London Writers' Salon #166: Kate McKean — Author and Literary Agent on Building a Writing Life: Pitches, Rejections, and Publishing Truths
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Nov 2, 2025 In this episode, Kate McKean, a literary agent and author, dives into the complexities of the writing world. She shares tips on crafting a compelling pitch and reading rejection letters for constructive feedback. Kate emphasizes the importance of enjoying the writing process rather than fixating on publishing outcomes. She sheds light on the differences between US and UK agenting, as well as the realities of self-publishing. With her engaging insights, she empowers writers to build resilient careers and prioritize their creative joy.
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Platform Helps, But Books Need Fresh Work
- A newsletter can prove audience interest but a book still needs original structure and new writing.
- Platform helps nonfiction sales, yet most book text should be written as a book, not lifted from posts.
Rejections Mean Market Fit, Not Merit
- Agents reject books they can't sell, not necessarily writers they dislike.
- An agent must justify that readers will spend money on a book, not its creator's struggle.
How A Rejected Picture Book Found Life
- Kate queried four agents for a picture book and got two offers, choosing Michael Barrett.
- That original picture book later sold after an editor suggested rewriting from the cat's POV and will publish in 2026.
