One Author’s Path to Agent Representation

Today on More to the Story Podcast: An interview with author Molly Mogren Katt

Molly holds a special place in the More to the Story universe—she was my very first coaching client when I launched my business in 2020! Molly finished her manuscript, Mom Geans, with me, and in this conversation she shares the ups and downs of her journey toward publishing.

Her memoir explores the decision to have kids after growing up in an abusive household. It’s a story about breaking cycles of generational trauma, cultivating empathy, and becoming the parent you always wished you had. We also talk about her path to finding an agent, the challenges of querying, and what it means to keep writing even in the midst of uncertainty.

About Molly

Molly Mogren Katt believes in making every day an adventure, and you can read all about it on her Substack, Hey Eleanor. She’s written for Food & Wine, Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine, and Experience Life. Her forthcoming memoir, Mom Genes, chronicles her decision to have kids after growing up in an abusive household. It's a story about breaking the cycle of generational trauma; cultivating empathy; and learning how to be the parent you always wished you had. In addition to writing, keeping her kids alive and cooking, she and her husband Josh are currently restoring a haunted 1903 Victorian house in Minneapolis.

In today’s episode:

* Molly’s long road from idea to finished manuscript

* Why the scariest part of memoir writing is often how it affects real life and relationships

* What it’s like to query 60+ agents before getting a “yes”

* Breaking up with her first agent—and finding another one

* How to balance caring deeply about your work without being too precious about it

* Why a regular writing practice (even imperfect) is essential for finding your voice

* The current realities of publishing: costs, delays, and the state of the market

* How Molly is keeping her writing muscle strong through her Substack Hey Eleanor

Links mentioned in this episode:

* Submit or subscribe to Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com

* My free Book Outline Formula Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline

* Book a Nail Your Book Outline Session with me: moretothestory.co/nailyourbookoutline

* Follow Molly’s Substack, Hey Eleanor: Molly Mogren Katt

* Follow Molly on Instagram: @mollymogren

* More about my coaching & editing services at moretothestory.co

Want help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.

Follow & connect:

* Show notes & transcripts at moretothestory.substack.com

* Follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies

* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtree

Question for You

Have you ever felt scared to tell the truth in your writing because of how it might affect people in your life? How do you navigate that fear? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s get a conversation going!

Thanks so much for listening and for being here! xo

(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.)

Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe