
Hosted by Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra · EN

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 relationships when projects don’t align, and understanding sales data from past books.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.As discussed on this episode:https://lunch.publishersmarketplace.com/2026/05/ss-merges-lines-into-a-new-atria-gallery-publishing-group/https://falonballard.substack.com/p/the-rom-com-subgenre-is-in-trouble?utm_source=multipl[…]ecommendations-email&utm_medium=email&triedRedirect=truehttps://www.threads.com/@talesofegan/post/DYiQbUVlDKA?xmt=AQG0teqFipzz4Oan2fN4Aw4nN4RSFGFFAfAhL6-XdDgo7AFind us on our socials:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: 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/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/tsnotyaw for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 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_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: 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/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/tsnotyaw for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 joins literary agent CeCe Lyra for a deep dive into women, money, crime fiction, and the emotional truth behind suspense novels. From the messy realities of sisterhood and female ambition to the power of POV, plot engines, and writing obsession, Megan shares candid insights into her creative process, why crime is never really the point, and how authors survive the emotional vulnerability of publishing. Plus: thoughts on genre, critique partners, book trends, and the novels that continue to inspire her craft.And finally, stick around for Emilie Sommer’s comps segment—packed with smart, spot-on titles writers won’t want to miss!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_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: 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/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/tsnotyaw for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 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_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: 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/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/tsnotyaw for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 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.As mentioned on today’s episode:Some scammers are getting caught: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/defendant-pleads-guilty-48-million-nationwide-book-publishing-scam-targeting-hundredsMac Barnett Quote:https://www.instagram.com/p/DX_zF8CjG2A/?img_index=1AI Slop graph: https://www.threads.com/@alexandbooks_/post/DX7obC7Cckh?xmt=AQF0AaPrabf6PyV8vq0I5niJh_8d4K6p-k6RzlZayeX0mAThis week’s substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/notesfromasmallpress/p/are-agents-now-the-real-publishers?r=h5j0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webFind us on our socials:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: 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/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/tsnotyaw for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 episode, author Mikki Brammer, author Good Joy, Bad Joy, shares her unconventional path from journalist to bestselling novelist—and how a fear of death sparked her debut ‘The Collected Regrets of Clover.’ The interview dives into the reality of two-book deals (creative constraints, multiple editors, and market pressure), writing under deadlines, and why success doesn’t always mean less stress. Mikki also breaks down her craft choices—from slow, contemplative openings to immersive sensory descriptions—and how she builds deeply human, frustrating, and evolving characters. 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_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: 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/TSNOTYAWOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/tsnotyaw for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 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.As mentioned on today’s episode: https://www.thebookseller.com/news/meta-and-mark-zuckerberg-sued-by-us-publishers-for-copyright-infringement-to-develop-its-ai?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20Briefinghttps://lareviewofbooks.org/article/middlemen-literary-agents-american-publishing-industry-laura-mcgrath/https://gothamghostwriters.com/ai-guidelines/?mc_cid=7c5298bcbe&mc_eid=92846a4ddchttps://ladywhistlethreads.substack.comFind us on our socials:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: 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/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/tsnotyaw for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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, how query letters must signal tone as much as plot, and the difference between intriguing and confusing.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_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: 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/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/tsnotyaw for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week’s episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe dive into a viral story about ChatGPT allegedly derailing a $50M deal and unpack what it means for writers relying on AI—warning that outsourcing your thinking can cost you your creative power. They tackle a common query dilemma (can you comp a book you don’t even like?), break down why small manuscript tweaks won’t fix deeper story issues, and remind writers to stop chasing the “right answer” and start trusting their own voice. Carly and CeCe also talk about tough industry realities—from agents parting ways with clients to the truth about book tours (who gets them and why most don’t)—offering a candid look at how publishing really works behind the scenes.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.Mentioned on today's episode:https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2026-04-16/reese-witherspoon-authors-book-club-learn-ai-chatgpthttps://open.substack.com/pub/unsolicitedmanuscript/p/author-tours?r=h5j0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web (ediFind us on our socials:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: 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/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/tsnotyaw for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In part one of this week’s triple author interview, literary agent Carly Watters sits down with Mai Nguyen to discuss her deeply personal novel ‘Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead’. Mai shares the heartbreaking real-life loss that inspired the book and how writing fiction became a vessel for processing grief. They dive into the challenge of portraying “bed-rotting” grief on the page, balancing darkness with humor, and why a funeral home setting became the perfect device to move the story—and the character—forward. The conversation also explores envy in grief, the taboo of infant loss, and how community and connection can bring someone back to life.Part two pivots to Carly Watters chatting with Lindsay Wong about her genre-bending novel ‘Villain-Hitting for Vicious Little Nobodies’—a dark, hilarious story blending horror, history, and autofiction. Lindsay breaks down the book as a story of choicelessness, intergenerational trauma, and what women sacrifice to survive under capitalism and cultural expectations. They dive into corpse marriage, villain hitting, and how myth and reality collide to explore power, class, and rage—especially for women who aren’t allowed to express it. The conversation also unpacks world-building through power dynamics, writing discomfort as a craft tool, and navigating multiple POVs. Part 3 dives deep into craft, character, and the messy reality of writing the book you actually need to write—not the one you started with. Laurie Frankel breaks down how voice isn’t found—it’s earned through hundreds of drafts, and why early pages are often just writers “circling the building” until the story clicks. The conversation explores smart craft choices like easing readers in with minor characters, using names as free character development, and why your protagonist’s job should serve the story’s needs, not just realism.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_writinghttps://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_authorhttps://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agentInstagram: 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/TSNOTYAWWebsites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.comBookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwritingTo sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime and use my code chime.com/TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.chime.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/tsnotyaw for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands