If you have any good news to share with us about your writing journey, please mail us at theshitaboutwriting@gmail.com using the subject line: Good News! and we'll share it here.
Every win should be celebrated!
Every win should be celebrated!
Dear Bianca, Carly and Cece,
I am so thankful for all the work you do and have learned (and continue to learn) so much from all three of you.
Submitting to Books with Hooks was such a helpful and positive experience for me. When Cece critiqued my query and first pages (on the 11/17/22 episode) it was my first real experience with professional feedback. Her notes, questions and suggestions were so energizing, opening up new story possibilities as well as ways to strengthen what was already there. It gave me so many ideas when I went in to revise.
I am excited to update that I am now agented and am represented by Jenniea Carter at New Leaf Literary! We are working through edits and moving towards submission.
Thank you again for all you do!
Amanda
Instagram and Tiktok: @amandaaaoki
####################################################
Hi Bianca,
This is just to let you know I have completed the query process since being on the show and landed an agent with my MG manuscript, Super Ballsy. I am now represented by Joyce Sweeney at The Seymour Agency. Thank you for giving me the space to process my query letter with an agent on your show aired Dec 9, 2021.
Tyler
####################################################
Hi Bianca, Carly, and CeCe,
I hope you're all doing well! As a student of each of yours, I wanted to say thank you for all that you do. Because of you all, I've honed my craft and got the idea to begin submitting my writing to publications as I edit my manuscript. And because of that, my essay about playing American football as the only girl on the field was just published by the Today Show's TODAY.com.
This is a huge win for me! And it is so incredibly encouraging as I continue on the journey toward publishing. I'd like to share it with you so you can see that everything you all do—through the podcast, through your courses/webinars, and through social media—truly helps us. Tremendously so. You can view my essay here for proof of that: https://www.today.com/news/essay/only-girl-high-school-football-team-rcna70087
Thanks so much to all three of you. I'm so excited to always be a student of yours.
Much love to you all,
Abby Letson
abbyletson10@gmail.com
Instagram: abigail.letson
Twitter: AbigailLetson
####################################################
Dear Bianca, Carly, and Cece,
I stumbled upon TSNOTYAW back in 2021 and have been hooked ever since. At the time, I had just completed the first draft of my second manuscript and was deep in in the throes of editing. But once I began listening to the pod, I slowly learned that I had done all the things you're not supposed to do (opening with only one character in a scene, too much telling, starting in the wrong place, etc) From there, I set about rewriting more than a dozen drafts. After a few rounds of beta reads, I finally worked up the courage to begin the querying process and was lucky enough to land an amazing agent, Anne Leslie Tuttle at Dystel Goderich and Bourret Literary Agency. Cece even did a shout out for me on the pod which was so amazing! I'm happy to report that my debut novel, CALL THE CANARIES HOME sold to Lake Union Publishing and will be released this July!
As someone who does not have an MFA or any writing credentials, I listen to a lot of podcasts about craft. But this one is hands down the best one I've found. The three of you provide such practical tips and advice, AND you're entertaining which is a huge plus in my book! Thanks to you, Bianca, I found my writing group, and we are still going strong after more than a year. I can't thank you enough for doing what you do for emerging authors. You guys are amazing!
Sincerely,
Laura Barrow
####################################################
Hi Bianca, Cece and Carly!
It was so exciting to see the page on your site with so many names I recognize from the podcast updating you with their publishing deals. This community that you’ve created from nothing through hard work and sheer tenacity has done such great things in such a short time. You must feel so proud to know how you’ve inspired authors to publishing success.
Though I don’t have book deal news yet, I did have a smaller win to share, even if it’s not really what you’re looking for on the good news page for the site. I wanted to let you know how much your podcast has helped me. A CNF story that I wrote was published in The Globe and Mail last week!
Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart for all the practical advice, the laughs and the encouragement on the podcast. But most of all, thanks for demonstrating in all you do that hard work and tenacity are the key. I am thrilled to be able to attend the newest upcoming retreat, The Deep Dive Workshop series. See you in January!
