Thriller 101

Send me a Text Message!You’re going to love this exclusive conversation with Chantelle Aimée Osman, Senior Editor at Simon & Schuster's new imprint, Simon Maverick. Chantelle reveals how the publishing industry is evolving to meet indie and hybrid authors where they are. And why audio is becoming the new frontier that could transform your writing career. Discover the submission strategies that actually work, learn why your biggest strength might be the one thing editors can't fix, and find out how to reframe rejection in a way that accelerates rather than derails your publishing journey. Whether you're traditionally published, indie, or still figuring out your path, this conversation offers insider insights that could change everything about how you approach your writing career.Past Episodes with Chantelle- How to Edit Your Own Writing with Author & Editor Chantelle Aimée Osman- Chantelle Aimée Osman Interview Series: An Editor's Advice for Writers- Rethinking Rejection & How to Form a Team for Your Work with Chantelle Aimée OsmanWhat You'll Learn:Why audio publishing is the new gold rush opportunityThe one manuscript element editors absolutely cannot fixHow to reframe rejection as progress toward your goalClick here to learn more about Chantelle Aimee Osman Guest Bio: Chantelle Aimée Osman (she/her) is senior editor at Simon & Schuster's newest imprint, Simon Maverick. Prior to joining Simon & Schuster, Chantelle Aimée Osman was an acquiring editor at Amazon Publishing, where she worked with bestselling authors such as Robert Dugoni, Mark Sullivan, Suzanne Redfearn, Megan Chance, Victoria Helen Stone, and Simon Tolkien. Previously, she helped found Agora Books, an imprint of independent press Polis Books, focusing on crime fiction and horror with unique social and cultural voices—themes which still hold a special place in her heart. She's online at chantelleaimee.com 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

Send me a Text Message!Tamara Miller's debut thriller INTO THE FALL has launched her career with a two-book publishing contract. But her path from government policy analyst to published author wasn't built on talent alone. It was strategic business thinking that made the difference. In this episode, Tamara Miller reveals the approach that got her agent's immediate attention and explains why treating your query like a business proposal changes everything. She also shares some immersive writing techniques that keep readers turning pages. Whether you're struggling with submissions or wondering how to make your manuscript stand out, this episode’s practical insights will shift how you think about the publishing game.What You'll Learn:Why query letters must be business proposals first, pitches secondThe "equation" for writing immersive scenes that hook agents instantlyHow to research and position your book for commercial successClick here to learn more about Tamara MillerGuest Bio: Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tamara L. Miller earned her PhD in Canadian history before embarking on a career working for the federal government. Miller began as a doe-eyed policy analyst and eventually moved into an executive role with the Government of Canada. She later left public service, older and perhaps a little wiser, to become a writer. Tamara is past president of Ottawa Independent Writers and has written several articles published online by the likes of CBC and Ottawa Life Magazine. Into the Fall is her first novel.Over the years, the author has called many Canadian cities home but now lives in Ottawa with her family and two long-suffering cats. She’s always been fascinated by the raw beauty of the wilder places in the world and escapes to them whenever possible.Episodes I think you'll love...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

Send me a Text Message!Literary agent Lori Galvin reveals exactly what makes a query letter irresistible. She breaks down the specific elements that make agents request materials, and the common mistakes that lead to instant rejections. Whether you're crafting your first query or your fiftieth, this episode delivers the agent perspective that every fiction writer needs to hear.What You'll Learn:Why manuscript word count can kill your chances instantlyThe test some agents use to evaluate opening pagesHow to prove you're serious about writing in your bioClick here to learn more about Lori Galvin Guest Bio:  Lori Galvin, has been with Aevitas Creative Management since 2015 and represents a wide variety of bestselling, award-winning, and critically acclaimed writers of both fiction and nonfiction including Wanda M. Morris, Nishita Parekh, and Kwame Onwuachi. Prior to her agenting career, she was an editor at America’s Test Kitchen as well as Houghton Mifflin. She has also worked as a restaurant cook and managed a bed-and-breakfast in coastal Maine. She lives in Massachusetts. Lori only accepts submissions through Query Manager: QueryManager.com/QueryLoriGalvinEpisodes I think you'll love...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

Send me a Text Message!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 editorsThe marketing plan framework that can ensure your book doesn’t flopHow to signal coachability and professionalism in queriesClick here to learn more about VickyAt Home Author BlogGuest 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 loveTurn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler RuizAuthor Liz Alterman Reveals Her Weekly Writing Ritual That Transforms First Drafts Into Gold And How to Know When Your Story Idea Is Worth WritingLiterary 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

Send me a Text Message!Developmental editor and former literary agent Mary Kole breaks down the exact process that transforms manuscripts from "just okay" to "must-read." In this episode, you'll learn why most writers approach feedback and revision completely wrong.You’ll discover the important difference between revision and editing. And you’ll master the "boring edit" technique that ensures your story grips readers from page one to the end. Mary reveals When to seek feedback (and when not to)How to create a mission statement that guides every revision decisionWhy cause-and-effect logic is the secret weapon of successful storytellers. Whether you're drowning in feedback or paralysed by perfectionism, this episode gives you the roadmap to finish your manuscript and make it as good as you’d always hoped it would be.What You'll Learn:How to filter feedback and reject notes that don't serve your story.The mission statement technique that guides every revision decision.Why big-picture changes must come before sentence-level editing.Click here to learn more about Mary Kole Guest Bio: Former literary agent Mary Kole provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres. She founded Good Story Company in 2019 to create valuable content for writers—like the Thriving Writers Podcast, YouTube channel, and Thriving Writers classes and resources. ​​Mary has presented at hundreds of regional, national, and international writing conferences, and guest lectured at Harvard, the Ringling College of Art and Design, the Highlights Foundation, and the Loft.  She also develops unique and commercial intellectual property for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers with Bittersweet Books.Episodes I think you'll love…Agent Carleen Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening PagesLiterary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing IndustryTurn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler RuizFirst Page Formula: Author and Writing Coach April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript Opening 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

