Missing Pages: An Investigative Podcast on the Book Publishing Industry
The Podglomerate
An investigative podcast hosted by world-renowned literary critic and publishing insider Bethanne Patrick. Book bans are on the rise across America. With the rise of social media, book publishers are losing their power as the industry gatekeepers. More and more celebrities and influencers are publishing books with ghostwriters. Writing communities are splintering because members are at cross purposes about their mission. Missing Pages is an investigative podcast about the book publishing industry. The show is produced by The Podglomerate.
Writing Communities: The Man Who Played Hache Carrillo
We take a look at the case of Hache Carrillo, who lied about his ethnicity, and put it in context with his contributions to the communities he worked in. We talk to former colleagues Luis Bayard and Lisa Page, and Bethanne reveals her first-hand experience working with Hache on the board of the PEN Faulkner Foundation. Website: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xe_qmLMDvI Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/
Feb 19, 2024 • 44:04
Writing Communities: The Bad Art Friend Saga
We cover the story behind Bad Art Friend. In this episode, we plan to observe how the publishing industry is built on trust and investigate what happens when that trust is broken. We speak with Rebecca Meacham, a fiction writer who wrote about literary theft and its consequences, and Becky Tuch, a former member of the now-infamous Chunky Monkeys writing group. Website: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xe_qmLMDvI Transcript: https://li
Feb 12, 2024 • 39:41
Ghostwriting: Bonus - Big Business
We’ve been talking a lot about ghost writing, because ghosting – that’s the industry term – is BIG business. This is a bonus episode of our series about ghostwriting. In this episode, you’ll hear from Madeleine Morel who is an agent for ghostwriters and Andrew Crofts, a successful ghostwriter. Website: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xe_qmLMDvI Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ Insta: https://www.instagr
Feb 5, 2024 • 21:54
Ghostwriting: Bonus - Cookbooks
How does a ghostwriter capture the subject’s voice when writing a cookbook? And for the ghostwriters behind the stories, how does ghostwriting cookbooks differ from non-fiction? We talk to JJ Goode, a Brooklyn-based food writer, to get inside the mind of a cookbook ghostwriter. Website: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xe_qmLMDvI Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/missing
Jan 29, 2024 • 25:38
Podcast Perspectives: The State of the Audiobook Industry
Today we’re looking at audiobooks. While the explosive growth of podcasting has dominated headlines in the audio world, the audiobooks market has slowly and steadily grown alongside it. Today, the international audiobook industry can claim $5 billion in revenue, while podcasting boasts around $2 billion. So how did this happen? What can we in podcastland learn from our colleagues in audiobooks? And how will the two industries blend and collaborate in the future? To cover all this today we have
Jan 22, 2024 • 34:36
Ghostwriting: Fiction - Will The Real Tom Clancy Please Stand Up?
We explore what ghostwriting looks like for fiction. For genres like spy novels and fantasy, how does book publishing capitalize on ghostwriters to unlock lucrative IP extensions on streaming? We talk to Jeff Rovin, who has written Tom Clancy novels, and Andrew Crofts, who wrote the memoir Confessions of a Ghostwriter, to get the scoop.Website: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xe_qmLMDvITranscript: https://listen.podglomerate.c
Jan 15, 2024 • 28:35
Ghostwriting: Non-Fiction - The Literary Chameleon
In this episode of Missing Pages we examine the lucrative culture of non-fiction ghostwriting and all its thorny edges, with a focus on what the elusive and often secretive practice means for a publishing industry ever on the brink of combustion. We talk to ghostwriting veterans like Daniel Paisner, Jon Sternfeld, Daniel Gerstein as well as cookbook author JJ Goode to get insight into how the world of ghostwriting for non-fiction. Website: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ YouT
Jan 8, 2024 • 30:04
Nerdette Best Books of 2023
This week we're excited to share an episode from Nerdette, a fun weekly interview show produced by our friends at WBEZ. In this episode, fellow professional book lovers Miwa Messer and Andrew Limbong joined Nerdette host Greta Johnsen to discuss their top picks for the year. Here are the books mentioned in the episode. For pictures, links and more details, head to their website! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 26, 2023 • 43:06
Bans & Violence: Bonus - Gaby Wood Interview
