Is Romance Dead? 30 Million People Think Otherwise

There are 30 million romance readers in the United States and 50% of them read a book a day—but romance has often been overlooked in publishing. Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo, co-founders of 831 Stories, met as college students at the University of Chicago and are now on a mission to build the Marvel of romance.   In this episode they speak with Sara and Phil, who invested in their vision, about building a subscription model, growing community events, and signing a “First Look” deal with Hulu. They also get candid about the work required to run a business with your best friend, how they've learned to ignore bad investor advice, and why books are just the beginning.   Watch this episode on YouTube.   // MORE FROM 831 STORIES //   Learn more about 831 Stories and purchase their books by heading to 831stories.com. Give yourself some love and use the code OVERSUBSCRIBED for 15% off your order.   Follow them on Instagram @831stories, on TikTok @831storieshq, and on Substack 831stories.substack.com.   // SPONSORS //   Quo: Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/FOSTER.   Gusto: Try Gusto today at gusto.com/FOSTER, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.   Skims: Shop Everyday Cotton, and all of my favorite bras and underwear, at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.   Hill House: Visit hillhousehome.com and use code fosters at checkout for 20% off your first purchase of $150 or more. *Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.* Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.