The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Carly and CeCe are back for another Shooting the Shit. This week they are talking about the unexpected work literary agents do behind the scenes—from tracking book availability and rights reversions to using sales data to advocate for authors. They also dig into Spotify opening AI-powered audiobook narration to all authors and what increasing automation could mean for writers, narrators, readers, and the human side of storytelling. Plus, Carly shares the book she can’t stop talking about, while CeCe reveals the manuscript that already has her plotting the perfect pitch.

As mentioned on the podcast:

Bestselling author Isabel Allende joins CeCe Lyra for an incredible interview that touches on storytelling, creativity, and the writing life. From the difference between writing and storytelling to the power of discipline, research, dreams, and solitude, Isabel shares the lessons she's learned over a lifetime of crafting unforgettable novels. They also discuss magical realism, overcoming self-doubt, trusting the creative process, and why every writer should protect their writing time as fiercely as their stories.

Stay tuned for part two! Bestselling author Jodi Picoult connects with fellow bestselling author Bianca Marais to share her approach to crafting unforgettable...

Carly and CeCe are back! This week they tackle what’s shifting in the book world—from immersive audiobooks becoming a “movie between your ears” to bookstores proving that reading and community are very much alive. They also discuss the decline of nonfiction, why readers may be turning to other ways to learn, and what it means for authors and publishing.

As mentioned on this episode:

https://defector.com/what-do-booksellers-make-of-the-end-of-reading?giftLink=73a5c6e0b00

https://dearheadofmine.substack.com/p/the-nonfiction-book-market-is-collapsing?r=h5j0&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer

Note: Ce...

This week's Books with Hooks welcomes special guest and acquiring editor Kirsiah Depp. Together with CeCe and Bianca, she critiques two fantasy queries, shares what makes a query stand out in today's crowded market, explains why blockbuster comps can hurt your pitch, and dives into opening pages that balance worldbuilding, atmosphere, plot, and emotional momentum. If you're querying fantasy—or any commercial fiction—you won't want to miss this one.

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. C...

Carly and CeCe are back to Shoot the Shit about the money behind publishing—and why getting published doesn’t mean the hard part is over. They dig into why an author’s second advance might be smaller than their first, the complicated relationship between effort and outcome, and why publishing sits at the messy intersection of art, passion, and business. Then, Carly and CeCe unpack new research on library e-lending and what the rise of ebooks could mean for consumer book sales. Plus, their thoughts on fall submission season, writing with AI, and why there is no magical “champagn...

Author Elizabeth Urso and her editor Alex Brown of Rising Action Publishing join Bianca Marais to talk about the journey behind Hail Mary, a dark, visceral thriller steeped in family secrets, generational trauma, and Gothic horror. They chat about Elizabeth’s unconventional path to publication, crafting a prologue that immediately grabs—and unsettles—the reader, knowing your genre audience, and why horror is having such a moment in publishing. 

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 Wat...

In part one this August bonus episode, Bianca connects with bestselling author Ann Garvin to unpack the craft behind her suspense novel, Tell to Friends. They dive into building tension from page one, planting curiosity seeds that keep readers turning pages, writing unforgettable dual POVs, and making every scene work harder. Ann also shares why she shelved this novel for nearly a decade before the publishing world was finally ready for its unique blend of suspense, humor, and heart.

Stay tuned! Jennifer Michelle Herrera returns to the podcast to talk about her new novel, Siren Says, and...

On this week's Books with Hooks, Carly, CeCe, and Bianca discuss two compelling submissions: a queer reality TV romance and a dark psychological thriller. They break down what makes a standout query letter, the importance of differentiating your comps, why your opening pages need the right disruption, and how character dynamics, curiosity, and specificity can make or break a manuscript request. Plus, an exciting announcement about a new Books with Hooks format featuring acquiring editors.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the su...

