Publishing Disrupted

Mick Silva and David Morris
  • 4.8 (6)
  • Books

Exploring the ways in which book publishing is changing and how writers can best meet the challenge. A conversation between two publishing veterans and friends, editor Mick Silva and publisher and literary agent David Morris.  MickSilva.com / DavidRMorris.me 

  1. Jun 5

    When the Anxiety Narrative Becomes a Trap

    Following some professional and personal updates, we embrace the energy of the coming summer by digging into a recent Publisher's Weekly Religion article highlighting how "anxious readers" are apparently buying up Bibles. It felt like a suspiciously familiar trope, so we tried to unpack that assumption a bit.  No mention of the widely publicized decreases in church attendance, or religious disaffiliation as a whole, but we an earlier article claimed some publishers, very different ones, are "saying Amen to resistance" with books from the progressive left (and the conservative right too, of course) responding to our overheated political climate.  But even that framing feels shoehorned. We wonder where are the truly fresh takes? Where's the deeper dives beyond the stereotypes? (Again, is "mainstream audience" even a useful term anymore?) If you're tired of the tired tropes and assumptions, we hope you'll tag along for some rousing discussion. Specific articles mentioned can be found at publishersweekly.com, News > Religion section: "Religion Publishers Say Amen to Resistance," and "Anxious Readers Turn to God." Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com, LakeDriveBooks.com, and Hyponymous.com.

    44 min

  2. May 15

    Writing the Story that Chose You

    In this episode, David and I talked about the difference between writing books that seem important or interesting, and writing the stories that you didn't choose, but must be told. That's a massive difference, and it's not often talked about enough. So we talked about it.  I shared two quotes: one from Jeff Foster about being less prepared and more vulnerable, and another from Brené Brown on owning your story. Both fit nicely into what we're really trying to do in these conversations: to take time for a more honest response to the big disruptions in our lives, and to consider what we want to do about them. Relating, sharing, writing, and living, all ultimately working toward better integration. Jeff Foster's book is You Were Never Broken.  Brené Brown's is The Gifts of Imperfection. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com, LakeDriveBooks.com, and Hyponymous.com.

    47 min

  3. Apr 24

    Our Takeaways from the Festival of Faith and Writing, 2026

    David and I discussed our impressions of the FFW writers conference this year where we had many conversations at the Lake Drive Books table about some of our favorite topics--and books. For some reason, none of the big 5 Christian publishers were there. Which is pretty interesting when you realize this is one of the bigger and better-known book conferences that included many well-known Christian authors.  Come listen in as we bat around some theories and try to determine whether there's a similar reason the most popular faith-based publishers and mass culture are so monolithic and risk-averse. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com, LakeDriveBooks.com, and Hyponymous.com.

    45 min

  4. Apr 3

    The Art of the Almost Said: Talking with Writer, Editor, & Poet Bob Hudson

    We're joined in the library studio by our friend and publishing colleague Robert Hudson to talk about his boutique chapbook publishing and the soul of the indie press.  Much has been made (and is still being made) about mainstream publishing, their dominance and supposed clout, and the validation of authors they offer. But listening to Bob, an insider who has always cultivated his little garden outside of it, it's clear there's much to be said for the thriving indie press and its indominable spirit.  He shares some advice for writers, and we all discussed how we see the deconstruction movement feeding a resurgence in more authentic, and autonomous publishing. Come along. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com, LakeDriveBooks.com, and Hyponymous.com.

    1h 14m

  5. Mar 23

    Can We Forget Platform, Please? Calling All Pathfinders and Waymakers, with Ivy Zeller

    David and Mick are joined by fellow book editor and Hyponymous literary agent Ivy Zeller to discuss her refreshing response to the disrupted publishing landscape.  What can we learn from zine culture? How specific can we get with audiences? How do representation and advocacy inform our publishing path? There was so much to discuss in this vibrant conversation! Please let us know how you responded to the topics and themes we covered. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com, LakeDriveBooks.com, and Hyponymous.com.

    44 min

  6. Mar 6

    Embracing New Cultures, New Languages, & the New Ember Conference

    Extending our theme of how to find new gatherings and community (when the old ones are no longer serving), Publisher David shares his recent experiences with a local German club, and at the progressive-Christian Ember Conference in Oakland, CA.  If you're looking to connect with more diverse people, learn new things you never knew, or just seeking new ways to experience a wider world, this is a great conversation. Books and book people are, of course, fascinating and full of exciting, deep ideas. And we want to highlight the opportunities in local communities--especially at the new recent Ember Conference in Oakland, California--to invest in more welcoming and authentic relationships.  If you're a reader, a writer, or just interested in a more "egalitarian" way to produce books, we hope you'll come along. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com, LakeDriveBooks.com, and Hyponymous.com.

    39 min

  7. Feb 13

    Connections, Creativity, and Chicken Scratch, with PW Religion Writer Ann Byle

    In this conversation with long-time journalist, author, and writing coach Ann Byle, she provided us with some industry analysis, career advice, and some opinionated takes on relevant themes, particularly getting creative in modern Christian publishing. The publishing landscape is definitely changing, so she shared the difference between vanity and custom publishing and noted that as part of her work covering Publishers Weekly’s religion section, custom-published books are earning more genuine respect in the marketplace. Connections are still king and take time, but with some "chicken scratch creativity," you can build a career that lasts. Ann Byle is at annbylewriter.com Her book is Chicken Scratch: Lessons on Living Creatively from a Flock of Hens Religion Book Line newsletter is at PublishersWeekly.com Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com, LakeDriveBooks.com, and Hyponymous.com.

    56 min

  8. Jan 29

    Where We're Coming From: Our Faith Disruptions

    As snow falls outside the window in Grand Rapids we decided it was finally time to share how our personal faith journeys have been disrupted and how that's affected our deep engagement with the material we edit, represent, and publish. As former Christian publishing professionals, we once assented to certain beliefs. But we currently land in a very different place. And we know we’re not alone. Whether your faith disruption is minor or you've identified some religious trauma, we hope you'll feel welcome to explore this topic with us and recognize something of yourself in this growing community of misfits we work with and publish for.  If you've stepped away from organized religion, the shift is personal and profound. But leaving one community shouldn't mean losing community entirely. Amidst our shifting identities (and judgment from others), writing and reading new books helps us more deeply appreciate unanswered questions and develop critical thinking. If you recognize the strength in a diversity of voices, perspectives, and experiences and want to go deeper together, we hope you'll come along. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com, LakeDriveBooks.com, and Hyponymous.com.

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Exploring the ways in which book publishing is changing and how writers can best meet the challenge. A conversation between two publishing veterans and friends, editor Mick Silva and publisher and literary agent David Morris.  MickSilva.com / DavidRMorris.me 

Information

  • Creator
    Mick Silva and David Morris
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Publishing Disrupted
  • Show Website
    Publishing Disrupted

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