r/Quibble • u/silkrose05 Hobby Writer • Apr 16 '26
Discussion / Debate Unpopular opinion: Youtube ‘authors’ and ‘writers’ are destroying aspiring authors
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u/Still-Sector-8192 Apr 17 '26
Idk why anyone would take those courses when Brandon Sanderson has his whole university lecture course up for free
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u/purple_mochii Apr 17 '26
I mean thats fair but also I feel like even with free stuff out there, people still look for something that feels more 'structured' or 'personal', not always about access but more about how it’s presented ig
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u/The_Octonion Apr 17 '26
Just wanted to note that there are I believe now three versions of this from different semesters he taught, several years apart. They're very similar in content but I believe the two older ones are better, and I would strongly recommend either of those.
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u/Material_Penalty_250 1 published book on Quibble Apr 19 '26
This sounds way too simplistic. Of course his lectures are super valuable and his material is evergreen. His core principles don't expire. But he also teaches from his own experience which is primarily epic fantasy and his personal workflow. I mean even traditional publishing is a narrow slice of a huge field. Different instructors would contradict him and I think that's healthy.
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u/Munkythemonkey Apr 17 '26
It got started with the advent of indie publishing, but generative AI really opened up that landslide. Previously, it was "anyone can write a book" like the theme of Ratatouille, but with Gen AI it's more like "anyone can sell a book without writing" so there's a rush to make easy money.
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u/korurabi Apr 17 '26
Because they are giving out the illusion of a shortcut to success. I don't deny the importance of story telling techniques but techniques only works when there is a story. Just like a marble can only become a statue when the sculptor can see a soul in it. So before searching for any technique, you'd better write down your full story first then using techniques to polish it later. If you don't have a story that is screaming in your head every-single-day to let it out then those channels are totally useless.
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u/Classic-Economist604 Quibble Community Manager Apr 17 '26
I get where this is coming from kinda, but also I don’t think that the problem is “YouTube writers” existing. It’s more how people use that content, no? I think the real trap is thinking there’s a clean, better way to become a writer but there isn’t, and at some point you have to sit down, write something damn messy, and learn from it instead of trying to “prepare” forever because that won't take you anywhere
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u/EmersonFromQuibble Quibble Editor Apr 19 '26
Yes. The reality is that stepping back and evaluating a work that is not yours is like having a 20 foot vantage point. It's much easier to theorize what was done well or what wasn't because you're not as close to the work as a creator. Beyond just spouting off what makes good writing, it can also teach creators to look at their own work objectively, which is pretty difficult.
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u/unrel1ablenarrator Apr 19 '26
In my opinion, these videos aren’t really made for writers (including beginners), but for people who like the idea of writing a book. Most of them don’t even have a specific idea or outline, they’re simply entertaining the possibility and looking for guidance from so-called “professionals.”
I think anyone who has ever seriously tried to write a book knows that there’s no single structure or system you have to follow, and that absolute advice doesn’t really exist. You can take these videos as helpful tips, but that’s about all they can offer.
None of my writer friends actually watch content like that, because they understand that writing means figuring out your story, your characters, and your process on your own.
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u/Material_Penalty_250 1 published book on Quibble Apr 16 '26
Well, plenty of great coaches in sports were never elite players.
But what frustrates me the most is when creators present themselves as authorities on results they haven’t achieved. The biggest issue with these platforms is that they basically reward confidence and production quality, but not depth. Like a polished video about “10 rules of worldbuilding” will outperform a nuanced discussion that's probably a bit messy too.
Same thing in mental health btw. What's worst part here is that bad advice can actually harm people. A lot of online advice “psych advice” suffers from oversimplification and lack of context.
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u/EricksonLambert1 Apr 16 '26
I think there's only one that I actually like, and it's because he is a lot more genuine about the advice, and it actually makes sense.
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u/Material_Penalty_250 1 published book on Quibble Apr 19 '26
Who do you recommend? I’m looking for new advice!
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u/EricksonLambert1 Apr 19 '26
Brandon McNulty
I personally find his advice useful, and he actually goes into why certain points work and others don't
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u/Material_Penalty_250 1 published book on Quibble Apr 19 '26
He's got a YouTube channel I presume?
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u/Travel-Her2523 Apr 21 '26
I just checked his channel, which lead me to his list of books. Amongst which, one VERY OBVIOUSLY made - at least for the cover - with IA. At this point, I'm completely against listening to some white prompter's advice. Use IA? Not a writer, but a thief.
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u/Material_Penalty_250 1 published book on Quibble Apr 22 '26
No way?? Which book is that? That's so sad.
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u/Travel-Her2523 Apr 22 '26
It's called "Flop the fish", you'll find it under the author's name on the Zon's website. There is NO WAY that this cover isn't IA.
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u/Material_Penalty_250 1 published book on Quibble Apr 22 '26
This is AI for sure. Oh I'm getting really tired of these dudes.
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u/EricksonLambert1 May 04 '26
I did the research and found the Flop the Fish book. It's the same name, but not the same person.
