Literary Agents 101

Apr 2, 2023

Carly Watters, a seasoned literary agent, discusses pitching strategies, the significance of literary agents, and tips for writers seeking representation. The podcast explores crafting compelling query letters, novel length preferences, intellectual property potential, and the dynamics of author-agent relationships in the publishing world.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Exploring the Role of Literary Agents with Carly Waters

01:44 • 3min

Navigating the Publishing Industry with Carly Waters

04:48 • 7min

Finding Literary Agents and Crafting Queries

11:45 • 15min

Promotion of 'Truth Is The Arrow, Mercy Is The Bow' Writing Manual by Steve Almond

26:57 • 2min

Crafting Compelling Book Paragraphs for Query Letters

28:42 • 15min

The Ideal Length of Novels and Creative Cycles

43:59 • 8min

Navigating Intellectual Property Potential and Publishing Realities

52:17 • 14min

Navigating Reviews and Market Awareness for Authors

01:06:14 • 2min

Navigating Relationships in the Publishing Industry

01:08:25 • 16min

Navigating the Literary Ecosystem

01:24:41 • 14min

Exploring the Author-Agent Partnership Dynamics

01:38:42 • 3min

In the latest "Craftwork" episode, a deep-dive conversation about literary agents with Carly Watters, herself a longtime literary agent and the co-host of the popular writing podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. Carly is "very online"—follow her on Instagram and Twitter—with a keen understanding of the digital landscape and the challenges faced by contemporary authors. In this episode, we discuss what you need to know about pitching a literary agent, what agents are looking for in writers—and more.

Carly Watters is a SVP and Senior Literary Agent at P.S. Literary. She began her publishing career in London as an assistant at the Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency. Carly joined Toronto-based P.S. Literary Agency in 2010 and has sold over 100 books during her career. She represents award-winning and bestselling authors in the adult fiction and non-fiction categories, and select children’s books.

She is known for her long-term vision for her authors and being an excellent collaborator with a nose for commercial success. She has close ties to publishers in the major markets, is a member of the AALA, and works directly with film agents to option film and TV rights to leading networks and production companies. Her clients’ books have been translated into 40 languages, optioned for TV and film, adapted into podcasts, and have been on every bestseller list from coast to coast, including the New York Times, USA Today, the LA Times, the Washington Post, the Toronto Star, and theGlobe and Mail. Carly is also an annual judge for the Women’s Fiction Writing Association Rising Star Award.

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Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers.

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