We look into the results of censorship in extreme cases, using Salman Rushdie as a case study. Does extreme censorship of books lead to violence? We spoke with Gaby Wood, the Chief Executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, to find out more. Website: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xe_qmLMDvI Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/missingpagespod/ X: https://twitter.com/misspage
Dec 18, 2023 • 26:55
Bans & Violence: Bonus - The Full Jodi Picoult Interview
If you listened to our episodes about the rise of book banning, you heard about the efforts around the U.S. to censor books on sexual or racial grounds. However it seems there's a lot more going on than that. One of the guests that we spoke with – NYTs Bestselling author Jodi Picoult – has firsthand experience with book banning. Picoult's book, 19 Minutes, has been banned in school boards across 24 states, and she was kind enough to join us for an interview. While only some of it made it into ou
Dec 11, 2023 • 33:13
Book Banning Part II: The Current State of Banned Books
In episode 1 of this series, we looked at the history of banned books in America. Today, we look at its current state. Is there more nuance to book censorship than is at the surface? We speak with two people on opposite sides of the spectrum: A parent, who seeks to explain why she wants more control over the stories her children are exposed to, and best selling author Jodi Picoult, who has written many books that have been banned across the country. We also speak with a librarian and a parent in
Dec 4, 2023 • 42:02
Book Banning Part I: The History of Banned Books
When it comes to books, America has had the same cultural arguments since its founding. One group perpetually focused on the moral ramifications and societal threats a story poses, while another group argues that questioning morals and societal norms makes for a healthier individual, and democracy. Today, however, local has become national. Historically, what's taught in public schools has been by and large a local issue, not a crusade. But our current moment is impacting people at a grand scale
Nov 27, 2023 • 41:47
Paradigm Shift: DOJ v. PRH: The Hidden Peaks of a Flat Industry
With Simon & Schuster and Penguin Random House barred from merging, are publishers losing substantial power as gatekeepers to the industry? What is the current state of publishers, and did this decision take into account the readers or the authors? Website: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xe_qmLMDvI Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/paradigm-shift-doj-v-prh-the-hidden-peaks-of-a-flat-industry/ Insta: https
Nov 13, 2023 • 39:40
Paradigm Shift: Botched Initiative: The Dungeons and Dragons Story
As an extension of our last episode on the paradigm shifts in the fanfiction community, we take a look at the complicated history of Dungeons and Dragons and how the game’s creators have had a rocky relationship with the game’s fans. We talk to Ben Riggs, author of Slaying the Dragon, about Dungeons and Dragons’ sordid fan history. Website: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVfvZyKUuko Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/mis
Nov 6, 2023 • 25:45
Paradigm Shift: Copyright & Fanfiction: Who Owns What?
Are fanfiction communities becoming stronger than traditional publishers? In this episode, we’ll look at how fans, publishers, and creators are (or aren’t) working together, examining a fanfiction lawsuit between former fanfic writers Zoey Ellis and Addison Cain. We speak with Elizabeth Minkel, co-host of the Fansplaining podcast. Did we mention the fanfiction is about the highly specific subgenre of... wolfkink? Website: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/missing-pages/ YouTube: https://www.y
Oct 30, 2023 • 33:15
Paradigm Shift: The Colleen Hoover Story
Colleen Hoover created a book empire through self-publishing, in part due to the power of social media. Is her career a sign of a changing landscape where publishing gatekeepers are losing power while readers are gaining power? We speak with Laura Miller, Books and Culture columnist at Slate, Jim Milliot, Co-Editorial Director at Publishers Weekly, and Jennie Young, an Associate Professor of Humanities at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to find out. Website: https://listen.podglomerate.co
Oct 23, 2023 • 33:18
Season 2 of Missing Pages: An Investigative Podcast about the Book Publishing Industry
Book bans are on the rise across America. With the rise of social media, book publishers are losing their power as the industry gatekeepers. More and more celebrities and influencers are publishing books with ghostwriters. Writing communities are splintering because members are at cross purposes about their mission. An all-new season of the investigative podcast hosted by world-renowned literary critic and publishing insider Bethanne Patrick. Season 2 of Missing Pages premieres on October 23rd.
