Podcast Summary: The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Episode: CeCe Swipes Carly’s Submission
Release Date: January 23, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, host Bianca Marais is joined by co-hosts Carly Waters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency. The trio delves into the intricacies of crafting compelling query letters and manuscript openings, providing emerging writers with valuable insights into the publishing industry. The episode prominently features the Books with Hooks segment, where authors submit their query letters and opening pages for critique.

Books with Hooks: CeCe Reviews "Apples of Discord"

[02:09] CeCe Lira Reads the Query Letter:

CeCe begins by presenting Shannon Evans' query letter for her debut novel, Apples of Discord. The novel is a mythological fiction featuring strong, queer, female protagonists navigating a patriarchal Olympus.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Premise and Hook:

   • The novel revolves around three Greek goddesses—Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena—and their struggle against Zeus's misogynistic reign.
   • CeCe praises the mythological backdrop but critiques the vagueness of the plot hooks and the overemphasis on world-building at the expense of character development.

2. Structure and Clarity:

   • The query letter is 410 words long, which CeCe finds excessive.
   • She suggests trimming unnecessary details, such as the novel's multiple first-person points of view, to maintain focus and clarity.

3. Character and Plot Specificity:

   • CeCe emphasizes the need for specific plot points and character motivations.
   • She points out the repetitive nature of certain lines that dilute the tension and fails to provide a clear inciting incident.

Notable Quotes:

• "You're telling me a little bit about each goddess, you know, what kind of goddess they are. You're telling me they have a problem with Zeus, but I'm not clear on the shape of the plot."
  — CeCe Lira [05:02]

• "Your job is not to convey information. Your job is to entertain and seduce."
  — CeCe Lira [08:56]

Carly's Input:

Carly concurs with CeCe's assessment, highlighting the lack of clarity in the story's unique angle despite its ambitious scope. She draws parallels to successful mythological retellings like Neon Gods, emphasizing the importance of specific plotlines within a larger mythological framework.

Notable Quote:

• "I don't feel like I actually know what's going to happen in this book at all."
  — Carly Waters [09:04]

Books with Hooks: Carly's Query for a Rom-Com

[25:45] Carly Waters Presents Her Own Query Letter:

Carly shares her query letter for Shannon Evans' romantic comedy, The Yes Gal. The story centers around Rena James, a marriage proposal planner who confronts past regrets when tasked with planning a proposal for her former love interest.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Comps and Genre Alignment:

   • Carly appreciates the comparative titles listed in the query but questions the necessity of referencing classics like Persuasion when positioning the novel within contemporary rom-com standards.

2. Character Development and Setting:

   • She suggests providing more context about the setting to enhance the story's texture.
   • Carly expresses concerns about the reliance on social media elements, fearing it might date the novel.

3. Plot and Emotional Arc:

   • The emotional journey of Rena, grappling with past decisions and current professional challenges, is highlighted as a strong point.
   • Carly recommends exploring deeper psychological layers to elevate the narrative from good to great.

Notable Quotes:

• "Determined to save her career, Rena says yes to planning her biggest proposal yet."
  — Carly Waters [27:39]

• "I'm curious to know how long you've spent working on this. Maybe you mentioned this in the query letter."
  — CeCe Lira [36:44]

CeCe's Response:

CeCe lauds the query for its polished voice and engaging premise, noting its potential for wide appeal. She offers constructive feedback on removing redundancy and enhancing character depth, ensuring the protagonist's internal conflicts are more subtly woven into the narrative.

Notable Quote:

• "I was so curious to know how long you've spent working on this. Maybe you mentioned this in the query letter."
  — CeCe Lira [31:49]

Hosts' Banter and Interaction

Throughout the episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe engage in lively discussions, blending professional critique with light-hearted moments. For instance, when discussing the lengthy 300-year wedding celebration in Apples of Discord, Bianca humorously relates it to her introverted nature, adding a relatable touch for listeners.

Notable Quote:

• "God, a 300-year party. This sounds like hell to my introverted self. Get the hell out of there, man. Run."
  — Bianca Marais [12:13]

Additionally, the playful dynamic between Carly and CeCe surfaces when Carly hands over her query for CeCe to review, highlighting their camaraderie and professional respect.

Notable Quote:

• "I always feel guilty pulling my seniority on her. But no, this one's all yours and I'm so excited to hear how it goes."
  — Carly Waters [41:40]

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

The episode closes with Bianca encouraging authors to submit their work for future Books with Hooks segments and promoting their upcoming Deep Dive Virtual Retreat. The hosts reiterate the importance of continuous learning and improvement in the writing journey, leaving listeners with actionable insights and motivation.

Notable Quote:

• "Remember, it just takes one. Yes."
  — Bianca Marais [43:16]

Key Takeaways for Emerging Writers

• Clarity Over Quantity: Ensure query letters are concise, focusing on the essence of the plot and character motivations without overwhelming details.

• Show, Don’t Tell: Avoid excessive world-building in query letters. Instead, let character actions and emotions convey the story's depth and tension.

• Unique Selling Point: Clearly articulate what sets your story apart, especially in genres with established tropes or numerous existing works.

• Emotional Engagement: Craft queries that highlight the protagonist's emotional journey, making the reader invested in their struggles and growth.

Final Thoughts

CeCe and Carly's critiques offer a balanced mix of constructive feedback and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of precision, originality, and emotional resonance in writing. Their expertise provides invaluable guidance for writers aiming to refine their submissions and navigate the competitive landscape of publishing.