Podcasts about publishing advice

In this eye-opening episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with Ross Rojek, editor and publisher of City Book Review, to explore the inner workings of the book review industry. Ross shares the journey of launching City Book Review in Sacramento in 2008 and evolving it into a network of review sites across eight U.S. cities, plus a special platform for young reviewers, Kids Book Buzz. With candor and humor, he explains the real work behind publishing honest book reviews, from managing hundreds of reviewers to handling over 1,500 book submissions a month.Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the review selection process, the distinction between editorial and reader reviews, and why professional presentation is essential. Ross also offers invaluable advice to authors—especially indie and self-published ones—about treating their writing as a business. From marketing tips to understanding what makes a book stand out to reviewers and libraries, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone in the literary world.We'd like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you'd like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

Do you want to write and publish a book but you'd like to hear from an editor what's involved? Listen in to the first half of my conversation with Will Parker Anderson, Senior Editor at Waterbrook and Multnomah. In this episode we talk about:* Common mistakes writers make in their book proposals* Why short cuts to publishing don't exist* The role of social media in getting a traditional book deal* The difference between concept-driven books and platform-driven books* The importance of writing for others to read and getting feedback on your writing* How to view platform-building and ways to build it* Practical ways to prepare yourself to be publishedWill Parker Anderson is a senior editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah, an imprint of Penguin Random House, where he acquires and edits Christian living, Bible teaching, spiritual formation, and faith-based inspirational nonfiction titles. Will has collaborated with authors like Rich Villodas, Josh Butler, Jon Tyson, Doug Wekenman, and YouTuber Ruslan KD, helping them shape compelling books that resonate with readers.Beyond publishing, Will's background includes fifteen years in pastoral ministry and nonprofit work, giving him a deep understanding of the spiritual and practical challenges writers face. His writing and editorial expertise extends to a range of media outlets, including The Chosen, The Gospel Coalition, Dwell Bible App, Preaching Today, and Relevant magazine.Will holds a BA in journalism from Biola University and an MA in New Testament from Talbot School of Theology. A passionate teacher, he has taught biblical studies and theology at both the high school and college levels. Based in Southern California, Will spends his free time exploring the outdoors with his wife, Emily, and their three young children, which means he's often running on caffeine and grace.You can find him and subscriber to his newsletter, The Writers' Circle, at https://www.writerscircle.co/He's also on Instagram The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Send us a textPLEASE NOTE: this episode was orignally meant to drop on March 31st but we moved it up so listeners can take advantage of The Little Press's upcoming pitch party. Listen to the full episode for details.Episode SummaryIn this episode, Beth and Lisa chat with Michele McAvoy, award-winning children's book author, publisher, and founder of The Little Press. Michele shares her journey from self-published author to small press publisher, offering insight into the publishing industry, small press advantages, and advice for aspiring authors navigating the competitive world of children's books.Guest BioMichele McAvoy is an attorney-turned-author and the founder of The Little Press, an independent publisher dedicated to discovering new voices in children's literature. She has written multiple award-winning books, including Willow the Werewolf, Cookie and Milk, and The Gorilla Picked Me. Michele is also an editor and hosts the podcast My Messy Muse, where she discusses the realities of the publishing world.Key Discussion PointsStarting The Little Press: Michele launched her publishing company in 2020 during the pandemic, focusing on debut and early-career authors.Challenges of Running a Small Press: From financial margins to educating authors about industry realities, Michele shares the behind-the-scenes struggles and rewards of publishing.Breaking into Publishing: Advice for writers on overcoming industry gatekeepers and why small presses can be a great path to publication.The Writing Process: Michele's unconventional approach, including writing books on her phone at the beach, and why first drafts should never be "precious."Upcoming Opportunities: The Little Press is hosting a Twitter pitch event (#TLPpitch on March 20th), offering authors a chance to submit their work.ConclusionMichele McAvoy's success story highlights the resilience and creativity required in the publishing industry. Whether you're an aspiring author or considering a small press for your work, this episode is full of valuable insights on making publishing dreams a reality.Mentioned Links

Regarding manuscript length and (seriously) what traditional publishing does and does not require, but signs that a book is really too long. (See pacing.) Also knowing when rewriting is FAR better than revising, and new earrings!Vivian Shaw's jewelry shop BleedingHartStudio is here https://www.etsy.com/shop/bleedinghartstudio/?etsrc=sdtRELUCTANT WIZARD is out now and audiobook is live!! https://www.jeffekennedy.com/reluctant-wizardYou can preorder STRANGE FAMILIAR at https://www.jeffekennedy.com/strange-familiar and MAGIC REBORN at https://www.jeffekennedy.com/magic-rebornThe posture-correcting sports bra I love almost more than life itself is here https://forme.therave.co/37FY6Z5MTJAUKQGAJoin my Patreon and Discord for mentoring, coaching, and conversation with me! Find it at https://www.patreon.com/JeffesClosetYou can always buy print copies of my books from my local indie, Beastly Books! https://www.beastlybooks.com/If you want to support me and the podcast, click on the little heart or follow this link (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jeffekennedy).Sign up for my newsletter here! (https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r2y4b9)You can watch this podcast on video via YouTube https://youtu.be/y14t3bGDD9ASupport the showContact Jeffe!Find me on Threads Visit my website https://jeffekennedy.comFollow me on Amazon or BookBubSign up for my Newsletter!Find me on Instagram and TikTok!Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we are joined by Clare Leslie Hall, author of Broken Country, Clare's debut novel in the US and Canada. Broken Country is described as “A sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller” and is a novel “of simmering passion, impossible choices, and explosive consequences that toggles between the past and present to explore the far-reaching legacy of first love.” Broken Country is available now from Simon & Schuster Canada. Clare is also the author of romantic suspense novels Him and Mine under the name Clare Empson. We spoke to Clare about her journey to becoming a published author, writing romantic suspense novels, Broken Country's cross-genre appeal, writing under a pen name, staying dedicated to her stories, having film rights for her novel purchased, and much more! Follow Clare on Instagram and see more of Clare's books on Kobo.

Discover JD's secrets to:✔️ Mastering the balance between creativity and business.✔️ Transitioning from indie to traditional publishing.✔️ Leveraging co-authoring for faster book releases.✔️ Building an author brand that stands out in a crowded market.Don't miss JD's insights on adapting books for film, navigating the marketing maze, and why consistency is the cornerstone of writing success.