Here’s a link to my story in The Globe and Mail:
The annual Christmas tree hunt was a tradition I took too seriously for too long
theglobeandmail.com
A million thanks!
Theresa Therrien
####################################################
Hi Carly, CeCe, and Bianca,
My name is Danica and I am an Indigneous writer in the United States. Thank you so much for hosting this amazing podcast. It is a rich resource that I have utilized fully to write a great query letter and opening pages for my adult romantic comedy LITTLE WHITE LIES. I am please tell you that I just got a literary agent and we plan on approaching editors after the holidays.
It has been such a busy year juggling a full-time job in the office, a full-time MBA program at night, all while learning motherhood (my daughter turns 1 on December 24th!). I had to get my story finished and out there, because while I do all those things, at my core I am simply a writer who loves to tell happily ever afters.
I hope more listeners celebrate their wins this coming new year. Thank you again for all you do for the writing community.
Happy Holidays!
Warmest regards,
Danica Nava
P.S. if you are curious below is my query letter.
Dear *Agent*,
I am pleased to send you my Indigenous adult romantic comedy complete at 85,000 words, LITTLE WHITE LIES, that will appeal to fans of the Native humor in Hulu’s RESERVATION DOGS with the humor and romance in Tessa Bailey's IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER and Rachel Lynn Solomon’s WEATHER GIRL.
Ember Lee Cardinal has not always been a liar, not for anything that counted. But when her resume is rejected thirty-seven times, she takes matters into her own hands. She gets creative listing her work experience and answers the ethnicity question on all job applications with a lie. No one wanted Native American Ember, but Caucasian Ember landed her dream accounting job on Park Avenue—Oklahoma City.
Accountant Ember thrives in corporate life, and she begins a forbidden romance with the IT guy and fellow Native, Danuwoa. When they are caught in a compromising position on a work trip, a scheming mid-level executive threatens to expose them unless she fraudulently manipulates the company’s accounting books. Unwilling to allow Danuwoa to get fired and lose the financial support he needs for his sister, she agrees. The blackmail continues to grow, as do Ember’s lies. She must make the hard decision to either stay silent for her own personal gain or finally tell the truth, which could cost Ember everything.
I am an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and work as an Executive Assistant in the corporate jungle. I am also currently getting my MBA from USC Marshall School of Business. When I’m not chasing my ten-month-old baby girl around the house, I am doing math homework that I hate and dreaming up more silly, sexy stories. My complete manuscript is available upon request. Below are the first ten pages.
Chokma’shki’! Thank you for your consideration!
I am so thankful for all the work you do and have learned (and continue to learn) so much from all three of you.
Submitting to Books with Hooks was such a helpful and positive experience for me. When Cece critiqued my query and first pages (on the 11/17/22 episode) it was my first real experience with professional feedback. Her notes, questions and suggestions were so energizing, opening up new story possibilities as well as ways to strengthen what was already there. It gave me so many ideas when I went in to revise.
I am excited to update that I am now agented and am represented by Jenniea Carter at New Leaf Literary! We are working through edits and moving towards submission.
Thank you again for all you do!
Amanda
Instagram and Tiktok: @amandaaaoki
####################################################
Hi Bianca,
This is just to let you know I have completed the query process since being on the show and landed an agent with my MG manuscript, Super Ballsy. I am now represented by Joyce Sweeney at The Seymour Agency. Thank you for giving me the space to process my query letter with an agent on your show aired Dec 9, 2021.
Tyler
####################################################
Hi Bianca, Carly, and CeCe,
I hope you're all doing well! As a student of each of yours, I wanted to say thank you for all that you do. Because of you all, I've honed my craft and got the idea to begin submitting my writing to publications as I edit my manuscript. And because of that, my essay about playing American football as the only girl on the field was just published by the Today Show's TODAY.com.
