Book Riot - The Podcast Episode: The Neil Gaiman Story Gets Worse, Best-Selling Books of 2024, and The Price of Books with Kathleen Schmidt
Release Date: January 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this compelling episode of *Book Riot's Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky discuss some of the most pressing issues in the literary world. From the escalating controversy surrounding Neil Gaiman to the latest trends in best-selling books and the impending impact of tariffs on book prices, this episode offers a deep dive into the current state of publishing and reading.

1. The Neil Gaiman Allegations: A Deep Dive

Background and Investigation

The episode kicks off with a heavy discussion about the recent investigative piece published in New York Magazine titled "There Is No Safe Word" by Lila Shapiro. This in-depth article exposes multiple allegations of sexual assault against renowned author Neil Gaiman, drawing parallels to the notorious Weinstein scandal.

Rebecca Schinsky [03:00]: "The allegations here are... on the Weinstein levels and then some in terms of the details of the behavior."

Shapiro's investigation includes testimonies from seven women, detailing a pattern of non-consensual BDSM and abusive behavior by Gaiman over several decades. Amanda Palmer, Gaiman's ex-partner, is also implicated as someone who was approached by these women to validate their experiences.

Jeff O'Neill [05:05]: "I can't imagine what it was like to spend six months in the details of this story."

Hosts' Reactions and Industry Implications

Jeff and Rebecca express their shock and disappointment over the revelations, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations and the lack of immediate response from publishers associated with Gaiman.

Rebecca Schinsky [09:38]: "It is quite disturbing... I think we would have appreciated... an acknowledgement from the publishers."

The discussion highlights the delayed reactions from major publishers like HarperCollins and Marvel, who have confirmed that they no longer have upcoming titles from Gaiman. Additionally, organizations like Dark Horse Comics are yet to release statements, fueling concerns about accountability within the industry.

Jeff O'Neill [08:23]: "I'll say that Lila Shapiro... I've done a lot of long-form pieces for Vulture in New York Magazine... I respect her quite a bit."

Emotional and Ethical Considerations

The hosts grapple with the ethical dilemma of separating an artist's work from their personal misconduct. They underscore the importance of supporting the victims and ensuring that their stories are heard, while also reflecting on the broader cultural impact of such revelations.

Rebecca Schinsky [20:03]: "Stories like this are always bad... involving a complete lack of regard for a person's right to tell you what they want to have happen."

2. Best-Selling Books of 2024: Trends and Insights

Jeff and Rebecca transition to discussing the year's best-selling books, analyzing sales data across various genres. They observe a notable surge in sales for certain titles and a decline in others, offering insights into evolving reader preferences.

Key Highlights:

• "The Women" by Kristin Hannah emerged as the top-seller, outperforming other notable titles like "Iron Flame" and "Fourth Wing."

  Jeff O'Neill [27:45]: "The Women by Kristin Hannah sold almost twice as many copies as Iron Flame and Fourth Wing combined."

• Atomic Habits maintained strong sales, though it was strategically placed behind a paywall to limit exposure.

• Genre Trends:

  • Romance: Experienced a 9% increase in sales, indicating sustained popularity.
  • Graphic Novels: Declined by 12%, reflecting a shift in consumer interests.
  • Young Adult Fiction: Dropped by 5%, possibly influenced by the rise of Romantasy titles.

Rebecca Schinsky [28:06]: "I'm very curious about what's going to happen to this list if the TikTok ban does actually go through."

3. The Price of Books: Impact of Tariffs with Kathleen Schmidt

In the second segment, Rebecca introduces Kelly Jensen and Kathleen Schmidt to discuss the potential ramifications of proposed tariffs on book prices in the United States. Kathleen, an industry veteran and founder of KMS Public Relations, provides an expert analysis of how these tariffs could shake up the publishing landscape.

Understanding Tariffs and Their Effects

Kathleen breaks down the specifics of the proposed 15% tariff on imported paper, particularly from China and Canada, explaining how this would escalate production costs for publishers.

