Isabelle Engel was raised in New England and now lives and works in Washington, D.C. She has a MA in English from George Washington University and a BA in English, Theatre, and Creative Writing from UMass Amherst. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, watching reality TV, going on hikes, petting other people's dogs, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Kelly Stone is an associate editor at St. Martin’s Publishing Group, where she's worked since 2021. She graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication, where she researched the ways we interact with social media in the digital age and how to educate young adults to become more media literate. She is the Mentorship Chair of the Young Publishers Association, where she created a program to connect people across different levels of the publishing industry.

With over 12+ years of experience, she has been formally recognized with a Daytime Emmy Award and has produced for on-air broadcast, digital, and social media at some of the most notable shows and networks (Hello Sunshine and Reese’s Book Club , The Walt Disney Company, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Netflix, Red Table Talk, Paramount, CBS, The Grammy Awards, The Critics Choice Awards, The Academy Awards) and has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest A-List celebrities (Jennifer Aniston, Christopher Plummer, Sandra Bullock, and more). She has worked on the social marketing strategy for several films and TV series, including The Morning Show, Daisy Jones and The Six, The Last Thing He Told Me, Tiny Beautiful Things, and more.

Her debut novel, IT’S DIFFERENT THIS TIME is an instant USA TODAY, Toronto Star, and Globe & Mail Bestseller. It was named on of Apple Books Best Debuts of 2025 and is shortlisted for Canada Reads.

She is originally from Toronto, ON and currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and rescue Pittie, Annie.

In this eye-opening conversation, Nicole Dalcourt shares her journey as a writer, exploring the differences between poetry and prose. She describes how she refined her craft through workshops and open mics and discusses her recently-published poetry collection, WHAT REMAINS, and the healing process involved in writing it. Nicole also sheds light on her experiences with self-publishing, the importance of community support, and her aspirations for future writing projects.

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Nicole Dalcourt is an award-winning Canadian writer and poet living on the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario. Her debut poetry collection, What Remains, uses a confessional voice to explore themes of grief, heartbreak, rebirth and belonging. Dalcourt’s work has appeared in Writerly Magazine, The King City Mosaic and on Howl Radio and the Viewless Wings Podcast. When not writing, Nicole hosts and participates in open mics around the region and pursues her passion for teaching poetry skills through in-person and online workshops.

In this conversation, debut author Grace Morrow details her eventful querying journey and the creation of her upcoming novel, We Become Darkness (now releasing April 7, 2026, with Alcove Press). She discusses the challenges of the submission process, the importance of community support, and her unique approach to marketing her book. We also chat about the rise of genre blends, female agency, and the influence of art history on Grace’s writing, including the intricacies of world-building and the emotional depth of her characters.

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Grace Morrow is an author of magic, mayhem and mischief. As an art historian, her goal is to inspire the same feelings one might associate when looking at a particular piece of art and integrating that feeling into her books. A true Californian, she lives with her husband and two unruly cats. When she isn’t writing you can find her binge watching the latest trash reality tv show, working with an academic support program, or trying to keep alive her many, many, succulents.

In this episode of the ProsPros podcast, host Tali Shammas shares her personal journey through the querying process, which resulted in her receiving twenty-seven full manuscript requests and four offers of representation. She emphasizes the importance of networking, attending conferences, and building a supportive writing community. Tali also discusses the potential pitfalls in the industry, such as predatory practices, and stresses the need for careful consideration when investing in writing resources. Finally, she provides concrete advice on crafting an effective query letter, highlighting the significance of a strong log line, appropriate comps, and clear stakes.

Time stamps

00:00 Introduction to Querying Success

06:53 The Importance of Networking and Conferences

16:02 Building Community and Support

19:47 Navigating the Industry and Avoiding Pitfalls

23:59 Crafting an Effective Query Letter

In this episode, entertainment lawyer Michael Duboff shares legal insights that all writers should keep in mind, focusing on the common legal questions and concerns. He discusses the importance of understanding copyright, the misconceptions surrounding that issue, and the necessity of contracts.

Mike emphasizes the need for writers to seek independent legal advice, especially when dealing with contracts, and highlights key clauses to watch for. He also addresses the dynamics of negotiation and conflict resolution. Finally, he offers valuable advice for both traditionally published and self-published authors, encouraging them to be proactive and confident in their legal dealings.

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Michael Duboff is a Canadian entertainment lawyer with a professional focus on music, film and television, publishing, and corporate matters. He has worked with a variety of artists and creative businesses helping to facilitate projects, performance opportunities locally and across borders, and organizational matters.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Michael’s practice spans across Manitoba where he carries on clients and representation in addition to the firm’s primary residence in Ontario.

Prior to working as a lawyer, Michael has worked professionally in both the music and film/tv industries, as a musician in an alternative rock band and as a freelance director/writer/producer in Toronto and Vancouver. His passion for the arts and artists helps drive his practice and makes him grateful to be able to continue to work for and with the vibrant arts communities.

In this conversation, I’m joined by writer Lauren D. Fulter, who works as a marketing assistant at a publishing house. Lauren self-published her first books at the age of 16 and has since made the shift to traditional publishing. We discuss marketing strategies for authors, the significance of in-person events, and the lessons she’s learned from working in the publishing industry.

In this episode of The Prose Pros, Callie Kazumi sits down with us to chat weird girl fiction, from inspiration to publication. She describes how the pandemic sparked the idea for her novel, CLAIRE, DARLING (but not in the way you’d think!) We discuss her writing process, her experience in the publishing industry (and how a viral video impacted her querying journey), and the unique themes her upcoming book, GREEDY, explores.

GREEDY comes out February 3rd, 2026.

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Callie Kazumi is a British-Japanese author of psychological thrillers. Callie is a graduate of Stirling University, where she studied Journalism and Politics and realised that she enjoyed shocking headlines and making up twisted plots in her head far more than reporting reality. She wrote her first book after her father gifted her Stephen King’s On Writing, which inspired her into action. She works in publishing as a marketer, and spends her days selling incredible stories before returning home and trying to write her own. She currently lives in London with her husband and Bichon Frise, Betsy.

In this episode, bestselling author and editor Phoebe Morgan shares her publishing journey, discussing how she has navigated the publishing industry. She emphasizes the importance of networking, the interplay between writing and editing, and the need for transparency in publishing. Phoebe also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, including common pitfalls to avoid in manuscript submissions.

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Phoebe Morgan is the Executive Publisher of Adult Fiction at Simon & Schuster UK. She runs a list of commercial fiction across genres. She is also a published author with HarperCollins and her five thrillers are out now; the latest is called The Trip. She also runs a Substack called The Honest Editor all about improving transparency in the publishing industry.

In this episode, I’m joined by Esty Loveing-Downes, an agent at Howland Literary Agency. We discuss Esty’s journey in the publishing industry, the role of an agent, and the intricacies of working with clients. Esty shares her experiences, insights on what makes a successful manuscript, and the importance of collaboration in the publishing process. She touches on the revision process and how to build connections with editors

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Esty is looking for romance in adult, new adult, or YA spaces, upmarket fiction, adult or YA grounded fantasy, and literary fiction. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Esty!

Check out Kern’s Substack.

In this episode, Kern Carter shares his extensive writing journey, from self-publishing to working with major publishers. We discuss the importance of building a community around writing, cultural trends influencing the industry, and the balance of maintaining an online presence while engaging with readers in person. Kern emphasizes the significance of authenticity in writing and offers practical advice for new writers on how to start building their own communities.

In this episode, I’m joined by author Katie Gergel, whose rom-com, WORTH PLAYING FOR, was recently acquired by Bantam Dell in a pre-empt. We discuss Katie’s path to securing a book deal, the editing process, and her experience with her agent and submission. She discusses the importance of persistence, professional relationships in publishing, and the lessons she learned querying. Katie also reflects on her marketing career and her passion for entertainment and reality TV.