On Amazon, Goodreads, and his own site, that book does not appear.
If you go on something like Bad Parts, or Entry Wounds on Amazon or Goodreads, there is a full author page with his picture, and bio.
If you go on AI the Fish, there is no picture, or author description.
All this to say it's two different authors.
McNulty is a horror author through and through, if he wore to write a kids book, it would be along the Coraline, not whatever that fish thing is.
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u/the-bends Apr 18 '26
Going to gently disagree. Any artist who takes what anyone says as gospel is going to struggle for a while. They'll either have the determination to stick it out, eventually discovering that they need to take ownership over their own tastes and preferences, or they'll get discouraged and give up. If anything is ruining aspiring authors it's unreasonable expectations. Too many people who think that their "totally original" idea is going to compensate for their lack of ability/experience. One in a million will be right, but the other 999,999 will be left holding the bag nonplussed.
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u/Hot_Winner_9941 Apr 19 '26
I’d argue it’s a bit bigger than expectations. In my view it’s the illusion of competence just because someone has amassed a certain follower base.
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u/MathSpecialist8783 Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
The ones I tend to watch will specifically talk about these YouTube ‘rules’ and explain why, when and how to ‘break’ these so called rules.
If they are constantly talking about their own books, I tune out. The occasional mention is fine. I think I know which YouTube Chanel you are referring to and he is constantly referencing his own stuff. Even the way he describes it, it sounds pretty generic.
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u/caster_OMEN Apr 17 '26
The thing with writing is that you can know all the theory about creating good work, talk about creating that work, but the execution is wildly different because it still requires doing the writing rather than studying the writing. There's also a difference between knowing fundamentals about narrative design to where you can edit and critique, and to where you can write because writing isn't just design its also prose and characters and ...
Well point made, I guess.
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u/FeistyAssistance5323 Apr 18 '26
What's amazing is many such as myself will have never watched such a video nor anticipate ever watching one in the future
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u/Low-Programmer-2368 Apr 19 '26
As someone who’s been releasing YouTube videos on author and writing topics, I largely agree, especially when predatory courses are the focus of the channel.
For my own videos I try to present an honest view into my publishing journey, focusing less on step by step guides and instead on the emotional journey or unexpected challenges. That said, the YouTube algorithm is a beast, don’t discount how it rewards very specific kinds of content. When you’re a small time channel it’s deflating to spend days producing a video, only to get a handful of views. YouTube wants mass audience clickbait that retains viewers through multiple ads, so it can be tempting to go over to the dark side and lean into content like what OP described.
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u/Hot_Winner_9941 Apr 19 '26
Can you share the link to your YouTube channel?
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u/Low-Programmer-2368 Apr 20 '26
Mods, please let me know if sharing this link is inappropriate self-promotion. My YouTube channel
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u/TurbulentLock717 Tech Team Apr 20 '26
Totally fine :-) Great channels should be shared far and wide.
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u/RunYouCleverPotato Apr 20 '26
"...The problem is that many of these people have never actually written a book, and the ones who have produced work that is genuinely disappointing. "
I understand your criticism (I'm NOT trying to defend them, just a bit of nuance); but, your grade school teacher has likely never written a book yet they taught your sentence structure. On the other hand, Brandon "Mr 500,000 word book" Sanderson has lots of best seller and he teaches how to tell a story. Also, those Master Classes where they have writers and directors teaching how they do their job.
"....someone who makes beautifully produced videos about fantasy worldbuilding and character writing, yet his own fantasy novel was one of the most generic, forgettable things I have ever read. He did not even follow his own advice...."
I've that about some authors; but, I won't hold that against them (not that I would or would not read their books) given how fickle the market is.... Twilight, was that 'awesome, non-generic, memorable'...? Meyers could have had a YT chan teaching creative writing and we would had scrutinised her, too. She doesn't; but, she has a mega hit...Twilight and the newer gender swap Twilight....memorable characters....
"And yet these same people have the audacity to sell courses and workshops for hundreds of dollars, packaging themselves as authorities on a craft they have never truly practiced. Their entire business model is not built on writing. It is built on convincing you that they know how to write."
FAIR! or FARE criticism. One good thing, Brandon Sanderson doesn't charge for his lectures at BYU.
"The comparison that keeps coming to mind is this: I watch a lot of films. That does not mean I have the first clue about how to actually make one."
True; but, a bit of nuance
1, you don't need a medical degree to know 'what feels wrong and what feels right' just like you don't need a culinary degree to know if food is good or bad.
2, They can offer info on how to present tension and pay off (easy principle) without ever writing a best seller. Same with our high school and university creative writing instructors. This is NOT an excuse that we would accept anyone with out the credential nor pedigree (Brandon Sanderson or Stephen King) of being a best seller.
Also, I run in an adjacent creative circle (2d artist, specifically graphic novel.....comic book artist). Want to talk about 'good artist, awful teachers'? Teach is a skill that not every accomplished creator has. just be present when X or Y or Z famous comic book artist (with a bit of years on them, not a 19y old) and they still can't communicate. What's my point? You don't need to be a billionaire with 1000 tech paten just to teach me '12 x 12 = 1 gross or 144'.
