Digest

This episode of the "Bad on Paper" podcast follows the hosts' usual "three things" format. They begin by sharing personal highs and lows, including Olivia's anxiety surrounding a skin biopsy and Becca's potential illness, contrasted with Olivia's writing milestone and Becca's social recharging. The bulk of the episode covers three main topics: a deep dive into Taylor Jenkins Reid's Time magazine cover story and the financial realities of publishing, a discussion of Haley Bieber's Rhode Skin sale and the complexities of profit distribution, and a reflection on podcast longevity in light of other podcasts ending. The hosts also engage in a fun book battle game, review their reader's choice book club selections over the past three years, and announce their June and July book club selections (with voting details for July). Finally, they share their current reading obsessions and disappointments, highlighting Coco Mellors' work and a DNF experience. The episode concludes with promotion of their Facebook group and Instagram.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, Highs & Lows, and Publishing Success

Becca and Olivia introduce the episode format, share personal updates, and discuss Taylor Jenkins Reid's Time magazine cover story, analyzing her career trajectory and the financial realities of publishing.

00:30:34

Beauty Deals, Language Learning, and Podcast Longevity

Discussion of Haley Bieber's Rhode Skin deal, Becca's Duolingo French experience, and a reflection on the challenges of maintaining a successful podcast long-term.

00:41:12

Book Battle, Podcast Reflections, and Reader's Choice

A fun book game, followed by a discussion of podcast longevity and a review of the hosts' reader's choice book club selections over the past three years.

01:04:14

July Listener Book Selection and Current Reads

Details on the process for choosing the July listener-selected book, including voting dates and eligibility criteria, followed by a discussion of the hosts' current reading experiences and preferences.

01:15:19

June Book Club Selection and Podcast Wrap-up

Announcement of the June book club selection ("All the Other Mothers Hate Me") and a final promotion of their social media platforms.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the financial realities of publishing, as highlighted by Taylor Jenkins Reid's success?

  While some authors achieve massive deals, many others make a modest living or supplement writing with other jobs. Bestselling authors often subsidize the publishing house's riskier ventures.

• How effective is Duolingo for learning a language, and how can its limitations be addressed?

  Duolingo is helpful for vocabulary and basic grammar, but it may not fully prepare users for real-world conversations. Supplementing with immersion, conversation partners, or formal classes is often recommended.

• What are some of the challenges faced by independent podcasters in maintaining long-term success?

  Declining advertising revenue, competition, creator burnout, and the need to balance podcasting with other income streams are significant challenges.

• What is the June book club selection?

  The June book club selection is "All the Other Mothers Hate Me" by Sarah Harmon.

• How can listeners participate in choosing the July book?

  Listeners can vote for a pre-nominated book or nominate their own in the podcast's Facebook group between June 4th and 11th.

• What platforms can listeners use to connect with the podcast hosts?

  Listeners can connect via the Facebook group, Geneva app, Instagram (@thatonpaperpodcast), and the hosts' individual social media and newsletter platforms.

Show Notes