Book Riot - The Podcast Summary: "TikTok's Publishing Imprint Folds, BookCon Returns, and More Book News"
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O’Neal, Rebecca Schinsky
Guest: Vanessa Diaz
Podcast Information:
Book Riot is North America's largest independent editorial book site, encompassing various media platforms tailored for diverse readers across all genres. In this episode, Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky, joined by Vanessa Diaz, delve into significant developments in the publishing world, social media controversies affecting authors, and exciting upcoming events.
1. BookCon Makes a Comeback
Key Discussion: The hosts eagerly discuss the return of BookCon, a consumer-facing book convention, set to take place at the Javits Center in New York City on April 18-19, 2026.
Notable Quotes:
- Jeff O’Neal (08:03): “BookCon is back! Scheduled for April 18th to 19th, 2026, it’s returning to the Javits Center in NYC.”
- Rebecca Schinsky (12:00): “BookCon is a smart move, catering to readers whose communities are anchored online, providing a space to connect in person.”
Insights: BookCon, distinct from the trade-focused Book Expo, aims to cater directly to book enthusiasts with events like author signings, book club meetings, and unique features like the Fantasy Ball and Spreadge Workshops. The hosts speculate that the rise of influencer culture, particularly through platforms like TikTok (BookTok), will play a significant role in shaping BookCon’s offerings.
2. TikTok’s Publishing Imprint Shuts Down
Key Discussion: A significant setback in the publishing industry as ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, announces the closure of its publishing imprint, 8th Note Press.
Notable Quotes:
- Rebecca Schinsky (14:25): “ByteDance appears to be closing 8th Note Press, disrupting authors who relied on its BookTok-driven success.”
- Jeff O’Neal (16:40): “Despite having control over the TikTok algorithm, 8th Note Press couldn’t achieve sustained success, highlighting the complexities of publishing.”
Insights: 8th Note Press was established in 2023 with a strategy termed "building backwards," selecting titles based on trending content. Despite acquiring over 30 novels, the imprint failed to deliver expected results, leading authors and agents to negotiate the return of rights. The hosts express concern for authors, especially self-published ones, whose careers have been adversely affected by this abrupt closure.
3. Social Media Controversy: Ali Hazelwood's Harassment Incident
Key Discussion: The podcast addresses the alarming online harassment faced by author Ali Hazelwood following a seemingly benign remark during a panel discussion.
Notable Quotes:
- Jeff O’Neal (18:45): “Ali Hazelwood was subjected to severe online backlash over a humorous comment about The Hunger Games, leading to her deactivation on Instagram.”
- Rebecca Schinsky (21:54): “This is harassment and cyberbullying. People are allowed to have opinions without launching personal attacks.”
Insights: During a panel at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Ali Hazelwood made a lighthearted comment favoring Team Peeta over Team Gale from The Hunger Games. A clipped segment of this interaction went viral, sparking unwarranted harassment and a harassment campaign that overwhelmed Hazelwood, resulting in her deactivating her Instagram account. The hosts condemn the behavior, emphasizing the importance of respecting differing opinions within the book community.
4. Victory Against Book Banning in Huntington Beach, CA
Key Discussion: Voters in Huntington Beach, California, rejected efforts by a MAGA-affiliated city council to establish a community review board overseeing children's books in public libraries and proposed privatization of the library.
Notable Quotes:
- Rebecca Schinsky (30:09): “Voters outvoted the Magnificent Seven by almost 60%, repealing the community review board and opposing library privatization.”
- Jeff O’Neal (32:51): “This victory underscores the importance of local elections and voter turnout in combating book banning initiatives.”
Insights: The community's decisive vote against the Magnificent Seven—an all-MAGA city council group—marks a significant win for literary freedom. The removal of the review board ensures that librarians retain authority over book selections, safeguarding against censorship. The hosts highlight this as a crucial reminder that book banning efforts remain unpopular among the majority, even in conservative regions, and stress the importance of active participation in local elections.
5. Reese Witherspoon’s New Book Club Podcast
Key Discussion: Reese Witherspoon’s book club celebrates its eighth anniversary by launching a companion podcast, "Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club," produced in partnership with iHeartMedia.
