Today is a longer than usual episode—something we thought about breaking into two chunks, but—just as Jessica hates requesting a 50-page partial, getting to a cliffhanger, and having to wait for more—we figured we’d bring you everything, the full episode, all at once. This is an episode that goes deep into the dynamics between authors, … Read more
Join us for a queries and first pages panel with agent Léonicka Valcius (Transatlantic Agency). Submit your work for a chance at live feedback from our panel–plus, of course, a publishing Q&A. This event is designed to be supportive, uplifting, encouraging–and 100% introvert-friendly. (Wear pajamas! We’ll never know.) A replay will be available 15 minutes after … Read more
We love this author-agent pair! When Kimberly Brower first offered representation, she worried that, in a multiple offer situation, Jessica Payne would say no. Some authors just want a quick “It’s perfect, I’ll send it tomorrow”–but this was actually the first sign that they’d be the perfect pair. We discuss why nurses great make thriller … Read more
We are so excited to speak with bestselling author Emily Henry (Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation) about all things character—how to make a character intense yet likable, how to make dialogue snappy yet believable—and how to make the most of an enemies-to-lovers dynamic. We also discuss over-editing, the (false!) idea that there’s a … Read more
Do you ever wonder about your author site? Are agents Googling you? Does your site show you in your best light? Have you been thinking you want a site but don’t know where to start? Do you have a site but aren’t sure if it’s the best it could be? Enter Cathy Dipierro, an experienced interactive … Read more
We are so happy to introduce today’s podcast guest. The New York Times Book Review calls her work, SEARCH, “A wicked pleasure… Huneven is a wise storyteller…this novel has plot, character, structure and a delicious, deeply human pettiness that I think most honest readers will relate to… [Huneven’s] descriptions of food are the best I’ve ever read.” … Read more
We are thrilled to bring you our interview and Q&A with Celia Anne Browne who, from the age of seven, has been exploring various forms of storytelling—from acting on a children’s show through being a ballerina and, now, as a writer, director, producer, agent, and more. Celia is at a wonderful intersection of these storytelling … Read more
You are the main character in your own life. But are you Carmen Sandiego, Issa Rae, Carrie Bradshaw, or Agent 007? What about Catwoman, Sheldon, or Kimmie Schmidt? You have seemingly endless choices about who you want to be in the world. Because you are your own character, this is a unique opportunity to move your … Read more
We talk with Liz Goulet Dubois about the intersection of writing, art, and picture books—and how to find the best version of you, and amplify your potential, to make your best, most authentic work. We talk about adults lose that creative spark (and how they can get it back), the agents she’s worked with who … Read more
We are so happy to welcome Savannah Brooks, agent at Jennifer DiChiara Literary Agency, to the podcast! In this episode, we discuss what’s normal to ask your agent, how is the industry becoming more transparent—and what happens after a book doesn’t sell. We also discuss the odds of selling books at agent stage, working on … Read more
