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PODCAST

A People"s Guide to Publishing

Microcosm Publishing

Do you find that the traditional methods for book publishing aren"t working for you? Are you a publisher or author who wants to innovate, succeed, and expand your audience through time-tested methods? We offer time-tested publishing methods that we know work because we have used them to sell millions of books in a changing industry. We have been inundated with requests for consulting so we created this show to share everything we know. We are the executives of Microcosm Publishing, a

arts books

All Episodes

9:57

Episode 356: What did we learn by packing orders? | A...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/04/09

Throwback time! This week on the pod, we're revisiting an old-school episode, where Joe and Elly report back after helping out on the shipping floor. Did our systems hold up? What did they learn in the process? (Spoiler alert: A bit!)************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast! We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosmGet the

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12:55

Episode 355: Romantasy, Horror, Microstores:...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/04/02

Maureen Karb is a field sales rep and with Como Sales, a rep group that focuses on indie publishers selling to indie bookstores. Because of what she does, Maureen has a great knowledge and perspective on what's new and trending at bookstores.From romantasy and horror to new types of bookstores opening all over the country, this week on the pod, join Maureen, Joe, and Elly to talk about what's hot (and what's not) in book world.************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to

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14:14

Episode 354: Do book reviews matter anymore? w/Jane...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/03/26

It's been said more and more frequently that reviews from trade publications don't sell books the way they used to. Why is that, and what DOES sell books? This week on the pod, Jane Friedman of the Bottom Line is back to talk with Joe and Elly about the movement away from book critique to book content, what book reviews are good for, and what, if anything, they can do to help sell books.For more valuable insights about the book industry from Jane, check out The Bottom Line:

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58:27

Episode 353: Book Bans and How to Fight Them w/Danny...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/03/19

Danny Caine, author of "How to Resist Amazon and Why", "How to Protect Bookstores and Why", and the new "How to Defend Books and Why" is a writer, speaker, and former bookstore owner. This week on the podcast, join Danny, Elly, and Joe as they talk about the interplay of book bans and freedom movements the world over, how you can defend books, and the work and the conversations and interviews that shaped "How to Defend Books."Get Danny's books on the Microcosm website, or your local indie

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41:47

Episode 352: How do you take care of your air?...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/03/12

At this point, most of us are familiar with checking the air quality when we go outside during certain times of the year, or ventilating when using chemicals or it's the flu season. But how familiar are you with the air in your home on a day to day basis? From radon, ozone, particulate matter, and more, there's a lot you can do to keep breathing easy, and we've got a book to help!This week on the podcast, "Air Self-Care Handbook" author Melissa Wrolstad joins Joe & Elly to talk about

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15:30

Episode 351: The Queer, Feminist Joy of Bikes in...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/03/05

For over 10 years, Elly has been publishing a series called "Bikes in Space," full of joyfully feminist (and often queer) genre short stories ON BIKES.One of our longest term contributors is Summer Jewel Keown, who also edited the most recent edition, "What Rides at Night"This week on the pod, Elly and Summer have a chat about bikes, the Bikes in Space selection process, and queer Halloween.Check out all the Bikes in Space books Summer has contributed

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14:17

Episode 350: Do Book Awards Matter? (w/Jane Friedman)...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/02/26

Book awards! There are a lot of them out there. Our books have even won a couple!But are they success indicators? Does a book or author winning an award mean anything for the publisher? How can a publisher use an award in their marketing?Jane Friedman of The Bottom Line is back to chat with Elly and Joe about awards, cash grabs, and the array of experiences out there.Check out "The Bottom Line" here:

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12:25

Episode 349: Lessons Learned: New Edition of People's...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/02/19

In 2018, we released "A People's Guide to Publishing," detailing everything Joe and the Microcosm team had learned through the years about starting, running, and sustaining an independent publishing company.For Microcosm's 30th anniversary, we've released a second edition of the book, expanded to include even MORE lessons Joe's learned over the last few years, and how to apply them to your publishing company.This week on the pod, join Joe and Elly as they talk about what's new in the second

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27:48

Episode 348: 30 Years of Growing Worlds: It's...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/02/12

In 1996, Microcosm started a small closet poorly insulated house. It wasn’t intended to be a job or an organization, or even a business. Thirty years later, this has turned out to be one Microcosm’s strengths. We've always intended to solve a very real problem, no matter how unrealistic the set of circumstances and challenges.This week on the podcast, hang out with Joe and Elly as they take you through Microcosm's origins, how we got here, and what lessons they'll be taking into the next 30

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58:07

Episode 347: How do you organize inclusive events and...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/02/05

