Print Run Podcast

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Books #223

Print Run is a podcast created and hosted by Laura Zats and Erik Hane. Its aim is simple: to have the conversations surrounding the book and writing industries that too often are glossed over by conventional wisdom, institutional optimism, and false seriousness. We’re book people, and we want to examine the questions that lie at the heart of that life: why do books, specifically, matter? In a digital world, what cultural ground does book publishing still occupy? Whether it’s trends in the queries from writers that hit our inboxes or the social ramifications of an industry that pays so little being based in Manhattan, we’re here for it. Probably to laugh at it and call it names, but here for it nonetheless. Print Run is the happy-hour conversation after a long day at a catalog launch; it’s the bottle of wine you drink most of on a Tuesday when the manuscripts are no good. We’re for writers, for publishers, for anyone who’s opened a book and wanted to know—really know—what goes into getting the damn thing made. Join us. We’ll talk about the worst sex scene we’ve ever read and wonder aloud about how millennials will affect the books of the future. We’ll figure out why Jonathan Franzen wants to replace your child with a penguin and whether or not that penguin will be buying hardcovers when he grows up.

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Recent Reviews
  • Kateria22
    More politics than publishing
    I tuned in to this podcast for the first time because I wanted to learn about the publishing industry. What I learned was about the political opinions of the hosts. I will not be back.
  • dundagas pils
    the best (publishing) podcast
    This is probably my fave podcast of all time. I binged 40 episodes during a solo weekend trip a few years ago, and whenever a new episode drops I listen immediately. Thank you Laura and Erik for being a voice of sanity, a shot of humor, and a glimpse of publishing from the inside. Your work is so appreciated
  • mspassell
    45656 stars!!
    I appreiate this insider look into publishing. The hosts are so smart. I left publishing years ago and am always dying to hear what they have to say.
  • kim smuga
    Learning so much
    The conversations in this podcast are intelligent and compassionent. Laura and Erik are able to address the problems and issues with the publishing industry while still being hopeful for its future. I like how they recognize the hard work and love that so many editors, agents, and others in the industry have. On the practical side, I learn something about publishing with every episode. They shine a light on an industry that is both obscured and hyped, but that so many of us want to be a part of.
  • ggyivfrryuuhsas
    Phenomenal podcast
    I get so excited whenever a new episode drops, because Erik and Laura are just so funny and very open about the publishing industry, no matter how weird or bad it gets. This is easily one of the most entertaining and informative podcasts I’ve ever listened to!
  • Valuryyyyyyyyyy
    My favorite podcast!
    Funny, interesting, educational — this is my absolute favorite podcast right now!
  • Trader Jenny
    Is it insightful?
    Recently listened to the newest episode and found it really repetitive. They self proclaimed to be critics of the industry but that’s it. They criticize. I’m not getting a lot of new information. And this episode I found Erik to have a holier than thou attitude and never stops reminding us that he was an editor in NEW YORK! And he loves to tell us how he likes to work in which Laura called him a genius. It took me a second to realize that she wasn’t being sarcastic. Anyway. I’ll prob scrub through this on 1.5x if it does come out.
  • Autumnd.
    Honest & hilarious
    I genuinely can’t wait for something buckwild to happen in the book world, just to hear Laura and Erik’s take on it. Thanks for the honest— and hilarious— look into the world of publishing. It’s inspired me to pursue a career in publishing, even with all of its faults and quirks 😛
  • Alexstrath1
    Hello Laura
    Erik and Laura have great chemistry as they give it to you as it is on various topics related to the author life.
  • LuminousLuke
    Insider Insight from Entertaining Agents!
    I recommend this podcast to all the writers I know. Anyone who’s considering querying literary agents should give this podcast a try. I had a bad experience with my first agent, so I wish I’d known more about what I should expect and what red flags to watch out for. Check this podcast out and protect yourself! Luke Ink to Film
  • tiemeinbows
    Excellent Insight to Publishing
    I've been a listener since the start but am not always the best at leaving reviews. Such a fun and informative podcast, though, and just refreshing every time.
  • MollyS30114
    Latest Episode
    I’m listening to the latest episode. Two minutes in, and I hear, “It brought itself into being? Begotten not named?”I LOST IT!!!! 😭😂😂😂 Great pod! Keep bringing the great lines about bread starter.
  • Sue Teacher
    Great discovery!
    So glad I found this!! I've learned a ton, and both Erik and Laura are SO smart and funny. They give a great perspective, and boldly say it like it is.
  • Russell Ricard
    The Loons rock!
    Love this podcast. Expert advice with varied topics in publishing world. Laura & Erik’s rapport is fantastic: fun yet informative tone. Their honesty and insight is a vital resource in the publishing and podcast world.
  • K. Michelle's Best
    Great!
    Great podcast! Love the advice!
  • lede-er
    Helpful and pleasant
    So cool to hear two agents’ insider tips and perspectives on the art and biz
  • TeamEmandJay
    The Loons have it!
