The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

In this episode, Carly welcomes her co-writing clients Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman — authors of ‘10,000 Light Years from OK’ — to talk about their heartfelt, writer-centric sophomore novel. If you love stories about love, hope, courage, and the wild coincidences that make us believe in something bigger… this one’s for you. ‘10,000 Light Years from OK’ is out now — grab your copy and tune in!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.Find us on our socials:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliatepage: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/tsnotyaw* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Carly and CeCe tackle the pressing issue of agent burnout, sharing insights on managing energy versus time. They delve into the precarious nature of small publishers and the financial dynamics of bestsellers. The hosts discuss the unique challenges booksellers face in selecting titles amidst an overwhelming influx of new releases. Their conversation takes a lively turn with juicy gossip from publishing conferences and humorous takes on networking etiquette. Expect plenty of thoughtful advice for authors looking to engage with the bookstore community!

In this Books with Hooks episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe dig into two submissions—a YA fantasy query and a memoir/nonfiction hybrid. They unpack why centering a protagonist matters, how to sharpen specificity in quests, what makes prologues succeed (or fail), and why memoir queries need a clear narrative arc. Expect candid advice on worldbuilding, dialogue, experimental structures, and how to position your author bio so agents take notice.EPISODE UPDATE:Dear TSNOTYAWers,We recently made the difficult decision to remove one of the submissions from this episode. Writers who submit to our show do so voluntarily for a chance to have their work shared on our platforms under our popular critique format. When a writer submits to our podcast, they are not only giving us permission to share and critique their work—indeed, they are requesting that their work be shared and critiqued on our show. When a writer has their work selected, that writer is taking a spot that could have gone to another writer.The writer of the work that was featured in this now-edited portion of Books with Hooks contacted us claiming that they had not given permission to share their work on our podcast. This claim was extremely confusing to us, since our records indicate that they did, in fact, submit to our podcast. This writer also stated that we had violated their copyright, an accusation which is patently untrue.We are upset by the comments made by this writer, as well as the fact that they took a coveted spot that could have gone to someone else.We work very hard to offer a free service to writers. We are grateful to those who share their work with our show, thus allowing for a communal educational experience. Running a podcast is a costly endeavor, and producing an episode is expensive. Editing an episode after it airs is also expensive as it involves additional production time both for the audio of the podcast and for the video on YouTube.Although we were under no obligation to do so, we have decided to take down the part of the episode in which we shared and critiqued this specific writer’s work. This decision is solely done out of kindness and empathy.We have asked the writer in question to refrain from submitting to our podcast again.We are very sorry that this Books with Hooks now only features one submission instead of two as we really try to get to as many submissions as we possibly can to give you as much value as you deserve.Sincerely,The Shit No One Tells You About Writing TeamNote: 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.Find us on our socials:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/tsnotyaw* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Bestselling author Patricia Sands shares her inspiring journey, starting to write at 65 and transitioning from indie to traditional publishing with Amazon’s Lake Union. She discusses the joy of writing, setting personal publishing goals, and her charming new novel, The French Effect. Bookseller Emilie Sommer returns with her monthly comps segment, recommending captivating titles from literary suspense to speculative romance, ensuring every listener finds the perfect comparative read!

Dr. Jonathan Mathias Lassiter, a clinical psychologist and author, shares insights from his debut book, 'How I Know White People Are Crazy.' He explains the struggle of using a bold title and the emotional costs of exposing personal stories. Jonathan discusses the importance of maintaining authenticity while navigating the editing process, including his collaboration with editor Krishan Trotman. With a mix of personal and clinical perspectives, he offers wisdom on finding one's voice and the role of vulnerability in writing.

CeCe’s in island mode, Carly’s snowed in—and the publishing chat is heating up. From lost luggage and red-eye flights to turning down book deals and navigating TV/film rights, this week’s episode covers it all. Plus: AI pitch letters (hard no!), why Harper Collins’ “bad quarter” matters, and a little optimism for the analog future of reading.☀️ Books, beaches, and big opinions—just another week of Shooting the Shit.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.Find us on our socials:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comAdditional resources:https://open.substack.com/pub/maybeiovershared/p/why-authors-should-care-about-harpercollins?r=1ufkzj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webmaybeiovershared.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/tsnotyaw* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Dive into a critique of two intriguing query letters! One features a historical novel centered on Shakespeare and metafiction, raising questions about clarity and pitch. The other is a gripping campus thriller that intertwines murder and female rage—though it might benefit from stronger comps and clearer structure. Throughout the show, witty discussions abound, especially about the challenges of blending genres and crafting compelling narratives that resonate with agents. Don't miss the humor and insight they bring to the writing process!

Carly’s reporting live from Los Angeles and CeCe’s just back from a rom-com-gone-wrong trip to Ottawa (complete with flight chaos and airport bathroom glam). From bribing airline staff with books to rolling up to Netflix, the travel stories are top-tier comedy. Then they dive into Hollywood talk — what’s actually getting adapted from page to screen, why short stories are suddenly hot IP, and how TV’s craving “guys with guns solving problems.” Plus, they tackle listener DMs! Fun, funny, and full of insider wisdom — another classic “Shooting the Sh*t” from two literary pros on the go.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.Find us on our socials:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliatepage: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/tsnotyaw* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Author and agent Jenna Satterthwaite joins Bianca to talk about her new thriller ‘The New Year’s Party’, a murder mystery packed with secrets, friendship, and chaos. Jenna opens up about her 800+ rejections, writing through grief, finding joy in storytelling, and why she’s radically transparent about money and publishing. Tune in for real talk about persistence, transparency, and the messy beauty of creative life.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.Find us on our socials:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/tsnotyaw* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The hosts dive into the latest Q3 book sales, noting a decline in romance and thrillers. They unpack the mystery behind agent feedback, emphasizing its rarity and value. Discussions on when to submit manuscripts highlight strategic timing, while a debate on targeted versus broad submission lists prompts insight into author-editor dynamics. Rejection is normalized as part of the journey, with tips on perseverance. Plus, beware of AI scams that prey on authors looking for shortcuts!