Shooting the Shit: About publishing’s ghosting problem and when sales are “not good”

Oct 20, 2025

Carly and CeCe dive into the chaotic fall season in publishing. They tackle the uncomfortable topic of agent ghosting, offering practical advice for authors. The duo also sheds light on what publishers truly mean when they say sales aren't good. Plus, they debate whether publishing is purely a retail business and the ongoing relevance of pitch contests in finding agents. Get ready for an unfiltered discussion about the messy realities of the literary world!

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ANECDOTE

Party That Sparked A Cold

CeCe caught a cold after returning from a big Wendy Sherman Associates 25th anniversary party filled with editors and colleagues.
She loved networking with buyers and regrets not taking many photos despite the event's success.

INSIGHT

Publishing Is A Retail Business

Carly and an editor described publishing not just as a business but specifically as a retail business focused on consumer sales channels.
CeCe emphasized returnability and direct-to-consumer dynamics as proof publishing behaves like retail.

ADVICE

How To Respond If Your Agent Ghosts You

If your agent truly ghosts you after a book dies on submission, try contacting others at the agency and gather sub lists and records immediately.
Send email and a registered letter terminating per contract clause and keep thorough documentation to protect yourself.

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It’s Fall in publishing — which means colds, caffeine, and chaos. Carly and CeCe catch up after a whirlwind few weeks to unpack two hot topics from listener DMs: what to do if your agent ghosts you, and what editors really mean when they say “sales aren’t good.” They also get into whether publishing is truly a “retail business,” how to handle AALA membership questions, and whether pitch contests are still worth it.

Get comfy and join them for some honest, funny, and unfiltered talk about the messy, mysterious world of publishing.

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.

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