Ryan T. Pozzi
@ryantpozzi.bsky.social
Former nonprofit executive | Author of The Mess That Made Them (forthcoming from Bloomsbury) | Historian of cultural myth, fraud, and lost stories | BOTN Nominee | Rep: Anderson Literary Agency | www.ryantpozzi.com | Socials are first draft energy
Pinned
It took a while because Fall is a very busy season at our house, but our thank you boxes are finally going out to my agent, my editor, and her assistant for the closing of the deal for my debut at Bloomsbury (pub date TBD.)
I don't believe in “networking.” I believe in long term reciprocity. If I work with you, I want you to feel seen, paid as well as I can manage, and never treated like a stepping stone in my hero narrative.
November 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM
I don't believe in “networking.” I believe in long term reciprocity. If I work with you, I want you to feel seen, paid as well as I can manage, and never treated like a stepping stone in my hero narrative.
People love to say “Somebody has to be the lucky one.” Statistically true, emotionally useless. The real question is whether doing the work still matters to you even if you're never that person.
November 25, 2025 at 3:15 PM
People love to say “Somebody has to be the lucky one.” Statistically true, emotionally useless. The real question is whether doing the work still matters to you even if you're never that person.
Today’s Life on the Midlist is about publishing as a “terrible industry full of wonderful people,” how much of it runs on underpaid labor, and why I sent tea and shortbread instead of rage. Hitting inboxes at 2 p.m. Central.
There's still time to sign up. Link in bio
There's still time to sign up. Link in bio
November 25, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Today’s Life on the Midlist is about publishing as a “terrible industry full of wonderful people,” how much of it runs on underpaid labor, and why I sent tea and shortbread instead of rage. Hitting inboxes at 2 p.m. Central.
There's still time to sign up. Link in bio
There's still time to sign up. Link in bio
"Many poets are not poets for the same reason that many religious men are not saints...They never become the man or the artist who is called for by all the circumstances of their individual lives. They waste their years in vain efforts to be some other poet, some other saint."
-Thomas Merton
-Thomas Merton
November 24, 2025 at 10:56 PM
"Many poets are not poets for the same reason that many religious men are not saints...They never become the man or the artist who is called for by all the circumstances of their individual lives. They waste their years in vain efforts to be some other poet, some other saint."
-Thomas Merton
-Thomas Merton
Elizabeth would love me almost no matter what, like an ancient curse or a chronic illness or something, but I'm unwell so some part of me remains convinced even 12 years on that I need to constantly bribe her with little gifts to secure her love. 🤷♂️
Today's little gift: banana Laffy Taffy
Today's little gift: banana Laffy Taffy
November 24, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Elizabeth would love me almost no matter what, like an ancient curse or a chronic illness or something, but I'm unwell so some part of me remains convinced even 12 years on that I need to constantly bribe her with little gifts to secure her love. 🤷♂️
Today's little gift: banana Laffy Taffy
Today's little gift: banana Laffy Taffy
I’ve known so many writers and artists who gave up before they even started because they decided, alone in a room, that they weren’t “good enough.”
Here’s the ugly little truth:
“Good enough” is just passion that refused to die, plus practice that went on longer than anyone expected.
Here’s the ugly little truth:
“Good enough” is just passion that refused to die, plus practice that went on longer than anyone expected.
November 24, 2025 at 5:41 PM
I’ve known so many writers and artists who gave up before they even started because they decided, alone in a room, that they weren’t “good enough.”
Here’s the ugly little truth:
“Good enough” is just passion that refused to die, plus practice that went on longer than anyone expected.
Here’s the ugly little truth:
“Good enough” is just passion that refused to die, plus practice that went on longer than anyone expected.
Current status: nonfiction book under contract and turned over to Bloomsbury, regional tour in the works, marketing doc so long that looks like it might be a whole other manuscript, and exactly zero idea how this will land. 2026 here we come!
November 24, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Current status: nonfiction book under contract and turned over to Bloomsbury, regional tour in the works, marketing doc so long that looks like it might be a whole other manuscript, and exactly zero idea how this will land. 2026 here we come!
My nonfiction debut, The Mess That Made Them, is basically my argument with the idea that you only get one clean shot at a creative life.
If you've ever thought “I missed my chance, I'm too late, I have too much baggage,” congratulations, you're exactly who I wrote it for.
If you've ever thought “I missed my chance, I'm too late, I have too much baggage,” congratulations, you're exactly who I wrote it for.
November 24, 2025 at 3:15 AM
My nonfiction debut, The Mess That Made Them, is basically my argument with the idea that you only get one clean shot at a creative life.
If you've ever thought “I missed my chance, I'm too late, I have too much baggage,” congratulations, you're exactly who I wrote it for.
If you've ever thought “I missed my chance, I'm too late, I have too much baggage,” congratulations, you're exactly who I wrote it for.
Somebody explain diabetes to script writers.