In 2024, the Published Podcast welcomed experts from every corner of the publishing industry to share advice every author needs to know.  As we look forward to another year of the Published podcast, we're returning to some of the best publishing advice of the year. This episode highlights education on author rights, strategies for choosing a title and earning awards, key knowledge about printing and distribution into bookstores as an indie or self-published author, and advice to promote your book through blogging on Substack or Linkedin.  You can find the transcripts for the featured episodes or listen to them in full at the links below: Behind the Scenes of Book Awards Judging with Panelist Jennia D'Lima Crafting the Perfect Book Title and Subtitle with Maggie Langrick Sell Your Book Around the World with Foreign Rights Agent Terrie Wolf Who Can Copyright a Book by ChatGPT? Lawyer Explains Court Rulings on AI Break into Bookstores as an Indie Author with Valerie Howard Compare Book Printing Costs, Quality, and Timelines with Angela Olmeta Personalize Outreach on Substack and Booktok with Claire Isenthal Blog Your Way to a Book Deal or Bestseller with Jane Friedman Master LinkedIn to Reach More Readers with Owen Sammarone

In this episode, Jeff interviews Emily Barrosse from Bold Story Press. They discuss Emily's 32 years in the publishing industry, how she has seen publishing evolve, her advice for new writers entering the industry, her passion for publishing female voices, and much more. To find Emily and Bold Story Press, go to https://www.boldstorypress.com/ For more on the craft of writing, go to https://dialoguedoctor.com/  

Today we're joined by Greenleaf's own Valerie Howard, a distribution account executive who helps our authors navigate the confusing world of book distribution. Brick and mortar retailers have a high barrier to entry, especially for independent and debut authors, but in this episode Valerie will explain how authors can connect with local bookstores directly in order to host author events and get books on shelves. 

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On today's show, we chat with a self-published creator of books for kids to get some of the best self-publishing advice for picture books that we've ever received on the pod. Advice on how to find an illustrator, who you'll need to work with, what materials you'll need, information about contracts, how to make and distribute your book. All of this and more. Plus, What's the Story, Rory is back with some awesome new books and industry info.   Today's special guest is living the dream. Sharing stories with the world has always been a dream, and now she's visiting schools, seeing her books in the big stores, seeing kids dressed up as characters that she's created, and all due to the hard work, dedication and passion she has for children's literature. She's popped in today to chat all about her latest book, and to go behind the scenes with us to show us how she weaves her magic. Everybody please welcome, Kelly Louise Jarris. 

A book's title is one of the most important elements to get right, and one of the trickiest. A great title should communicate the promise of the book and who it's for to attract the intended audience — all in a few catchy and memorable words. Maggie Langrick, a creativity coach and founding publisher at Wonderwell Press, explains what makes a successful title and subtitle and what to avoid if you want to make a great impression and hook a reader. Find a transcript and show notes at greenleafbookgroup.com/episode88.

Ariel's guest this week has over two decades of experience in the interiors world, both in print and digital. Tori Mellott is the Style Director at Frederic Magazine, and Director of Video Content at Frederic Media. Throughout her storied career, with stops at House Beautiful, Domino Magazine, Martha Stewart and Traditional Home, to name a few, Tori has curated a deep understanding of print and digital storytelling. When she's not behind the editor's desk, Tori is a face many know in the industry both as a social media personality as the Instagram Live host for Schumacher, as well as a mentor to various designers, stylists, photographers, writers and editors in the industry. Originally from a small town in western Pennsylvania, Tori now resides in New York City with her ten year old twin daughters. Listen in as Ariel has a lovely conversation with this industry legend!  Follow Tori's design inspirations on her instagram at https://www.instagram.com/torimellott/

For episode 82 of Published, we're turning back time and revisiting one of our favorite episodes.  In episode 60, we spoke with Mimi Chan from Goodreads about how the platform can elevate your book promotion strategy. She shares tips and tricks to get more reviews, what a "perfect" book rating looks like (Hint: It's not 5 stars!), and the lesser-known author features on the platform. 

If you're a writer, you've probably experienced this frustrating thing: all kinds of people feel free to give you advice. Usually, it's not because they're experts, or bestselling authors, or even avid readers. It's because their one friend ffrom high school is a successful author, and maybe you should talk to them to get help. Or because they're no expert, but they've heard you should write every day to succeed. Do you write every day? No? Yikes. (Neither does your host, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D.) Or because they care about you, and it's really hard, maybe impossible, to succeed as a writer. Or because you asked them their opinion on the rough draft of your book, and they don't read much, but they really don't like that genre so maybe you should rewrite it to sound more like Stephen King? Writing advice is everywhere. And more often than not, though advice comes from a good place and has some golden nuggets troughout, much writing advice can actually be harmful to writers in the long run and hold them back from their writing goals and their dream of being a successful published author. Tune into this uplifting episode of the How to be an Author podcast to dissect which wriitng advice is helpful, which can be harmful, and which ideas and concepts can actually move the needle in your writing career.

In 2023, we interviewed over a dozen publishing industry experts for their insights on investing in the production of a book, self-promotion through interviews, podcasting, and social media, and distribution into bookstores and libraries. As we look forward to another year of the Published podcast, we're returning to some of the best publishing advice of the year.  For the episode transcript and show notes, visit greenleafbookgroup(.)com/episode81

In this insightful episode of the How to be an Author podcast with writing coach Karena Akhavein, we delve deep into the pivotal decision every writer faces at some point: to continue on their current writing path or to take a different route. Whether you're grappling with the challenges of a specific book project, wanting to quit wriitng one book to start on a brand new one, questioning your overall writing career and even wondering if you're cut out to be a writer, or reevaluating your book marketing strategy, this episode provides the guidance you need. Join us as we explore key considerations and offer practical advice to help you make an informed decision. From assessing the viability of your current book to reimagining your writing career or refining your book marketing approach, we've got you covered. Discover the signs that indicate it's time for a change, learn how to overcome common hurdles, and gain insights into crafting a new narrative for your writing journey. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that might just be the catalyst for your next chapter as a writer.  

Librarian Christina Nelson from the Austin Public Library draws from her experience overseeing collections and acquisitions to share how to get your book into libraries, how to coordinate an author event at your local library, and how authors and libraries support each other. Find our show notes at greenleafbookgroup.com/episode80

Get ready for a thrilling journey as we sit down with Marty McNair, debut author of the riveting dystopian novel, Island of Ruin. McNair's fascination with dystopian fiction, her inspirations, and the journey of her protagonist, Jasmine, are laid bare in this intriguing conversation. The struggle against oppression, the power of resilience and the art of creating an immersive world, are just a handful of the topics we'll be sinking our teeth into.Turning the tables in the second half, we delve into the fascinating process of publishing. From her experiences with publishing "Island of Ruin", to the significance of crafting a captivating title and cover design, there's a wealth of information for voracious readers and budding authors alike. McNair also gives us a glimpse into her writing process, her debut author challenges, and invaluable tips for those embarking on their own writing journey. Tune in for this vibrant exploration of dystopian fiction and publishing!

Solitude is par for the course for an author- it's necessary, at least at certain stages of the writer's work. In this respect, solitude should be embraced. But it can be hard to do that.    Sometimes, this solitude tips over into loneliness, that's where it's important to talk to someone. A friend. A writing coach. A critique partner.   We live in a time when we are overly “connected.” Everything is “social.” And I put those terms in quotes because we also feel uniquely disconnected despite all of the technology we have that supposedly helps us not to feel alone.   This is why this week's episode of the podcast addresses the idea of solitude. Listen in to find out:   -Why it's important for your main character to experience solitude at some point in your plot (and the fascinating reason why some writers, especially newer ones, tend to have too many characters in your first drafts).   -How to embrace the solitude inherent in the writer's life.   -How to tell if your solitude is reaching a point of imbalance, and what to do about it.   -How to keep from feeling alone in the process of writing, editing, and self-publishing.   -The one social media thing that actually helped me to build community.   http://onlinecoursesforwriters.com https://creativeandwritingcoach.com  

Today we're joined by Cal Hunter, Manager of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships at Barnes & Noble's flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York City. He'll share insights from his experience as a buyer and explain what exactly bookstores are looking for… and what they tend to avoid. 

Hello Everyone! we are up to part three of our four part mini series within the Writers Advice Podcast about writing the story that you were born to write, no matter what genre or modality that you write in. Today's episode is all about publishing the book that you were born to write and today I share my top five tips of how to get clear and started on your publishing journey no matter how you want your book out in the world. If you are new to this podcast or if you have been listening in for a while and you have been sitting on an idea but not taking any action on it, then now is your time to create! I'd love to hear all your take aways from this episode and learn more about the story that you are getting started on. Connect with me below! Grab a copy of my Shadow & Shifter Series here Grab a copy of my new dystopian release – Block Delete here. JOIN THE WRITERS ADVICE FACEBOOK GROUP Become a part of my ARC TEAM HERE To Contact Me:Website: oliviahillier.comInstagram: @oliviahillierauthor

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Historical and mythological fiction author, Susan C Wilson talks about her debut novel 'Clytemnestra's Bind', the many years she has spent researching, writing and editing it and the 'House of Atreus' trilogy that it is kicking off.Support the show on PatreonSigning up to the Patreon will give you access to the Discord server, where you'll be able to interact directly with Jamie as well as many of the previous agents, authors and editors who have been on the show. You'll also be able to see who the upcoming guests are and put forward questions for Jamie to ask them.WriteMentorGet a whole month with WriteMentor's Hub for free using the coupon code 'Write&Wrong'.The Chosen Ones and Other TropesJamie, Melissa and Noami talk about the best and the worst writing tropes!BookshopClick here to find all of our guests' books as well as the desert island library over at bookshop.org.ZencastrClick on this referral link to get 30% off your first three months with Zencastr.

You put your heart and soul into writing and publishing your book and...crickets. Or, you don't sell as many copies as you had hoped, or reach the readers you had hoped to. Is it too late, or is there anything you can do? Know that, as a writer, you are never at a dead end- maybe a novel relaunch is the logical next step in your author journey.  Discover the secrets to a triumphant book relaunch in this episode of the How to be an Author podcast. Join your host Karena Akhavein, author and writing coach, as she shares insider tips on how to excel in your relaunch, including refining your novel, creating a more compelling, keyword-rich book description, and designing a more eye-catching cover. If you're intimidated about unleashing the power of strategic marketing and harnessing data-driven insights to propel your relaunched book to success, get ready to reignite your passion and your readers' interest with this transformative episode on mastering the art of the book relaunch. 

Welcome back to Published! Today we're joined by Danielle Green, a book influencer and brand strategist at Greenleaf. She speaks about reader communities on social media, how authors can use TikTok and Instagram to promote their books, and how to collaborate with book influencers.

Welcome back to Published! Today we'll be talking about media training and interviews with one of Greenleaf Book Group's digital media outreach strategists, Kayleigh ​​Lovvorn. Today's episode is a crash course on media training to teach you how to talk about your book and yourself as an author while promoting a new release. Kayleigh will tell us about digital media outreach, how to make media connections, and the dos and don'ts of interviewing.  

Welcome to Episode 70 of Published. Today we'll be looking back at our episodes over 2022 and remembering the insight our guests have shared. Our mission on Published is to demystify the publishing industry for authors, and over the past year, we've pulled back the veil on becoming a bestseller, getting book reviews, writing a beautiful manuscript, and so much more.

Young adult thriller author, Naomi Gibson is back, fresh off the release of her second novel 'Game Over Girl', which has already become a #1 Bestseller on the Kindle store. Tune in to hear all about what is like writing a second book under contract as well as how advances and royalties work.Support the show on PatreonSigning up to the Patreon will give you access to the Discord server, where you'll be able to interact directly with Jamie as well as many of the previous agents, authors and editors who have been on the show. You'll also be able to see who the upcoming guests are and put forward questions for Jamie to ask them.WriteMentorGet a whole month with WriteMentor's Hub for free using the coupon code 'Write&Wrong'.The Chosen Ones and Other TropesJamie, Melissa and Noami talk about the best and the worst writing tropes!BookshopClick here to find all of our guests' books as well as the desert island library over at bookshop.org.ZencastrClick on this referral link to get 30% off your first three months with Zencastr.

Today, we speak with Ashley B. Davis about self-publishing and more. Ashley B. Davis writes the ordinary and extraordinary. She has poetry and short work appearing in Trembling With Fear, The Grey Rooms Podcast, Months to Years, Liquid Imagination, Jamais Vu, and Eunoia Review.When she is not living in fictional worlds, she lives with her partner, her seven-year-olds, and two rescue cats in southern California, where she manages rental property.Her debut YA fantasy The Space Between You and Me debuted on November 14, 2022. You can find it on most online retail sites.To connect with Ashley...on her website: www.ashleybdavis.comInstagram: @shleybdavisTwitter: @shleybdavisGoodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13755985.Ashley_B_Davis

Episode 82 features author Jimmy Soni, co-author of A Mind At Play about Claude Shannon and The Founders about the founding of Paypal and the evolution of the PayPal Mafia. We discuss the process of creating those books, researching, method writing, going dark, plus the creative process in all its forms, the good and bad, the early mornings and late nights, and much much more. Throughout the conversation, we discuss: Writing about the dead vs. writing about the living Historical research Research processes Going Dark Stumbling into a book Creating a firewall for current events Method writing Creative motives change as you do them A Night to Remember by Walter Lord Creating vs. Consuming content Balance Ambition to create should be more celebrated Giving people a platform The Chaos of Publishing Advice for writers And much more Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode JimmySoni.com A Mind at Play: How Claude Shannon Invented the Information Age The Founders: The Story of Paypal and the Entrepreneurs Who Shapes Silicon Valley AgentPalmer.com Tweets @jimmyasoni @AgentPalmer @ThePalmerFiles Other Links Deighton's City of Gold is must-read WW2 fiction Travelin' Band documentary reminds us how great CCR is The Founders demystifies the dot-com era success of PayPal A Book Review of “A Mind At Play: How Claude Shannon Invented the Information Age” by Jimmy Soni and Rob Goodman   You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on Our Liner Notes, a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of The Podcast Digest with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by Henno Heitur of Monkey Tongue Productions. --End Show Notes Transmission--

