Writerly Things with Brooke Warner

Writerly Things with Brooke Warner focuses on offering guidance and insights for aspiring and established writers, covering aspects of writing craft, memoir creation, publishing models, industry challenges, and advocating for diversity and inclusion. It emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling, self-care, and navigating the evolving landscape of book publishing.

Writing Craft and Techniques Memoir Writing Publishing Models and Pathways Industry Challenges and Changes Diversity and Inclusion in Publishing Author Advocacy and Self-Promotion Self-Care for Writers Legal and Ethical Issues in Publishing Collaboration and Teamwork in Publishing Market Trends and Economic Aspects of Publishing

The hottest Substack posts of Writerly Things with Brooke Warner

And their main takeaways

How to Show the Whole in Your Memoir

1626 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Memoir Narration Writing Self-assessment
  1. Memoirs should connect personal experiences to larger themes in society. It's not just about telling your story; it's about what it means for everyone.
  2. Using a reflective narrator helps you explain what you've learned over time. This adds depth to your story by showing your growth and understanding.
  3. Identifying both the small and big parts of your story can be overwhelming but also liberating. It allows you to explore everything you’ve felt and learned.

Writing While Needed By Others

2400 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Writing Authors Memoir Creativity Self-reflection
  1. It's hard to write when you feel like others need you all the time. Some writers find they need to physically separate themselves from distractions to focus.
  2. Writers, especially women and moms, often feel guilty for taking time for themselves to write. It's important to remind ourselves that our creative pursuits are valuable too.
  3. There are strategies to combat feelings of selfishness and guilt when prioritizing writing. Finding what works for you can help make writing a regular part of your life.

We're Losing the Battle Against AI

1924 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
đź•ą Technology AI Impact Digital ethics
  1. The Authors Guild and Created by Humans are teaming up to fight against the risks AI poses to writers and their work. They want to find ways to make sure AI companies pay for the content they use.
  2. There’s a new badge for books that are 'human authored' to help readers know that real people created the content. This move emphasizes transparency and aims to distinguish between human and AI-generated works.
  3. Many in the writing community feel overwhelmed by the AI threat, but actions taken by organizations like the Authors Guild are small steps in a much larger battle for creative rights and standards in publishing.

The Anticlimax of Becoming an Author

2261 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
đź“š Literature Writing Publishing Books Authors Creativity
  1. Becoming an author can feel like a big letdown after the excitement of publication. The rush of attention fades, and new authors often feel disappointed.
  2. It's normal to have mixed feelings after publishing. Authors may feel exposed, especially if they've shared personal stories, which can lead to vulnerability and sadness.
  3. After publication, it's helpful to focus on future projects and give yourself time to adjust. Good things can come later, like new readers or opportunities, so try to enjoy the journey.

Why You Maybe Should Write a Memoir

3531 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
  1. Consider writing a memoir for the benefits it can offer you and your readers.
  2. Memoirs should strive for beauty, poetry, and universal resonance.
  3. Don't be discouraged by critics; focus on telling your story authentically.
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The Best Writing Advice

2241 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
  1. Mark Nepo's advice of writing even when no one is listening is valuable for writers to stay true to their craft.
  2. Being able to balance insta-publishing with writing for a future outcome is important for writers.
  3. Taylor Swift's example shows the power of writing what matters and doing the necessary work in the face of challenges.

How Authors Can Be Better Partners to Bookstores

972 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
  1. Authors should understand that not all bookstores will automatically carry their books.
  2. Approaching bookstores requires more than just showing up - bring value and be prepared.
  3. Authors need to be mindful, supportive, and collaborative with independent bookstores.

Age, Aging, and Ageism in Book Publishing

1845 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
  1. Authors can choose to use age as an asset in the publishing industry.
  2. Older writers starting late in their writing careers face challenges due to ageism and lack of existing author platforms.
  3. Defying age norms in book publishing can lead to impressive success stories and new opportunities.

Writing Is Self-Care

1091 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
  1. Writing can be a form of self-care, especially for busy individuals.
  2. The idea of rest and self-care is often marketed towards women.
  3. Self-care involves making decisions that align with one's values and needs.

The Sin of Overwriting

1210 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
  1. Overwriting is not just about including too much text, it's also about being excessive and not discerning.
  2. Writers often overwrite due to reasons like being attached to their subject, not listening to editors, or feeling insecure.
  3. Precious writing occurs when authors are overly invested in a part of their story or are trying to control the narrative.