Drives me nuts when an actor does hypoglycemia and their people frantically search for their insulin and give them an injection.
This brings them around in seconds, of course.
1. Nah. It always takes longer.
2. Wrong way, man, you just killed them.
Drives me nuts when an actor does hypoglycemia and their people frantically search for their insulin and give them an injection.
This brings them around in seconds, of course.
1. Nah. It always takes longer.
2. Wrong way, man, you just killed them.
November 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Somebody explain diabetes to script writers.
Drives me nuts when an actor does hypoglycemia and their people frantically search for their insulin and give them an injection.
This brings them around in seconds, of course.
1. Nah. It always takes longer.
2. Wrong way, man, you just killed them.
Drives me nuts when an actor does hypoglycemia and their people frantically search for their insulin and give them an injection.
This brings them around in seconds, of course.
1. Nah. It always takes longer.
2. Wrong way, man, you just killed them.
Hot take: “If you were meant to do this, someone would have discovered you by now” is one of the most destructive stories we tell.
Working definition of being “meant” to do it: You keep caring about it even when absolutely no one claps.
Working definition of being “meant” to do it: You keep caring about it even when absolutely no one claps.
November 23, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Hot take: “If you were meant to do this, someone would have discovered you by now” is one of the most destructive stories we tell.
Working definition of being “meant” to do it: You keep caring about it even when absolutely no one claps.
Working definition of being “meant” to do it: You keep caring about it even when absolutely no one claps.
If my book sells 10,000 copies in year one, it will be a “breakout.” That word sounds glamorous until you realize it means “the midlist author did pretty well for once.”
Follow along:
Follow along:
Life on the Midlist | Discover Realities of Traditional Publishing — Ryan T. Pozzi
Explore authentic stories from a midlist author about publishing, querying, and the truths behind making it in the book industry, delivered every Tuesday.
www.ryantpozzi.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:08 PM
If my book sells 10,000 copies in year one, it will be a “breakout.” That word sounds glamorous until you realize it means “the midlist author did pretty well for once.”
Follow along:
Follow along:
Clearly an important part of my writing process... #booksky #writingcommunity
November 23, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Clearly an important part of my writing process... #booksky #writingcommunity
Site cleanup report: successful.
I just refreshed my homepage so it actually acts like a front door instead of a filing cabinet. Clearer path to the book, easier signups for Life on the Midlist, less clutter.
Take a look: ryantpozzi.com
I just refreshed my homepage so it actually acts like a front door instead of a filing cabinet. Clearer path to the book, easier signups for Life on the Midlist, less clutter.
Take a look: ryantpozzi.com
Ryan T. Pozzi | Explore Myth and History Today
Discover Ryan T. Pozzi's insights on myth, fraud, and lost stories, examining what truly happened beyond headlines. Engage with expert analysis and storytelling.
ryantpozzi.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Site cleanup report: successful.
I just refreshed my homepage so it actually acts like a front door instead of a filing cabinet. Clearer path to the book, easier signups for Life on the Midlist, less clutter.
Take a look: ryantpozzi.com
I just refreshed my homepage so it actually acts like a front door instead of a filing cabinet. Clearer path to the book, easier signups for Life on the Midlist, less clutter.
Take a look: ryantpozzi.com
Me: Everyone says it's hard to sell copies of a nonfiction debut
Her: Bloomsbury's on it, right?
Me: Yeah, but I'm Midlist so...
Her: Didn't you write your own marketing plan?
Me: 51 detailed pages
Her: Local partners?
Me: 5 bookstores, 5 public libraries, and your tea shop
Her: You worry too much.
Her: Bloomsbury's on it, right?
Me: Yeah, but I'm Midlist so...
Her: Didn't you write your own marketing plan?
Me: 51 detailed pages
Her: Local partners?
Me: 5 bookstores, 5 public libraries, and your tea shop
Her: You worry too much.
November 22, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Me: Everyone says it's hard to sell copies of a nonfiction debut
Her: Bloomsbury's on it, right?
Me: Yeah, but I'm Midlist so...
Her: Didn't you write your own marketing plan?
Me: 51 detailed pages
Her: Local partners?
Me: 5 bookstores, 5 public libraries, and your tea shop
Her: You worry too much.
Her: Bloomsbury's on it, right?
Me: Yeah, but I'm Midlist so...
Her: Didn't you write your own marketing plan?
Me: 51 detailed pages
Her: Local partners?
Me: 5 bookstores, 5 public libraries, and your tea shop
Her: You worry too much.
Very relevant modern take alert!
I think Ludacris lyrics were underappreciated for their silliness. #seriouscritic #sillybars
I think Ludacris lyrics were underappreciated for their silliness. #seriouscritic #sillybars
November 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Very relevant modern take alert!
I think Ludacris lyrics were underappreciated for their silliness. #seriouscritic #sillybars
I think Ludacris lyrics were underappreciated for their silliness. #seriouscritic #sillybars
Reposted by Ryan T. Pozzi
Almost a year now since I received this absolutely classic burn from the Canadian government.