Notable Quotes:
- Rebecca Schinsky (36:02): “The podcast, anchored by Danielle Robay, will feature celebrities, influencers, and authors from Reese's Book Club, starting with Emily Henry and Yulin Kuang.”
- Jeff O’Neal (35:16): “I’m interested to see if Reese’s Book Club can translate its success into the podcast realm, given their robust platform.”
Insights: "Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club" aims to foster insightful discussions about featured books, enhancing the community experience. While the initial episodes feature well-established authors, the hosts ponder whether the podcast will expand to highlight emerging voices, thereby broadening its appeal and impact within the literary community.
6. Brave Books’ “See You at the Library” Event
Key Discussion: Brave Books, led by Kirk Cameron, continues its "See You at the Library" initiative, hosting nationwide story hours featuring pro-God and pro-America books at public libraries.
Notable Quotes:
- Rebecca Schinsky (38:36): “The Department of Education partnered with Brave Books, despite no official events being scheduled at the Library of Congress itself.”
- Jeff O’Neal (40:19): “Brave Books is pushing into public library spaces, creating confusion about official partnerships, but it’s an exercise in activism and First Amendment rights.”
Insights: The event series aims to promote specific literary perspectives within public libraries, although it faces challenges due to misinformation and misconceptions about partnerships with governmental institutions like the Library of Congress. The hosts provide resources for library workers and activists to effectively manage and respond to these events, emphasizing the importance of accurate information and community engagement.
7. Book Recommendations
Key Discussion: Towards the end of the episode, the hosts share their latest book reads, providing listeners with diverse recommendations across genres.
Books Featured:
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"The Bewitching" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (44:11): A witchy academia-focused mystery intertwining historical fiction and paranormal elements.
Jeff O’Neal (44:11): “It’s a little witchy, historical fiction with academia and mystery – everything Silva Moreno-Garcia does so well.”
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"A Murder for Miss Hortense" by Mel Pennant (47:11): A cozy mystery set in the 2000s UK, featuring a character from the Windrush generation solving a community-related crime.
Jeff O’Neal (44:13): “A charming mystery with Caribbean and English accents that brings the Windrush generation to life.”
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"Bed and Breakup" by Susie Dumond (47:20): An upcoming queer romance about two ex-spouses navigating their past and rekindling their relationship in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Rebecca Schinsky (47:20): “A sweet, funny second-chance romance set in a charming queer-friendly town.”
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"Great Black Hope" by Rob Franklin (48:33): A debut novel exploring the life of a queer Black man navigating personal and societal challenges after a legal incident.
Jeff O’Neal (49:25): “A satirical yet heartfelt exploration of justice and personal growth, showcasing Rob Franklin’s sharp writing.”
Insights: The hosts highlight a mix of genres and themes, emphasizing the importance of diverse and representative voices in literature. Their recommendations cater to various interests, from mystery and romance to socio-political narratives, encouraging listeners to explore different perspectives through reading.
8. Final Thoughts and Community Engagement
Key Discussion: The episode concludes with invitations for listeners to engage through live events, mailbag submissions, and Patreon support.
Notable Quotes:
- Rebecca Schinsky (52:25): “Send your questions for the mailbag episode to podcastookriot.com. We also invite you to join us live at Powell's on July 9th.”
- Jeff O’Neal (53:27): “Building muscle, boosting energy, and feeling amazing no matter your age—listen to Well Beyond 40.”
Insights: Listeners are encouraged to participate in upcoming live events, submit questions, and support the podcast through Patreon for exclusive content. The hosts reiterate their commitment to fostering a vibrant book-loving community through diverse discussions and interactive platforms.
Conclusion: This episode of Book Riot - The Podcast offers a comprehensive overview of current trends and events in the literary world, from the resurgence of BookCon and the collapse of TikTok's publishing arm to combating book banning and addressing online harassment of authors. Coupled with thoughtful book recommendations and community engagement initiatives, Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky provide valuable insights for avid readers and industry enthusiasts alike.