The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
This podcast is for emerging writers who want to improve their craft and learn about the publishing industry. Host Bianca Marais interviews authors, agents, and editors, while cohosts Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra critique query letters and opening pages in their Books with Hooks segment. Expect honest insights and a few laughs.
Episodes
Shooting the Shit With CeCe's Former Co-Workers Turned Bestie
Will Carly have a serious case of FOMO after this Monday’s Shooting the Shit episode?! In this special episode, CeCe was supposed to fly solo—but instead, she twisted the arms of her former colleagues turned besties, literary agents Eric Smith, Nour Sallam, Adria Goetz, and Claire Harris, to join her for a publishing industry catch-up. This fireside chat amongst besties, covers everything from pri
Delivering on the DNA of the Book
It’s Books with Hooks week on the podcast! This week, CeCe and Bianca are joined by acquiring editor Elizabeth Hitti Musicant from Dial Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House. As they critique two queries, they break down choosing strong comps, creating specific stakes, trimming an overstuffed query, and making sure your opening pages deliver on your pitch. Plus, they unpack romantasy vs. roman
Shooting The Shit About People of Publishing
It’s the first Monday of the month, which means Carly and CeCe are back for another Shooting the Shit! This week, Carly and CeCe unpack the latest from the People of Publishing Conference, from shifting reader habits and publishing trends to what’s happening behind the bestseller lists. CeCe shares what she learned about the return of historical fiction, the pressure on authors to promote their ow
Insights From Imbolo Mbue and Patrick Ryan
October is starting with a BANG. And this episode delivers. In part one, Bianca sits down with award-winning author Imbolo Mbue, author of the New York Times bestseller Behold the Dreamers, winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and an Oprah’s Book Club selection. Her second novel, How Beautiful We Were, was named one of The New York Times’ ten best books of 2021. Now, Imbolo joins the podca
September Bonus Episode
In part one of this month’s bonus episode, Emily St. John Mandel joins Bianca Marais to talk about Exit Party, the interconnected Mandelverse, and her unconventional writing process. She shares why she writes without a plan, treats first drafts as raw material, and relies on meticulous revision to shape the story. They also dig into complex characters, POV, keeping exposition moving, working with
When Hell Freezes Over
In this extra-special Books with Hooks, Olivia Haberman joins Bianca, Carly, and CeCe to workshop her upmarket novel Nobody Panic—and earns some seriously rare praise. They dig into what makes a query impossible to stop reading, writing omniscient POV without falling into head-hopping, creating tension through dramatic irony, and knowing when not to over-explain your choices. Plus, Olivia shares w
Shooting The Shit About The AI Creativity Loop And Book Emergencies
Carly and CeCe are back for another Shooting the Shit. This week they are talking about the unexpected work literary agents do behind the scenes—from tracking book availability and rights reversions to using sales data to advocate for authors. They also dig into Spotify opening AI-powered audiobook narration to all authors and what increasing automation could mean for writers, narrators, readers,
Writing Insights From the Greats: Isabelle Allende and Jodi Picoult
Bestselling author Isabel Allende joins CeCe Lyra for an incredible interview that touches on storytelling, creativity, and the writing life. From the difference between writing and storytelling to the power of discipline, research, dreams, and solitude, Isabel shares the lessons she's learned over a lifetime of crafting unforgettable novels. They also discuss magical realism, overcoming self-
Shooting the Shit About The End of Nonfiction And Immersive Trends In Fiction
Carly and CeCe are back! This week they tackle what’s shifting in the book world—from immersive audiobooks becoming a “movie between your ears” to bookstores proving that reading and community are very much alive. They also discuss the decline of nonfiction, why readers may be turning to other ways to learn, and what it means for authors and publishing.As mentioned on this episode:https://defector
An Acquiring Editor on Books With Hooks
This week's Books with Hooks welcomes special guest and acquiring editor Kirsiah Depp. Together with CeCe and Bianca, she critiques two fantasy queries, shares what makes a query stand out in today's crowded market, explains why blockbuster comps can hurt your pitch, and dives into opening pages that balance worldbuilding, atmosphere, plot, and emotional momentum. If you're querying fa
Shooting the Shit About Advance Sizes and E-Learning Economics
Carly and CeCe are back to Shoot the Shit about the money behind publishing—and why getting published doesn’t mean the hard part is over. They dig into why an author’s second advance might be smaller than their first, the complicated relationship between effort and outcome, and why publishing sits at the messy intersection of art, passion, and business. Then, Carly and CeCe unpack new research on
In Conversation with Editor and Author
Author Elizabeth Urso and her editor Alex Brown of Rising Action Publishing join Bianca Marais to talk about the journey behind Hail Mary, a dark, visceral thriller steeped in family secrets, generational trauma, and Gothic horror. They chat about Elizabeth’s unconventional path to publication, crafting a prologue that immediately grabs—and unsettles—the reader, knowing your genre audience, and wh
August Bonus Episode
In part one this August bonus episode, Bianca connects with bestselling author Ann Garvin to unpack the craft behind her suspense novel, Tell to Friends. They dive into building tension from page one, planting curiosity seeds that keep readers turning pages, writing unforgettable dual POVs, and making every scene work harder. Ann also shares why she shelved this novel for nearly a decade before th
The Secret to a Five-Star Query Letter
On this week's Books with Hooks, Carly, CeCe, and Bianca discuss two compelling submissions: a queer reality TV romance and a dark psychological thriller. They break down what makes a standout query letter, the importance of differentiating your comps, why your opening pages need the right disruption, and how character dynamics, curiosity, and specificity can make or break a manuscript request
Shooting the Shit About "The Put Down, Pick Up Test"
Carly and CeCe are back for another Shooting the Shit, talking about that gut-level feeling that makes an agent know they’ve found something special—and why a great premise still has to deliver all the way through. The literary agents also tackle the latest publishing scams targeting writers, AI watermarking and transparency, and the growing tension around publishers using AI in parts of the busin
Author Insights from Hank Phillippi Ryan, Linwood Barclay and Laura Moriarty
In part one of this week’s packed episode Bianca Marais chats with thriller powerhouse Hank Phillippi Ryan, they unpack the craft behind ‘Mother, Daughter, Sister, Stranger’, from writing an unforgettable prologue to building relentless suspense through curiosity, ticking clocks, and emotional stakes. Hank shares why panic is an essential part of her writing process, how reading ambitious novels p
Shooting the Shit About Author Events and Memoirs That Sell
Carly and CeCe are back for another Shooting the Shit, digging into the latest publishing news—from what’s changing with local author events to encouraging new sales numbers across the industry. They also spotlight editor Whitney Frick and unpack what makes a memoir truly resonate, why fact-checking ultimately falls on the author, and the difference between simply recounting what happened and find
Fight! Fight! Fight!
