Soman and Victoria discuss the nuances of supporting yourself as an artist — and how to structure your advances and royalties to work for you. They also reveal what makes an idea “flawed at conception” and whether they get control over their book covers. Soman has a billion dollar business idea (think monkeys!) and Victoria is contemplating writing on a walking pad.

Theme of the Week (05:50)

Goals of the Week (15:10)

Industry Nonsense (27:56) 

Reader Mailbag (47:28

Plot Twists in Real Life (54:02)

Pup Twist (56:51)

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Soman and Victoria debate what it takes to date an artist – and whether or not artists can successfully date other artists. They also reveal their approaches to quelling online embarrassment, as well as commissioning illustrators for their books. Victoria is gearing up for a season of travel and Soman thinks there’s going to be a renaissance in young people reading.

Theme of the Week (06:47)

Goals of the Week (12:41

Industry Nonsense (24:16) 

Reader Mailbag(44:45)

Plot Twists in Real Life (51:11)

Pup Twist (55:05)

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Soman and Victoria are in their pub year for their new books and debate how to make their books succeed – while also considering what “success” actually is. Also they dive into the Amazon monopoly over book sales and distinguish between the different kinds of edits. Soman went into hermit mode over the holidays, and Victoria is ready to go into the bunker to finish her copyedits. 

Theme of the Week (06:40)

Goals of the Week (12:42)

Industry Nonsense (30:15) 

Reader Mailbag(52:06)

Plot Twists in Real Life (57:30)

Pup Twist (01:02:50)

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria take on the evil green-eyed snake – and consider whether jealousy isn’t so evil after all. Also they discuss the economics of buying books second-hand and whether poor sales can lead a publisher to cut a series short. Victoria is working on a secret project, and Soman thinks he should be the one to own Warner Brothers.

Theme of the Week (07:49)

Goals of the Week (19:25)

Industry Nonsense (26:13) 

Reader Mailbag(47:30)

Plot Twists in Real Life (54:14)

Pup Twist (58:39)

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Soman and Victoria break down what an editor does — and more importantly, shouldn’t do. Also they commiserate over what to do on days where you don’t feel like writing. Soman wants to gain his weight back, and Victoria wants more time to actually read books.

Theme of the Week (07:07)

Goals of the Week (14:39)

Industry Nonsense (22:15) 

Reader Mailbag(48:05)

Plot Twists in Real Life (53:54)

Pup Twist (56:35)

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Soman and Victoria forecast the disturbing future of professionally produced content. Also they discuss rewriting first drafts and what really sells books. Victoria is working on her secret project, and Soman wants to repeat his Smackdown Spectacular at every tour stop for YOUNG WORLD. 

Theme of the Week (06:48)

Goals of the Week (14:50)

Industry Nonsense (28:05) 

Reader Mailbag(43:13)

Plot Twists in Real Life (52:55)

Pup Twist (57:15)

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Soman and Victoria debate why women are so much harder on each other in publishing and entertainment. They also break down editing strategies and bemoan overdone character traits in books. Soman wants to launch a matchmaking service and Victoria wants to know the secret to perfect hair.

Theme of the Week (04:00)

Goals of the Week (09:34)

Industry Nonsense (18:56) 

Reader Mailbag(36:19)

Plot Twists in Real Life (46:35)

Pup Twist (51:26)

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Soman and Victoria discuss the taboo relationship between authors and critics — and cautionary tales where either side crossed the line. They also debate the explosion of special editions and how they determine what project to take on next. Victoria wants to put TEMPEST to sail, and Soman wants Dua Lipa’s back up dancers.

Theme of the Week (06:39)

Goals of the Week (17:33)

Industry Nonsense (25:21) 

Reader Mailbag(44:55)

Plot Twists in Real Life (52:11)

Pup Twist (57:51)

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