In this episode of the Leanpub podcast, host Len Epp speaks with Dan Holloway, host of the Self-Publishing News podcast, for a comprehensive review of the book industry in 2024. They delve into critical developments, including the expanding role of AI in publishing and its impact on authorship, content creation, and reader engagement.

Holloway also highlights evolving trends in author incomes, emphasizing challenges and opportunities for independent authors in a competitive digital landscape.

Key controversies discussed include the WordPress dispute involving WP Engine, as well as the Internet Archive’s ongoing legal battles and their implications for digital lending and copyright law. The conversation also touches on the cultural phenomenon of cozy literature and its resurgence as a top genre in 2024, reflecting readers’ desires for comfort and familiarity amidst global uncertainty.

Looking ahead to 2025, Holloway offers predictions for the industry, including further disruptions from AI, the continued transformation of traditional publishing models, and the rise of ethical considerations in digital media. The episode provides valuable guidance for authors, publishers, and readers navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

This interview was recorded on January 2, 2025.

The full audio for the interview is here: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/leanpub_podcasts/FM309-Dan-Holloway-2025-01-02.mp3. The Frontmatter podcast is available on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/leanpub, in Apple Podcasts here https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/frontmatter/id517117137, and almost everywhere else people listen to podcasts.