Argh! Not Another Podcast with William May

Episode 18 - Writer Beware: Victoria Strauss on Publishing’s Dark Side

Over the past several months, I’ve become increasingly aware of a tidal wave of scams targeting writers.  This has come to my attention both personally and professionally: first, through a barrage of various emails with tempting offers for publicity, book sales, and a boost into the authorial limelight that came direct to my email inbox and often seemed, at least on first glance, thoughtfully composed to reflect an understanding (or at least familiarity) with my work; second, through a wide variety of warnings in publications for writers, on the websites of professional organizations including publishers and agencies, and from talking with other writers who I know.  The fact is, writers are being targeted in ways that they never have been before.  Recognizing this, I felt it was extremely important to find a way to offer some guidance and insight about just how writers can keep safe.   Towards that end, the newest episode of Argh! I speak with author Victoria Strauss [https://victoriastrauss.com/], co-founder of Writer Beware [https://writerbeware.blog/], about how writers can better protect themselves and navigate these increasingly aggressive scams.  Writer Beware, if you are not familiar, has been around since the nineties, researching and fighting scams in the publishing industry, and Victoria has the insights of a seasoned veteran, including a heavy dose of common sense.  I am especially proud of this podcast and its relevance at this time,  and hope you will take some time to listen.  Even if you are not a writer, so much of what Victoria shared is, I think, quite valuable, not to mention just how interesting and entertaining the conversation itself was. Episode Highlights * Common publishing scams targeting writers * Fake marketing and promotion schemes * Red flags authors should watch for * Advice for new and emerging writers * The role of Writer Beware in protecting the literary community If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who cares about books, writing, and the published word amongst the publishing world.

Episode 17 - My First AWP: Navigating Community, Craft, and the Book Fair

In this episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, William May reflects on his first time attending the AWP Conference & Bookfair — an experience that marks a major step into the heart of the literary world. From the buzz of the book fair floor to signing copies of his book, Blaze without Burning, with Finishing Line Press, William opens up about what it’s really like to show up as a published author in a space filled with readers, writers, and industry insiders. He shares the mix of nerves and excitement, along with the moments of connection that make events like this so impactful. The conversation also touches on meeting fellow authors and publishers, insights from workshops that shape both craft and career, and the joy of discovering new voices along the way. There’s even a nod to John Waters, a few thoughts on a very surprisingly interesting grammar panel, and another one on the importance of authors using their voice with the help of podcasting. If you’ve ever wondered what AWP is really like, this is your inside look. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who cares about books, writing, and the published word amongst the publishing world.

Episode 16 - Winnie-the-Pooh, Legacy Genre Writers, and the Power of Fantasy & Science Fiction

Our first episode of 2026 comes with a little extra depth, so make a cup of tea ☕ and settle in. In this episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, William May sits down with Shahid Mahmud, founder of Arc Manor Books, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging exchange that begins with a shared affection for Winnie-the-Pooh and the enduring magic of A.A. Milne. The conversation unfolds into an honest, exuberant discussion of what it really means to build and sustain a small press. Shahid talks warmly and candidly about his journey from finance executive to science-fiction and fantasy publisher, including the moment he knew he had to make a career change towards something he loved. Together, they explore their love of reading, share a deep respect for legacy genre authors, uncover the passion for Fantasy and Science Fiction that motivates Shahid and Arc Manor Publishing, and explore what these genres can offer to writers and readers alike. 🎧 Listen to the audio companion here:⁠ William May’s Blaze Without Burning – Soundtrack / Audio Companion [https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/denisemarsapaulaharveytherhythmmethod/william-mays-blaze-without-burning-soundtrack-audio-companion%5C] If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who cares about books, writing, and the published word amongst the publishing world.

Episode 15 - In Gratitude We Trust: Reflections From a Creative Community

Gratitude showed up in many forms this year: in poetry that kept us company, in music that carried us forward, in community that crossed borders, and in the creative work that reminded us why we began. As we close out the year, Episode 15 of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing invites a pause—a moment to ask a simple but powerful question: What am I grateful for? In this special reflective episode, host William May is joined by the Marsa Media team—Denise Marsa, Meggie Dimitrova, and Melissa Nastasi—for an intimate conversation rooted in gratitude, creativity, and community. We read and reflect on messages shared by writers, creatives, collaborators, and friends from around the world—voices that speak to poetry as companionship, community as lifeline, creativity as fuel, and patience as growth. From writing communities that span continents, to music charting in UK dance clubs, to finding home in new cities, creative partnerships, trusted collaborations, and even the grounding presence of pets—this episode is a collective thank-you note to the people and practices that carried us through. This episode is produced by Marsa Media and Paul A. Harvey, and we also invite listeners to deepen the experience by tuning into Blaze without Burning: The Audio Companion, a soundtrack created by Denise Marsa, Paul A. Harvey, and The Rhythm Method, to accompany William May’s debut poetry book. 🎧 Listen to the audio companion here: William May’s Blaze Without Burning – Soundtrack / Audio Companion [https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/denisemarsapaulaharveytherhythmmethod/william-mays-blaze-without-burning-soundtrack-audio-companion%5C] Now we’d love to hear from you: What are you grateful for this year? Leave a comment, follow the podcast, and rate this episode—your support helps Argh! reach more writers, creators, and listeners who need these conversations.

Episode 14 - AI, Copyrights & Book Publishing with William May and Julie Trelstad

Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, hosted by poet and 2025 Pushcart Prize-nominated author William May, announces a groundbreaking new episode featuring publishing strategist and Head of US Publishing at Amlet.ai | Book Publishing Mentor Julie Trelstad. The 14th episode, titled “AI, Copyrights & Book Publishing with William May and Julie Trelstad,” explores one of the most urgent and contentious topics facing writers and publishers today: how artificial intelligence is reshaping the creative and ownership landscape. Trelstad, a longtime industry leader who has guided authors and publishers through several technological disruptions—from the rise of eBooks to the explosion of digital publishing and social media, approached May specifically after hearing about his podcast. She comes with a purpose: to help authors understand AI, protect their work, and harness new tools responsibly to aid in this era of change. A major highlight is Trelstad’s explanation of content registration and licensing for AI systems. May shares, “What I understand is she’s on something of a crusade to help authors and publishing professionals understand AI. I was apprehensive about speaking with Ms. Trelstad, and I told her so during our initial chat before we started recording. Our conversation reflects my feelings quite clearly, and she was graceful with her responses, which I totally appreciate.”  What follows is a thoughtful, warm, honest exchange between a cautious poet and a forward-looking strategist. The two passionate professionals explore how artificial intelligence is transforming book publishing—from creative process to content protection—and provide practical insights that help writers navigate these changes without compromising artistic integrity. The episode opens with Trelstad’s personal arc: what first drew her to publishing, how she became a digital innovator, and why AI represents a disruption unlike any before it. May voices what many authors feel: worry that AI could dilute originality or replace creative roles. Trelstad addresses these fears directly, framing AI as a tool, not a replacement, and outlining how writers can maintain their voice while embracing new technologies. ABOUT THE PODCAST Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing is hosted by poet and 2025 Pushcart Prize-nominated author William May. The Pushcart Prize is an American literary award that honors the best poetry, short fiction, and essays from small presses and literary magazines. Winning is a significant honor in the literary world, and being nominated is considered a major achievement for a writer.  Produced by Marsa Media and May with humor, candor, and deep curiosity, the show explores the many-layered world of publishing—from book creation to marketing to the evolving technologies shaping the industry. Each episode brings honest conversations with authors, editors, strategists, and innovators who are redefining what it means to publish in the 21st century.