If you love writing and publishing advice as much as I do, this episode is going to make you horny, baby! To celebrate our 13 amazing guests from this summer, I'm dropping the first Bleeders anthology — chock-full of sage wisdom on building community, establishing a daily practice, editing yourself, and all kinds of helpful writing and publishing mindset tips. Big thanks to the following authors for sharing their experience:Samantha AllenHalley SuttonChloe CaldwellAmanda McNeil Hannah HowardBridgette BiancaChelsea MartinEmmy Olea Elle NashCaroline Shannon-Karasik Nana Darkoa SekyiamahOmar MouallemShelby Hinte Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a new podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcomeThe Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

While we were all stuck at home during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people took the opportunity to learn something new. Maybe you taught yourself how to bake sourdough or speak another language. Anushka Bhattacharjee, a Grade 4 student from Toronto, decided to write the book "My Magic Mirror," a creative take on "The Three Little Pigs" fable. Anushka recently stopped by the podcast to chat about the inspiration, process and discipline behind writing and publishing her first book — all before she turned nine years old.

In today's Bonus Episode, Bianca, Carly and CeCe answer all your burning questions about writing and publishing. After which, Bianca chats with Elizabeth Held, creator of the What to Read substack, who answers your first batch of comp title requests. Followed by a chat with Emilie Sommer of East City Bookshop who answers the second batch of comp title requests.Find us on our socials:Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyraInstagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.com and www.theshitaboutwriting.comEmilie can be found on Instagram at @emiliegsommer and East City Bookshop can be found at @eastcitybookshopElizabeth can be found on https://whattoreadif.substack.com and on Twitter at @ElizabethHeld 

Author and role-player, Ryan Dalton, drops in on the podcast. We have a great conversation about writing, publishing, and tabletop RPGs. We dive deep into his books and how RPGs influenced his writing. Don't miss it!

In today's Bonus Episode, Bianca chats with Hanny Mary McKinnon, author of NEVER COMING HOME, about how to write characters that we root for even though they're bad; pacing at a scene or chapter level; adding in “sparkly touches” during the editing/revision stage; how to ensure a reader won't want to put your book down; and knowing when a scene or chapter isn't enhancing your story After which, Bianca chats with industry expert, Jane Friedman about how the publishing industry is faring; the lack of diversity in and social dynamics of the industry; current trends in publishing; how BookTok has been driving book sales; self-publishing vs traditionally publishing; thinking long-term when you're making the decision about which publishing route you want to take; and all of Jane's resources available for writers.After which, Carly and CeCe answer all of your burning publishing questions!Find us on our socials:Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyraInstagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.com and www.theshitaboutwriting.comHannah can be found at @hannahmarymckinnon on Instagram and @HannahMMcKinnon on Twitter, and at www.hannahmarymckinnon.comJane can be found at @janefriedman on Instagram and Twitter and at www.janefriendman.com

Do you want to write for kids but you're struggling to understand how to publish on Amazon? With this ebook, you'll get guidance at every step of the journey! Find out more at: https://childrensbookformula.com (https://childrensbookformula.com)

In today's BONUS EPISODE, we do a deep dive into experimenting with structure. Bianca first chats with Mitzi Angel—publisher of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and editor to publishing phenomenon, Sally Rooney—about the structure and unusual POV that Sally chose for Beautiful World, Where Are You. Mitzi also takes our listeners' questions about Sally's work.After which, Bianca interviews Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal, about her Agatha Christie-esque novel that's structured entirely out of WhatsApp messages and emails. Janice explains how she stumbled upon this unusual structure, as well as the pros and cons of using it.Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.comJanice on Twitter: @JaniceHallett and Instagram: @janice.hallett

In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe are joined by Layne and Peter. They discuss the importance of having a clear antagonistic force that the reader is scared of/rooting against; having a uniting factor in multi-POV stories; the difference between a premise and a hook; balancing being literary in a thriller/upmarket novel; and how you can sneak in an effective prologue. After which, Bianca chats with Rachel Krantz, author of Open: An Uncensored Memoir of Love, Liberation, and Non-Monogamy, about her advice for memoirists. They also discuss the difference between a reported memoir vs a traditional memoir; how the fallout/revelations of #MeToo affected the way Rachel gathered evidence during her experience; and the importance of the awareness of privilege, and not just acknowledging it, but working to raise awareness in others.Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.comRachel's website: https://www.racheljkrantz.com/aboutOn Instagram and Twitter: @rachelkrantz 

In today's bonus episode, Bianca first chats with Seressia Glass, author of The Love Con, about all things romance as Seressia kindly answers listener questions about the genre while sharing invaluable insight. After which, Bianca chats with Julia from Scrivener about what value the writing software can add while helping streamline your writing process. Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.com Seressia on Twitter: @seressia and on Instagram: @seressiaglassScrivener on Twitter: @scrivenerapp https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

In today's Bonus Episode, Bianca chats with two awesome guests. The first is Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart, who discusses querying a book that's ten years in the making when you're not sure if it has a place in the market; the whirlwind of quickly getting an agent and book deal; turning your NaNoWriMo novel into a successful book; avoiding info-dumping through dialogue; creating a narrative outline; and reading outside your genre.In the second interview, Bianca chats with Jes Trudel, co-founder of writingcommunity.ca about The Story Endings Matrix. Jes discusses how publishers use a SWOT Analysis to analyze a manuscript; how YOU can use a SWOT analysis to identify areas of weakness in your manuscript; how to ensure you have the proper ending for your book in any genre; and reverse outlining—working back from your ending to the beginning.Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.comGenevieve on Instagram and Twitter: @gengornichec Jes on Twitter: @jes_trudelwww.writingcommunity.ca

In today's Books with Hooks, guest agent Veronia Park joins us from Fuse Literary to review four submissions. During the segment, Veronica discusses having the query vibe matching the sample pages vibe; under-promising and over-delivering with the sample; ensuring you have stakes at the end of each POV paragraph in the query; when not to include the prologue in the sample pages; and the three-part rule: what does your MC want more than anything, why can't they get it, and what will happen if they do/don't get it?After which, Bianca chats with Alka Joshi, author of The Henna Artist and The Secret Keeper of Jaipur about how there isn't a ticking clock for publishing; having and listening to external cheerleaders; tooting your own horn; when an MFA is worth it, and when it's not; five crucial tips for emerging writers; taking time away to recharge and then coming back to appreciating your story; and the importance of knowing the story behind the story.Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.comVeronica Park on Twitter: @veroniKaboomFuse Literary on Twitter: @FuseLiterarywww.fuseliterary.comAlka Joshi on Twitter: @alkajoshi and on Instagram: @thealkajoshi

In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe are joined by writers, Michele and Lynne, who have submitted their work for critique. Carly and CeCe discuss writing a story from the perspective of the other; ensuring you have done lots of research to tell that story properly and sensitively; not starting the opening pages with a lack of curiosity; fear or desire as conveyed through surprise; and having sample pages for different POVs if you've written a dual- or multi-POV novel.After which, Bianca chats with the author of The Way We Weren't, Phoebe Fox, about how editing other writers' work is the best way to learn craft; how to incorporate backstory into your writing; context, memory, and flashback types of backstory; treating backstory like a puzzle; how backward momentum slows the forward momentum; being confined to a character's perspective when you're in their POV; and using an author pen name and whether or not to disclose the use of it.Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.comKofi: https://ko-fi.com/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingPhoebe Fox on Instagram and Twitter: @phoebefoxauthor Michele on Twitter: @michele_lomb and on Instagram: @michelevlombardoLynne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlynnebryant and Instagram: @lynnebryantauthorWebsite: www.lynnebryant.com

In today's BONUS episode, Bianca chats with the writer Clarisse Baleja Saidi about everything you've always wanted to know about writing residencies. Clarisse gives her top 5 pieces of advice for applying for residencies, and breaks down why applying for—and attending them—could be the boost you need to finish your WIP. Prepare to be surprised!Find us on our socials!Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.comKofi: https://ko-fi.com/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingClarisse on Instagram: @clarissebaleja and on Twitter: @FreeBaleja

In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe are joined by writers, Sally and Katherine, to discuss their query letters and opening pages. We discuss trigger/content warnings in query letters; being specific without being spoiler-y; as well as weaving in emotion. And... wait for it... we actually suggest a prologue! Yes, we do that sometimes!After which, Bianca chats with Jayne Allen, author of Black Girls Must Die Exhausted, about how rejection doesn't mean your writing isn't any good; how indie-publishing can lead to traditional publishing; not letting the publishing industry choose what's relatable and what's not; reaching your audience; believing in your own story and championing it yourself; and how your journey to publication may take a different route to what you imagined.Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.comJayne Allen on Instagram: @jayneallenwrites and on Twitter: @JayneAllenSaidSally on Instagram: @Sally_Lotz and on Twitter: @SallyJLotzKatherine on Instagram: @kcaldwellwriter and on Twitter:  @kcaldwellwriter 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, we have Emmy Nordstrom Higdon from Westwood Creative Artists join us as a guest agent to review submissions not directed at Carly or CeCe. In this episode, Bianca and Emmy discuss authorial voice; jumping right into where the action is; how using appropriate comps can help cut down on a query's word count; including sample pages for more than one POV; and carefully choosing your story's timeline/setting.After which, Bianca chats with PJ Vernon, author of Bath Haus about the value of art; changing publishers in between books; trusting your gut when it comes to writing a story you want to write; differentiating POV voices; playing around with interesting structures; starting your book with high stakes; and book club conversations you'll be having once you're published.Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author Instagram: @biancamarais_author @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.comEmmy Nordstrom Higdon on Twitter: @emmy_of_spinesPJ Vernon on Twitter and Instagram: @pjvernonbooks

In today's BONUS episode, Bianca chats with Ami J. Sanghvi and Patrick Hogan of Gutslut Press about the top ten reasons why indie presses reject submissions even if the writing is really great. After which Bianca chats with author, Lee Matthew Goldberg, about sharing your drafts with other writers; the writing process when it comes to writing characters whose gender and age are different from your own; using sensitivity readers; muzzling the critical part of your brain, and giving yourself permission to draft; how crowdsourcing information can help generate interest in your book; authoring books in different genres; and using song lyrics in your book.Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author Instagram: @biancamarais_author @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.comAmi Twitter and Instagram: @HotWraithBonesAmi Website: www.amijsanghvi.comTwitter and Instagram: @gutslutpressEmail: gutslutpress@gmail.comLee Twitter: @LeeMatthewGLee Instragram:@LeeMatthewGoldberg

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Liz and Jami join us to discuss their submissions. Carly and CeCe unpack when to put the stakes at the beginning of the query instead of at the end; the Pixar storytelling rules about coincidences; weaving in emotion with explanation to make it more showing than telling; writing a story in first person and then going back with a “you” lens to make it hybrid second person; and giving a character a small but important goal in the beginning of the book that's tied to the larger arc. After which, Bianca chats with world-renowned bestselling author, Ken Follett, about what to do when what you write isn't coming out the same way the idea played out in your head; having a solid research process including reaching out to experts to ensure authenticity in your story; how to give crucial background information without it sounding like an info dump; tips for stitching unrelated scenes together; and the empathy that's required to be a historical novelist and a writer in general.Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @@ceciliaclyra Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.com

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Melissa and Stephanie join us on the show to have their query letters and opening pages critiqued. Carly and CeCe discuss the importance of hitting current social and class elements; not missing opportunities to let readers know more about the MC by adding in descriptions and reasons behind their choices; when and why a prologue works; and anticipating readers' questions and answering them at just the right time.After which, Bianca chats with the author of My Sweet Girl, Amanda Jayatissa about submitting to POC agents/editors vs. non-POC agents/editors; structuring your novel in a linear vs. non-linear way; using old journals if you have them to put yourself in the mindset of a younger character; using Aeon 2.0 Timeline software; and why you shouldn't compare yourself to other writers. Find us on our socials: Twitter: @SNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @@ceciliaclyra @amandajayatissaInstagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writing @amandajayatissaFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.com

In today's revamped Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe each tackle two queries that have been directed at them via the new submission process. They also discuss writing your first scene as if it were being filmed; trigger warnings vs. content notes; deciding what to include in the first five pages, and what to put elsewhere in the story.After which, Bianca chats with Jesse Q Sutanto, author of the hugely successful Dial A For Aunties about her journey to publication; participating in NaNoWriMo; using the Ginko app for story structure; how a previously small deal can make a big splash later on; and the secret to overnight success.

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Emma joins us on the show to discuss her query and opening pages. Carly and CeCe tackle sparking curiosity;  hooking the agent with keywords; repetition with dialogue tags and replacing them with action beats; writing in multiple POVs and making the reader question who's doing the narrating; as well as homemade pasta!After which, Bianca chats with Leila Slimani, author of In The Country of Others, about sticking to what you're good at;  how Moroccans can identify with American Western movies and Southern Lit; finding your distinctive voice; having confidence in your reader; when to break the rules of writing; and dealing with imposter syndrome.

In today's bonus episode, we have three romance/rom-com authors who join Bianca to discuss all things related to the genre. NYT bestselling Lana Harper discusses her queer rom-com, Payback's a Witch, as well as world-building, character development, her inspiration for the novel, and her change of genre. Sarah Echavarre Smith, author of On Location talks about writing those racy sex scenes and the conventions of the genre. Jane Igharo, author of The Sweetest Remedy chats about how romance can tackle serious issues, and her journey to publication. 

