In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe chat with Leslie, winner of our flash fiction contest, about her query letter for a YA dystopian novel. They explore the story’s themes, how to structure a compelling query, and why tension and stakes are key. Carly and CeCe weigh in with feedback on character depth, the virus’s role in the plot, and ensuring the protagonist drives the action. The conversation drives home the power of a strong Act One to lay the groundwork for the entire novel.
Note: Cece Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.
Find us on our socials:
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing
https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author
https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/
https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW
Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com
Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting
To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Aeropress and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com
* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/tsnotyaw
Advertising Inquiries:
https://redcircle.com/brands