Kathleen Schmidt [50:05]: "You have to think about where you're getting, you know, paper from. So if we're talking about a 15% tariff, which is what I believe Trump is talking about for Canada, you're talking about a substantial raise in the price of paper."

Economic Implications for Publishers and Consumers

The discussion highlights the delicate balance publishers must maintain between increasing costs and keeping book prices affordable for consumers. Kathleen points out that while the tariffs would force publishers to raise prices, doing so is essential for sustaining the industry's ecosystem and ensuring fair compensation for all involved.

Kathleen Schmidt [66:27]: "If you notice that the price of books is increasing, it's not to punish the consumer, it's to keep the publishing ecosystem flowing."

Jeff adds that even a modest price hike, such as an additional dollar, can have significant implications given the already tight profit margins in the industry.

Jeff O'Neill [27:45]: "9% increase in the sales of romance book last year, graphic novel were up. Sorry. Down 12%."

Strategic Responses and Future Outlook

Kathleen discusses potential strategies publishers might adopt, such as being more selective with print runs and exploring digital-first approaches to mitigate cost increases. However, she notes that previous attempts at interactive or digital-only formats, like cookbooks, haven't gained widespread traction.

Kathleen Schmidt [62:17]: "Interactive ebooks... I've never caught on. People don't seem to like cookbooks as ebooks."

The conversation also touches on broader industry challenges, including the shifting dynamics of book distribution channels and the uncertain future of platforms like TikTok, which play a crucial role in book promotion.

Kathleen Schmidt [69:55]: "I'm honestly surprised that book publishers haven't, you know, publicly lobbied for it not to get shut down."

4. Book Recommendations

In keeping with the podcast's focus on diverse reading, Jeff and Rebecca share their latest book reads and recommendations, offering listeners a curated selection of engaging titles.

"Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" by Grady Hendrix

Rebecca enthusiastically recommends this horror novel set in the 1970s, where a group of young women discover and harness witchcraft to fight back against an oppressive institution.

Rebecca Schinsky [33:06]: "If you have any squeamishness or any stuff around... this one's probably not for you, but it was a really good time."

"Learning From Silence" by Pico Iyer

Jeff praises Pico Iyer's memoir, which delves into his experiences with silent retreats and personal healing, emphasizing the transformative power of solitude and reflection.

Jeff O'Neill [35:38]: "He writes beautifully about the things that we learn about ourselves... it's going to be one of my favorites."

5. Looking Ahead: Future Episodes and Topics

The hosts tease upcoming content, including interviews with notable authors like Jami Attenberg, who will discuss her efforts to promote literacy in New Orleans schools. They also mention plans to explore the evolving landscape of book adaptations and the continuing impact of digital platforms on reading habits.

Rebeca Schinsky [01:09]: "Next week's show... how she got started and now goes about running a book fair for a local school in her neighborhood in New Orleans."

Conclusion

This episode of Book Riot - The Podcast offers a thought-provoking examination of significant issues affecting the literary world today. From the disturbing allegations against a beloved author to the intricate economics of book pricing and distribution, Jeff, Rebecca, Kelly, and Kathleen provide listeners with valuable insights and actionable information. Their balanced approach ensures that both avid readers and industry insiders leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the publishing ecosystem.

Notable Quotes:

• Rebecca Schinsky [05:05]: "The title that 'There Is No Safe Word' of the piece refers to something that one of the women said to Lila Shapiro."

• Jeff O'Neill [16:50]: "Neil Gaiman, who was... who's going to be up there with the Stephen Kings of the world, right?"

• Kathleen Schmidt [57:46]: "When you talk about a 15% tariff on those goods coming over from China, the publishing industry is going to have no choice but to raise prices on those books."

Listen for More:

Stay tuned for future episodes of Book Riot - The Podcast where Jeff and Rebecca continue to explore the dynamic and ever-evolving world of books and reading.