Podcast Summary: Bad On Paper with Chelsea Beaker on Comparison & Competition in Publishing

Episode Information

• Title: Chelsea Beaker on Comparison & Competition in Publishing
• Podcast: Bad On Paper
• Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
• Release Date: August 7, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter welcome acclaimed author Chelsea Beaker, a three-time California Book Award winner and the national bestselling author of Mad Woman. Chelsea also co-founded The Fountain, an online platform dedicated to supporting writers through courses, audio visualizations, and a vibrant community. The discussion centers around the pervasive themes of comparison and competition within the publishing industry.

Personal Experiences with Comparison

Chelsea Beaker opens the conversation by addressing how comparison is an inherent part of a writer’s journey. She shares, “[00:56]... every phase of my whole career or pursuing writing, there is comparison baked in.” She emphasizes that comparison often stems naturally from settings like workshops, where writers critique each other’s work side by side, fostering an environment ripe for both comparison and competition.

Chelsea recounts a specific instance from her program where only two writers received tuition remission. “[01:20]... there was like two writers that had been sort of granted this like crown... It just immediately sets off the group into feeling a certain type of way.” This situation ignited feelings of envy and uncertainty, highlighting how structural elements within writing programs can inadvertently cultivate competitive tensions.

The "Ghost Book" Concept

A significant portion of the discussion introduces the concept of the "ghost book," a term Chelsea explains as a rival book that seems to parallel and overshadow one’s own work. “[03:11]... sometimes called the ghost book that is sort of like comes out on the same day as yours...” This phenomenon often leads writers to feel anxious or inadequate, especially when their work is closely compared to another’s, which might be receiving more attention or accolades.

Chelsea reflects on her experiences, noting, “[05:21]... there's always the ghost book that I'm like, oh, that book is getting more press.” However, she has learned to view these moments as opportunities for personal growth, stating, “I feel grateful for those moments because it's just a cue to me that I need to do some processing around it so that I can release that charge.”

Navigating Competition in Publishing

The hosts delve into the inherent competitiveness of the publishing industry. Chelsea articulates the paradox of competition in art, where success is subjective and cannot be quantified objectively. “[06:29]... there is not one sanctioned way to measure these books. It's so subjective.” She discusses how external markers like awards can feel arbitrary and sometimes harsh, yet they persist as benchmarks for success.

Chelsea shares her emotional journey, “[08:50]... it's so hard and emotional to put in so much work into a book and pour your true heart into it and then maybe not have it win something or get the recognition you had hoped for.” She underscores the importance of shifting focus from external validation to personal fulfillment and support within the writing community.

Strategies to Combat Comparison

When asked about strategies to handle feelings of comparison, Chelsea emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and emotional processing. “[11:07]... allowing myself to just feel the stupid way I feel during that is part of it.” She advocates for journaling and meditative visualization as tools to dissect and understand underlying emotions tied to comparison, often rooted in past traumas or insecurities.

Chelsea details a specific practice developed through The Fountain, where writers engage in guided visualizations to address feelings like envy. “[14:35]... you actually take a walk with the person who you're feeling envious of, and you see them as a little child next to you...” This technique fosters compassion and reduces the emotional charge associated with competition, allowing writers to move forward productively.

Experiences in Writing Communities

Exploring the dynamics within writing communities, Chelsea discusses how openness and mutual support can mitigate competitive tensions. “[16:35]... in the Fountain we do this, like, practice of like, just share it. Like, share the thing that you're really proud of.” By creating designated spaces for sharing both successes and struggles, communities like The Fountain cultivate an environment where writers can celebrate each other’s achievements without feeling threatened.

She further elaborates on fostering genuine connections, “[19:31]... It's so much easier to feel comparison with nameless, faceless people who you don't know. And once you know somebody as a human being, a lot of that goes away.” Building personal relationships within writing groups diminishes the abstract nature of competition, replacing it with empathy and understanding.

Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

As the conversation winds down, Chelsea shares insights into her upcoming work and how it ties into the episode’s themes. She introduces her latest novel, Mad Woman, describing it as a blend of humor and darkness that delves into complex PTSD and family trauma. “[23:48]... it's a story about a mother of two who's navigating her daily life without letting her past intrude.”

Chelsea also provides information on how listeners can connect with her and join The Fountain. “[25:42]... you can take it with you wherever you go.” She encourages writers to engage with the community for ongoing support and resources.

Notable Quotes

• Chelsea Beaker [00:56]: "At every phase of my whole career or pursuing writing, there is comparison baked in."

• Chelsea Beaker [03:11]: "The ghost book comes out on the same day as yours... it's like this haunting presence."

• Chelsea Beaker [06:29]: "There is not one sanctioned way to measure these books. It's so subjective."

• Chelsea Beaker [11:27]: "Allowing myself to just feel the stupid way I feel during that is part of it."

• Chelsea Beaker [16:35]: "Once you know somebody as a human being, a lot of that goes away."

Conclusion

This episode of Bad On Paper offers a profound exploration of the emotional landscape writers navigate concerning comparison and competition. Chelsea Beaker provides valuable insights and practical strategies to foster a supportive and compassionate writing community. Her experiences and the tools she shares are invaluable for writers seeking to maintain their well-being amidst the competitive pressures of the publishing world.

For more information, listeners can connect with Chelsea Beaker on Instagram (@elsiebeeker), subscribe to her newsletter Make Up Your Life on Substack, and join The Fountain at thefountainpractice.com, available as both a membership-based site and a mobile app.