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Katie Gergel lives in Hoboken, NJ, and works as a senior marketing manager for Hearst Magazines in Manhattan. From writing books for her friends in elementary school to earning Film and Political Science degrees at Penn State University, she’s always been a storyteller at heart. When she’s not forcing her characters into messy scenarios, Katie can be found hunting down the best spicy margarita, gobbling up the latest reality dating show, or planning elaborate themed parties that will force her friends to dress up or vote each other out (or both).

A.J. Van Belle is a Rhysling finalist and Best of the Net nominated author, scientist, and literary agent. Their work appears in the latest volume of Year’s Best Canadian Fantasy and Science Fiction. With a PhD in biology, they have a blast drawing on their science background to inform the world building in their fiction. As Alexandra Vivelo, A.J. has three nonfiction books coming in 2027 and 2028: From Mushrooms to the Moon on how fungi influence technology and A Dozen Dystopias and How to Dodge Them on the science behind fictional dystopias, both from Bloomsbury; and Hot Cities, from Orca Books. They can be found across social platforms @ajvanbelle and at www.ajvanbelle.com.

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In this episode, Andie Smith shares her unconventional journey to becoming a literary agent. We touch on her early experiences in publishing, the traits she looks for in authors, and the importance of collaboration in the author-agent relationship. We also discuss the emerging genre of eco-fiction, and Andie offers advice for writers in this space.

Add BoS on Goodreads!

In this episode, Allie Nguyen shares her unique writing journey, from her days as a fanfic writer to getting a book deal. She discusses the impact of her education and experiences in the publishing industry, the challenges of character development, and the intricacies of the querying process. Allie is one of the most recognizable new authors on social media, and in this episode, we examine the importance of building a brand and community and share invaluable tips. Throughout the discussion, Allie emphasizes the significance of creativity, collaboration, and self-acceptance in the writing process.

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Allie Nguyen is a Vietnamese fantasy author based in London UK, with an MA in Creative Writing. She has a deep love for flawed female characters and strange, whimsical worlds. When she’s not writing, she’s often found making playlists for her books, wandering around museums, or rereading Wuthering Heights for the hundredth time. Follow her on social media @alliewritesalot.

In this engaging conversation, we sit down with bestselling author Stacy Willingham to discuss her writing journey, the significance of setting in her novels, and how she put “southern suspense” on the map. She shares her creative process, how she goes about character development, and crafting twists in her stories. Stacy offers valuable advice on how aspiring writers can develop their own voice and reflects on her own experience in the literary world.

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Stacy Willingham is the New York Times, USA Today and internationally bestselling author of psychological suspense. Her books include A Flicker in the Dark, All the Dangerous Things, Only If You’re Lucky and Forget Me Not. Her debut, A Flicker in the Dark, has sold over one million copies in North America alone. It was the winner of Strand Magazine’s Best Debut Award and a finalist for the Book of the Month’s Book of the Year award, Goodreads Choice Best Debut award, Goodreads Choice Best Mystery & Thriller award, and ITW’s Best First Novel award. Her work has been translated in more than thirty languages. Before turning to fiction, Stacy was a copywriter and brand strategist for various marketing agencies. She earned her B.A. in magazine journalism from the University of Georgia and M.F.A. in writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband, daughter, and dog.

In this engaging crossover episode, my good friend Mylee J. Miller interviews me! We discuss our journeys in the podcasting world and share our inspiration, how we manage guests, and the tools we use. We touch on the importance of sound quality, the joy of connecting with others, and the challenges of balancing podcasting (and social media) with writing. We also discuss our goals for our podcasts and conclude with some awesome book recommendations.