I think I employed every single one of these twenty phenomenal tips from Zibby Owens while looking to get my memoir published, and it is my absolute pleasure to share them all with you! Zibby Owens is the creator and host of award-winning podcast Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books, one of Oprah.com's favorite book podcasts two years in a row. The CEO and founder of Moms Don't Have Time To, Zibby has formed a media company that includes multiple podcasts, publications like Moms Don't Have Time to Write, and other communities designed to help moms. She is the CEO, Reader-in-Chief, and Co-Founder with Leigh Newman of Zibby Books, a publishing home for fiction and memoir. She is the editor of award-winning anthology Moms Don't Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology, the upcoming anthology Moms Don't Have Time to Have Kids, the upcoming children's book Princess Charming, and an upcoming memoir. She is a regular contributor to Good Morning America online and also writes for the Washington Post, Parents, Slate, and Medium, where she is a top writer. Zibby regularly recommends books on TV and has been featured on CBS This Morning and Good Morning America. Named “NYC's Most Powerful Book-fluencer” by New York magazine's Vulture, Zibby currently lives in New York with her husband and four children. She always has a book nearby. https://zibbyowens.com/  Pitches With Bitches: Laura Cathcart Robbins and Stefanie Wilder Taylor are conducting a virtual pitching workshop on Oct 23rd from 11-1 pm (PT). We will tell you everything we know about getting your work published online to build up your resume. It will also include an up-to-date list of over 80 places to send your stuff! The class is filling up fast to hold your spot email StefanieWilderTaylor@gmail.com Special thanks to our sponsors: Mercato: Mercato is a grocery delivery service that supports local, independent merchants. Sign up for Mercato Green at https://www.mercato.com/ for unlimited free delivery and use the code THEONLYONE to get $20 off your first order!  Smile Brilliant: You could have a dentist make your trays for three, four hundred dollars, or you can head over to www.smilebrilliant.com and use their lab-direct mail process for a fraction of that.  Just head over to www.smilebrilliant.com and use the coupon code ROOM for an exclusive The Only One In The Room discount. Voyage et Cie: Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: theonlyone to get your 10% off your purchase! Cute Booty Lounge: Cute Booty Lounge is made by women and for women. There's a cute booty style for everyone! Cute Booty Lounge has you covered...Embrace Your Body, Love Your Booty! Head to Cutebooty.com or click the link here to order yours, but don't forget to enter the code theonlybooty to get 15% off your first order! Be sure not to miss our weekly full episodes on Tuesdays, Scott Talks on Wednesdays & Sunday Edition every Sunday by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts.  We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show! All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's Books with Hooks segment, we do a lot of brainstorming, which doesn't necessarily align with the author's vision for her novel, reminding us all that the author is the one who decides what their story is and isn't. Carly and CeCe also chat about how editors like unlikely friendship stories; authors not having to give up on manuscripts, but persuing the ones that give you the best chance at publishing; taking care not to give resolutions in the query letter; aiming for a pressure cooker vibe; and how life-tense and story-tense differ.Bianca chats with Amy Einhorn, President and Publisher at Henry Holt & Company, and editor of Liane Moriarty, Sarah Blake, Jenny Lawson, Laurie Frankel, Min Jin Lee and many other award-winning and bestselling authors. Amy shares a wealth of information about publishing, editing, the qualities of a good story, what makes an author successful, and much more. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss avoiding hypothetical questions; escalating baseline stakes and tension; how authors are the puppet masters of their own universes and need to justify all of their choices; giving the reader something familiar in the opening of a fantasy novel; the difference between head-hopping and omniscient POV; how to format dialogue; how you need to frame your memoir with a hook; and avoiding writing a character's struggles that are all internal.Bianca chats with award-winning author, Ruth Ozeki, about there being no age by which you need to publish; writing in your own time when you give yourself permission to write; people assuming the main character is based on yourself; how you need to work hard to find yourself in all of your characters and give them a part of you; how the antagonist is the hero of their own story; the creative process vs pathology; writing a book because you have questions you get to act out with your characters; how the author and reader co-create a different book every time a reader reads it; and taking your time and understanding the tension between the poles of patience and impatience.

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss digging into trauma to reveal the root emotion; how even literary fiction needs a hook; readability and writing in italics in certain fonts; needing to connect with character; how a query letter must include details of a specific climax; always keeping the reader wondering about what's going to happen next; and tackling certain themes responsibly. Carly also sings a time stamp jingle!After which, Bianca chats with Christina Clancy, author of Shoulder Season, about the research that goes into writing a novel; thinking about your book even when you're not able to write; knowing when to stop researching and start writing; how close you need to stick to historical fact and how much can be invention; starting a whisper campaign; finding ancillary resources; when a story needs a prologue; being willing to cut things even during a third draft; figuring out where the beating heart of your story is; and why every writer has to despair at some point of the process.

On today's Books with Hooks segment, we have an author come onto the show to discuss her submission with us. In the segment, Carly and CeCe chat with Shari about linking multiple POV stories in a query letter; answering the 'why now?' question; establishing what's at stake for each POV character; how an offer implies a transaction, and how all of life is about power; being careful who you comp as that creates expectations; explaining the thematic pressures that affect characters; how regret is a passive emotion; and nailing entry and exit points in each chapter.After which, Bianca chats with debut author of The Tiger Mom's Tale, Lyn Liao Butler, about how to find support as a debut novelist; debuting in a hostile climate; how much is out of your control as a debut author; revising a novel and changing POVs in the process; all the mistakes writers make with their first novels; the evolution of a rejected manuscript on its journey to publication; why reading is so important; how to use feedback and critique; and how to choose the right agent. 

In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe discuss thinking of your query letter as real estate with curb appeal; considering what you're providing for the reader's sake vs what you're providing for the character's sake; being clear with memoir with regards to what you're working towards as a climax; memoir needing to have a sub-genre; immersing a reader in scene instead of giving a round-up of feelings; and the problem with presenting a character just to immediately kill them off.After which Bianca chats with award-winning novelist, Lauren Groff, about avoiding perfectionism; laying the groundwork for inspiration; how dialogue should complicate what's happening on the page and deal with power structures; dealing with characters' emotionality; how historical fiction has the past speak into the present day; how good art is trying to speak as truthfully as possible; how omniscient POV is the most fun you can have; and how fiction is the art of sculpting time through words.

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss how paranormal stories are making a comeback; having YA characters sound like, and have the emotionality of,  teenagers; the difference between loud and quiet novels; always focusing on what's happening in the present; who is allowed to tell which stories;  and avoiding starting stories that begin with surrender as that doesn't invoke curiosity. CeCe is also forced to eat her words of advice given in a previous episode! After which, Bianca chats with the award-winning author of China Room, Sunjeev Sahota, about finding your writing groove; coming up with your own process that works for you; the importance of staring into space; and why chasing a changing definition of success can be dangerous.  