    Witty, Quirky, Informative, and Brutally Honest. -Hello Laura- Laura and Erik will bring you everything you need to know about the book world that will keep you hungry for more (and upset when they go on vacation, but we all know they deserve it). If you’re even thinking about subscribing to Print Run, what the hell are you waiting for??? The James Patterson Book of the Week is well worth it as well as the growing collection of books Erik would write like “Striking Out My Dad.”
  • DogSitter267
    The RWA episode 🔥🔥
    I love that they’re not mincing words and clearly outlining the issues and encouraging personal reflection and action. Will definitely be listening more.
  • ImportantNinja537
    Best Guest of a Book Podcast
    Erik and Laura are great guests for this already intriguing podcast that continues to entertain with each episode.
  • olearypublishing
    A Bit Biased Towards Traditional Publishing
    As someone who published my own first book in 2012 (only because I had attended a writers workshop by a larger publishing house and their message to all the aspiring authors was ‘build your platform’ and then maybe we’ll be interested in you) I find the comments about the hybrid and self-published authors to be a bit discouraging and divisive. Aren’t we all in this together? Sure traditional publishers have their prestige and many authors are able to build their platform or secure representation by an agent and strike gold. But for most that world will remain inaccessible. Now having written 5 books and having started my own concierge publishing company I am finding the service I provide (which my authors pay for) to be extremely rewarding for everyone involved. We produce the results of a traditional publisher in less than half the time and help our authors see how a book can serve many purposes. It can help them build an existing brand, open new doors, spread their message and enjoy writing and publishing without and added pressure. I even know of aspiring authors who will not ever consider self-publishing because of the snobbery of those who are traditionally published and look down on those who ‘do it themselves’. That’s so sad to me. So I do enjoy your banter and overall good nature (clearly here I am listening) but today on Episode 112 the discourse about the publisher who partnered with Forbes got to me. My thoughts - great business move!
  • burdeensky
    You know, you know?
    I think the two hosts do a fine job relaying useful information, it’s just it’s very distracting when they can’t go a sentence without saying “you know?” In some sentences they used it up to three times and I found myself clinging onto those two words waiting for the shoe to drop. It was to the point that it distracted from the wealth of knowledge each was able to drop. Next time, you know, maybe practice speaking without relying on “you know,” you know?
  • SyKira
    Phenomenal
    Laura and Erik are like the super-intelligent, snarky friends we all wish we had. Their talks are easy to listen to, I always walk away knowing something new, and usually laugh while I’m at it. They discuss everything from industry news to writetips to gossip to politics, but all with a level head that doesn’t detract from their obvious passion for it. If you’re a writer, author, industry professional, or just want to laugh - this podcast if for you.
  • Anitarides
    Excellent Content
    Content, humor, and interesting conversation abound. The only thing that keeps me from ranking this stellar podcast 5 stars is that both hosts use the word “like” as frequently as other speakers use “umm.” I find myself counting the number of times the word “like” appears in their presentation, so distracting.
  • Usefulidiot14
    The best.
    Best publishing podcast out there by far. From thoughtful craft advice to nuanced discussions about systemic issues, all with a healthy dose of humor.
  • Megseccles
    One of the best publishing podcasts
    I listen to a lot of publishing podcasts. This has some of the best, most nuanced discourse out there. If you’re looking for a thoughtful insight into all things publishing, this is it. Side effect: I have noticed a significant increase in cheese consumption since I started listening. Beware.
  • MtnGrl73
    I always learn something!
    I find myself choosing to listen to Laura and Eric chat about bookish things regularly. It’s weird, but I feel like I’ve got an inside track on this odd industry from listening to them over the past few months. Keep it coming!
  • Saramarschand
    Oh, the banter :)
    I love this podcast from two literary agents in the Minnesota tundra. I usually make my breakfast and do dishes while getting the weekly scoop on publishing happenings and scandals. The easy banter between Eric and Laura takes my mind off the mundane and sets me up for a day of my own writing work. Once I figure out how to access the paid content, I will get the Patreon episodes too!
  • Hanley B
    Great podcast
    It takes me usually a little over an hour to drive 24 miles home every day from work, and these loons really help make that drive as stress free as possible. It's a great way to learn more about the industry from two people who clearly enjoy what they do. They also have a Patreon where you can get special episodes, first pages critiques etc.
  • 38BlackBirds
    Informative and fun.
    I'm an older writer (over 35) and most agents taking clients are so young I'm totally out of their cohort. Laura and Erik give great insights into the young agent mindset.
  • Thearetical
    Always look forward to it
    Print Run is my favorite writing podcast besides Writing Excuses. Laura and Erik are disarmingly charming, their discussions are fluid and engaging, and they don't go off on hour-long tangents that have you gritting your teeth. While Writing Excuses is great for writers currently working on their projects, Print Run is perfect for writers who are querying and authors who are trying to navigate the publishing industry. It's a helpful blend of news, advice, and explanations that help you feel like an insider. Their special content shows are also well worth the $8 a month on Patreon. Highly recommended.