November 21, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Almost a year now since I received this absolutely classic burn from the Canadian government.
You don't like Life on the Midlist?
I'd like to see you do better.
No, seriously. I'd subscribe.
I'd like to see you do better.
No, seriously. I'd subscribe.
Life on the Midlist | Discover Realities of Traditional Publishing — Ryan T. Pozzi
Explore authentic stories from a midlist author about publishing, querying, and the truths behind making it in the book industry, delivered every Tuesday.
www.ryantpozzi.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:07 PM
You don't like Life on the Midlist?
I'd like to see you do better.
No, seriously. I'd subscribe.
I'd like to see you do better.
No, seriously. I'd subscribe.
Newsletter? What newsletter? I just bitch about publishing once a week.
Life on the Midlist | Discover Realities of Traditional Publishing — Ryan T. Pozzi
Explore authentic stories from a midlist author about publishing, querying, and the truths behind making it in the book industry, delivered every Tuesday.
www.ryantpozzi.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Newsletter? What newsletter? I just bitch about publishing once a week.
Internet: Settle a difference of opinion in my house.
I listen to a lot of what my wife calls "sad boy music." Elliott Smith, The Postal Service, Neutral Milk Hotel, Okkervil River, etc.
Vote:
1. I listen to them bc I'm sad.
2. I'm sad bc I listen to them.
3. Music is music. Sadness is sadness.
I listen to a lot of what my wife calls "sad boy music." Elliott Smith, The Postal Service, Neutral Milk Hotel, Okkervil River, etc.
Vote:
1. I listen to them bc I'm sad.
2. I'm sad bc I listen to them.
3. Music is music. Sadness is sadness.
November 21, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Internet: Settle a difference of opinion in my house.
I listen to a lot of what my wife calls "sad boy music." Elliott Smith, The Postal Service, Neutral Milk Hotel, Okkervil River, etc.
Vote:
1. I listen to them bc I'm sad.
2. I'm sad bc I listen to them.
3. Music is music. Sadness is sadness.
I listen to a lot of what my wife calls "sad boy music." Elliott Smith, The Postal Service, Neutral Milk Hotel, Okkervil River, etc.
Vote:
1. I listen to them bc I'm sad.
2. I'm sad bc I listen to them.
3. Music is music. Sadness is sadness.
My newsletter thinks your newsletter secretly likes Nickelback.
It's not judging, but damn. Get a Pandora account or something.
Or just read my newsletter. It's not much longer than a Nickelback song once a week. (I checked.)
www.ryantpozzi.com/midlist
It's not judging, but damn. Get a Pandora account or something.
Or just read my newsletter. It's not much longer than a Nickelback song once a week. (I checked.)
www.ryantpozzi.com/midlist
Life on the Midlist | Discover Realities of Traditional Publishing — Ryan T. Pozzi
Explore authentic stories from a midlist author about publishing, querying, and the truths behind making it in the book industry, delivered every Tuesday.
www.ryantpozzi.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:02 PM
My newsletter thinks your newsletter secretly likes Nickelback.
It's not judging, but damn. Get a Pandora account or something.
Or just read my newsletter. It's not much longer than a Nickelback song once a week. (I checked.)
www.ryantpozzi.com/midlist
It's not judging, but damn. Get a Pandora account or something.
Or just read my newsletter. It's not much longer than a Nickelback song once a week. (I checked.)
www.ryantpozzi.com/midlist
I wish I had a weird model train empire.
November 21, 2025 at 5:20 PM
I wish I had a weird model train empire.
🎶 Spinning this AM 🎶
November 21, 2025 at 4:52 PM
🎶 Spinning this AM 🎶
I'd humble brag more, but I'm really only good at one of those two things. #ItStartsWithaB
November 21, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I'd humble brag more, but I'm really only good at one of those two things. #ItStartsWithaB
I agreed to help with a task for a local conference, but no one really knows me there yet, so they weren't aware that I ran NPOs and managed events for a dozen years before writing books.
I was up to speed in a few weeks and finished with the task itself a few days later. Now they think I'm magic.
I was up to speed in a few weeks and finished with the task itself a few days later. Now they think I'm magic.
November 21, 2025 at 3:26 PM
I agreed to help with a task for a local conference, but no one really knows me there yet, so they weren't aware that I ran NPOs and managed events for a dozen years before writing books.
I was up to speed in a few weeks and finished with the task itself a few days later. Now they think I'm magic.
I was up to speed in a few weeks and finished with the task itself a few days later. Now they think I'm magic.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
#whistlinginthedark #selfdeception
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
#whistlinginthedark #selfdeception
November 21, 2025 at 2:14 PM
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
#whistlinginthedark #selfdeception
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
I will not adopt a dog.
#whistlinginthedark #selfdeception