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss leaning into specificity; concerns over white saviorism and teachable moments; dialogue needing to sound exactly like the character would speak; requiring drama outside of parallelism; starting with character and putting the reader in someone's head right away; how multi-POV books should be pitched; and focusing on plot rather than feelings.After which, Bianca chats with author of The Family Plot, Megan Collins, about writing limited omniscient third person; getting approval from your publisher; the immediacy of present tense; how every story will tell you what it needs; bringing poetry into any genre of writing; how you should choose your POV character; and coming up with secondary characters based on the purpose you need them to serve. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss focusing on trauma and conflict rather than the perfect life that came before; not taking up too much space for a set up in a query letter; starting with the inciting incident; the problem with objectivity in omniscient POV; how curiosity comes from active emotion; writing well on a line level; pitching plot rather than feelings; and the golden rule of dialogue. After which, Bianca chats with  Megan Abbott, author of The Turnout, about the themes writers return to; the research that goes into a novel; how you don't need to just write what you know, but what you're curious about; the struggle to write authentic movement and gestures as your characters make their way through the world; making the reader do the heavy-lifting; and writing an unreliable narrator.

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss being careful with your verb choices so as not to create misunderstandings; the query letter question test; describing the tone of your book as one thing or the other; being careful not to have characters who just have unrelated drama happening to them; changing locations in opening scenes; what constitutes historical fiction; guarding against overwriting and too much mind wandering; getting to the hook faster, and not repeating what's in the opening pages in the query letter. After which, Bianca chats with  Caitlin Wahrer, debut author of The Damage, about what needs to be in an opening chapter; hooking the reader with immediate questions; writing dual timelines as opposed to flashbacks in the present day; choosing past tense and then struggling with the tenses during flashbacks; structuring stories in a non linear timeline; writing multiple characters in third person close; working with an agent on a revise and resubmit; why writing a query letter for a novel with multiple POV characters is difficult; and the pros of third person close compared to first person.The query letter can be found on our Ko-fi page: https://ko-fi.com/post/Caitlin-Wahrers-Query-Letter-with-spoilers-remov-T6T65UBFS  

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss not being vague in your query letter; letting us know what's at stake for a character;  why repetition is your enemy in the first five pages; making the geography and the hook of the novel clearer; inciting specific curiosity; and taking care not to write a hidden protagonist. After which Bianca chats with Julie Carrick Dalton, author of Waiting for the Night Song about how to know when you're ready to query. Julie discusses being in the query trenches, as well as entering writing contests; taking part in literary idol events and charity auctions; doing workshops run by agents and editors; working with Manuscript Academy; asking for scholarships or fee waivers; entering Twitter contents like #pitmad; studying writing; what climate fiction is; and answering why you're the most qualified person to tell a story.  

In this bonus episode, Bianca chats with Andrew Wall of Craft Better Books about everything you need to know about worldbuilding. Whether you write adult fantasy, YA fantasy, dystopian fiction or sci-fi, there are many elements of worldbuilding that you need to consider and incorporate into your work in order to make your fictional world come alive and feel authentic. Andrew guides you through the process and what you need to pay attention to. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss what an action prologue is and the pitfalls of using it; telling us what characters like rather than what they don't like; how if you know someone's problems and passions, you know their life; entertaining rather than explaining in the opening pages; sharing the details of prior representation; and the process of changing agents. After which Bianca chats with author, Andrea Bartz, about coming up with a hook; how everything is potential material; why the sophomore novel is so scary; having energy around the kernel of an idea; choosing the best POV for your story and navigating the limitations for third person; the challenges posed by dual timelines and POVs; and readers' reactions to less likeable narrators.

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly reveals that she's a bionic super agent! CeCe and Carly also discuss mixing up your sentences so they don't all begin the same way; aiming for the quirky rather than the generic; ensuring there's an emotional shift in each scene; the importance of getting dialogue right; choosing a setting that reflects the story's conflicts; plausibility and the domino effect; and giving your characters clear goals in each scene. And then we answer more of your questions! Bianca chats with bestselling thriller author, Samantha Downing, about why backstory is bullshit; teasing suspense for as long as you can; writing intuitively without plotting and outlining; learning how to write as you go rather than formally studying writing; not needing any fancy software to write; hiding clues in plain sight; not being predictable; and writing characters that are compelling and relatable.  

In today's jam-packed bonus episode, Carly chats with author, Jael Richardson, and HarperCollins Senior Editorial Director, Jennifer Lambert, about the author/editor relationship. They also discuss having an outline to work with to keep you on track and feeling motivated; creating a fully developed dystopian world; working on one thing at a time during each draft; making the world building rules disappear for the reader; informing and entertaining readers; what a writer's responsibility is to their audience; characters' upward or downward trajectories; figuring out who your audience is, and whether that shapes the writing process; writing for young adults vs adults; the FOLD (Festival of Literary Diversity); how acquisitions happen in publishing; how important a platform is for nonfiction; and how the publishing industry has changed during Covid. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss avoiding wordiness in your opening pages; how writing is a dance and you're leading, but the reader is dancing with you; how important world building is; giving characters emotionality; being careful of writing dialogue of agreement; avoiding repetition and hand holding; the importance of establishing your tone in the opening pages; explaining comps so they clarify things rather than confuse the agent; using active emotions; and listening when a book tells you what it wants to be.After which Bianca chats with bestselling author, Karma Brown, about why eavesdropping  is an essential writing skill; the importance of avoiding info dumps in dialogue; why flamingos are amazing; paying attention to your instincts; the value in waking up at 5am to write; writing across genres; finding time in the day to write when you are less needed; and breaking down your goals into manageable chunks. 

In this BONUS episode, Carly is joined by her client and indie author, Kiersten Modglin,  to chat about what it takes to be a successful indie author. Carly and Kiersten discuss why an indie author would need an agent; using social media effectively; why persistence pays off; how to get comfortable with TikTok; building an author brand and being consistent with it; interacting with your readers; building buzz as an indie author; running your own business, and capitalizing on the audiobook market. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss giving your characters the opportunity to react to big events; only including what's essential to intrigue an agent in the query letter; not giving away spoilers; and not counting on backstory and secrets to do the heavy lifting in dual timeline narratives. After which, Bianca chats with Anne Bogel (author, the creator of the blog Modern Mrs. Darcy, and host of What Should I Read Next? podcast) about what writers can learn about the craft through reading. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss prioritizing plot and character over voice in a query letter; giving an old trope a fresh twist; why love at first sight is so tough to write; how writing is a political act; and avoiding defamation or licensing issues in your writing. After which, Bianca chats with Emily Henry, author of Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation, about focusing on tension rather than plot; keeping yourself and your readers guessing; backstory being why front story matters; starting with misdirection; and not giving your characters too much self awareness. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss the difference between urban fantasy and magical realism; using a scalpel in writing surgery; delivering answers to readers' questions; coming-of-age stories vs YA fiction; and knowing who your audience is.  After which, Bianca chats with May Cobb, author of The Hunting Wives, about writing those tricky unlikable characters; making sure your readers know why your characters make questionable choices; the iceberg approach to characterization; firing an agent;  having the right people read your work; and writing the story that keeps you up at night. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss making it clear what's at stake, and what the hook is, in your query letter; how important readability is; not leading the reader too much; pitching plot as opposed to feelings; limiting your use of punctuation; and guarding against white saviorism. After which, Bianca chats with Jessica Payne, the host of #MomsWritersClub about finding your people; the challenges faced by mothers who write; being creative when you're exhausted; drawing on creative reserves; having a sense of community; and keeping your tank full.

