journeys have been disrupted and how that's affected our deep engagement with the material we edit, represent, and publish. As former Christian publishing professionals, we once assented to certain beliefs. But we currently land in a very different place. And we know we’re not alone...

So glad to have author and writing coach Jeff Elkins on Publishing Disrupted! What do you do when the education or job you worked so hard for no longer fits the life you’re living? In this episode of Publishing Disrupted, Mick Silva and David Morris are joined by novelist, writing coach, and Dialogue Doctor founder Jeff Elkins for an honest conversation about vocation, disruption, and creative rei...

What are we doing, where are we going, and will they have snacks there? David and I talked some about our aims for this podcast, and how we (still) don't want to try to boil things down to five takeaways, or share advice much. Mainly, we love exploring fresh takes, and sharing about humans we're excited about.  Toward that end, we discussed whether there's room for "books that...

Warning! One unnamed host (who knows who he is) used some choice phrasing that may strip the grease stains out of your earbuds. Our genteel, refined listeners and sensitive types are advised to find a different episode. That said, this one got real. Très piquant! So, you know, don't listen with your kids in the car. And probably don't recommend it to Aunt Darla, who already thinks you&ap...

Author and poet Marla Taviano knows what it's like when publishing chews you up and spits you out. After four Christian books went out of print despite editors calling her writing "brilliant," she reinvented herself through indie publishing, daily content creation, and radical generosity. In this conversation, Marla shares how she followed Rachel Held Evans' blueprint of elevat...

Publishing has been disrupted. There’s now a better way for the vast majority of authors. In this episode, David and I get into the biggest problems with traditional publishing: consolidatation, huge overhead, low royalties, and unearned advances. Much recent evidence bears out the fact that for the vast majority of newer and mid-level authors, big publishing is simply no longer built to serve the...

For too long, publishing professionals, ourselves included, have been chasing the largest possible audiences. But in this episode we tried to take our experience and apply some finer lenses to focus on the far-more diverse independent market.  We dug into some new research about book readers and their preferences, and discussed the common biases of highbrow and lowbrow book culture. While not imme...

In this, yet another episode of disruption from the bottom up, co-hosts Mick Silva and David Morris talk with author, creator, minister, and new literary agent Rohadi Nagassar about the shifting landscape of publishing and the rise of community-centered creativity. Rohadi discusses his Ink and Root Collective , a writing space for BIPOC authors emphasizing care and connection over commerce. The tr...

Sit down and listen in as I ask David Morris, publisher and literary agent, what really makes great authors great. Beyond the usual list of necessary qualities like being a good writer with a great concept and a reasonably sized platform, what makes an author someone we want to work with long-term?  And surprise! Our definition of "greatness" is a bit different, but let's get real:...

Join the disruption discussion as we welcome two self-employed publishing colleagues to the show, agent Tom Dean, and ghostwriter/editor Andy Rogers.  Some highlights of our conversation about why we love what we do:   The "platform paradox" - authors with great books choosing to opt out of traditional publishing The joy of hand-selling and direct reader connection Industry insights abou...

In the shifting landscape of book publishing today, how helpful is the "bestselling book" stamp of approval? As authors face increasingly challenging obstacles to recognition (and sales), is bestseller status a shortcut to fame and fortune? Or is that prize even worth it?  Come along as we discuss: New York Times list is not just based on most copies sold. USA Today lists 150 titles with...

In this wide-ranging conversation, Mick and David dive into their personal reading habits as men, as book-lovers, and as supporters of great independent publishing. They explore their current reads—from Austrian history and Michigan ghost ships to literary fiction and classics like The Little Prince —discussing how reading can serve as both intellectual pursuit and spiritual practice. They examine...

The publishing industry isn’t just changing—it’s completely fragmenting. In our latest episode, we talked about why two former Christian publishing professionals (Mick Silva and David Morris), have shifted so strongly toward a new model of authors aiming not for everyone, but for the readers that specifically fit them. Based on Kevin Kelly’s “ 1,000 True Fans “ concept, this episode, as usual, gav...

In this episode of Publishing Disrupted , co-hosts Mick Silva and David Morris sit down with their first-ever guest, author Cara Meredith , for an honest and layered conversation about life as a working writer navigating faith, publishing, and purpose. Cara is the author of the new book Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation , a memoir-meets-cultural-...

In this fifth episode, we get into another fundamental shift in the publishing world: book development. The old playbook of “authority from on high” is dead. Long live the authentic voice! There's the three elements of book proposals: platform (your ability to reach readers), concept (a current, but time-honored topic), and craft (your “method” and ability to deliver the goods). But the craft...

Everyone knows the worst part about selling books is the selling part. That darned author-marketing! So in this episode, we break down a recent post by popular author-marketing guru, Dan Blank, and discuss the difference between being "intentional" and being *integrative*--replacing the agenda-driven drudgery with some creative fun while generating interest in your books. You really can...

"Do I need an editor?" "Is my book any good?" "Do I need an agent?" These have been the common questions of hopeful writers for generations. But these days, looking to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of publishing is far more complex. In this conversation, we pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes in book publishing, and offer some honest...