Episode Summary: "Shooting The Shit" The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Release Date: July 21, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, host Bianca Marais is joined by literary agents Carly Waters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency. The trio delves into a variety of topics tailored for emerging writers, offering insightful discussions on publishing trends, personal anecdotes, and effective social media strategies for authors and agents alike.

1. Introducing the New Segment: "Just Shooting the Shit" [02:05]

CeCe Lira unveils an exciting new segment titled "Just Shooting the Shit," designed to provide a more casual and unstructured conversation between her and Carly. This duo segment aims to share behind-the-scenes gossip, publishing trends, and spontaneous discussions that go beyond their regular "Books with Hooks" segment. CeCe explains the inspiration behind the segment, emphasizing the desire to offer listeners a glimpse into the dynamic and often informal interactions between literary agents.

CeCe Lira [03:49]: "Our weekly episode is Just Shooting the Shit...We shoot the shit. The best we've come up with for our episode."

2. Personal Updates and Upcoming Events [05:12]

The conversation shifts to personal updates, with CeCe sharing her excitement about her client, Bailey Hanna, participating in a panel at McNally Jackson in New York. CeCe discusses the logistics of the trip, including meetings with editors, attending Broadway plays, and engaging in cultural activities, highlighting the multifaceted roles agents play in promoting their authors.

CeCe Lira [05:35]: "I'm doing lunch with an editor, going to see 'Omar' on Broadway, and having dinner with Bailey."

3. Gossip: Handling Misaddressed Emails [06:45]

CeCe recounts an amusing yet insightful incident where she received an email from an editor mistakenly addressed to someone else, shedding light on the common workplace mishaps agents and authors might encounter. The discussion emphasizes the importance of professionalism and discretion when handling such situations.

CeCe Lira [06:50]: "I got an email from an editor that wasn't meant for me...It was a rejection meant for their intern."

Bianca Marais [08:28]: "People think it has. I have sent incorrect emails. It's part of being human."

4. Publishing Trends: The Rise of Dark Romantic Comedies [10:26]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the burgeoning trend of dark romantic comedies in the publishing industry. The hosts analyze the factors contributing to this genre's popularity, such as the balance between humor and dark themes, and its appeal to contemporary readers seeking complex emotional narratives.

Bianca Marais [14:05]: "I like dark comedies. I can see myself liking dark romance...It's about pushing boundaries while still being safe."

CeCe Lira [12:23]: "Dark rom coms are incredibly dark...they're a book about serial killers."

The discussion includes a detailed examination of "Butcher and the Blackbird," highlighting its blend of romance, humor, and dark content. The hosts consider how Gen Z readers' openness to exploring complex emotions in fiction has influenced publishers' willingness to embrace darker themes.

Bianca Marais [17:24]: "Thank you Gen Z for being super awesome. They want to explore these messy emotions in fiction."

5. Social Media Strategies for Literary Agents [21:34]

Carly and CeCe delve into effective social media practices for agents, contrasting traditional approaches with modern strategies that prioritize authenticity and expertise over curated lifestyles. They stress the importance of providing genuine value through content, such as tutorials and practical advice, to engage and grow their audience.

Bianca Marais [27:00]: "I've been trying to be more intentional...Social media is educational for me and a calling card for potential clients."

CeCe Lira [28:43]: "Influence has completely changed...People are gravitating towards creators with genuine expertise."

The conversation highlights personal experiences, with Bianca sharing her efforts to create authentic content that reflects her expertise and personality, while CeCe emphasizes the rewarding aspects of building a meaningful online community.

6. Bestselling Books of the First Half of the Year [21:18]

The agents review the top 10 bestsellers of the first half of the year, providing sales figures and personal impressions of each title. Notable mentions include:

• "Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins (Hay House): 1,761,538 copies sold.
• "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic): 1.6 million copies sold.
• "Onyx Storm Deluxe Edition" by Rebecca Yarros: 1.5 million copies sold.
• "Dogman" Series by Dav Pilkey: 500,000 copies sold.
• "The Housemaid" by Frida McFadden: 490,000 copies sold.

The discussion explores the success of deluxe editions and their appeal to dedicated fans, drawing parallels to strategies used by celebrities like Taylor Swift to boost sales through collectible editions.

Bianca Marais [24:22]: "If you are Rebecca Yarros, you're counting your money right now."

CeCe Lira [26:03]: "Deluxe editions are for super fans...It's a way to show your loyalty to the brand."

The agents also note the impressive sales figures, reflecting the robust health of the publishing industry and the varied interests of readers.

7. Conclusion and Future Topics [35:34]

As the episode wraps up, Bianca and CeCe encourage listeners to engage with the show by providing feedback and suggestions for future topics. They express enthusiasm for upcoming discussions, including a planned deep dive into the implications of artificial intelligence in publishing.

Bianca Marais [35:47]: "I just want the gossip. I'm here for the gossip."

CeCe Lira [36:02]: "We're looking forward to engaging with you guys in a different format."

The hosts reiterate their commitment to delivering valuable content, blending professional insights with relatable conversations to support emerging writers navigating the complexities of the publishing world.

Key Takeaways:

• Emerging Trends: Dark romantic comedies are gaining traction, blending humor with intense themes to cater to modern readers' desires for complex narratives.

• Professional Insights: Handling workplace mishaps, such as misaddressed emails, requires grace and professionalism to maintain positive industry relationships.

• Social Media Strategy: Authenticity and valuable content are paramount for agents and authors seeking to build and engage their online communities effectively.

• Market Success: Deluxe editions and collectible formats continue to thrive, driven by passionate fanbases and strategic marketing approaches.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the current landscape of writing and publishing, enriched by the hosts' firsthand experiences and thoughtful analysis. Whether you're an aspiring writer or an established author, the discussions provide actionable insights to enhance your craft and navigate the ever-evolving publishing industry.