ICYMI | Your Next Favorite Book Will Be Fanfiction

Slate Culture

Slate Podcasts

Arts, Tv & Film, Music

4.4 • 2K Ratings

🗓️ 6 August 2025

⏱️ 46 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Kate Lindsay and Candice Lim discuss the latest in Labubu-land, from a TikTok blackface controversy to leaving one on an iconic anti-capitalist’s grave. Then, they dive into the growing trend of fanfiction getting a big marketing push from the publishing world. From Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis starting as Reylo fanfic to Julie Soto basing her latest novel on a Dramione ship, traditional publishing is reaching into the channels of AO3, Tumblr, and Wattpad to find their next big hit. But what do we lose when our favorite fanfictions get taken mainstream? And is it good or bad for the community they originated from? Get more of ICYMI with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of ICYMI and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the ICYMI show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/icymiplus for access wherever you listen. This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	If you haven't tried Abercrombie denim yet, you're missing out.
0:04.0	Denim should fit like this.
0:06.0	It's all about proportions.
0:08.0	Abercrombie has their classic fits and athletic fits for guys who want a little more room in the thigh.
0:13.0	When you find your staple fit, it'll be the pair you reach for day after day for every plan.
0:19.0	Shop Abercrombie denim in the app, online and in store.
0:27.0	So, what are you watching at the moment?
0:28.9	Squid game, Dad.
0:30.0	Let's watch it together this weekend.
0:32.1	That'd be nice.
0:33.2	What's it on again?
0:34.0	Netflix.
0:34.8	You've got E.E. TV, so you just switch it on.
0:36.8	What season are we up to? Um, four? That's Stranger Things, Mom. And what about the kids? Don't worry, they'll watch Coke a melon for the hundredth time. Switch on Netflix with EETV, plus change up sports and entertainment. It's TV with the ultimate flex for the whole family. EETV requires Eband, separate 24-month contracts for TV and broadband content of AveryT, 10 supply.
1:10.3	Hey, I'm Candice Lim, and I'm Kate Lindsay. And you're listening to I see why I'm Candace Lim.
1:12.0	And I'm Kate Lindsay.
1:13.3	And you're listening to I see why am I.
1:15.4	In case you missed it.
1:17.0	Slate's podcast about internet culture.
1:19.7	And Kate, I think it's time.
1:21.9	Okay.
1:22.4	I think it's time for us to have the great LaBoooooooo debate.
	...

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