This is a huge win for me! And it is so incredibly encouraging as I continue on the journey toward publishing. I'd like to share it with you so you can see that everything you all do—through the podcast, through your courses/webinars, and through social media—truly helps us. Tremendously so. You can view my essay here for proof of that: https://www.today.com/news/essay/only-girl-high-school-football-team-rcna70087
Thanks so much to all three of you. I'm so excited to always be a student of yours.
Much love to you all,
Abby Letson
abbyletson10@gmail.com
Instagram: abigail.letson
Twitter: AbigailLetson
####################################################
Dear Bianca, Carly, and Cece,
I stumbled upon TSNOTYAW back in 2021 and have been hooked ever since. At the time, I had just completed the first draft of my second manuscript and was deep in in the throes of editing. But once I began listening to the pod, I slowly learned that I had done all the things you're not supposed to do (opening with only one character in a scene, too much telling, starting in the wrong place, etc) From there, I set about rewriting more than a dozen drafts. After a few rounds of beta reads, I finally worked up the courage to begin the querying process and was lucky enough to land an amazing agent, Anne Leslie Tuttle at Dystel Goderich and Bourret Literary Agency. Cece even did a shout out for me on the pod which was so amazing! I'm happy to report that my debut novel, CALL THE CANARIES HOME sold to Lake Union Publishing and will be released this July!
As someone who does not have an MFA or any writing credentials, I listen to a lot of podcasts about craft. But this one is hands down the best one I've found. The three of you provide such practical tips and advice, AND you're entertaining which is a huge plus in my book! Thanks to you, Bianca, I found my writing group, and we are still going strong after more than a year. I can't thank you enough for doing what you do for emerging authors. You guys are amazing!
Sincerely,
Laura Barrow
####################################################
Hi Bianca, Cece and Carly!
It was so exciting to see the page on your site with so many names I recognize from the podcast updating you with their publishing deals. This community that you’ve created from nothing through hard work and sheer tenacity has done such great things in such a short time. You must feel so proud to know how you’ve inspired authors to publishing success.
Though I don’t have book deal news yet, I did have a smaller win to share, even if it’s not really what you’re looking for on the good news page for the site. I wanted to let you know how much your podcast has helped me. A CNF story that I wrote was published in The Globe and Mail last week!
Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart for all the practical advice, the laughs and the encouragement on the podcast. But most of all, thanks for demonstrating in all you do that hard work and tenacity are the key. I am thrilled to be able to attend the newest upcoming retreat, The Deep Dive Workshop series. See you in January!
Here’s a link to my story in The Globe and Mail:
The annual Christmas tree hunt was a tradition I took too seriously for too long
theglobeandmail.com
A million thanks!
Theresa Therrien
####################################################
Hi Carly, CeCe, and Bianca,
My name is Danica and I am an Indigneous writer in the United States. Thank you so much for hosting this amazing podcast. It is a rich resource that I have utilized fully to write a great query letter and opening pages for my adult romantic comedy LITTLE WHITE LIES. I am please tell you that I just got a literary agent and we plan on approaching editors after the holidays.
It has been such a busy year juggling a full-time job in the office, a full-time MBA program at night, all while learning motherhood (my daughter turns 1 on December 24th!). I had to get my story finished and out there, because while I do all those things, at my core I am simply a writer who loves to tell happily ever afters.
I hope more listeners celebrate their wins this coming new year. Thank you again for all you do for the writing community.
Happy Holidays!
Warmest regards,
Danica Nava
P.S. if you are curious below is my query letter.
Dear *Agent*,
I am pleased to send you my Indigenous adult romantic comedy complete at 85,000 words, LITTLE WHITE LIES, that will appeal to fans of the Native humor in Hulu’s RESERVATION DOGS with the humor and romance in Tessa Bailey's IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER and Rachel Lynn Solomon’s WEATHER GIRL.
Ember Lee Cardinal has not always been a liar, not for anything that counted. But when her resume is rejected thirty-seven times, she takes matters into her own hands. She gets creative listing her work experience and answers the ethnicity question on all job applications with a lie. No one wanted Native American Ember, but Caucasian Ember landed her dream accounting job on Park Avenue—Oklahoma City.
Accountant Ember thrives in corporate life, and she begins a forbidden romance with the IT guy and fellow Native, Danuwoa. When they are caught in a compromising position on a work trip, a scheming mid-level executive threatens to expose them unless she fraudulently manipulates the company’s accounting books. Unwilling to allow Danuwoa to get fired and lose the financial support he needs for his sister, she agrees. The blackmail continues to grow, as do Ember’s lies. She must make the hard decision to either stay silent for her own personal gain or finally tell the truth, which could cost Ember everything.
I am an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and work as an Executive Assistant in the corporate jungle. I am also currently getting my MBA from USC Marshall School of Business. When I’m not chasing my ten-month-old baby girl around the house, I am doing math homework that I hate and dreaming up more silly, sexy stories. My complete manuscript is available upon request. Below are the first ten pages.
Chokma’shki’! Thank you for your consideration!
Bianca,
I hope this letter finds you well and that you're enjoying the holiday season! We met a couple of months ago at your book signing at the amazing East City Bookshop in Washington D.C. I'd long planned to come to that event, but couldn't have anticipated that I'd end up signing with my agent (after nearly a year of querying!) the evening prior.
TSNOTYAW had been a singular resource + my constant companion throughout the (long! often despair-inducing!) querying process, so it was especially wonderful to be able to celebrate *finally* acquiring representation with you!
I promised an update, and I'm thrilled to write to you with some more great news: my debut novel WELCOME HOME, CAROLINE KLINE sold to Putnam/Penguin Random House in a two-book deal at auction!
I wanted to thank you, again, for all the work that goes into not only making this podcast, but curating this community and uplifting your listeners. So many anecdotes and axioms from the podcast have become deeply ingrained in the way I talk to myself and others about writing and resilience.
I'm so grateful to you, Carly, and Cece—for everything TSNOTYAW has taught me about the industry *and* for keeping me company on so many walks, drives, and everything in between!
With much gratitude + rooting for everyone else on the team,
Courtney Preiss
####################################################
Hi Bianca, Carly, and Cece,
I found your podcast when I virtually met Bianca during an event where she hosted a book launch for my friend and fellow autism parent, Aaron Wright for his book "13 Doors." I've been a fan ever since!
I wanted to let you ladies know that I signed a contract today for my YA, WORTH IT, which you featured with a much earlier and uglier query and opening pages, on your Books With Hooks. Your feedback helped me revise my submission packet and land the deal. My debut is set for May of 2024.
Fellow writers, take the feedback. Do the work. And remember, like Bianca says, "It only takes one yes!"
Bianca, soon I'll have my people get with yours to schedule my author interview!
Yours Truly,
Amy Nielsen
bigabilities.com/
Query for WORTH IT
Content Note: Although not graphic, contains sex, rape, drug use, and childbirth
Roe v. Wade’s overturning will increase the number of teens forced to carry unplanned pregnancies to term, making stories about shattered lives and unimaginable fears more crucial than ever. Set in Central Florida in the late 1980s, WORTH IT, inspired by my own experiences, is an 85,000-word historical YA novel. It combines the seedy vibe of Ozark’s trailer park setting, the complex character of Maid’s single-mom protagonist, and the provocative teen narrative of Amber Smith’s The Way I Used to Be.
Seventeen-year-old Angela Carter intended to pick out prom dresses with her best friend and fill out college applications during her senior year. But after her father abandons the family and her addict mother kicks her out, the now-pregnant teen’s new normal is keeping her pressure cooker older boyfriend, Dale, from erupting.
When an intoxicated Dale loses control of her car one night, Angela fears she’ll never hold her unborn child. But something worse happens; they all survive. Desperate for what little stability he provides, and for fear of his retaliation, Angela lies to the police when questioned about the accident. Her lie not only protects him from a DUI but also conceals a darker secret—what happens behind the closed doors of their single-wide trailer.
After the baby is born, Angela wants out. But Dale threatens to fight for custody. Angela must choose whether to continue enduring his abuse to stay with her child or risk it all for the chance to build a future she can be proud of.
I have a degree in education and a K-12 media certification. A former school librarian, I have two books traditionally published through AAPC Publishing. I am also a freelance writer for Playground Magazine, The Autism Helper, and Exceptional Needs Today. I also have an upcoming piece published in Writer’s Workout, OUR PANDEMIC. My Big Abilities blog has had over 30K views. Additionally, my blogs have been featured on The Mighty, YAHOO, Love What Matters, Scary Mommy, and more. WORTH IT is my YA debut.
Thank you for your time,
Amy Nielsen
Note to podcast listeners: I am also attaching a trailer I made. I think creating a book trailer, website, IG, etc. is SO important for querying authors. My trailer is what caught the attention of another agent and landed me my first offer. (I did not go with her but it was great to have options.) If one thing you could pound into your listener's head is to start living and acting like you are already a published author. That confidence and manifestation matters:) I have a tutorial on how to make trailers if listeners might be interested.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAJCFAX1GFY
####################################################
Hi Bianca, Carly and Cece!
Last year, I was listening to an episode of the podcast where you were talking about when a small publisher might be a better fit for a book than a big house. At the time, I was pitching my novel, REINCEPTION, and this got me thinking about whether a big house was the right place for my book. REINCEPTION falls into several categories that make it tricky to market. I had a choice; significantly alter the book so it would cater to a mass market audience, or find a publisher who shared my vision and would help me make this story the best it could be without completely changing it.
I’m so excited to share that REINCEPTION will launch on October 25 from Winding Road Stories. This is my second book and first work of fiction. I could not possibly be happier with the process, experience and publisher.
Thank you for the always practical and actionable advice. If it weren’t for you, REINCEPTION might not have been born! Your readers can find out more about my book at www.sarenastraus.com. I look forward to hearing from you every Thursday! Thank you for helping us authors get that one yes.
With Gratitude,
Sarena Straus
####################################################
Dear Bianca, Carly and CeCe,
Thank you for your wonderful podcast. I have been a long time listener and also have taken one of Carly’s online webinars about querying. It is so kind of you to share so much knowledge with the world!
I have recently had my book acquired by Penguin Random House Australia (I am an Australian author) and wanted to say a huge thank you to you three for helping me get my first novel to where it is now.
LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER will be released on 14th of March 2023 in Aus/ NZ (and hopefully will go further afield) and I am beyond excited.
I have done other courses/ listened to other podcasts and always come back to you three. I LOVE books with hooks (Specificity!! Prologues!!) and also love the range of authors you have on.
Thanks again,
Kerryn Mayne (author!)
####################################################
Hi Bianca!
I signed with Rising Action for my book BETWEEN LIES AND REVENGE for publication in Summer 2024.
This happened after I had a live call with you all, and additionally had feedback from CeCe (through Manuscript Academy and with the golden ticket she gave me). Without all your help and encouragement, and without the connection to my writing group and writing friends I’ve met through TSNOTYAW, this would not have happened! I wouldn’t have even met Alex at Rising Action without your help.
Thank you for being an integral part in my writing career! You will continue to be as well, as I move forward in writing and possibly querying again.
Thank you,
Hannah Sharpe
####################################################
Dear Bianca, Carly, and CeCe,
Thank you to all the wonderful women at The Shit No One Tells You Podcast. After many months in the query trenches with full and partial requests, I felt stuck and wasn’t sure how to move forward. I was a longtime listener and decided to shoot my shot at getting on the show. Of course, the idea of being critiqued by legends of the industry felt more than a little intimidating, but hey, I am 9 years sober, with 3 young daughters, and seen some shit in my day... what was the scariest thing that could happen? Little did I know that ultimately the greatest thing would happen and that The Shit No One Tells You Podcast would be pivotal in my meet-cute story with my literary agent!
My experience on the podcast was not only helpful, and not so (super) scary, but it turned out to be fortuitous. I made the recommended edits and thoughtful suggestions Carly prescribed for my pages.
After settling in one morning shortly after the episode aired, beginning with some light-to-moderate Twitter stalking of all my dream agents: following, scrolling, and making note of anything I could use to personalize my query (another great podcast tip!), I got the only kind of DM a happily married mom and an aspiring author ever wants to get these days. Lori Galvin, from Aevitas Creative Management, reached out to say the timing must be serendipitous because she was just listening to me on The Shit No One Tells Me About Podcast and immediately asked me to query her!
I was thrilled! This was the first time I’d been given a golden ticket into an agent’s inbox and not only that, but I was able to present my most fabulous, finely tuned pages and letter, making my chances that much better. We met for a call less than a week later, and it turned into a mutual love fest and so I happily signed with the ACM Agency. I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead for my novel, and grateful for the women of the show who helped lead me to Lori. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Jessica Guerrieri
Twitter/IG: @witandspitup
####################################################
Dear Bianca, Carly, and Cece,
I’m writing to thank you. The deal just got announced for my debut novel, MOTHER-DAUGHTER MURDER NIGHT. While this novel would have existed without you, I doubt it would have sold without you.
I'm new to writing fiction, and I started listening to your podcast one year ago when I was ready to query. You gave me the confidence, clarity, and information I needed to find and sign with a terrific agent. Over the past year, you’ve been in my ear each week, helping me strengthen my writing. You and your guests have taught me SO MUCH: to be specific (Carly), to deepen interiority (Cece), to keep layering (Bianca). I am proud and excited about my book, and so very grateful to you.
MOTHER-DAUGHTER MURDER NIGHT started as a very personal project—a love letter to my mother. I wrote it to entertain my mom and bring us closer together when she got slammed by cancer. We schemed about characters and plot in chemo clinics and doctor's offices. Little by little, her prognosis started to improve, and I kept writing. With your guidance, it became a bigger story about mothers and daughters (and murderers)—one I can’t wait to share with the world.
I’ve read many books on craft, worked with beta readers, and now with agents, editors, co-agents… but amongst all these resources, you three feel like the coaches in my corner who are always there to help me rise and shine. Thank you for all you've done for me and continue to do for so many writers.
If I can ever be of help to you, please don't hesitate to ask.
Nina
I hope this letter finds you well and that you're enjoying the holiday season! We met a couple of months ago at your book signing at the amazing East City Bookshop in Washington D.C. I'd long planned to come to that event, but couldn't have anticipated that I'd end up signing with my agent (after nearly a year of querying!) the evening prior.
TSNOTYAW had been a singular resource + my constant companion throughout the (long! often despair-inducing!) querying process, so it was especially wonderful to be able to celebrate *finally* acquiring representation with you!
I promised an update, and I'm thrilled to write to you with some more great news: my debut novel WELCOME HOME, CAROLINE KLINE sold to Putnam/Penguin Random House in a two-book deal at auction!
I wanted to thank you, again, for all the work that goes into not only making this podcast, but curating this community and uplifting your listeners. So many anecdotes and axioms from the podcast have become deeply ingrained in the way I talk to myself and others about writing and resilience.
I'm so grateful to you, Carly, and Cece—for everything TSNOTYAW has taught me about the industry *and* for keeping me company on so many walks, drives, and everything in between!
With much gratitude + rooting for everyone else on the team,
Courtney Preiss
####################################################
Hi Bianca, Carly, and Cece,
I found your podcast when I virtually met Bianca during an event where she hosted a book launch for my friend and fellow autism parent, Aaron Wright for his book "13 Doors." I've been a fan ever since!