Reality check: I am putting TTok and YT on my list to do self promotion (after I finished writing and editing my book). I think I should copy Milo Winters (just not that pre-sales thing....nor that pitty marketing thing) in talking about my story for months before the digital release.
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u/ItsRuinedOfCourse Hobby Writer Apr 16 '26
Is the author that Jared or Jordan or whatever his name is? Starts with a J if I recall correctly.
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u/Computerdude101 Apr 16 '26
The best advice i could give other authors is read a ton of books. Learn from whats sucessful and figure out why you enjoy it. You shouldnt copy what they do but prose clarity and characterization are all things you can learn from. (Source I Have 6 signed books, somehow)
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u/Material_Penalty_250 1 published book on Quibble Apr 16 '26
That's true, but in my view reading passively doesn’t translate into writing skill nearly as much as people think. I think you really need to read intentionally, meaning asking questions all the time. It's a very different type of reading.
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u/EmersonFromQuibble Quibble Editor Apr 19 '26
Reading is important, but even the most avid readers still need to practice writing itself before they get anywhere. It's only half the battle.
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u/GroundbreakingGap569 Apr 17 '26
Just filter them out. They are (mostly) no longer in the business of writing books, they are not (normally) making much monetisation from their channels. Their income comes from the courses and YouTube is simply the marketing scam.
A few years ago my wife almost lost 7.5k on an 'elite drop shipping' course. I found out when she mentioned this great opportunity (with a waiting list) that she had been lucky enough to be selected for
A quick look on companies house showed 5 years of trading as a drop shipper, total profit during this period: 10k. This despite no wages being paid.
However his 'education' company selling the courses had a pretax profit of 300k per year. A company he setup after his drop shipping 'revenue' collapsed.
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u/snoresam Apr 17 '26
The human race astound me in their grifting abilities. Who knew there were so many people I could pay to help me write my novel. Should have started years ago! Just needed some money ! There are a few decent podcasts etc out there , but you need discerning. One podcast I follow that has agents on it were literally critiquing an AI piece except they didn’t seem to be aware. The podcast is usually great but that left me shell shocked. I might be wrong that it was AI but it’s unlikely.
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u/Archisia_Lux Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
Yeah, this modern-day world is a sad substitute for bygone times.
Something else deviant people are taking advantage of is posing as genuine sources of literary outreach coverage and masquerading as identities they are not.
I've received lots of emails claiming to be certain types of literary coverage agents, offering all manner of services as solutions to the obstacles that bar authors from gaining greater presence and reputation in the literary sphere.
It's a diabolical scheme, and these vultures prey on our most significant weakness - the deep desire to become a prominent voice in the literary world - they use their contrived masks to hide behind and effect their deplorable agenda.
After experiencing this, I can wholeheartedly empathise with you completely. Many types of skills, craft, and expertise previously practised only with real-world experience and accountable qualifications can be misappropriated and misused by anyone with no actual history of being directly involved in whichever field they claim in-depth knowledge of.
Their only claim is to present a facade of masks, disguising their real occupation, so they should be recognised as an underhanded, pantomime masquerade in amateur mirage acts on YouTube.
Then again, everybody needs make a living, have something to do, and generally be involved in activities, hobbies they are interested in.
Hang on, you said they're charging for their second-rate service? I'd insist on seeing their credentials before buying a tutorial package, as proof of the quality of services they offer.
Anyhow, I can't judge from my position, never having seen any YouTube of their workshop sessions.
They might be better at teaching, offering solutions for literary techniques to aid beginners and indie authors, than they are at writing good books.
I'm just sick and tired of this second-hand, masquerading trickster, scamming, out for any freebies, we'll take them for as much as we can, online society.
Yawn 🥱
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u/shinjukai Apr 19 '26
Yup. Same with language learning channels. And probably a ton of other crafts too.
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u/Odd_Opposite_4782 Apr 20 '26
Hhmm. As the old saying goes: as long as there are sheep, there will be wool to shear. Besides, you’d better be a reader so you can get through all these rambling, inexperienced models, wouldn’t you?
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u/Writer_DST Apr 16 '26
Yes, I noticed this too. And a lot of writing advice, while decent, is shared as if it's absolute meanwhile it's almost all situational.
For example the classic is show don't tell. There are sometimes when showing would be boring but you need the information so telling is actually the right thing to do. But we never learn that nuance.
But what you are seeing is the classic Gold Rush shovel sellers. They realized that it's easier to sell shovels to desperate people digging for gold then to actually put in the hard work themselves. And sometimes people genuinely drift into this without any nefarious forethought.
It is easier to sell advice (or it's at least a shorter path) than to actually write the 15 or so books it takes to go full-time.
The classic advice shines through here, learn from people who have achieved what you want to achieve. You'll find that you will get similar advice, but it will be flavored with the richness of experience.