Thriller 101 141 Literary Agent Vicky Weber on Why Most Writers Aren't Agent-Ready (And How to Fix It)
Ever wondered why it feels nearly impossible to land a literary agent these days?
In this episode, I had a chat with Vicky Weber, a literary agent, bestselling children's author, and marketing strategist, who pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities facing today's publishing industry.
Vicky reveals why the bar for getting agented has skyrocketed, how agents are making just $20 on some deals, and why editors no longer do the developmental work they used to.
But more importantly, she shares a few of the strategies that helped one of her books profit over $18,000 and explains exactly what agents are really looking for when they say a manuscript "isn't the right fit."
If you're serious about getting published, this conversation will fundamentally change how you approach querying, revisions, and building relationships in the industry.
What You'll Learn:
- Why developmental editing now falls on authors, not editors
- The marketing plan framework that can ensure your book doesn’t flop
- How to signal coachability and professionalism in queries
Click here to learn more about Vicky
Guest Bio: Vicky Weber is a literary agent, bestselling children’s book author, and publishing industry expert with years of experience helping authors navigate both traditional and self-publishing. As the founder of At Home Author, she has guided countless writers through the process of crafting, publishing, and marketing successful books. With a background in education, Vicky is passionate about breaking down complex industry concepts into actionable steps. Whether securing book deals for her clients or sharing insights on the ever-evolving publishing market, she is dedicated to helping authors turn their creative dreams into reality.
Episodes I think you'll love
Turn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler Ruiz
Author Liz Alterman Reveals Her Weekly Writing Ritual That Transforms First Drafts Into Gold And How to Know When Your Story Idea Is Worth Writing
- Literary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Fix Your Opening Pages (Part 2)
Literary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's Eye
Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction
Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now