Find the headphones I use here

Find the microphone I use here

My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Mylee J. Miller is an author of fantasy, mystery, horror, and retelling novels, and is represented by Rachel Estep at D4EO Literary Agency for all of her literary works. She’s a freelance editor, a reader for the literary magazines Uncharted Magazine and Fractured Lit, a book reviewer with SFF Insiders, the host of the literary podcast Books And Beyond, and she is pursuing her BS in English in the hopes of becoming an agent or editor someday. When not walking her cats or adding books to her endless TBR, she’s screaming along to Imagine Dragons and eating too much Italian food.

In this episode, Jessica Sorentino discusses the importance of author branding, marketing, and networking. She advises authors on how to build their personal brand and engage with their audience on social media. Jessica also explains how to maintain a consistent brand identity. She provides practical tips to help authors navigate the evolving landscape of publishing and social media, and highlights common pitfalls.

The Prose Pros is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Jessica Sorentino is an author brand advisor and book marketing strategist with over a decade of experience working with leading publishing houses including Simon & Schuster and Macmillan Publishers. She writes the Open Book: Where Storytelling Meets Strategy newsletter on Substack and co-hosts the Reading Between the Wines podcast. Based in Connecticut, Jessica is passionate about helping writers build meaningful connections with the readers who need their stories most.

In this episode, Michelle Sanchez shares her experiences with querying, finding an agent, and the importance of community support. We discuss the significance of social media for authors, including branding and how to improve engagement, while addressing potential pitfalls and the importance of maintaining professionalism online. Michelle offers insights on how to navigate missteps in the digital space and the value of second chances.

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Welcome to the Prose Pros podcast, your go-to source for the art, the craft, and the business of publishing.

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Lauren Khan joined FinePrint Literary in 2025 as an Associate Agent following an internship at Triada US Literary Agency. She first entered the publishing world as an author. Prior to transitioning to agenting, she worked for over seven years as a corporate lawyer in New York City. Lauren brings both editorial and transactional expertise to her clients.Lauren lives with her family in her small beach hometown in Florida. She wrote her first novel while pregnant with her son and began agenting while pregnant with her daughter. A graduate of Duke University and Fordham University School of Law, she loves podcasts, long walks with her dog, and all things Nora Ephron. As a former theatre kid, Lauren is a lifelong champion of storytelling, subjecting her loved ones to her songs, stories, and plays from the moment she could talk.​An avid reader across genres, Lauren is particularly interested in adult and YA commercial fiction, especially women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, and thrillers, as well as select non-fiction titles. She is an editorial agent with a strong interest in developing fulfilling and long-lasting careers for her authors.I​nstagram: @laurenjpkhanX: @laurenjpkhan

Tali Shammas is a literary intern at CMA Literary. Her work is represented by Marilyn Biderman and Brenna English-Loeb at Transatlantic Literary Agency. Prior to writing, Tali practiced corporate law at a large multinational firm for a number of years, then shifted to academia with an eye to completing her PhD. While on maternity leave, she dabbled in fiction writing, and was immediately hooked.

Tali gives back by offering mentorship to up-and-coming writers and running workshops on legal issues writers should consider. Tali is the chair of a large writer’s organization and her award-winning short fiction has been published in an anthology. She currently lives in Canada with her husband, two children, and a very spoiled (and handicapable) cockapoo with wheels.I​nstagram: @talishammasX: @talishammas

Today I sat down with Krystal Elkhoury to critique her query letter for THE NECROMANCER’S WIFE, a 110,000-word adult low fantasy. You can find the original query letter reproduced below.

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If you want to have your query letter critiqued on the show, please send a message to hello@talishammas.com with your query letter in-text.

Krystal’s Query Letter:

Dear [Agent],

I’m excited to share THE NECROMANCER’S WIFE, a 110,000-word adult low fantasy. This novel is melting pot of necromancy and sapphic romance in the vein of Nicki Pau Preto’s Bonesmith, the alchemy, magic systems, and government conspiracies evocative of Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist, alongside the search for a missing person behind enemy lines from Saving Private Ryan.

