First of all, I also have been starting all my posts off lately with some variation of "well the state of the world is bleak" (both laughing and crying at this??) More importantly, I value this post and the insight you shared. I, perhaps naively, had not even thought about the impact the tariffs might have on publishing. Since writing is where I go to escape, I think it's easier to pretend the outside world could never infiltrate it. But your simple statement that you have worked through 9/11 and 2008 was reassuring. We've seen terrible times before, and they pass. We will come out the other side and people are still working to make sure books get published!
I'm SO looking forward to your participation in the Women's Fiction Virtual Summit this summer with WFWA. I get SO MANY newsletters, and yours it one that I read religiously. Thank you for your fresh and honest take on the world. It is so needed!!
"Terrestrial radio." I never heard it called that, and I'm here for it. I'd love to learn more about the benefits of submitting published books to awards.
Enjoy your wisdom and humor - here and Threads. White Lotus S3 a bit darker and left some things hanging but always makes me think. Appreciate the viewing recs of a storyteller and will add to my list for escapism. "Adolescence" slayed me on the sobbing scale. Finding community in Indivisible right now. It's vital.
Kathleen, this was exactly what I needed to read today. The reminder to control what we can control hit especially deep—so much of the publishing rollercoaster feels like waiting on forces outside our grasp. Your transparency about lead times (3 months for coverage, cultivating editor relationships, the invisible work) adds such helpful perspective for those of us in the trenches wondering, “Is it just me?”
And this? “You are safe. You can work. You aren’t alone. You are here.” I’m bookmarking that.
As someone trying to grow a Substack and bring a new product into the world, this line stood out most: “Community is what will get us through.” Amen. Thank you for the grounded wisdom—and for not sugarcoating the realities while still offering real hope.
PS: Now I’m bumping The Studio and Dying for Sex to the top of my queue.
The Pitt is the show I wait for every week (very glad that The Last of Us is returning the same week The Pitt ends so I know what to do with myself 🤯😂) These characters really stay with you.
Thank you for your words of wisdom, Kathleen. I needed this today! And I wasn't expecting The White Lotus to play with my emotions the way it did, either. I was nearly in tears watching the finale last night!
Thanks for the FB&HW love! Will be sending it to them (I’m VP of Content for their parent company, Townsquare Media.) And thanks for another great post!
Yes, indeed! Just passed along the link to the Director of Content there to share with them. Thanks for listening! You’re out in Jersey, right? Assuming you listen to them on 105.7 The Hawk, so thanks for that, as well! (I’m a Middletown, NJ native, spent summers in Ortley Beach and now live in the Hudson Valley. Hi, Jersey! 👋)
First of all, I also have been starting all my posts off lately with some variation of "well the state of the world is bleak" (both laughing and crying at this??) More importantly, I value this post and the insight you shared. I, perhaps naively, had not even thought about the impact the tariffs might have on publishing. Since writing is where I go to escape, I think it's easier to pretend the outside world could never infiltrate it. But your simple statement that you have worked through 9/11 and 2008 was reassuring. We've seen terrible times before, and they pass. We will come out the other side and people are still working to make sure books get published!
Thank you! Yes, I have worked through A LOT of world events over the past 30 years, and publishing is still standing. I take solace in that.
“You are safe. You can work. You aren’t alone. You are here.” YES. YES.
I'm SO looking forward to your participation in the Women's Fiction Virtual Summit this summer with WFWA. I get SO MANY newsletters, and yours it one that I read religiously. Thank you for your fresh and honest take on the world. It is so needed!!
Thank you!
"Terrestrial radio." I never heard it called that, and I'm here for it. I'd love to learn more about the benefits of submitting published books to awards.
Enjoy your wisdom and humor - here and Threads. White Lotus S3 a bit darker and left some things hanging but always makes me think. Appreciate the viewing recs of a storyteller and will add to my list for escapism. "Adolescence" slayed me on the sobbing scale. Finding community in Indivisible right now. It's vital.
Kathleen, this was exactly what I needed to read today. The reminder to control what we can control hit especially deep—so much of the publishing rollercoaster feels like waiting on forces outside our grasp. Your transparency about lead times (3 months for coverage, cultivating editor relationships, the invisible work) adds such helpful perspective for those of us in the trenches wondering, “Is it just me?”
And this? “You are safe. You can work. You aren’t alone. You are here.” I’m bookmarking that.
As someone trying to grow a Substack and bring a new product into the world, this line stood out most: “Community is what will get us through.” Amen. Thank you for the grounded wisdom—and for not sugarcoating the realities while still offering real hope.
PS: Now I’m bumping The Studio and Dying for Sex to the top of my queue.
The Pitt is the show I wait for every week (very glad that The Last of Us is returning the same week The Pitt ends so I know what to do with myself 🤯😂) These characters really stay with you.
I can't imagine what the season finale will be like, but it will probably make me cry.
Kathryn Hahn is the queen
Thank you for your words of wisdom, Kathleen. I needed this today! And I wasn't expecting The White Lotus to play with my emotions the way it did, either. I was nearly in tears watching the finale last night!
This is such wonderful insight. I appreciate you always having your finger on the pulse of the industry, Kathleen.
Extremely helpful!
Thanks for the FB&HW love! Will be sending it to them (I’m VP of Content for their parent company, Townsquare Media.) And thanks for another great post!
Really?!? I absolutely love them. I've been listening for years.
Yes, indeed! Just passed along the link to the Director of Content there to share with them. Thanks for listening! You’re out in Jersey, right? Assuming you listen to them on 105.7 The Hawk, so thanks for that, as well! (I’m a Middletown, NJ native, spent summers in Ortley Beach and now live in the Hudson Valley. Hi, Jersey! 👋)
My pub date is not until September and I agree, a lot can happen between now and then. I sure am tired of the whiplash though!
Yes! I listen to them on The Hawk. I'm in Toms River. I really wanted to go to the live show at Jenk's but couldn't make it!