A LOT goes into the planning of conferences, signings, and basically every event. How do you make sure it's accessible to everyone who wants to come? It goes beyond just making sure your space is ADA accessible! Dr. Alex D. Ketchum's new book, "How to Organize Inclusive Events & Conferences," is full of practical tips, templates, and guidance for organizing accessible, inclusivity-oriented events.This week on the pod, Alex joins Joe and Elly to talk about accessibility, favorite

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36:28

Episode 346: What is marketing? | A People's Guide to...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/01/29

Marketing is made up many things. Direct outreach, broad social media posts, newsletters, and so much more all play a part, depending on what you do. But in the constant chase for analytics and making the numbers go up, it's important to remember that first and foremost, marketing is about building relationships.Today on the pod, check out a recent staff education session where we put some of our big brains together to learn the ins and outs of marketing, how it works for Microcosm, and

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11:47

Episode 345: Can publishing fewer books lead to more...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/01/22

Will publishing fewer books make more money? It feels counterintuitive, but when you look closer, it frees up the ability to market more specifically, edit more thoroughly, and generally give more care in attention to what you've got going on. Find out how Joe & Elly made the decision to find Microcosm's "optimal number" of titles per season, and how they've discovered that more isn't always better.************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast! We post

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14:37

Episode 344: AI, Closures, Tariffs, and More: 2025 in...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/01/08

We are far from the only ones saying it, but 2025 was an ass-kicker of a year. From tariffs Baker and Taylor closing to AI, publishing felt like a roller coaster for much of the year.How did it impact Microcosm, and publishing culture? This week on the pod, Joe, Elly, and special guest Bernie the Office Dog recap 2025 in the book industry. ************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast! We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the

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21:56

Episode 343: What do Edelweiss changes mean for book...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2026/01/02

Edelweiss is known in the book industry as a powerful tool connecting booksellers and librarians with publishers and their titles. But in the last year, Edelweiss's new owners have made some changes in both the site's functionality and pricing. What does this mean for publishers, and how do we think it'll effect the industry? Jane Friedman of the Bottom Line is back this week to talk with Joe and Elly about her thoughts. ************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to Publishing

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33:02

Episode 342: Budgeting When Thinking About Money...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2025/12/26

How do you set a personal budget, even if thinking about money feels like the worst thing ever? What if you're allergic to spreadsheets, or your family set you up with a ton of anxiety and expectations around finances?Joe Biel, founder and CEO of Microcosm and regular host of the pod, did a little seminar for Microcosm staff on setting a personal budget and Joe's favorite tips for money management. We got so much out of it, we wanted to share it with you! If you want more tips on where to

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16:48

Episode 341: When should book publishers innovate?...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2025/12/18

"Innovation" is one of the biggest words you hear in just about any industry, especially with the rise of our new AI overlords. It can be so tempting to make big changes just for the sake of making changes!But what is real innovation, and how do you know when it needs to happen? How do you innovate with intention? Is innovation even right for you? Jane Friedman of The Bottom Line is back with Joe and Elly this week to talk about branding, change, innovation, and how to go about it all

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7:54

Episode 340: How do publishers use math to make...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2025/12/12

It's another throwback episode!Usually books and math don't mix. The book people sit in one spot, the math in another, with their calculators and abacuses. But Microcosm founder and CEO Joe Biel is a known champion of combining the two!This week on the pod, Joe and Elly talk about the math that goes into publishing, from finances, to calculating print runs, and everything in between.************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast! We post new episodes every

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12:11

Episode 339: How Can Book Publishers Utilize...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2025/11/26

Early episode drop this week due to the holiday!Put simply, bookstore co-op is a tool publishers can use to incentivize bookstores for ordering and featuring their books, or hosting events with their authors. Is co-op right for your publisher? How do you best use it?Jane Friedman of The Bottom Line is back to chat with Joe and Elly about co-op, Microcosm's experience with it, and how to communicate with buyers and reps about it.Check out The Bottom Line here:

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15:08

Episode 338: What is in a good book contract? | A...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2025/11/20

It's a throwback episode!Contracts are no one's favorite part of publishing, no matter which side of the table you're sitting on. This week on the pod, we revisit a classic People's Guide to Publishing episode where Joe and Elly walk you through why contracts are important, how to navigate them as an author, and what makes a good publishing contract.************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast! We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors,

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42:44

Episode 337: It doesn't have to be perfect: Punk, Art...

A People"s Guide to Publishing ·

2025/11/13

It's the 20th-ish anniversary of Ashley Rowe Palafox's original "Barefoot and in the Kitchen" zine! This week on the pod, Ashley joins us to talk about the inception of the zine, how punk helps you let go of perfectionism, and updating the zines for the new collection, "Cook Your Own F*cking Life."Get "Cook Your Own Fucking Life" here: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/59290Check out Ashley's other works here:

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