Retired necromancer Layla Noor is living in suburban comfort when she learns that famed alchemist, Sabah Samar, was captured by the enemy to be coerced into making biochemical weapons to win the devastating war between Galum and the Allied Forces. Falsifying military documents, Layla joins the strike team tasked with extracting the alchemist at any cost—even if it means retrieving a dead body.

The only problem? The alchemist is her wife.

Dodging danger, detainment, and death while traveling across volatile war zones, Layla must balance keeping secrets from the team she’s growing close with and uncover why the allied governments are willing to sacrifice mancers and alchemists like her wife to turn the tide of the war.

It’s a race against time and imperative that Layla find her wife—alive. While necromancers can raise the dead, they cannot bring back the person that once inhabited the corpse. Layla knows well that every form of magic comes with a cost, and she’s willing to pay the price to ensure her wife survives—even if every corpse she reanimates for information and survival shortens her own life.

As a bisexual Lebanese-American, it’s long been my dream to publish stories for and about readers like me. I’ve been writing for almost 20 years in half a dozen different countries around the world. I enjoy blogging about various fandoms online and am the co-creator of the pitch event #MENApit and cohost of #PosterPit. Currently, I’m a professor of English composition, literature, creative writing, and poetry. Off campus, I enjoy working on puzzles, paintings, and keeping my hands busy when they’re not typing.

The full manuscript is available upon request. I appreciate your consideration!

Very best,

Krystal Elkhoury

Summary

In this episode, Ashley Winstead shares her journey as a multi-genre author. From her querying and Pitch Wars to landing her literary agent, Ashley emphasizes the importance of persistence in the face of rejection. She also explores what it means to write across different genres in terms of her readership, as well as the varying experiences she has had with multiple publishers. Ashley also comments on the importance of investing in self-promotion and the impact of social media on book marketing. She shares what she’s learned about building a community with readers while also setting boundaries.

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Ashley Winstead is the national bestselling author of This Book Will Bury Me, Midnight is the Darkest Hour, The Last Housewife, In My Dreams I Hold a Knife, The Boyfriend Candidate, Fool Me Once, and The Future Saints. Her books have been Library Read picks, Loan Star picks, Best of Amazon picks, Best of Apple Books picks, and have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, BookPage, and Library Journal.

Her work has been covered by New York Times, Washington Post, CrimeReads, Parade, Cosmopolitan, Good Morning America, Good Housekeeping, Seattle Times, and Southern Review of Fiction, among others. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages worldwide and optioned for television. Ashley holds a Ph.D. in contemporary American literature and lives in Houston.

She is represented by Melissa Edwards of Stonesong Press LLC.

Exciting news for The Prose Pros: literary agent Lauren Khan joins the show as a co-host!

In this episode, hosts Tali Shammas and Lauren Khan reflect on some key headlines that made publishing news in 2025. They discuss their accomplishments for the year and their goals for 2026. They also touch on the evolving role of authors and the trends shaping the industry as we move into 2026, sharing their predictions for the future of publishing.

My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Lauren Khan joined FinePrint Literary in 2025 as an Associate Agent following an internship at Triada US Literary Agency. She first entered the publishing world as an author. Prior to transitioning to agenting, she worked for over seven years as a corporate lawyer in New York City. Lauren brings both editorial and transactional expertise to her clients. Lauren lives with her family in her small beach hometown in Florida. She wrote her first novel while pregnant with her son and began agenting while pregnant with her daughter. A graduate of Duke University and Fordham University School of Law, she loves podcasts, long walks with her dog, and all things Nora Ephron. As a former theatre kid, Lauren is a lifelong champion of storytelling, subjecting her loved ones to her songs, stories, and plays from the moment she could talk. ​An avid reader across genres, Lauren is particularly interested in adult and YA commercial fiction, especially women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, and thrillers, as well as select non-fiction titles. She is an editorial agent with a strong interest in developing fulfilling and long-lasting careers for her authors. I​nstagram: @laurenjpkhan X: @laurenjpkhan

Tali Shammas is a literary intern at CMA Literary. Her work is represented by Marilyn Biderman and Brenna English-Loeb at Transatlantic Literary Agency. Prior to writing, Tali practiced corporate law at a large multinational firm for a number of years, then shifted to academia with an eye to completing her PhD. While on maternity leave, she dabbled in fiction writing, and was immediately hooked.