Carly and CeCe are back for another Shooting the Shit, talking about that gut-level feeling that makes an agent know they’ve found something special—and why a great premise still has to deliver all the way through. The literary agents also tackle the latest publishing scams targeting writers, AI watermarking and transparency, and the growing tension around publishers using AI in parts of the business. Plus, they dig into the “put-down, pick-up test”.

As mentioned on the podcast (please copy and paste the URL into your browser):

https://janefriedman.com/after-editing-two-ai-assisted-manuscripts-i-rewrote-my-client-agreement/

https://andibart...

In part one of this week’s packed episode Bianca Marais chats with thriller powerhouse Hank Phillippi Ryan, they unpack the craft behind ‘Mother, Daughter, Sister, Stranger’, from writing an unforgettable prologue to building relentless suspense through curiosity, ticking clocks, and emotional stakes. Hank shares why panic is an essential part of her writing process, how reading ambitious novels pushes her to take bigger creative risks, and why grounding readers in a character's emotional journey is the key to making every twist land.

Next up is Laura Moriarty to discuss the craft behind ‘Sunlight Finds You’, exploring how voice...

Carly and CeCe are back for another Shooting the Shit, digging into the latest publishing news—from what’s changing with local author events to encouraging new sales numbers across the industry. They also spotlight editor Whitney Frick and unpack what makes a memoir truly resonate, why fact-checking ultimately falls on the author, and the difference between simply recounting what happened and finding the emotional truth behind an experience. 

As mentioned on the podcast:

https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/whitney-frick-belle-burden-amy-griffin-dial-press-f67fc87

https://www.bookforum.com/print/3301/always-be-selling-62909

https://publishingperspectives.com/2026/08/aap-a...

This week on Books with Hooks, CeCe, Carly, and Bianca critique two submissions: a literary LGBTQ novel centered on the closure of a rural queer bar and the buried trauma tied to its history, and an upmarket dual-timeline novel set within Guadalajara's expat community, where old secrets and unresolved love collide decades later. Along the way, they discuss choosing stronger comp titles, balancing mystery with clarity in query letters, crafting irresistible hooks, building tension across dual timelines, and why specificity—not vagueness—is what truly keeps readers turning the page. They also dive into the nuances of POV, seamless scen...

Carly and CeCe are back to unpack another messy week in publishing, from a headline-making cancelled book auction and growing concerns over AI accusations to the urgent need for clearer industry guidelines around AI use. They dig into who should be responsible for setting those rules, why authors deserve more transparency, and the risks of relying on AI detection tools. Plus, they discuss alternative publishing models, the rise of no-advance deals, and the increasingly sophisticated scams targeting authors.

As mentioned on the podcast (please copy and paste the URL into your browser):

https://nypost.com/2026/08/04...

In part one of this week’s episode, Bianca Marais sits down with bestselling author Chris Bohjalian to discuss The Amateur. Don’t miss this incredibly insightful interview that touches on voice, tension, and emotional storytelling. They explore how to create deeply flawed yet unforgettable characters, use specificity to reveal backstory without slowing the narrative, and build suspense through foreshadowing and structure. Chris also shares why he wrote the novel in just 90 days, how he balances first-person narration with psychological depth, and why action—not exposition—is often the strongest path to revealing character. 

Shifting over to Bailey Ha...

They are back! On this week’s episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe tackle some of the biggest conversations in publishing, from the rise of AI detection controversies to the ethics of literary agent services. They discuss the recent ‘Atlantic’ article accusing a bestselling author of using AI, why unreliable detection tools can have serious consequences, and what transparency should look like in publishing. They also unpack major changes to the AALA Canon of Ethics, including editorial services, referral fees, and what these updates could mean for authors. Plus, they answer a listener's question about the pros and co...

In this week’s Books with Hooks episode, CeCe, Carly, and Bianca critique two submissions: an upmarket coming-of-age novel about a teen questioning evangelical purity culture and a speculative romance set in a matriarchal future society. The discussion touches on the importance of specificity in query letters, balancing character and plot, choosing the right title, and clearly establishing a protagonist’s place in the world. The hosts also explore the challenges of pitching memoir-inspired fiction, worldbuilding in speculative novels, and how curiosity, tension, and interiority keep readers invested from page one.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agen...