  • markct92
    deep & fun philosophizing, with high production values!
    Erik and Laura are an amazing team, and this is my favorite podcast out there. They have such a fun and easy rapport that it can be easy to overlook just how *good* they are at this. Both of their voices are strong and distinctive, they know when to let the other person keep talking and when to cut in, and their recording setup makes everything come through crystal-clear (no echoes, no harsh high frequencies, etc.). This podcast probes publishing in a deep and philosophical way, and I have learned a ton from it. For entertainment and edification, you can’t beat the Loon!
  • Crazyquill
    Interesting behind the scenes views
    I love hearing these 2 agents talk about things from their end of the table, especially industry goings-on, talking about the writing community as a whole, blurbs, scandals, more than just your basic 'how to write a query letter' type of podcast. Nice repartee between them too.
  • shhcharli
    Great podcast for writers of all ages at all stages
    Funny, empathetic, down-to-earth deep cuts into every facet of the publishing industry, warts and all.
  • Bmc256843774)
    Drama and Direction All at Once!
    Laura and Erik have such a fun conversational dynamic that I could probably listen to them talk about anything. The fact that they take Book World Drama and turn it into legitimate advice and information for writers just means I love it even more! Their approach takes the crazy of publishing and puts it in perspective for those of us not yet in the industry, and helps us learn a little more about what’s normal, what’s DEFINITELY NOT normal, and what to expect when we jump into the fray. Plus they’re hilarious.
  • Hanna KJ
    THE PODCAST for publishing professionals
    CONFESSION: I have a whole "To Read" folder in my inbox with book industry news from Publishers Weekly, Jane Friedman, and Submittable. Print Run Podcast is an antidote to that inbox of shame and the guilt of not reading said e-mails (I'm just a soul whose intentions are good!). And more importantly, Laura and Erik are the reason I don't sound like idiot when people talk about what's happening in the publishing world. . . . plus now my house is always clean on Tuesdays. BLESS.
  • Boxpear
    Informative, humorous, with a little dose of drama
    This podcast has it all. Great for writers and anyone interested in the goings-on of the publishing industry.
  • Vibranistark
    Hilarious and insightful
    Print run is a great resource for anyone interested in the publishing industry. The fact that the hosts have great personalities is a bonus.
  • Scherzo411
    How can you review a book you haven’t read?
    Heard good things about this podcast, so I took a listen. The first one I heard was about the Man Booker prize predictions, and the hosts hadn’t even read any of the books! Very bad form.
  • johnelizabeth
    A Great Podcast for Fiction Writers
    I’ve been really thankful that I discovered Print Run over the last few months. Print Run is a perfect mix of funny banter and really great fun insights on the publishing world. Why aren’t you listening to Print Run yet? You have no excuse!
  • Amy Noelle Parks
    I love this!
    I could happily listen to Erik and Laura talk for an hour about gas station coffee. That they take up books and agenting and the scary world of publishing is just a bonus.
  • Lightboxr
    Like the publishing topics
    Sometimes funny, informative, and interesting--minus the curse words in my ears, which kills it.
  • Lilyredbaa1
    Grateful for This Insight
    This podcast is a gift from agents Lara and Erik. It is a wealth of information for aspiring writers. Thank You!
  • Sunnysays
    Everything a podcast should be!
    This podcast is funny, smart, with a lot of great info on publishing!
  • Drawermcdrawsome
    A Joy
    Laura and Erik have such a conversational, insightful, informative, and amusing show! Completely recommend to anyone interested in publishing, writing, or other book adjacent activities.
  • Ty @ The Lions In Winter
    Tremendous
    Fun, smart, funny and incredibly helpful for anyone trying to break into publishing. Subbed to the Patreon special content almost immediately, and totally worth it!
  • Erikarois
    Keep up with current events
    L&E do a great job of sorting through current news in a fun way. Seeing how the publishing industry works and doesn’t is good for indie and trad published writers and authors. I came for the query and first pages show, but love their voices and delivery. About the other shows: if you are new to taking critique and criticism this is a great way to see what’s going on behind the editor comments on your work. You can get a sample in the early episodes.
  • krinsty
    Great!
    Very funny, detailed commentary, and I am learning a lot about the industry which I feel is not always discussed on other writing-related podcasts.
  • Aftonnel
    Fun, informative, honest
    If you’re on the outside, looking longingly in to the book and writing industry, wondering how you can be a part of it, you must listen to this podcast. Laura and Erik make you feel like you are part of the conversation while sharing tips and trends, the highs and the lows of the book publishing world.
  • hnnhfth
    Funny and Informative
    Erik and Laura are super fun to listen to, and offer invaluable (and not sugar-coated) insight into both the craft of writing and publishing as a business. A great podcast for writers and anyone who aspires to work at any level of publishing.
  • alexandrialynn
    Good but lopsided
    I enjoy hearing about what’s going down in publishing, but often Erik takes up a lot of the talking time. I’d love to hear more balance.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.