Tali gives back by offering mentorship to up-and-coming writers and running workshops on legal issues writers should consider. Tali is the chair of a large writer's organization and her award-winning short fiction has been published in an anthology. She currently lives in Canada with her husband, two children, and a very spoiled (and handicapable) cockapoo with wheels.I​nstagram: @talishammasX: @talishammas

In this episode, we sit down with New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Indie bestselling author of BETH IS DEAD, Katie Bernet. We break down what it takes to write a killer retelling and come up with a high-concept hook, plus we get real about the long and (sometimes) uncertain path to getting published.

My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode, multi-genre indie author K.T. Carlisle shares her journey to indie author success. We touch on the challenges of self-doubt and K.T. shares strategies for book marketing and social media engagement. She introduces Indie Pit, an event she’s created for indie authors to publicize their books, which will be held on October 3rd. The discussion concludes with insights on goal setting and the importance of building a supportive network in the writing community.

Check out Leona's Substack and make sure to follow her.

In this episode of the Prose Pros Podcast, Tali Shammas and Leona Lach discuss their personal journeys through the querying process, the importance of building a supportive writing community, and the role of social media in the publishing landscape. They share insights on finding the right agent, navigating offers and rejections, and the significance of a strong query letter. They also broach the impact of AI on writing, the challenges of following trends, and the importance of enjoying the creative process. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of writing and the industry.

Check out Kelly's substack.

In this episode, Kelly Beck contemplates lessons from her writing journey, from the challenges of going on submission to the importance of social media in building a community. Kelly shares her unique experiences transitioning from a TV news producer to a novelist, including the hurdles she faced and lessons learned along the way. We discuss the importance of having a supportive agent, power dynamics in the publishing industry, and the personal strength required to advocate for oneself as a writer. The conversation concludes with reflections on age, experience, and the timing of success in the writing world.

In this episode, Olivia shares her journey as an author, discussing challenges she’s faced throughout the publishing process, the personal themes in her writing, and her future plans. She reflects on her writing style, the importance of creating tension, and what it means to her to have a dedicated writing space. Olivia also talks about her goals for the upcoming year, including going on a book tour. The discussion highlights the power of community in writing, the role of podcasting in building connections, and Olivia's recommendations for upcoming reads.

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Olivia Muenter (pronounced Men-ter) is a writer, reader, and the co-host of the Bad on Paper podcast. Her first novel Such A Bad Influence (Quirk Books) was an instant USA Today Best Seller. Her second novel Little One (Little, Brown) will be published in Feb 2026.

A former fashion & beauty editor and freelance writer, Olivia’s work has been published in Glamour, Byrdie, Bustle, Brides, Health.com, Philadelphia Magazine, and more. You can find her most personal writing via her weekly newsletter where she shares about her life, her work, and everything in between.

For more regular life/work updates, follow Olivia on Instagram (@oliviamuenter)

Join me as I chat with Karis Rogerson about the writing journey, MFA programs, and the importance of community in the writing world. We recommend craft books to hone writers’ skills and touch on on the challenges of marketing and the significance of intentionality in storytelling. Other topics of conversation are the limitations of traditional workshop models, the importance of cultural perspectives in storytelling, and the subjectivity of writing. We also spend some time discussing the unique aspects of writing for children and young adults (Kidlit) compared to adult fiction, and emphasize the responsibility authors have towards their young readers.