Send me a Text Message!Former Scholastic editor Shelly Romero just made the leap to literary agent. And she's spilling the industry secrets most writers never hear. After eight years of editorial experience and now with an agent's perspective, Shelly reveals…What really happens when agents read your opening pagesWhy manuscripts need to be more polished than everThe submission mistakes that trigger instant rejections. What You'll Learn:Why voice trumps plot in manuscript submissionsExact polish level needed for today's publishing marketQuery red flags that guarantee instant rejectionsClick here to learn more about Shelly RomeroConnect with Shelly on InstagramGuest Bio: Shelly Romero began her publishing career in 2017 at Scholastic, where she rose up the ranks from editorial assistant to associate editor, where she acquired her own titles and assisted on series publishing for The Bad Guys and Goosebumps. She later joined Cake Creative as Lead Editor, and she was most recently a freelance editor. She graduated from Stephens College with a bachelor’s degree in English and attended the 2017 NYU Summer Publishing Institute. Shelly was selected as a 2020 Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree and is a member of Latinx in Publishing & People of Color in Publishing. Born and raised in Miami by Honduran parents, she now resides in New York City, where she might be found at a movie theatre viewing the latest release from her Letterboxd watchlist.Episodes I think you'll love…3 Keys to Nailing the Opening of Your NovelLiterary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing IndustryTurn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler RuizLiterary 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

Send me a Text Message!Every thriller, mystery, suspense, and crime writer faces the same dilemma…How do you craft a story that keeps readers turning pages? In this episode, Julie Tyler Ruiz reveals a simple framework that separates forgettable genre fiction from the stories readers obsess over for years. You'll discover…How to identify the one central question that must drive your entire manuscriptLearn the specific prompts that will transform vague plot ideas into page-turning goldMaster the art of creating payoffs that leave readers breathless. Whether you're stuck in the middle of a manuscript or planning your next story, this conversation will give you the confidence to craft questions worth answering. And (most importantly) answers that readers will never forget.What You'll Learn:How to transform questions into page-turning hooksWhy character stakes must connect to your main questionHow to build toward answers that create lasting impactClick here to learn more about Julie Tyler RuizConnect with Julie on InstagramGuest Bio: Julie Tyler Ruiz, PhD, is a writer, educator, and creator of StoryBold. With a decade of experience in higher education and a PhD in English, she combines business savvy with a deep passion for storytelling to help writers craft their best work. Through self-study courses, group masterminds, in-depth articles, and private coaching, Julie empowers writers to unlock their authentic voice and bring their stories to life. Now a sought-after voice in the writing world, she’s dedicated to guiding storytellers toward clarity, confidence, and creative success.Episodes I think you'll love…1. Pacing and Process: Writing Thrillers and Mysteries with Elle Grawl2. Thriller Writing Secrets: Building a Writing Process with Leslie Conner3. How to Hook Readers with Alex Kenna’s Expert Thriller-Writing Advice4. Literary Agent Jennifer Chevais Shares What Grabs Attention in a Query SubmissionGet 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

Liz Alterman, a bestselling author known for her gripping thrillers like 'You Shouldn't Have Done That', shares her unique approach to writing. She discusses her weekly read-aloud sessions to refine character voices and emphasizes testing story ideas before deep diving into writing. Alterman reveals her shift from traditional publishing to a flexible indie model, and how innovative pricing strategies can enhance book success. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for aspiring writers navigating their creative journeys.

Send me a Text Message!Ever wondered what it's really like behind the scenes of being a literary agent?What You'll Learn in this episode:• Why agents prioritize story over polished prose• The brutal financial reality of the publishing industry• What makes manuscripts stand out in queriesJenna's honesty about the industry might just shift how you approach your writing career. Join Jenna's Substack HEREGet 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

Send me a Text Message!Writing coach April Davila reveals the non-negotiable elements that make first pages irresistible to readers and agents. Learn why most manuscripts fail in the opening paragraph, discover the strategic approach to character revelation that transforms boring descriptions into magnetic hooks. Then find out which common opening mistakes instantly kill reader interest. Plus, April shares her surprising advice about when to actually write your first page (hint: it's not when you think).What You'll Learn:The essential elements every first page needsWhy dream sequences and flashbacks kill reader interestStrategic character reveals through environmental detailsClick here to learn more about April Davila. Guest Bio: April Davila is an award-winning author, speaker, and writing coach. Publisher's Weekly called her debut novel, 142 Ostriches, a "vivid, uplifting debut" and the book went on to win the WILLA Award for Women Writing the West. Writer's Digest listed her blog (at aprildavila.com) as one of the Best 101 Websites for Writers and she is the creator of the Sit Write Here writing coaching program, which integrates mindfulness meditation techniques to help writers quiet their inner critics, overcome writer's block, and edit more effectively. Her second novel is forthcoming.Episodes I think you'll love…Literary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Fix Your Opening Pages (Part 2)How to Write an Opening Chapter that Keeps Readers Reading with Author David McCloskey3 Keys to Nailing the Opening of Your NovelAgent Carleen Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening PagesWriting Your Opening Scene with Thomas MullenGet 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