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss the heartbreak of the querying process; the power imbalance between agents and authors; giving agents an idea of whether your novel is commercial or literary fiction; picking your comps and inciting incident; and avoiding two heroes' journeys in one query. Bianca also challenges Carly to name her nemeses. We all talk and disagree A LOT about Mare of Easttown, and we take more of your questions. After which, Bianca chats with Hannah Mary McKinnon, bestselling author of You Will Remember Me, about plotting, outlining and structuring your novel; skeleton drafts; the 16 beat structure; layering your novel during edits; and choosing POV. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss leaning into unlikable characters but how to make them relatable; avoiding info dumps, especially in dialogue; starting at the right place; and trusting both yourself and your reader.  After which, Bianca chats with Uzma Jalaluddin, author of Hana Khan Carries On about writing rom coms; the tropes and conventions of the genre; choosing the best setting for your story; tackling important themes in all genres; the three-act structure; and keeping your secondary characters in check.

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss being more explicit about genre and tone; establishing emotionality in your main characters rather than just having them being observers or vessels; giving your reader access to your character's thoughts and feelings, while balancing show vs tell; setting not just the story stakes, but scene stakes as well; and eliminating wordiness.  After which, Bianca chats with Heather Chavez, debut author of No Bad Deed, about pacing and tension; how long overnight success takes; being stubborn and passionate about your work; how to effectively integrate action/reaction sequences; and using action beats vs dialogue tags. 

In today's bonus content episode,  Bianca, Carly and CeCe take all your questions about agents' and publishers' contracts; finding a reputable agent; being out on submission; the etiquette of querying;  why agents might offer R&Rs; the kinds of revisions you'll be expected to do, etc. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss falling in love with a story before falling in love with an author; what constitutes a memoir and the different types of non-fiction; giving time frames for your manuscripts; and using the present tense for more immediacy.  After which, Bianca chats with publishing phenomenon, Jeffery Deaver, about hooking your reader and keeping them turning pages; and why books are products with your readers being your customers. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss using pseudonyms; the difference between women's fiction and book club fiction; beginning your book with adult characters in adult novels; giving agents trigger/content warnings; how to propose sequels; and how to find the most compelling entry point into your story.  After which, Bianca chats with award-winning and bestselling author, Lily King (author of Writers & Lovers) about the writer's life; scrapping novels halfway through; dealing with rejection; and starting the process all over again with a new book.

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss the issue of swearing in novels; how characters feel about the action playing out on the page; and moving around the puzzle pieces of a story. After which, Bianca chats with Katie Wall, a book coach at Craft Better Books, about what you can learn from your rejections; why patience will pay off down the line; and why you might do better working with a book coach.  

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe fall in love with another submission; discuss writing from perspectives that aren't your own; what the 'arrogant win' is; how to write prologues; and writing second person PoV. After which, Bianca chats with Kirstin Beck, author of COURAGE, MY LOVE, about writing and researching historical fiction; how to establish an effective research process; what you can learn from starter novels; and putting off writing your passion project until you're a better writer. 

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe fall in love with one submission; suggest using a different PoV for another; discuss how characterization can be revealed through what a character notices, and how a writer is an artist who doesn't get to see their audience. After which, Bianca chats with Daniel Ford, author and podcast host, about what he's learned about writing from his years of interviewing great writers, as well as the benefit of creating a writing playlist, and how patience really is a writing virtue. 

We're just a few days away from Thanksgiving and wow how much has changed since last year. Most of us won't be having our traditional family get togethers because of the COVID-19 pandemic and as hard as that is – it's a good thing. We've discovered that most of the COVID-19 infections have been spreading through small family and social gatherings. So how do we make it special? The American Jewish Committee has a wonderful non-denominational Thanksgiving reader called America's Table that provides questions and inspiration we can share around the virtual Thanksgiving circle I speak to Marcia Bronstein, Regional Director – AJC Philadelphia/SNJ and David Hyman, President of AJC and Co-Founder of Operation Understanding.https://www.ajc.org/AmericasTableViolence is spiking in Philadelphia the stresses of COVID-19 are part of the problem. Still the primary driving forces continue to be city's deep poverty, low employment, and trauma. The City of Philadelphia is reaching out to community organizations working in neighborhoods with grassroots programs that address these issues, and they are offering grants to fund them. Joining me from the Philadelphia Office of Violence Prevention are Theron Pride, Senior Director Violence Prevention Strategies and Programs and Kianna Brown – Program Specialist. www.phila.gov/violenceprevention First – ever thought you had a book in you? I speak with writer, educator, spoken word poet Chantelle Adanna who is teaching others how to get their work published. www.chantelleadanna.com

Today I have the privilege of speaking with the one and only Sara Megibow! We talk about her agenting philosophy, her professional roots in analytics and training, and the deeply exciting rise in audiobooks.This was the sort of episode where I wanted to take notes. If you're interested in publishing, in analytics, or just really badass women, this is the episode for you. Boundless Optimism: Barbershop BooksSara on Twitterkt literary on Twitterkt literary on Instagram

Over 1.5 million new books were published in 2012 — over 10 times the number in 2007. 80% of Americans say they have a book inside them. If so, who will buy them? Why is one book a success and another just a paperweight? With each turn of a page, the changes in the publishing industry create new opportunities, yet still demand the basics as well as innovation. If you want to know how to make your book a success story, ask the woman who built a business of making book success stories possible. Antoinette Kuritz, CEO of The Kuritz Group, Inc., an organization that includes Strategies Literary PR in San Diego, CA, The La Jolla Writers Conference, and Writer's Roundtable radio show, is known for taking writers from idea to successful publication and beyond. She helps authors determine the marketability of their idea, build their platforms, determines the best publication method and works with them on PR and Marketing. Antoinette inspired Chicken Soup mogul Mark Victor Hanson and launched the national career of psychic medium John Edward. She has also worked with Carl Reiner, Betty White, Deepak Chopra and her favorite, Dr. Benjamin Spock. In her 350 radio shows, she interviewed top authors, publishers and agents; in her regular KUSI-TV spot she recommends books from her “Nightstand Reads”. In 2001, combining her “behind-the-book-cover” expertise and her love of teaching, Antoinette founded the LaJolla Writers Conference. Each November in San Diego, the conference provides an inexpensive, informative and intimate gathering of established authors, agents and editors, guiding writers of all levels to success. Website: www.LaJollaWritersConference.com Book: 1001 Ways to Celebrate America (2001) Phone: 858 467-1978