Podcast Episode Summary: "What is a Familiar Query Letter"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
• Hosts: Bianca Marais, Carly Waters, and Cece Lira
• Episode: What is a Familiar Query Letter
• Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction to "Books with Hooks"

In this episode, Bianca Marais is preparing for her upcoming book launch, allowing cohosts Carly Waters and Cece Lira from P.S. Literary Agency to take the reins of the "Books with Hooks" segment. They focus on reading and critiquing query letters submitted by emerging writers seeking representation.

First Query Letter Review: "We Were the Good Girls"

Author's Submission: The first query letter, authored by a Finnish former political ghostwriter and stand-up comedian living in Buenos Aires, seeks representation for a 90,000-word debut novel titled We Were the Good Girls. The multi-POV narrative intertwines feminist themes with political ambitions, drawing comparisons to works like Whisper Network and The White Lotus.

Summary of the Manuscript: Thirteen years prior, three best friends—Annika, Mina, and Sofia—enjoyed a carefree summer in Barcelona. An assault disrupts their idyllic getaway, leading to simmering tensions that resurface in their thirties as they navigate personal and professional challenges. The plot thickens when a journalist uncovers a scandal involving Mina, prompting the trio to reunite in Finland to seek justice without exposing their own secrets.

Carly Waters' Critique ([05:51] – [09:37]): Carly appreciates the strong comps and engaging premise but raises concerns about the query's reliance on familiar references. She states:

“I think this pitch is relying a lot on the familiarities... and I just didn't really feel like we were getting to all of those juicy pieces that actually set this book apart.” ([06:20])

She emphasizes the need for clarity on what makes the story unique beyond its comparable titles.

Cece Lira's Feedback ([07:43] – [16:56]): Cece concurs with Carly's assessment, highlighting the importance of originality in the pitch. She points out ambiguities regarding the assault's victim and the necessity of revealing enough to intrigue agents without giving away key plot points.

“How much do you withhold? How much do you reveal?” ([08:30])

Cece suggests that the author needs to better articulate the present-day conflict to engage the reader's curiosity effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• Carly Waters on familiarity:

  “So I'm going to use the word familiar. It felt familiar to me.” ([06:35])

• Cece Lira on storytelling balance:

  “We do need that really, like, fresh originality coming through while also letting us know where it would sit.” ([07:10])

Second Query Letter Review: "The Fire Pit"

Author's Submission: The second query letter is from Kelly Burch, a freelance writer with a strong background in journalism and content marketing. She seeks representation for her 82,000-word novel, The Fire Pit, positioned within the book club fiction genre. The dual POV narrative explores generational trauma through the relationship between an estranged grandmother and granddaughter.

Summary of the Manuscript: Loretta Brenner returns to her family's ancestral summer camp to fulfill her late husband's last wish of scattering his ashes. Her arrival coincides with her granddaughter Josephine's unexpected visit, reigniting buried family tensions. As secrets unravel, both women confront their past to reconcile and move forward.

Cece Lira's Critique ([23:36] – [31:58]): Cece praises the author's impressive credentials and the emotional depth conveyed in the writing. However, she critiques the title and the lack of present-day conflict in the query:

“I want to be clear about that. Having estranged grandmother, granddaughter, that's really interesting and there's a lot that we can potentially unpack there.” ([24:30])

She emphasizes the necessity of highlighting clear, compelling present-day conflicts to align with the book club fiction genre.

Carly Waters' Feedback ([25:16] – [39:03]): Carly admires the poetic quality of the opening pages but echoes Cece's concerns regarding the clarity of the story's premise. She notes:

“I think what made me reach these theories... because to me, the fact that her arrival was dramatic and bothered the protagonist is excellent, but not enough.” ([36:00])

Carly suggests incorporating more plot-driven elements to complement the strong emotional writing, ensuring that the conflict is evident and engaging.

Notable Quotes:

• Cece Lira on present-day conflict:

  “I want clear. I want compelling. It might be buried... I want clear.” ([26:15])

• Carly Waters on storytelling balance:

  “But like, why did they wait three years? How did they get everybody together?” ([37:45])

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Both Carly Waters and Cece Lira commend the authors for their strong writing skills and compelling narratives but underscore the importance of clarity and originality in query letters. They advise emerging writers to balance emotional depth with clear, engaging plot elements to capture agents' attention effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Originality Matters: Avoid over-relying on familiar comparisons; instead, highlight what sets your story apart.
• Clarity in Conflict: Clearly articulate present-day conflicts to engage agents and readers.
• Balanced Storytelling: Combine emotional depth with plot-driven elements to create a compelling narrative.

Closing Remarks: The episode wraps up with a preview of Bianca's return next week, encouraging listeners to continue honing their writing craft.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

1. Carly Waters on Familiarity in Query Letters:

   “I think this pitch is relying a lot on the familiarities... and I just didn't really feel like we were getting to all of those juicy pieces that actually set this book apart.” ([06:20])

2. Cece Lira on Storytelling Balance:

   “We do need that really, like, fresh originality coming through while also letting us know where it would sit.” ([07:10])

3. Carly Waters on Incorporating Plot:

   “But like, why did they wait three years? How did they get everybody together?” ([37:45])

4. Cece Lira on Present-Day Conflict:

   “I want clear. I want compelling. It might be buried... I want clear.” ([26:15])

This detailed summary encapsulates the core discussions and insights from the episode, providing valuable critique and advice for emerging writers aiming to refine their query letters and navigate the publishing industry effectively.