SPS-440: Author Under Attack James Blatch & Cissy Mecca
From The Self Publishing Show by James Blatch
March 26, 2026 · 48 min · Episode 440
About this episode
James and Cissy discuss controversies in the publishing industry related to AI and gatekeeping, while sharing personal insights on the challenges authors face today.
James and Cissy unpack two major controversies affecting authors this week: a traditionally published author dropped over AI writing accusations, and a literary agent's viral TikTok telling writers to stay away from the London Book Fair. Together, these stories highlight growing tensions around AI, gatekeeping, and who the publishing industry is really for. Alongside the debate, the episode blends in personal reflections on writing routines, burnout, and the realities of balancing creativity with business, offering a grounded look at what it means to be an author in today's rapidly shifting landscape. Key Talking Points The fallout from a publisher cancelling an author over suspected AI use and what this means for trust in the industry. A literary agent's controversial TikTok telling writers not to attend the London Book Fair and the wider issue of gatekeeping. Why authors are increasingly feeling "under attack" from multiple directions, including AI scrutiny and industry attitudes. The ongoing challenge of balancing writing time with business demands, stress, and productivity. Personal insights into author life, including burnout, routine disruption, and staying consistent in a…
People in this episode
Host: James Blatch
Guest: Cissy Mecca
Topics covered
- AI writing controversies
- gatekeeping in publishing
- author burnout
- writing routines
- London Book Fair
Keywords
- AI writing
- publishing industry
- author controversies
- London Book Fair
- burnout
- writing routines
- gatekeeping
Sponsors
ProWritingAid
More episodes of The Self Publishing Show
- SPS-446: The Boxset Experiment with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca · May 7, 2026 · 42 min
- SPS-445: Real Cops, Real Stories, Better Fiction with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca · April 30, 2026 · 54 min
- SPS-444: Why Your Matter Matters with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca · April 23, 2026 · 1h 1m
- SPS-443: Draft2Digital's New Charge! with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca · April 16, 2026 · 42 min
- SPS-442: Inside the SPS Live Schedule with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca · April 9, 2026 · 52 min
- SPS-441: AI Can Fix Your Ads James Blatch & Cissy Mecca · April 2, 2026 · 53 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Self Publishing Show podcast page.