Ep. 49: The best time to be a writer is NOW ft. Leigh Stein
Mar 13, 2025
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Leigh Stein, a six-time author and cultural critic, shares her insights on navigating the modern writing landscape. She argues that now is the best time to be a writer, emphasizing the need to view art as a product. Stein discusses the impact of platforms like TikTok and BookTok on the literary world and advocates for destroying the stigma around self-publishing. She also delves into creating shareable content, the evolving dynamics of the creator economy, and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers.
In the current creator economy, writers must adopt a business mindset, treating their art as a product to attract audiences effectively.
The diminishing traditional gatekeeping in publishing allows diverse voices to emerge, empowering writers to connect directly with their audiences across platforms.
Understanding the distinction between polished writing and promotional content helps writers utilize social media effectively without compromising their artistic integrity.
Deep dives
Attention as a Limited Resource
Attention is framed as a finite resource that creators must earn through their work and engagement. In the current creator economy, writers are encouraged to adopt a business mindset, seeing their art as a product rather than a precious endeavor. This perspective suggests that creators need to be strategic and proactive in attracting and retaining their audiences, accepting that attention must be competed for and cultivated. Acknowledging this reality can help writers navigate the challenges of visibility and market saturation.
The Evolving Role of Writers
The role of writers in the contemporary landscape is evolving, where traditional gatekeeping is diminishing, allowing more room for diverse voices. Writers are now positioned not only as authors but also as content creators, engaging with audiences directly through various platforms. The podcast discusses how the internet has provided unprecedented opportunities for self-taught and non-traditional writers to build their careers. By embracing this shift, writers can connect with readers in new ways and discover their unique styles and strengths.
Differentiating Writing from Content
The distinction between writing and content is emphasized, with writing viewed as polished, artistic work while content serves to promote or discuss that work. This distinction includes the idea that content connects creators to their audiences, generating interest in their artistic endeavors. For example, while a short story may be a piece of literature worth refining, a social media post serves as a tool to attract readers to that literature. Understanding this difference can help writers navigate their online presence and utilize content effectively without compromising their craft.
Understanding the Market and Self-Publishing
The podcast explores the realities of the publishing market, noting that only a limited number of titles are published each year, making competition fierce. Writers often expect that mastering their craft will naturally lead to audience engagement, but this is not always the case. Interestingly, the discussion also addresses the growing acceptance of self-publishing as an option for writers seeking more control over their work. As platforms for self-publishing become more robust, established writers are encouraged to learn from successful self-published authors who have adapted their strategies creatively.
The Future of Content Creation
Looking ahead, the podcast encourages a playful and experimental approach to content creation, inviting writers to explore side projects that ignite their creativity. By setting limited time frames for these projects, writers can engage with their audiences without the pressure of long-term commitments. This approach promotes a mindset of learning and adaptation, allowing creators to refine their strategies based on audience response. Ultimately, viewing content creation as an exploration rather than a chore can lead to more fulfilling and effective engagement in the digital space.
This week Francis is joined by six-time author, cultural critic and book publishing coach, Leigh Stein. Leigh is also the creator of the newsletter Attention Economy.