In this month’s bonus episode, Rachel Hochhauser joins CeCe Lyra to discuss her debut, Lady Tremaine, an untelling of Cinderella from the infamous stepmother's perspective. Rachel shares how personal tragedy reignited her writing career, why she believes there are no hard rules in storytelling, and how she blended pantsing with plotting to create a layered, emotionally resonant novel. She also dives into the craft behind her unforgettable opening and ending, the surprising inspiration for the book's falconry, and the lessons she learned on the long road to publication—including why critiquing other writers' work may be the best writ...

In this week’s episode, Bianca Marais interviews, bestselling author Molly Fader, to discuss her latest novel, ‘Lady X’, and shares the surprising publishing journey behind it—including parting ways with a longtime agent, refining the perfect logline, and finding representation with a new agent who championed the book. Molly talks about dual timelines, ensemble casts, prologues, and the challenge of balancing multiple storylines. The interview also explores themes of female rage, generational change, activism, and how real-world events inspired a story about women refusing to stay silent.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman...

In this week’s episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe are back and here to unpack a thought-provoking article on the future of reading, discussing how declining literacy, AI, and changing media habits are reshaping the publishing world. They talk about the surprising economics of cookbook publishing, why big advances don't always mean big profits, and what authors should know about production costs. Finally, they explore why publishers prize debut novels, how publishing really makes decisions, and why understanding the industry's business model can help writers build longer, more resilient careers.

As mentioned on the po...

This week’s Books with Hooks features two very different manuscripts. Carly, CeCe and Bianca discuss a dual-timeline second-chance romance that struggles with stakes, emotional depth, and page-one vulnerability, before diving into an upmarket novel about an adopted Nigerian woman searching for her identity. Along the way, they unpack query structure, interiority, curiosity, and why readers need to feel a character’s messy emotions from the very first page.

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 W...

This week on Shooting the Shit, CeCe Lyra welcomes literary agent and author Alia Hanna Habib to discuss her new book, ‘Take It From Me: An Agent’s Guide to Building a Nonfiction Writing Career from Scratch.’ CeCe and Alia talk about her journey from agent to author, the surprising realities of writing a book, and why you don’t have to draft in order to finish a manuscript. They also unpack the latest publishing news, including a new romance imprint, shifting acquisition trends, and what AI may mean for nonfiction publishing. Plus, they answer listener questions on co-authoring, ghostwri...

In part one of this week’s episode, Bianca Marais chats with debut author Ruth Newton about the journey from being the very first Books with Hooks guest to publishing her novel, ‘The Carrier’. Ruth shares how a chance glimpse of a truck sparked the book’s high-concept premise, why speculative fiction gave her the freedom to explore complex emotional themes, and how competitions, deadlines, and feedback helped shape her path to publication. They discuss worldbuilding, working through major editorial revisions, balancing concept with character, and the fascinating real-world science behind the novel’s exploration of emotion, trauma, and the gut mi...

What are publishing trends really, and should writers chase them? In this solo episode, Carly Watters pulls back the curtain on how literary agents think about trends, explaining the difference between market, pop culture, technology, and social trends—and why understanding them matters more than trying to write the next big thing. Carly also answers listener questions about a literary agent's day-to-day, managing submission anxiety, and whether agents scout writers through literary journals. Plus, Carly shares an exclusive lesson from ‘The Author's Publishing Playbook’ on how trends rise, peak, and fade—and why staying in your own creative lane is still...

In this week’s Books with Hooks episode, Carly and CeCe critique two speculative fiction submissions—one a chilling Appalachian horror and the other a YA romantic fantasy. They discuss the importance of giving protagonists compelling reasons for their choices, balancing atmosphere with plot, and ensuring readers understand what’s at stake from the very beginning. The conversation explores how curiosity, motivation, and surprise drive strong openings, while also highlighting the power of distinctive voice, memorable imagery, and emotionally resonant stakes. 

