Book Riot - The Podcast: Episode Summary Title: Making a Case for Supporting Independent Media, Way Early Award Nominations, and More
Hosts: Jeff O’Neill and Vanessa Diaz
Release Date: July 28, 2025

1. Introduction and Event Recap

The episode kicks off with Jeff O’Neill and Vanessa Diaz reflecting on a recent live pals event. Vanessa shares her enthusiasm about the event solidifying her commitment to Book Riot, highlighting the positive interactions and discussions about books that took place.

Vanessa Diaz (01:13):
"It was a great time. The people were great. Talking about books with people is great. It was actually a really fun time."

2. Supporting Independent Media

The primary focus of the episode centers on the importance of supporting independent media. Jeff raises concerns about the declining advertising presence in major publications like the New York Times Book Review and how this shift impacts independent arts media platforms.

Jeff O’Neill (05:36):
"Is there a case to be made that that is bad in the same way that people only buying from Amazon now or Barnes and Noble in the '90s is bad?"

Vanessa echoes these sentiments, discussing the delicate balance between generating necessary ad revenue and maintaining editorial independence. They delve into the challenges faced by independent media in securing advertising dollars amidst competition from large corporations like Amazon, Meta, and TikTok.

Vanessa Diaz (10:14):
"There isn't a perfect answer to it because, I mean, if it goes away, so do we, so does anybody else."

3. The Advertising Landscape and Independent Media Sustainability

Jeff elaborates on the historical context of advertising in book reviews, noting the significant number of ads in the New York Times Book Review in 1995 compared to the present day. He questions whether publishers are mindful of where their advertising dollars are directed and the broader implications for the media ecosystem.

Jeff O’Neill (09:55):
"When we support independent media, we're ensuring a diverse and vibrant literary conversation that isn't dominated by mega-corporations."

Vanessa emphasizes the necessity of advertising for the survival of independent platforms, acknowledging the inherent compromises but underscoring the importance of maintaining a space for diverse literary voices.

Vanessa Diaz (10:14):
"We're not out here taking dollars for anybody. But it is a thing that you just have to contend with."

4. Audiobooks and Adaptations

The hosts shift focus to the audiobook industry, critiquing the delayed release of audiobooks for popular adaptations. Jeff points out the missed opportunities in leveraging celebrity narrations to boost audiobook sales and engagement.

Jeff O’Neill (21:32):
"It's surprising when there's an adaptation available and there isn't some tie-in because that moves units."

Vanessa agrees, expressing frustration over the lack of timely audiobook releases for high-profile shows like "Department Q" on Netflix.

Vanessa Diaz (26:07):
"It just seems like a no-brainer in a way. Why isn't there an audiobook version available now?"

5. Spotify's New Audiobook Plans

Jeff and Vanessa discuss Spotify's new audiobook subscription model, expressing confusion and frustration over its complexity. They highlight the cumbersome process of accessing additional audiobook hours and the requirement for plan managers to manage these requests.

Jeff O’Neill (42:39):
"This is wild stuff. I don't get this. It's absolutely bonkers."

Vanessa Diaz (44:48):
"I can't get my units right. I can't get my units right."

6. Book Recommendations and Discussions

a. "Algo Speak" by Adam Alekshik

Jeff introduces "Algo Speak," a book that explores language change on the internet driven by algorithms. He discusses how corporate incentives shape slang and the challenges of maintaining authentic language evolution in the digital age.

Jeff O’Neill (60:20):
"The algorithms are the driving force behind language change now, and there's a corporate incentive shaping it."

b. "Vera or Faith" by Gary Stengart

Jeff reviews Gary Stengart's novel set in a near-future dystopia, focusing on a ten-year-old protagonist navigating societal changes. He appreciates the book's incisive cultural criticism but notes limitations in the young protagonist's perspective.

Jeff O’Neill (62:06):
"Through her eyes, she can't fully invest in the specificity they become. It's a trade-off."

c. "The Bewitching" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Vanessa shares her excitement for "The Bewitching," praising its dark, academic, and witchy themes. She highlights the cultural diversity in modern witch narratives, particularly from Latina perspectives.

Vanessa Diaz (53:27):
"It's a little bit dark. Academia. There's a student... The story is told in two timelines... It's just creepy and academic. Fun."

d. "Salt Bones" by Jennifer Kivan

Vanessa discusses "Salt Bones," a retelling of Persephone and Demeter set in the Mexicali borderlands. She appreciates the book's exploration of motherhood and monstrosity through a cultural lens.

Vanessa Diaz (63:07):
"It's unsettling and really engrossing. Anytime someone takes a crack at mythology, I'm probably going to give it a try."

7. Book Industry Study Group's AI Survey

Jeff announces an anonymous survey by the Book Industry Study Group about AI usage in publishing. He and Vanessa share their views on AI, emphasizing that while it assists in organizing data, it doesn't currently match the creativity of human authors.

Jeff O’Neill (39:07):
"If someone uses ChatGPT to write a book about this, I would not be doing it because it's just not the same as human creativity."

Vanessa Diaz (39:17):
"I expect we'll see answers about using it more for assistive versus generative uses. People are not putting it in there to write stuff."

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the discussed topics. Jeff and Vanessa encourage listeners to engage with independent media and share their support through various means. They also tease upcoming content and invite contributions from their audience.

Jeff O’Neill (63:07):
"BookRiot.com listen for show notes. You can email us at podcast@bookriot.com. Check out the Patreon link in the show notes as well."

Vanessa Diaz (64:13):
"Thank you, Jeff. A pleasure as always."

Key Takeaways

• Support for Independent Media: Vital for maintaining diverse literary conversations amidst the dominance of large corporations.

• Advertising Challenges: Independent platforms struggle to secure ad revenue without compromising editorial integrity.

• Audiobook Industry: Delayed releases and complex subscription models hinder accessibility and growth.

• Cultural Diversity in Literature: Increasing representation in genres like witch narratives enriches the literary landscape.

• AI in Publishing: Predominantly used for assistive purposes, with skepticism about its capability to replace human creativity.

Notable Quotes:

• “We're not out here taking dollars for anybody. But it is a thing that you just have to contend with.” — Vanessa Diaz (10:14)

• “It just seems like a no-brainer in a way. Why isn't there an audiobook version available now?” — Vanessa Diaz (26:07)

• “The algorithms are the driving force behind language change now, and there's a corporate incentive shaping it.” — Jeff O’Neill (60:20)

For more details, book recommendations, and to support independent media, visit BookRiot.com.