Oct 2, 2023 • 1:53
Missing Pages Unabridged: Constance Grady on How the Book World Works
To get a better sense of the book world Caroline Calloway found herself in, we talked to Constance Grady, a senior correspondent and culture critic for Vox, who covers film, TV, and of course, book publishing. In this bonus episode, previously only available in our premium feed on Apple Podcasts, "Missing Pages Unabridged," Constance shares her wisdom about books, the publishing industry, and how she wound up writing the most-referenced explainer there is on Caroline Calloway.Missing Pa
May 1, 2023 • 24:24
Missing Pages Unabridged: The Full Kaavya Viswanathan Interview
In Kaavya Viswanathan: The Full Package, we looked back into "How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life," and the plagiarism scandal that brought everything down. As we unearthed new details about the fiasco, we thought it was important to talk to Viswanathan herself to find out what really happened. In this extended interview, previously only available in our premium feed on Apple Podcasts, "Missing Pages Unabridged," and Viswanathan's first about the YA novel in 15 years, we
Apr 3, 2023 • 42:47
Introducing YE GODS
Introducing YE GODS from award-winning producer-playwright Scott Carter. We all know that faith and ethics are recurring themes in literature from Greek mythology to Shakespeare, to the great Russian novels, Charles Dickens, Emily Dickinson and everything between and after. In this new podcast series, YE GODS WITH SCOTT CARTER takes us on a pilgrimage of sorts, each week he’ll be talking to celebrity guests like historian Ken Burns, actor Susie Essman from HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Pulitzer P
Mar 8, 2023 • 18:47
Greg Mortenson: Cups Half-Full
He enlightened millions with his writings and built dozens of schools in the Middle East. But despite his praiseworthy deeds, author-philanthropist Greg Mortenson suffered an immense fall from grace. Was Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, a manipulative scammer or an idealist in over his head? Bethanne delves into a story of good intentions and very bad bookkeeping.Missing Pages is an investigative podcast about the book publishing industry. The show is hosted by writer and li
Oct 3, 2022 • 57:53
A Writer's Dreams vs. Reality
In writers’ dreams, every published author is a millionaire, every title sells at auction, every editor is brilliant and attentive, and every book hits the bestseller list. Alas, writers’ dreams and the publishing industry’s reality don’t always mesh. Bethanne breaks down the lifespan of a book and the overworked and underpaid workers who make the industry (barely) run.Missing Pages is an investigative podcast about the book publishing industry. The show is hosted by writer and literary
Sep 26, 2022 • 47:58
Anna March: Inventing Anna
Bethanne doesn’t just talk about scandals after the fact: Sometimes she’s embroiled in them as they happen. In this episode, Bethanne spills the tea on the story of “Anna March,” a notorious figure who racked up big bills in the service of literature — and left others to pay them.Missing Pages is an investigative podcast about the book publishing industry. The show is hosted by writer and literary critic Bethanne Patrick, and is produced by The Podglomerate.As a bonus, please find a col
Sep 19, 2022 • 1:00:48
An Apple Books Collection: How Books Get Featured
In this short bonus episode, Bethanne chats with Missing Pages Executive Producer Jeff Umbro about a new Apple Books collection of books and authors featured in the podcast. You can explore the collection at apple.co/booksmissingpages.Missing Pages is an investigative podcast about the book publishing industry. The show is hosted by writer and literary critic Bethanne Patrick, and is produced by The Podglomerate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 16, 2022 • 12:24
Caroline Calloway Part II: Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Flower Crown
Some stories are too big, or at least too entertaining, to fit into a single episode. In part two, Bethanne speaks to authors, publishers, and NYC night life reporters to find out what Caroline Calloway might have up her sleeve next. Make sure to listen to part one if you haven't yet.Missing Pages is an investigative podcast about the book publishing industry. The show is hosted by writer and literary critic Bethanne Patrick, and is produced by The Podglomerate.As a bonus, please find a
Sep 12, 2022 • 46:06
Caroline Calloway Part 1: Essential Snake Oils
They say that being too online will mess with your head, and no one was more online than Caroline Calloway, the mega-influencer who is known for botching not one but two books deals. Bethanne follows her trail of obsessed superfans, betrayed friends, and abandoned book deals across Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, and even OnlyFans.Find a full transcript of this episode here.Missing Pages is an investigative podcast about the book publishing industry. The show is hosted by writer and literar
Aug 29, 2022 • 47:50
J.T. LeRoy: The Last Literary Rockstar
Raw, transgressive, and true: Praise for hard-hitting books like Sarah and The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things made Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy the talk of the town. But was J.T. who he said he was? Follow our winding journey as we parse good intentions and messy outcomes in one of the book world’s most complicated stories and biggest hoaxes.Find the full transcript of this episode here.Missing Pages is an investigative podcast about the book publishing industry. The show is hosted by
Aug 22, 2022 • 1:07:37
Dan Mallory: The Good Liar
A.J. Finn — also known as Dan Mallory, former Executive Editor at William Morrow and Co. — overcame tragedy and illness to publish "The Woman in the Window", a huge bestseller and the inspiration for a Netflix film. But the story of the talented Mr. Mallory has more twists and turns than the book that made his reputation. Bestelling Pulitzer finalist Luis Alberto Urrea is a featured guest.You can find a full transcript of this episode here.Missing Pages is an investigative podcast about
Aug 15, 2022 • 49:58
Kaavya Viswanathan: The Untold Story
At the start of 2006, 19-year-old Kaavya Viswanathan seemed to have it all. From a high profile six-figure book deal to good standing at Harvard University, the world was at her feet. But by the end of the year, her name was only brought up in conversations about "cautionary tales." How did she end up on a national television apology tour? Bethanne speaks to experts to set the story straight— and conducts a revelatory and exclusive interview with Kaavya herself.You can find a full trans
Aug 14, 2022 • 55:45