Advertise on podcast: The Write and Wrong Podcast | Writing Tips, Book Publishing and Literary Agents

Literary agent Mia Dakin joins us this week to chat about her start in publishing and building her list of authors from scratch at Greene & Heaton. Mia tells us about finding her first author through Instagram, the specific fiction genres she is looking for, and the influx of AI submissions to the agency. Whether you are an aspiring writer trying to perfect your cover letter or just curious about the literary agenting process, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights. In This Episode, We Cover: How Mia transitioned from a publishing master's at UCL to a full-time agenting role at Greene & Heaton. What she is actively looking for in submissions, including multi-generational sagas, clever retellings, and locked-room mysteries. The agency's strict stance on AI-generated submissions, why AI flattens creative work, and how publisher contracts are explicitly adapting to prohibit AI use. Actionable advice for querying writers, including how to effectively use comparative titles by explaining their relevance, and why you should always have beta readers proofread your cover letter and synopsis.Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & Getting into Publishing 06:22 - Building an Author List & Finding Writers on Instagram 11:40 - Genres, Retellings, and Manuscript Wishlists 24:43 - The Cabin Book Choice: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier 30:00 - AI in Submissions and Publishing Contracts 39:23 - Cover Letter Tips, Comp Titles & Synopsis Advice Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Hugo Award-winning fantasy author Alix E. Harrow joins us this week to chat about her novel, The Everlasting, coming out in paperback on October 8th. Alix talks about how she taught herself to write through short fiction, which lead to landing a two-book deal after one of her short stories caught the eye of an editor, and why authors need to recognise how much luck is involved with publishing. Whether you are an aspiring writer trying to navigate the submission process or a devoted reader curious about how your favourite fantasy books hit the shelves, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights. How Alix uses short stories as "training wheels" to experiment with different tones, perspectives, and concepts before committing to a full-length novel. The psychological realities of writing, including why first drafts are genuinely bad and how commercial success can actually tighten the internal pressure to perform. The incredible luck and timing of getting direct messages from an agent and an editor on Twitter that led to her first book deal. Actionable advice for writers looking to get published, including why you must prioritise improving your craft and forming sincere friendships with fellow authors.Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & Deconstructing Knighthood in The Everlasting 04:10 - Navigating Author Anxiety and the Writing Process 13:24 - The Freedom and Experimentation of Short Fiction 24:14 - Finding Ambition and Early Sci-Fi Influences 30:35 - Submitting to Magazines and Landing an Agent 52:33 - Final Advice for Writers and Navigating the Industry Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Bookshop owner, publisher, and author Zibby Owens joins Jamie this week to chat about her upcoming essay collection, Between Chapters, out September 22nd. Zibby shares the winding journey of trying to get published since her 20s, building a media empire that started with a podcast in 2018, and why authors need to stop viewing rejection as an indictment of their talent. Whether you are an aspiring writer trying to navigate the traditional publishing submission process or a devoted reader curious about how your favorite books hit the shelves, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights. How Zibby’s podcast, originally started as a side project in 2018, evolved into five episodes a week and a massive literary platform. The logistical realities and unexpected community responsibilities of opening an indie bookshop in Santa Monica. Why traditional publishers rely heavily on "lead titles" and how Zibby Publishing aims to disrupt this by treating every book like a priority launch. Actionable advice for writers looking to get published, including why you should perfect your manuscript before showing it to the industry.Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & Writing Between Chapters 07:11 - The Entrepreneurial Drive and Starting a Podcast 13:20 - Zibby's Winding Journey to Becoming a Published Author 20:48 - Founding Zibby Publishing to Champion Authors 30:40 - The Truth About "Lead Titles" in the Book Industry 39:05 - Opening an Indie Bookshop and Curating Shelves 49:55 - Final Advice for Writers Trying to Get Published Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Bestselling hybrid romance author, Chelsea Curto joins Jamie this week to chat about her DC Stars hockey series and her traditional publishing debut, In Stormy Weather. Chelsea shares the surreal journey of writing her first book in 2022 to landing a major book deal, and why she believes that publishing is a marathon and not a sprint. Whether you are an aspiring writer trying to decode the indie publishing world or a romance fan obsessed with forced proximity and sports tropes, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights. Why hockey's physicality and 82-game travel schedule make it the ultimate sport for romantic tension. How Chelsea researched storm chasing and atmospheric science for her STEM-focused rival meteorologists in In Stormy Weather. The realities of being a hybrid author and balancing the creative control of self-publishing with the collaborative team support of traditional publishing. The Emily Henry book that sparked Chelsea's love for the genre and led to a magical full-circle career moment.Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & Latest Releases 05:08 - Why Hockey Dominates the Romance Genre 07:50 - Writing Women in STEM & Storm Chasing 14:09 - The Leap into Traditional Publishing 25:17 - The Book That Started Chelsea's Journey 30:40 - From Flight Attendant to Bestselling Author 45:45 - Realities & Advice for Indie Publishing 57:45 - The Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Publishing Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Literary agent, Philippa Sitters is with Jamie this week to chat about her career in publishing from a high intensity start with a major talent agency all the way through to starting her own agency, PSA Literary. Philippa shares a candid look at the day-to-day reality of running an independent agency, what she is looking for in her inbox, and why online author platforms are becoming increasingly significant in the industry. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Philippa’s entry into the publishing industry. 07:28 – The leap to starting a solo agency (PSA Literary). 13:54 – What Philippa represents (and the genres she doesn't). 19:45 – What makes a standout crime thriller and the need for fresh perspectives. 22:45 – Which book would Philippa want if she was snowed in at a cosy woodland cabin. 27:06 – Fiction vs. Non-Fiction queries: Breaking down the submission guidelines. 39:37 – How to write the perfect query letter (and major red flags to avoid). 49:20 – Do you really need an author platform and a social media presence? Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Writer, editor and photographer, Amelia Kyazze is back on the podcast after first joining us back in 2021 with her debut novel. We chat about everything that she has written and published since then both with big publishers and independently. Amelia goes on to discuss her experiences with different publishing models, how she discovery writes in historical fiction, and why finding a community is so intertwined with creative success. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

What does it take to find a literary agent and navigate today’s ever-shifting publishing world? In this episode, Jamie sits down with publishing veteran and literary agent Kate Barker to pull back the curtain on the industry. Kate talks about the ways in which AI and social media are changing author discoverability, why she asks for the first 500 words of a manuscript in her queries but not a synopsis. Whether you're fine-tuning a pitch or love bookish insider talk, this conversation is packed with goodies. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Middle grade fantasy author, Oliver Lendon joins Jamie to talk about his traditional debut. Oliver chats about writing for the love of the craft, the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing and practical insights on querying manuscripts, open submissions, and the amount of formatting and documentation that goes into self-publishing. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Contemporary fiction author, Elizabeth Richardson is here, chatting about serialising her debut novel Trad on Substack. We discuss the trad wife subculture, dealing with rejections, and balancing multiple projects with a busy family life. Tune in for insights on building an organic reader community and a publishing inspired locked-room mystery recommendation. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

What if the government could police your dreams?Young adult author Pippa Dunn drops by to discuss her debut novel, The Sign of the Raven. Pippa pulls back the curtain on her journey from the theatre world to traditional publishing. She talks about the "crafter, not a drafter" writing process, how she balances plotting with discovery, and her whirlwind querying experience that led to a publisher auction. Whether you're in the query trenches or just looking for a new historical fantasy, this episode is packed with actionable advice and creative inspiration. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

How do you write fast-paced, high-tech sci-fi that gets kids hooked on reading? Debut children’s author, Steve Blackman joins us to talk about his new middle-grade novel, Zero Override!  Steve breaks down his writing process, how video games and classic sci-fi influence his world-building, navigating Middle Grade vs. YA, and his journey to landing a publishing deal with Scholastic. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Author, illustrator, and content creator Christy Anne Jones is here ahead of the release of her debut cosy fantasy novel, Theodora’s Tea Shop. Christy pulls back the curtain on how she blended 1920s modernist influences with illegal magic syndicates and deep female friendships to craft a story that sits right in the sweet spot of cozy and dark fantasy. She also chats about her YouTube series where she tests out the writing routines of authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, Dan Brown, and Brandon Sanderson. Plus we have an honest, behind-the-scenes discussion about the business of books. From Christy's first manuscript dying in the querying trenches to navigating an international publishing auction with Hachette, she shares priceless advice on marketability, rewriting entire drafts from memory, and being part of a creative team. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Are you an aspiring author wondering if indie publishing is the right route for your book? In this episode of the Write and Wrong podcast, Jamie sits down with Rachel Pattinson—an independent children’s author, publisher, chartered librarian, and winner of the prestigious Hachette Children’s Novel Award (2023). Rachel talks about the inspiration behind her debut middle-grade mystery novel, Seven: Distracted Detective and pulls back the curtain on her unique journey from winning a major traditional publishing award to successfully launching her own indie imprint, Aralyn Press. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Are you ready to take the next step in your traditional publishing journey? Literary agent Flo Sandelson of Curtis Brown joins us this week to share invaluable insider advice for aspiring authors. Flo chats about her path to becoming an agent, what it’s like working alongside Felicity Blunt and her incredible list of authors, and exactly what she looks for when reviewing a manuscript submission. If you are currently writing a book, perfecting your fiction book proposal, or getting ready for querying literary agents, this episode is packed with tips on how to get published and how to catch an agent's eye. Tune in to find out what kinds of fresh voices and stories Flo is planning on building her list around—and learn how to make your own query letter stand out from the slush pile! Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter

Literary agent, Lauren Gardner of Bell Lomax Moreton is here to chat about how she became an agent, how she looks at queries and cover letters and a few things that she's looking to add to her list! Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple AmazonListen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie's other podcast with Melissa Welliver and Naomi Gibson! 📚 Spotify Apple AmazonFollow on socials! 🥳 Instagram TikTok Twitter