Teamwork Is Heartwork

1130 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
  1. Author success in publishing is a team effort, not solo stardom.
  2. Show appreciation to everyone working on your book.
  3. Approach publishing relationships with a personal touch, not just transactional.

“You” in Memoir, Five Ways

853 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. Using 'you' in memoir can offer a fresh perspective and deeper connection for both writer and reader.
  2. Writing in second person can provide intimacy and a visceral experience for the reader.
  3. Using rhetorical 'you' engages the reader in speculation or musing, drawing them deeper into the narrative.

The Risky Business of Hybrid Publishing

1111 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
  1. Hybrid publishing involves a mix of risks and benefits for authors.
  2. Traditional and hybrid publishing models have differing approaches to financial risk and rewards.
  3. Hybrid publishers provide authors with professionalism and access to distribution that self-published authors may lack.

The Extreme Subjectivity of Book Acquisitions

1031 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. Book acquisitions in publishing are highly subjective.
  2. Agents and editors bring their own sensibilities and tastes to the process of acquiring books.
  3. Writers seeking book deals may need to align with industry expectations to increase their chances of being selected.

Working Hard at Work Worth Doing

1210 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
  1. The publishing industry is increasingly focused on celebrity authors and author branding, impacting traditional acquisition approaches.
  2. Hybrid publishing models allow for book acquisitions based solely on writing quality, disregarding author brand as a factor.
  3. The rise of celebrity-written books can dilute the publishing industry, potentially overshadowing aspiring authors who lack celebrity status.

The Woo: In Celebration of the Inexplicable Magic of Creative Writing

1091 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
  1. Belief in a book guiding its author's writing can enhance the creative process.
  2. Synchronicities and mystical experiences can play a significant role in writing fiction and memoir.
  3. Remaining open to inexplicable occurrences can enrich the writing journey.

Pathways to Publishing: Unveiling a New Guide for 2024 and Beyond

734 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
  1. The publishing landscape is complex with three main paths - traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing.
  2. Educators and guides are necessary to help understand the variations of publishing models.
  3. The Independent Book Publishers Association is launching a comprehensive guide to different publishing categories.

The Highs and Lows of the Sensitivity Read

773 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
  1. Sensitivity reads became essential after events like George Floyd's murder, prompting changes in the publishing industry to address biases and inequalities.
  2. The adoption of sensitivity reads has been positive in promoting diversity and inclusion but also has a shadow side, including issues of shaming authors and presentism in judging past works by modern standards.
  3. It's important for creators to hire sensitivity readers with the right perspectives and hold themselves to high standards when telling stories outside their own experiences.

Publishing Anxiety: A Guide for Writers on Naming the Triggers

853 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
  1. Publishing can trigger anxiety for writers
  2. Recognize and embrace the power of Need and Desire in writing
  3. Combat writing anxiety by expressing, reflecting, supporting others, and taking breaks from social media

Let’s Talk About Rights, Baby.

615 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Protect yourself by understanding and negotiating your book publishing contract rights.
  2. Consider the benefits of partnering with your publisher to help sell rights and make more money.
  3. Authors who are inexperienced or unfamiliar with rights should not hesitate to seek guidance and information.

On Paying to Publishing: A Mini Polemic on a Major Hypocrisy

634 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
  1. In traditional publishing, authors cover many expenses themselves.
  2. Some publishing entities restrict opportunities based on how authors choose to pay for publishing.
  3. Authors who invest in their own work should feel empowered, not judged.

Why Distributors Are Still the Most Important Gatekeepers in Book Publishing

138 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
  1. Distributors play a crucial role in the success of a book by providing access to the marketplace.
  2. Good communication between the author, publisher, publicist, and distributor is key to a book's success.
  3. Understanding distribution is vital for authors to ensure their books reach beyond online retailers.

Why Will KKR Be a Good Buyer for Simon & Schuster When Penguin Random House Was Not?

39 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
  1. KKR is buying Simon & Schuster for less after the US Department of Justice blocked Penguin Random House from buying it due to antitrust concerns.
  2. Private equity firms like KKR may change companies they buy, impacting author compensation and diversity of voices.
  3. The government's role in regulating mergers and buyouts in the publishing industry is a topic of concern for maintaining democracy.

Addicted to Scarcity—Book Publishing’s Retail Price Problem

1 HN point • 22 Oct 23
  1. The retail price of books has not increased significantly over the past 30 years, impacting the industry negatively.
  2. Publishing industry faces challenges like low job growth, wages, and support, affecting both professionals and authors.
  3. Book publishers are reluctant to raise prices despite increasing production costs, leading to financial struggles for authors and industry professionals.