I wanted to let you ladies know that I signed a contract today for my YA, WORTH IT, which you featured with a much earlier and uglier query and opening pages, on your Books With Hooks. Your feedback helped me revise my submission packet and land the deal. My debut is set for May of 2024.
Fellow writers, take the feedback. Do the work. And remember, like Bianca says, "It only takes one yes!"
Bianca, soon I'll have my people get with yours to schedule my author interview!
Yours Truly,
Amy Nielsen
bigabilities.com/
Query for WORTH IT
Content Note: Although not graphic, contains sex, rape, drug use, and childbirth
Roe v. Wade’s overturning will increase the number of teens forced to carry unplanned pregnancies to term, making stories about shattered lives and unimaginable fears more crucial than ever. Set in Central Florida in the late 1980s, WORTH IT, inspired by my own experiences, is an 85,000-word historical YA novel. It combines the seedy vibe of Ozark’s trailer park setting, the complex character of Maid’s single-mom protagonist, and the provocative teen narrative of Amber Smith’s The Way I Used to Be.
Seventeen-year-old Angela Carter intended to pick out prom dresses with her best friend and fill out college applications during her senior year. But after her father abandons the family and her addict mother kicks her out, the now-pregnant teen’s new normal is keeping her pressure cooker older boyfriend, Dale, from erupting.
When an intoxicated Dale loses control of her car one night, Angela fears she’ll never hold her unborn child. But something worse happens; they all survive. Desperate for what little stability he provides, and for fear of his retaliation, Angela lies to the police when questioned about the accident. Her lie not only protects him from a DUI but also conceals a darker secret—what happens behind the closed doors of their single-wide trailer.
After the baby is born, Angela wants out. But Dale threatens to fight for custody. Angela must choose whether to continue enduring his abuse to stay with her child or risk it all for the chance to build a future she can be proud of.
I have a degree in education and a K-12 media certification. A former school librarian, I have two books traditionally published through AAPC Publishing. I am also a freelance writer for Playground Magazine, The Autism Helper, and Exceptional Needs Today. I also have an upcoming piece published in Writer’s Workout, OUR PANDEMIC. My Big Abilities blog has had over 30K views. Additionally, my blogs have been featured on The Mighty, YAHOO, Love What Matters, Scary Mommy, and more. WORTH IT is my YA debut.
Thank you for your time,
Amy Nielsen
Note to podcast listeners: I am also attaching a trailer I made. I think creating a book trailer, website, IG, etc. is SO important for querying authors. My trailer is what caught the attention of another agent and landed me my first offer. (I did not go with her but it was great to have options.) If one thing you could pound into your listener's head is to start living and acting like you are already a published author. That confidence and manifestation matters:) I have a tutorial on how to make trailers if listeners might be interested.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAJCFAX1GFY
####################################################
Hi Bianca, Carly and Cece!
Last year, I was listening to an episode of the podcast where you were talking about when a small publisher might be a better fit for a book than a big house. At the time, I was pitching my novel, REINCEPTION, and this got me thinking about whether a big house was the right place for my book. REINCEPTION falls into several categories that make it tricky to market. I had a choice; significantly alter the book so it would cater to a mass market audience, or find a publisher who shared my vision and would help me make this story the best it could be without completely changing it.
I’m so excited to share that REINCEPTION will launch on October 25 from Winding Road Stories. This is my second book and first work of fiction. I could not possibly be happier with the process, experience and publisher.
Thank you for the always practical and actionable advice. If it weren’t for you, REINCEPTION might not have been born! Your readers can find out more about my book at www.sarenastraus.com. I look forward to hearing from you every Thursday! Thank you for helping us authors get that one yes.
With Gratitude,
Sarena Straus
####################################################
Dear Bianca, Carly and CeCe,
Thank you for your wonderful podcast. I have been a long time listener and also have taken one of Carly’s online webinars about querying. It is so kind of you to share so much knowledge with the world!
I have recently had my book acquired by Penguin Random House Australia (I am an Australian author) and wanted to say a huge thank you to you three for helping me get my first novel to where it is now.
LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER will be released on 14th of March 2023 in Aus/ NZ (and hopefully will go further afield) and I am beyond excited.
I have done other courses/ listened to other podcasts and always come back to you three. I LOVE books with hooks (Specificity!! Prologues!!) and also love the range of authors you have on.
Thanks again,
Kerryn Mayne (author!)
####################################################
Hi Bianca!
I signed with Rising Action for my book BETWEEN LIES AND REVENGE for publication in Summer 2024.
This happened after I had a live call with you all, and additionally had feedback from CeCe (through Manuscript Academy and with the golden ticket she gave me). Without all your help and encouragement, and without the connection to my writing group and writing friends I’ve met through TSNOTYAW, this would not have happened! I wouldn’t have even met Alex at Rising Action without your help.
Thank you for being an integral part in my writing career! You will continue to be as well, as I move forward in writing and possibly querying again.
Thank you,
Hannah Sharpe
####################################################
Dear Bianca, Carly, and CeCe,
Thank you to all the wonderful women at The Shit No One Tells You Podcast. After many months in the query trenches with full and partial requests, I felt stuck and wasn’t sure how to move forward. I was a longtime listener and decided to shoot my shot at getting on the show. Of course, the idea of being critiqued by legends of the industry felt more than a little intimidating, but hey, I am 9 years sober, with 3 young daughters, and seen some shit in my day... what was the scariest thing that could happen? Little did I know that ultimately the greatest thing would happen and that The Shit No One Tells You Podcast would be pivotal in my meet-cute story with my literary agent!
My experience on the podcast was not only helpful, and not so (super) scary, but it turned out to be fortuitous. I made the recommended edits and thoughtful suggestions Carly prescribed for my pages.
After settling in one morning shortly after the episode aired, beginning with some light-to-moderate Twitter stalking of all my dream agents: following, scrolling, and making note of anything I could use to personalize my query (another great podcast tip!), I got the only kind of DM a happily married mom and an aspiring author ever wants to get these days. Lori Galvin, from Aevitas Creative Management, reached out to say the timing must be serendipitous because she was just listening to me on The Shit No One Tells Me About Podcast and immediately asked me to query her!
I was thrilled! This was the first time I’d been given a golden ticket into an agent’s inbox and not only that, but I was able to present my most fabulous, finely tuned pages and letter, making my chances that much better. We met for a call less than a week later, and it turned into a mutual love fest and so I happily signed with the ACM Agency. I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead for my novel, and grateful for the women of the show who helped lead me to Lori. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Jessica Guerrieri
Twitter/IG: @witandspitup
####################################################
Dear Bianca, Carly, and Cece,
I’m writing to thank you. The deal just got announced for my debut novel, MOTHER-DAUGHTER MURDER NIGHT. While this novel would have existed without you, I doubt it would have sold without you.
I'm new to writing fiction, and I started listening to your podcast one year ago when I was ready to query. You gave me the confidence, clarity, and information I needed to find and sign with a terrific agent. Over the past year, you’ve been in my ear each week, helping me strengthen my writing. You and your guests have taught me SO MUCH: to be specific (Carly), to deepen interiority (Cece), to keep layering (Bianca). I am proud and excited about my book, and so very grateful to you.
MOTHER-DAUGHTER MURDER NIGHT started as a very personal project—a love letter to my mother. I wrote it to entertain my mom and bring us closer together when she got slammed by cancer. We schemed about characters and plot in chemo clinics and doctor's offices. Little by little, her prognosis started to improve, and I kept writing. With your guidance, it became a bigger story about mothers and daughters (and murderers)—one I can’t wait to share with the world.
I’ve read many books on craft, worked with beta readers, and now with agents, editors, co-agents… but amongst all these resources, you three feel like the coaches in my corner who are always there to help me rise and shine. Thank you for all you've done for me and continue to do for so many writers.
If I can ever be of help to you, please don't hesitate to ask.
Nina