The Publishing Industry Is Changing (And We Have Thoughts) + New Releases

The Publishing Industry Is Changing (And We Have Thoughts) + New Releases

Author: Under the Covers Book Blog October 21, 2025 Duration: 34:38

In this episode of the Reading Under the Covers Podcast, we share a replay of our Novel Hour Live Show. We kick things off with the publishing industry bombshells currently rocking BookTok. From trad publishers chasing indie darlings to brand-new imprints launching with 100% self-published titles, it’s giving... upheaval. We talk about what’s driving this shift, why publishers are playing it safe, and what authors (and readers) should do next.

Watch the live video replay here: https://youtube.com/live/01c-ZgDRE9Q

Also in this episode:

  • New book releases: from cozy Japanese mysteries to historical horror and paranormal holiday romance
  • Current reads: from dark cowboy romance to poisoner botanists
  • What we’re watching: why The Woman in Cabin 10 adaptation just didn’t work

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:23 The Shift Towards Indie Publishing

04:24 Discussion on Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

07:41 New Book Releases

16:59 Current Reads and Recommendations

27:04 The Woman in Cabin 10: Book vs. Movie

34:15 Final Thoughts

🆕 New Book Releases (Oct 13–19)

✦ The Menu of Happiness by Hisashi Kashiwai: https://rstyle.me/+B5rTCHyw7-0_GvsHjQ7QsA

✦ And Then There Was the One by Martha Waters: https://rstyle.me/+Qm8dR-bMCXX6TnlOHkGPyA

✦ The Dogs of Venice by Steven Rowley: https://rstyle.me/+eAzBIuzPRJsK69LzLzUEhg

✦ The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong: https://rstyle.me/+SjF2Dd_yq_fi-EjP-svN8Q

✦ The Last Witch by CJ Cooke: https://rstyle.me/+S4RdEtBoJDXKJlXmP9mbZA

✦ I'm Gonna Get You Back by Elena Armas: https://rstyle.me/+VTHBrSB9XvEziJSAAWVN4g

✦ A Scar in the Bone by Sophie Jordan: https://rstyle.me/+vaAR7YvD8-nkrQwbdXQNoQ

✦ Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham: https://rstyle.me/+v8H78Pm4L6zlNxfe1E5Nng

✦ Scrooged for the Holidays by Kayla Grosse: https://rstyle.me/+BIGffsCznag2wL1SSfnD-Q

✦ Poisoned Ivy by Ava Rani: https://rstyle.me/+pthj43f7Zs8ZTS_zV3CxtQ

📚 Currently Reading and Up Next:

✦ Branded by Saffron A. Kent: https://rstyle.me/+U2jPdNmjDoqTucdjHKLbAQ

✦ The Poisoner by I.V. Ophelia: https://rstyle.me/+rcDgMRSbtb36QBXfvEowpg

✦ Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen: https://rstyle.me/+iqC0XeMTtv35-RwUgJ1rSg

Sources Mentioned:

https://www.tiktok.com/@jescadawn/video/7558894234565119287?_r=1&_t=ZP-90bJUEtJQZb

https://kellylbeck.substack.com/p/the-state-of-traditional-publishing

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If you've ever stayed up far too late, utterly lost in the world of a romance novel, you're in the right place. Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast is that feeling, turned into a conversation. Hosted by the two friends behind the Under the Covers Book Blog, this podcast feels like pulling up a chair in your favorite bookstore café. Each episode is a deep, often hilarious, and always heartfelt dive into the books they can't stop thinking about. You'll hear genuine, spoiler-filled discussions that dissect everything from beloved tropes and character chemistry to the sheer craft of storytelling. It's a celebration of the genre in all its forms-historical, contemporary, fantasy, and everything in between. More than just reviews, it's about the shared experience of reading: the anticipation of a new release, the comfort of a re-read, and the joy of finding a perfect book boyfriend. This is a space for fellow enthusiasts who understand that a great romance novel isn't just a story; it's an escape, a comfort, and a source of genuine delight. Tune in for passionate recommendations, thoughtful analysis, and the kind of enthusiastic fangirling that only true friends and book lovers can share.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast
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