Stephanie Duncan Smith: Why most memoirs fail

Many writers feel compelled to share their story—but here’s the hard truth: while everyone wants to tell their story, most readers don’t actually want to read it. In this episode, senior editor Stephanie Duncan Smith of HarperOne joins me to unpack why memoirs so often struggle in publishing, and more importantly, how you can write your story in a way that makes room for readers. You’ll come away with practical insights on how to transform a personal narrative into a universal one that truly resonates.

Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

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