The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

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1. An Editorial Director on Books with Hooks

   5 november 2026 · 56 min

   Afspelen
   Literary agent CeCe Lyra is joined by Editorial Director Bhavna Chauhan, at Doubleday Canada, for a special Books with Hooks episode. They dig into two query letters and opening pages, covering everything from choosing strong comps and clarifying genre to building tension, strengthening interiority, and creating opening scenes that keep readers turning pages. Bhavna also offers an acquiring editor’s perspective on what makes a pitch—and a protagonist—stand out. Lees meer

   Bhavna Chauhan is Associate Publisher at Doubleday Canada where she edits for and oversees the imprint’s commercial program. A book business veteran of nearly three decades (including ten years as a bookseller), she now works across several genres and with an array of brilliant writers, including Heather Marshall, Shari Lapena, Liane Moriarty, Eva Jurczyk, Dolly Alderton, Shilpi Somaya Gowda, Chantel Guertin, Rick Mofina, and Molly Fader. As an editor, she’s on the hunt for smart, feel-good (and sometimes laugh-out-loud) upmarket book club fiction that features unforgettable characters on life-affirming journeys, and sophisticated, intricately crafted psychological thrillers that play with form.

   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 Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

   Find us on our socials:

   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

   https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

   https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

   https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywat…

2. Shooting The Shit With Special Guest Regina Brooks

   2 november 2026 · 40 min

   Afspelen
   It’s Carly’s turn to give CeCe FOMO! Carly is back in the hot seat with special guest Regina Brooks, founder and CEO of Serendipity Literary Agency and President of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), for a firsthand look at the evolving landscape of literary agenting. Regina provides listeners with a lesson in Canon of Ethics 101 and its impact on authors, the financial realities of being a literary agent, the challenges facing today’s publishing industry and the growing impact of AI. She also answers (in her opinion) why staying informed might be the biggest challenge facing the publishing industry today. Lees meer

   About Regina Brooks:

   Ms. Regina Brooks is the founder and CEO of Serendipity Literary Agency in NY, where she has represented and established a diverse base of award-winning clients in adult and young adult fiction, nonfiction, and children's literature. Her clients have received Newbery, Caldecott, Edgar, Kirkus, NAACP Image and National Book Awards and honors.

   Currently the president of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), Brooks is also the co-producer of the People of Publishing Conference, former co-producer of the U.S. Book Show, and a founding member of Literary Agents of Change (LAOC) and the Black Book Accelerator. She is a board member of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) and a member of National Book Foundation’s Book Council

   Brooks is the author of Writing Great Books for Young Adults: Everything You Need to Know, from Crafting the Idea to Getting Published (Sourcebooks), You Should Really Write a Book: How to Write, Sell, and Market Your Memoir (St. Martin's Press), and Essence Magazine's quick pick children's book, Never Finished, Never Done (Scholastic).

   She is also a co-publisher with Open Lens, an imprint of Johnny Temple's (founder of the Brooklyn Book Festival) Akashic Books. She also partnered with poet Jessica Care Moore and was instrumental in relaunching Moore Black Press as an Amistad/…

3. Believing in Your Worth Despite Being Rejected Over 250 Times

   29 oktober 2026 · 32 min

   Afspelen
   This week on the podcast Bianca sits down with Cherokee Nation member, USA Today bestselling author Vanessa Lillie to discuss her gripping new thriller, The Bone Thief. Vanessa shares her long road to publication, navigating rejection and the business of publishing, and why writers need to trust their instincts. She also explains how writers can create a propulsive opening, write complex characters, and use suspense to explore Indigenous history, the trauma of colonialism, and the theft of Indigenous remains. Lees meer

   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 Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

   Find us on our socials:

   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

   https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

   https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

   https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

   Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

   Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

   To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

   Sign up for CeCe's course:

   https://learn-with-cece.thinkific.com/products/courses/cecescoachingcorner

   Our Sponsors:
   * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
   * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code RosettaStone.com/TODAY for a gr…

4. October Bonus Episode

   26 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 21 min

   Afspelen
   It’s the last Monday of the month and that means it’s Bonus Episode week! Back in the hot seat is Emilie Sommer from East City Bookshop to answer all your comp questions. But first, join Bianca Marais and #1 international bestselling author Sir Ian Rankin, to discuss his latest crime thriller, The Heights. Sir Ian Rankin shares why he writes without an outline, how his characters guide the story, and the challenges of keeping track of details across a decades-long series. The two authors talk about compelling mysteries, creating unforgettable characters, the importance of trusting readers, and why the first draft is all about discovery. Lees meer

   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 Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

   Find us on our socials:

   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

   https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

   https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

   https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

   Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

   Sign up for Coaching Corner: https://learn-with-cece.thinkific.com/products/courses/cecescoachingcorner

   Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

   To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

   Our Sponsors:
   * Check out Quince and use …

5. Your Job Is to Seduce, Not Explain

   22 oktober 2026 · 49 min

   Afspelen
   Bianca, Carly, and CeCe are joined by listener Yemeng Lu-Myers. Our hosts critique Yemeng’s upmarket novel, discussing the importance of specificity when discussing inciting incidents in queries, strengthening tension between a character’s obligations and their desire, as well as how comps and titles can be used to position your book for the right audience. Carly, CeCe, and Bianca also dig into Yemeng’s opening pages, emphasizing some of CeCe’s favourite things – interiority, emotionality, and curiosity! Listen to find out more about hooking and seducing readers… hint: don’t reveal all your cards right away! Lees meer

   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 Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

   Find us on our socials:

   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

   https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

   https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

   https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

   Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

   Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

   To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

   Sign up for CeCe's course:

   https://learn-with-cece.thinkific.com/products/courses/cecescoachingcorner

   Our Sponsors:
   * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great d…

6. Shooting the Shit Featuring Guest Literary Agent Ashley Lopez

   19 oktober 2026 · 56 min

   Afspelen
   With Carly still on vacation, CeCe is getting herself into a little mischief! This week CeCe trades her cup of coffee and pours herself a glass of wine with friend and literary agent Ashley Lopez of MMQA Literary Agency. CeCe and Ashley talk about the rise of AI-narrated audiobooks and AI-generated rejection letters to the struggles facing nonfiction and the case for paperback originals. They also discuss why the agency behind your literary agent matters, the best times to query, and what Ashley is currently looking for in her inbox. Lees meer

   About Ashley Lopez:

   Ashley Lopez is an agent with Massie McQuilkin & Altman Literary Agents. She received her MFA in Fiction from Sarah Lawrence College and has over a decade of publishing experience. Formerly the Director of Foreign Rights and an agent at WLA Books, she has worked on international and New York Times bestsellers, bringing a global perspective to her authors. An active member of the AALA, she represents literary and book club fiction, grounded speculative, horror, thrillers, narrative and practical nonfiction, as well as select poetry and YA.

   As discussed on the podcast:

   https://lunch.publishersmarketplace.com/2026/10/fbf-the-future-of-audio-frankfurt/

   https://lunch.publishersmarketplace.com/2026/10/publishers-use-ai-for-marketing-copy-rejection-letters/

   https://thewalrus.ca/nonfiction-is-struggling-publishers-are-making-it-worse/

   https://leighstein.substack.com/p/losers-v-victims

   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 Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

   Find us on our socials:

   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_…

7. Everything You Write Is Both a One-Star Review and a Tattoo

   15 oktober 2026 · 29 min

   Afspelen
   Bianca sits down with author Jonathan Edward Durham to talk about Winterset Hollow, his genre-bending novel that went from self-published hidden gem to cult favourite—and eventually landed a traditional publishing deal. Jonathan shares the unconventional journey behind the book, the power of word of mouth, and how he built an authentic social media following without constantly selling his work. They also dig into craft, from writing a book within a book to blending horror, fantasy, humour, and friendship—and why finding the right story can bring out your best writing. Lees meer

   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 Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

   Find us on our socials:

   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

   https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

   https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

   https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

   Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

   Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

   To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

   Sign up for CeCe's course:

   https://learn-with-cece.thinkific.com/products/courses/cecescoachingcorner

   Our Sponsors:
   * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
   * Check out R…

8. Shooting the Shit With CeCe's Former Co-Workers Turned Bestie

   12 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 5 min

   Afspelen
   Will Carly have a serious case of FOMO after this Monday’s Shooting the Shit episode?! In this special episode, CeCe was supposed to fly solo—but instead, she twisted the arms of her former colleagues turned besties, literary agents Eric Smith, Nour Sallam, Adria Goetz, and Claire Harris, to join her for a publishing industry catch-up. This fireside chat amongst besties, covers everything from printing delays and a new children's imprint to the resurgence of bookstores and the latest buzz from the Frankfurt Book Fair. AI…the agents go there. Diving into the increasingly complicated world of AI in publishing, discussing author protections, AI-generated submissions, and the controversy surrounding AI detection tools like Pangram. This episode is packed with loads of laughs, strong opinions, and publishing industry hot takes. Sorry, Carly. You definitely missed a good one! Lees meer

   As mentioned on this episode:

   Sign up for Coaching Corner for access to the editorial library with agents' feedback — including feedback from Eric, Claire, Adria, and Nour!

   https://learn-with-cece.thinkific.com/products/courses/cecescoachingcorner

   The first publisher to issue AI guidelines to authors and illustrators:

   https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/connect/contact-us/ai-policy-for-authors-and-illustrators/

   Supply Chain Issues Threaten Book Sales:

   https://lunch.publishersmarketplace.com/2026/10/as-supply-chain-problems-increase-some-books-miss-on-sale-dates/

   What's Hot at the Frankfurt Book Fair:

   https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/trade-shows-events/article/101287-frankfurt-book-fair-2026-what-s-hot-according-to-agents.html

   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 Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of he…

9. Delivering on the DNA of the Book

   8 oktober 2026 · 52 min

   Afspelen
   It’s Books with Hooks week on the podcast! This week, CeCe and Bianca are joined by acquiring editor Elizabeth Hitti Musicant from Dial Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House. As they critique two queries, they break down choosing strong comps, creating specific stakes, trimming an overstuffed query, and making sure your opening pages deliver on your pitch. Plus, they unpack romantasy vs. romantic fantasy, prologues, dual POVs, and what it takes to create romantic chemistry readers can root for. Lees meer

   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 Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

   Find us on our socials:

   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

   https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

   https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

   https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

   Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

   Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

   To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

   Our Sponsors:
   * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
   * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code RosettaStone.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com
   * Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code uncommongoods.com/TSNOTYAW for a …

10. Shooting The Shit About People of Publishing

    5 oktober 2026 · 46 min

    Afspelen
    It’s the first Monday of the month, which means Carly and CeCe are back for another Shooting the Shit! This week, Carly and CeCe unpack the latest from the People of Publishing Conference, from shifting reader habits and publishing trends to what’s happening behind the bestseller lists. CeCe shares what she learned about the return of historical fiction, the pressure on authors to promote their own books, why some books find success long after pub week, and the industry’s ongoing—and complicated—conversation around AI. Plus, Carly and CeCe talk about the power of long-term relationships in publishing and why sometimes it takes 20 years for the right agent-editor-book combination to come together. Lees meer

    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 Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

    Find us on our socials:

    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

    https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

    https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://w…

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