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeC...

In this month's bonus episode, bestselling author Jenny Jackson connects with literary agent CeCe Lyra to discuss the challenges of writing a second novel, balancing reader expectations, and finding confidence in the creative process. Jenny and CeCe explore character-driven storytelling, the ethics of drawing from real life, and the themes of friendship, marriage, parenthood, and growing up that shape ‘The Shampoo Effect.’ Plus, Jenny shares insights into crafting memorable characters, revealing backstory, and why sometimes the biggest twists are the ones you can’t talk about.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you...

Author and NPR producer Haili Blassingame joins Bianca Marais to discuss her debut novel, ‘They All Fall in Love in the End', a bold exploration of love, non-monogamy, identity, and self-discovery. Haili shares how her own experience in an open relationship inspired the story, how a viral essay led to finding an agent, and why learning to revise transformed her from a writer into an author. The conversation dives into crafting complex, “unlikable” yet compelling characters, using fiction as a way to interrogate political and personal realities, and the importance of sensitivity readers when writing beyond your lived experience.

N...

This week, on Shooting the Shit Carly and CeCe unpack their conversation with best-selling author Andi Bartz and dive deeper into the growing role of AI in publishing. They discuss a listener's candid confession about using AI during the research and drafting process, the fear and uncertainty many writers are feeling, and how transparency and trust factor into agent-author relationships. The conversation also explores new AI-powered reading tools from Google Play Books and Storytel, raising questions about whether technology can ever replace the human connection that makes reading.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy...

In this Books with Hooks segment, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly critique a memoir query about parenting a child with Down syndrome, emphasizing that while emotionally powerful, it lacks a clear hook, market positioning, and defined narrative arc—and may not yet function as a full memoir. They stress the importance of framing personal experience in a way that’s compelling to readers, with strong stakes, structure, and deeper interiority on the page. In contrast, a medical AI thriller query is praised for its sharp concept and stakes, with notes on refining the central conflict and strengthening the opening. 

Not...

In this special episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe are joined by bestselling thriller author and journalist Andrea Bartz for a wide-ranging conversation about publishing, AI, and the current state of the book industry. Andrea shares her perspective on the uncertainty many authors are feeling, from shifting book sales trends to the growing influence of AI, and discusses why storytelling feels more important than ever during turbulent times. The conversation explores author branding, reader trust, book discovery, publishing misconceptions, and the role of publishers behind the scenes. Andrea also weighs in on the ethics of AI in...

In part one of this week’s double author interview, Carly Watters sits down with debut author Lara Stokes to discuss her novel ‘Midsummer Nights’ — a contemporary, theater-filled spin on William Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Lara opens up about querying during COVID, the memoir and “drawer novel” that came before her debut, and how writing the book “just for fun” ultimately led to her publishing breakthrough. They also dive into balancing literary and commercial fiction, writing humor and romance, Shakespeare’s lasting influence on modern storytelling, and the realities of building a writing career while juggling day jobs, rejection, and u...

In this week’s episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe chat about the ever-expanding role of literary agents—from event support and career coaching to navigating emerging challenges like AI, fact-checking, and author advocacy. They discuss how agents balance evolving responsibilities while staying focused on their core job: making deals and supporting their clients’ careers. Carly and CeCe also talk about author platform-building before publication, unpacking why writers should focus less on marketing an unwritten book and more on sharing their reading life, interests, and perspective. Plus, they answer listener questions about submission statistics, reading the tea leaves...

In this milestone 225th Books with Hooks segment , Bianca, Carly and CeCe break down two wildly different submissions to dissect what’s working (and what’s not). First up is a high-concept Western horror with cannibals, ghosts, and immortal outlaws. They discuss a strong premise, which can be made stronger by clearer stakes, as well as the author being aware of a romance that readers won’t necessarily root for. Second up: a killer AI-meets-family-drama concept that hooks instantly—though opening pages could do more heavy lifting. Why? Listen to find out. A lesson on concept vs. craft—and why both n...

