Querying Literary Agents, Part 1: Big Five Dreams or Indie Vibes?
Welcome to the first installment of a four-part series on querying literary agents. In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of publishing with a Big Five publisher versus an independent press. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, traditionally publishing or submitting directly to publishers, this episode will help you clarify your publishing goals.Plus: A roundup of the latest publishing news, including the growing backlash against tech giants using books to train AI.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:The Big Five publishers: what they offer and what you give up.Independent presses: creative freedom and community.Why authors might choose commercial reach vs. a passionate niche.Important questions to ask yourself before querying.Ep 84: Query Letters vs Book Proposals - Writing BreakEp 68: Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing - Writing BreakPublishers Accepting Unagented ManuscriptsCrown Publishing Group Launches Book Imprint Dedicated to Black VoicesOpenAI copyright lawsuits from authors, New York Times consolidated in ManhattanFrench publishers and authors sue Meta over copyright works used in AI training‘Meta has stolen books’: authors to protest in London against AI trained using ‘shadow library’ | Books | The GuardianFree Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks.
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9:34
You Like Writing Tips? We Got Writing Tips (Clip Show #12)
It’s time for a heavy dose of writing wisdom, clipped and curated from recent episodes. Whether you’re plotting, editing, procrastinating or just looking for a creative nudge, this episode’s packed with the good stuff: smart takes, helpful reminders, and maybe a little tough love.Missed a few episodes? I’ve got you covered.Featuring:✍️ First-draft and second-draft writing advice✍️ Actionable writing tips from bestselling authors✍️ The reality of traditional publishing✍️ Plus more gems you might’ve forgotten (or ignored😉)Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks.
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40:42
High-Concept vs. Low-Concept Stories
Is your story high-concept or low-concept? Understanding this difference can help you refine your pitch, strengthen your storytelling, and position your book effectively in the publishing industry.🎙️ In this episode, we’ll cover:✍️ what makes a story high-concept;✏️ what defines a low-concept story;✍️ how to tell which one you’re writing and why it matters; and✏️ examples from books and films to illustrate both concepts.As always, I’ll share the latest publishing industry news, including trends, controversies, and shifts that could impact authors.7 Literary Conflicts Explained (Clip Show #11) - Writing BreakNew Jersey Star-Ledger will end print edition in 2025‘Sign our own death warrant’: Australian writers angry after Melbourne publisher asks them to sign AI agreements | Australian books | The GuardianDemand for page-turning ‘romantasy’ fuels boom for booksWaiting for the Paperback? Good Luck - WSJGains in the religion and adult fiction segments helped to offset softness in other areas, leading to a 6.5% sales increase at publishers who report to the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program.Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks:“More Jam Please” by Raighes Factory
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12:08
Navigating the Shifting Publishing Landscape
The publishing world is shifting fast, and as writers, we need to keep up. In this episode, I dive into some of the biggest changes happening in the industry right now, from how AI is reshaping publishing to restrictions that could impact book accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, understanding these changes will help you navigate publishing smarter.I also share a piece of writing advice I give to authors that I’m now following myself as I write my first book-length work. Eight Independent Publishers Form Cooperative to Share Resources, Cut CostsLondon Book Fair 2025 to Focus on AI, Developing ReadersKill Your Darlings - Writing BreakLibrary Database Providers Clash Over Subscription ModelsNew Bills in Iowa Threaten to Tighten Obscenity Provisions for LibrariesWill the Diamond Bankruptcy Change the Comics Business Forever?Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks.
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18:01
The Reality of Traditional Publishing, a Cautionary Tale
We all dream of making it big with our writing, but what happens when that dream doesn’t unfold the way you expect? We’ll talk about how that dream didn’t quite come true for one author. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry and for the latest publishing news. The debate over blurbs in publishing, explained | Vox‘It’s quite galling’: children’s authors frustrated by rise in celebrity-penned titles | Children and teenagers | The GuardianNew RomanceCosy KinkThe acquisition of Text Publishing by Penguin Random House is part of a worrying trend in Australian publishingFree Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks
Writing Break is an ad-free, award-winning podcast for writers. Take a break with America’s Editor and learn her best writing tips, catch up on the latest publishing industry news, and recharge with a fellow book lover who understands the plight of the writer.
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