Page Fright

Sydney Kain and Liza Petrov
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Hosted by authors Sydney Kain (Our Love Language is Murder: coming Feb 2027), and Liza Petrov (Pre-Query). PAGE FRIGHT follows the journey of Sydney and Liza as they find their place in the literary world. Each week they offer a unique take on the ins and outs of the publishing industry, discuss craft and the vulnerability it takes to be a writer, and they answer questions from fans. New episodes every Tuesday. 

  1. 5d ago

    Star Ratings Need To Go

    Write to us On this week's episode of the Page Fright podcast, Sydney and Liza tackle a few very tough questions: Is it an author's responsibility to provide their audience a "moral ending"? Are Dark Romance novels negatively affecting relationships? And the hottest bookish topic we discuss; are book ratings doing more harm than good? In an age where review bombing is rampant and positive social media engagement can be purchased or fabricated, determining who to trust to properly inform us about the quality of a book becomes difficult to navigate. Between the BookTok accounts who's livelihood is dependent on reviewing the hottest Romantasy novels and the faceless 1-star reviewers on Goodreads providing little context outside of a simple "this was awful", bookish credibility is being scrutinized. So, is it finally time to do away with star ratings across the board amongst this literary controversy? Watch full Page Fright episodes on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram!

  2. Aug 10

    Is Falling in Love With Your Work Bad For Your Career?

    Write to us Join Sydney and Liza as they talk horror movies, the trials of writing in different genres, and what it means to "fall in love" with your work.

  3. Aug 4

    Trolls and the Emotional Toll on Creators

    Write to us The raw truth about social media hate, vulnerability, and staying true to yourself as a writer—this episode exposes the messy, emotional side of stepping into the public eye. Sydney and Liza open up about the personal toll of online criticism, the challenging truth of navigating social media, and how to stay anchored in kindness and authenticity when the digital trolls come for you. From facing backlash over honest debates about romance writing rules to grappling with the emotional weight of public criticism, they share their candid experiences with negative comments, community shame, and the fear of professional repercussions. Discover how even well-meaning creators become targets of mislabeling, judgment, and hate—especially when challenging industry norms or speaking frankly about sensitive topics like sex, identity, and storytelling. Their stories highlight the importance of resilience, mental boundaries, and a supportive inner circle as powerful tools to keep going despite the noise.

  4. Jul 28

    Author Life & Tackling the Social Media Beast with Gemma Vale

    Write to us Do you like dark fantasy, messy feelings, and writers who refuse to play by the rules? Then this episode is for you. Join Liza and Sydney as they sit down with Gemma Vale, the up-and-coming indie author behind Daughter of the Night, an immersive fantasy full of dark themes, shadow magic, and complex characters who leave you guessing until the final page.  But this isn’t just a book chat — it’s also a real look at what it takes to build an author career your own way. Gemma opens up about writing with synesthesia, trusting her vision after rejection, and turning consistency into a massive social media audience primed for her book debut.

  5. Jul 21

    Horror & Ghost Stories & Book Deals, OH MY!

    Write to us In this episode, Christa pulls back the curtain on her inventive process, showing how she crafts chilling stories that blend the absurd with the terrifying, all rooted in real human emotion. You’ll discover how she masterfully combines high-stakes psychological terror with laugh-out-loud moments that flicker like ghostly whispers in the night. Christa shares the surprising origins of her hauntingly clever ideas—like faking a supernatural event to escape toxicity—and how her personal experiences influence her spooky storytelling. We break down the delicate balance she strikes between realism and absurdity, making her horror feel both believable and masterful. Buy her Book: https://bookshop.org/shop/pagefrightpodcast

  6. Jul 14

    What Agents Are Looking For Right Now

    Write to us Go behind the scenes of a publishing conference, and learn the kind of industry advice agents are actually giving writers right now. From contracts and the business side of publishing to how you can query a book that doesn't fit neatly on the genre shelf, Sydney and Liza unpack the insights that can help authors better understand what it takes to build a career in a crowded market.

  7. Jul 7

    Genre Rules & Why You're Still Stuck In the Query Trenches

    Write to us Sydney and Liza are back with a no-fluff episode that digs into the real rules behind bestselling genres—and why breaking them can make or break a book. If you’ve ever wondered what actually makes a thriller feel thrilling, why romance readers expect certain beats, or how cover art and genre tropes shape what sells, this episode is packed with the kind of behind-the-scenes publishing insight writers need.

  8. Jun 30

    Why Most Writers Get Rejected: And How to Bounce Back Stronger

    Write to us Most writers face harsh rejections and industry surprises — but what happens after those low points? In this eye-opening episode, Sydney and Liza reveal their own struggles with doubt, delays, and even near quitting — and how they kept writing anyway. With raw honesty, they dismantle the myths of easy success and expose the messy, unpredictable reality of a writing career that might just save you. You'll discover the brutal truths behind publishing timelines — from the year-long waits for book deals to the long road of marketing and sales transparency. They break down concrete stories of legendary authors like Stephen King, Dr. Seuss, and Nabokov, who faced rejection after rejection but ultimately changed literature forever. Plus, hear about the infamous 'second book curse,' the intricacies of contracts, and the deception around industry conspiracy theories. This episode is perfect for writers feeling stuck, disillusioned, or questioning if they’re cut out for the industry. If you’ve ever thought about giving up, or feared your work isn’t good enough, you’ll find a dose of reality — and hope. Sydney and Liza remind you that even in the darkness, persistence turns failure into triumph. Don't miss these hard-won lessons for every writer determined to survive the lows and thrive in the highs.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Hosted by authors Sydney Kain (Our Love Language is Murder: coming Feb 2027), and Liza Petrov (Pre-Query). PAGE FRIGHT follows the journey of Sydney and Liza as they find their place in the literary world. Each week they offer a unique take on the ins and outs of the publishing industry, discuss craft and the vulnerability it takes to be a writer, and they answer questions from fans. New episodes every Tuesday. 

Information

  • Creator
    Sydney Kain and Liza Petrov
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Page Fright
  • Show Website
    Page Fright

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