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Karis Rogerson is a writer, reader, and podcaster who was born in the South Carolina Midlands, raised in Northeastern Italy, schooled in the German Black Forest and Kentucky Bluegrass, and now lives in Brooklyn, on Lenni Lenape land. She has an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from VCFA and her fiction is represented by Eric Smith at Neighborhood Literary. Karis writes sapphic romance for all ages, as well as poetry, personal essays, and select journalism. She’s a co-host of the podcast The Write Way of Life, and you can find more at https://www.karisrogerson.com/ or follow her on Instagram.

Find Karis’s publishing info master doc here.

In this conversation, Demi Michelle Schwartz and I discuss her passion for short stories. She considers the challenges and strategies of character development, pacing, and revisions in short fiction. Demi also emphasizes the importance of feedback and building a writing community. She encourages aspiring writers to embrace prompts and have fun with their writing, regardless of their background or education.

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Demi Michelle Schwartz is an author from Pittsburgh, PA, represented by Ciara Smith at Spencerhill Associates. She primarily writes young adult fiction, focusing on the fantasy and thriller genres, though she loves to explore other genres and age categories in her short stories found in anthologies. In 2019, Demi graduated summa cum laude with BAs in Creative Writing and Music from Seton Hill University, then earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill in June of 2022. Along with being an author, Demi is the host of Literary Blend: A Publishing Podcast, a freelance fiction editor through her independently-run services, Amethyst Ink Editorial, an editor for Revise & Resub (#RevPit), and an award-winning songwriter and recording artist.

In this episode, I speak with Rowan Brighton Brown, a queer Southern writer who was awarded a grant that allowed them to immerse themselves in the setting of their novel. We discuss how the backdrop of a narrative shapes characters, influences plot development, and immerses audiences in the worlds we craft. Join us as we talk crafting settings that captivate and resonate with readers.

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In this episode, literary agent, bestselling children’s book author, and publishing industry expert Vicky Weber shares her journey from self-publishing to becoming an agent. She discusses the evolving landscape of publishing, the importance of marketing strategies, and the nuances of the querying process. Vicky emphasizes the significance of building a supportive community in the publishing industry and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors.

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Vicky Weber is a literary agent, bestselling children’s book author, and publishing industry expert with years of experience helping authors navigate both traditional and self-publishing. As the founder of At Home Author, she has guided countless writers through the process of crafting, publishing, and marketing successful books. With a background in education, Vicky is passionate about breaking down complex industry concepts into actionable steps. Whether securing book deals for her clients or sharing insights on the ever-evolving publishing market, she is dedicated to helping authors turn their creative dreams into reality.

In this episode, literary agent Jenna Satterthwaite joins us to discuss her journey from grief to becoming a successful author and literary agent. She discusses the challenges she faced, including numerous rejections, and how her experience shaped her approach to agenting. We cover the importance of internships, mentorship, and balancing multiple roles in the publishing industry. Jenna shares her process for selecting manuscripts and her strategies for ensuring her clients' success.

Jenna reached agenting sideways, as many do. She didn’t know agenting existed until she wrote her first novel back in 2014 and learned she had to do this thing called “querying.” Fast forward many years during which she wrote many novels and became agented herself, and she had an aha moment. Agenting was the nexus where her two decades of business experience in sales, pitching, project management and contract negotiation met her decade of bookish experience. After completing internships with Liza Dawson Associates and Rees Literary, Jenna joined Storm as an agent in 2024.

She’s looking to represent authors over the course of their careers who are passionate about their work and willing to arm themselves with the tenacity that it takes to succeed in the world of publishing. She is an editorial agent who wants to help make your manuscript the best and most sellable version of itself, and then pitch the heck out of it to the right editors. Jenna is here to help you navigate this career that can unfold in so many different ways, advocate for you, and seek your best interests. She’s not afraid of multi-genre writers, (she’s one herself!) and she is ready to try and break your name into as many genres and age groups as you want to write. YOU are your brand!