In this week’s Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe tackle some of the biggest conversations shaping publishing right now. They discuss the recent consolidation of Simon & Schuster and what fewer submission opportunities could mean for authors and agents, unpack concerns about the shrinking romance midlist and the growing dominance of a handful of bestselling authors, and share insights from the latest AALA agent survey on income, financial instability, and career sustainability in agenting. Carly and CeCe also discuss AI ethics, copyright registration issues, common publishing scams targeting writers, and answers listener questions about querying after publication, navigating agent-author re...

Landing a book deal isn’t about one manuscript—it’s about persistence, growth, and strategy. In this week’s author interview, Emma White shares how writing three novels, facing nearly 90 rejections, and refining her craft led to her debut thriller deal. Her biggest lesson? Always be writing the next book while querying the current one. She breaks down how to nail a tight pitch (think: one minute, memorized, and compelling), why pacing and equal tension across timelines matters, and how most of the real magic happens in revisions—not the first draft.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary...

In part one of this month’s May Bonus episode, Steven Rowley joins Bianca Marais to discuss his latest novel and return to magical realism. Together, they explore identity, grief, reinvention, and the emotional truth behind humor, while diving into craft topics like character-driven storytelling, writing emotionally layered scenes, and grounding surreal premises in lived experience. With reflections on queer identity, long-term relationships, and the universality of loss, this conversation is equal parts writing masterclass and heartfelt exploration of what it means to lose—and find—yourself.

In part two of this bonus episode, bestselling author Megan Abbott...

This week on Books with Hooks, Carly, Bianca and CeCe dive into a satirical body horror query with a killer premise: an aspiring influencer’s transformation takes a dark—and literal—turn. CeCe highlights the strong setup and voice but calls for more clarity on the transformation and its stakes—what’s the trade-off, and why does it matter? Carly flags issues with comps, positioning, and vague “impact lines,” reminding writers that specificity is everything. Bottom line, agents want sharper specificity, stronger stakes, and dynamic openings that could take queries from intriguing to irresistible.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary...

In this episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe dive into the rise of publishing scams targeting hopeful writers, sharing major red flags to watch for and why scammers are preying on authors’ dreams. They also unpack the heated debate around whether too many books are being published in the age of AI-generated content, what it means for writers trying to stand out, and the evolving role of agents and publishers in today’s market. Plus, a thoughtful conversation about how much editorial work agents really do before a manuscript ever reaches an editor.

Note: CeCe Lyra...

Debut author Alessandra Ranelli joins the show to share the wild, real-life story behind Murder at the Hotel Orient — from a disastrous week that sparked the idea, to turning a legendary Vienna love hotel into the setting for a spicy, modern whodunit. She breaks down her full journey: writing her first novel, querying highs and lows, the “aha” craft moment that changed everything, and how strategic pitching led to multiple agent offers. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the bold, author-driven marketing strategy that built buzz before the book even hit shelves.

In part two of this week’s episod...

In this episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe dive into the power of “fit” in publishing — from finding the right agent-author relationship to understanding how passion, advocacy, and instinct shape a literary career. They unpack professional development for agents, the importance of being in community with readers and industry peers, and why networking conversations often become the best education. The episode also tackles AI anxiety in publishing, including whether writers should include anti-AI disclaimers in query letters, plus a discussion on the growing legal battles surrounding AI and copyright infringement.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a litera...

On this week’s Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe talk about TWO standout queries hit the table this week—and the bar is high. One delivers a polished, compelling YA pitch with strong writing and commercial appeal, but raises a big question. The other hooks with voice and literary edge, but struggles with clarity—multiple storylines, shifting tones, and an unclear inciting incident leave agents searching for the core. On the page, both authors shine. We talk sneaky prologues, elevated voice in YA, and the balance between internal vs. external stakes. Plus: why “sparkle” matters in a crowded market, ho...