Omnivorous in her taste, Jenna is seeking to represent adult, Young Adult and Middle Grade commercial fiction in most genres, graphic novels from middle grade to young adult, adult non-fiction, and very select picture books. (See submission guidelines for more details.) Jenna is also fully bilingual English/Spanish, so dual language projects are most welcome!

Jenna lives in Chicago with her family, and when she's not agenting, reading or writing, you can find her trying a Milk Street recipe, making music in living rooms with friends, or plotting when she can get sushi next.

Layne Fargo has a background in theater, women’s studies, and library science, so it’s only fitting that she now writes deliciously dramatic, unapologetically feminist stories for a living.

She’s the bestselling author of the novels The Favorites, They Never Learn, and Temper, as well as co-author on the Widows Series, and her work has been translated into more than twenty languages. Layne lives in Chicago with her partner, their pets, and an ever-expanding collection of books she’s definitely going to read before she dies.

Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a life-long lover of books. Cathie’s journey in the publishing industry was born in 2014 after her oldest child left for college. With newfound time on her hands, she set about writing The Edge of Nowhere, a work of adult historical fiction inspired by her grandmother’s life as a widow raising fourteen children during the one-two punch of the 1930s Dust Bowl and The Great Depression. Three years later, she followed up with her sophomore novel, Roam, a young adult title inspired by the homeless community that resides in the town where she currently lives. The release of this second book coincided with Cathie’s first job as a literary agent where she spent eight years learning the industry before joining the team at Marsal Lyon.

Kelly Beck is a former TV news producer turned romance and women’s fiction author specializing in writing “unhinged shenanigans” and funny escapades sprinkled with real-life grit. Her former career experience includes writing the number-one ranked CBS morning show, and many TN Associated Press awards. Since “retiring” to become a stay-at-home mom, she’s written three books and signed with her literary agent, Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong at Marsal Lyon Literary agency. When not writing or reading, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children in Memphis, Tennessee, and rotting her brain with silly TV shows like Ancient Aliens and Expedition Unknown.

In this episode of The Prose Pros, Alli Hoff Kosik discusses her upcoming book, TOO BLESSED TO STRESS. She shares her non-linear path to publishing, the impact of her sales experience, and how podcasting shaped her marketing approach. Alli describes her writing process and querying journey while reflecting on the evolution of her manuscript.

Alli Hoff Kosik is a writer based in Philadelphia. The former host of The SSR Podcast, her work has been published in Marie Claire, Real Simple, Business Insider, and Cosmopolitan. TOO BLESSED TO STRESS is her first book. Follow Alli @allihoffkosik on Instagram.

In this episode, Emily Ohanjanians discusses her debut novel, THE BOOK TOUR, and shares insight on her transition from editor to author. She describes her the querying process, the importance of voice in writing, and what editing taught her about writing.

Emily Ohanjanians is a book editor who after many years on the other side of the desk, decided to parlay a lifelong love of joyous, escapist, romantic stories into her own writing. THE BOOK TOUR is her debut novel on sale March 3. 

In this fascinating conversation, Kesia Lupo shares her journey from writer to editor, discussing the intricacies of the publishing industry, the challenges of agenting, and the differences between the US and UK markets. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the submission process and offers insights into what editors look for in manuscripts. Kesia also addresses the growing number of submissions and the impact of AI on the industry, providing valuable advice for writers, agents, and editors alike.

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Kesia Lupo started her publishing career as an Editorial Services Assistant at Pan Macmillan, London in 2013. She then transitioned to children’s fiction, gaining a Junior Editor position at Chicken House (a UK imprint of Scholastic), where she acquired and edited bestselling, internationally successful and prize-winning fiction for middle-grade and YA readers, ending her 8 years there as Senior Editor. In 2023, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, working as a literary agent at The Bindery Agency and then Donald Maass Literary Agency, where she represented MG and YA fiction, adult fiction, and select adult nonfiction. Now, she’s back in London, working as Commissioning Editor at Macmillan Children’s Books UK, primarily acquiring for the YA First Ink list.