This week on Books with Hooks, CeCe, Carly, and Bianca critique two submissions: a literary LGBTQ novel centered on the closure of a rural queer bar and the buried trauma tied to its history, and an upmarket dual-timeline novel set within Guadalajara's expat community, where old secrets and unresolved love collide decades later. Along the way, they discuss choosing stronger comp titles, balanc
Shooting The Shit About Cancelled Auctions and AI Inevitability
Carly and CeCe are back to unpack another messy week in publishing, from a headline-making cancelled book auction and growing concerns over AI accusations to the urgent need for clearer industry guidelines around AI use. They dig into who should be responsible for setting those rules, why authors deserve more transparency, and the risks of relying on AI detection tools. Plus, they discuss alternat
Author Insights From Chris Bohjalian, Bailey Hannah and Tarah DeWitt
In part one of this week’s episode, Bianca Marais sits down with bestselling author Chris Bohjalian to discuss The Amateur. Don’t miss this incredibly insightful interview that touches on voice, tension, and emotional storytelling. They explore how to create deeply flawed yet unforgettable characters, use specificity to reveal backstory without slowing the narrative, and build suspense through for
Shooting The Shit About AI Accusations & New Rules For Agents
They are back! On this week’s episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe tackle some of the biggest conversations in publishing, from the rise of AI detection controversies to the ethics of literary agent services. They discuss the recent ‘Atlantic’ article accusing a bestselling author of using AI, why unreliable detection tools can have serious consequences, and what transparency should look l
Worldbuilding Without Confusing Readers
In this week’s Books with Hooks episode, CeCe, Carly, and Bianca critique two submissions: an upmarket coming-of-age novel about a teen questioning evangelical purity culture and a speculative romance set in a matriarchal future society. The discussion touches on the importance of specificity in query letters, balancing character and plot, choosing the right title, and clearly establishing a prota
July Bonus Episode
In this month’s bonus episode, Rachel Hochhauser joins CeCe Lyra to discuss her debut, Lady Tremaine, an untelling of Cinderella from the infamous stepmother's perspective. Rachel shares how personal tragedy reignited her writing career, why she believes there are no hard rules in storytelling, and how she blended pantsing with plotting to create a layered, emotionally resonant novel. She also
The Writing Trick That Landed Five Agent Offers
In this week’s episode, Bianca Marais interviews, bestselling author Molly Fader, to discuss her latest novel, ‘Lady X’, and shares the surprising publishing journey behind it—including parting ways with a longtime agent, refining the perfect logline, and finding representation with a new agent who championed the book. Molly talks about dual timelines, ensemble casts, prologues, and the challenge
Shooting the Shit About The Life and Death of Critical Thinking
In this week’s episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe are back and here to unpack a thought-provoking article on the future of reading, discussing how declining literacy, AI, and changing media habits are reshaping the publishing world. They talk about the surprising economics of cookbook publishing, why big advances don't always mean big profits, and what authors should know about produ
Beginning With The Three Cs
This week’s Books with Hooks features two very different manuscripts. Carly, CeCe and Bianca discuss a dual-timeline second-chance romance that struggles with stakes, emotional depth, and page-one vulnerability, before diving into an upmarket novel about an adopted Nigerian woman searching for her identity. Along the way, they unpack query structure, interiority, curiosity, and why readers need to
Shooting the Shit With Special Guest Alia Hanna Habib
This week on Shooting the Shit, CeCe Lyra welcomes literary agent and author Alia Hanna Habib to discuss her new book, ‘Take It From Me: An Agent’s Guide to Building a Nonfiction Writing Career from Scratch.’ CeCe and Alia talk about her journey from agent to author, the surprising realities of writing a book, and why you don’t have to draft in order to finish a manuscript. They also unpack the la
The First Guest on Books With Hooks is Publishing! & The Protagonist as an Outsider
In part one of this week’s episode, Bianca Marais chats with debut author Ruth Newton about the journey from being the very first Books with Hooks guest to publishing her novel, ‘The Carrier’. Ruth shares how a chance glimpse of a truck sparked the book’s high-concept premise, why speculative fiction gave her the freedom to explore complex emotional themes, and how competitions, deadlines, and fee
Shooting the Shit About Trends—And Why You Do (And Don't) Need Them—Solo With Carly
What are publishing trends really, and should writers chase them? In this solo episode, Carly Watters pulls back the curtain on how literary agents think about trends, explaining the difference between market, pop culture, technology, and social trends—and why understanding them matters more than trying to write the next big thing. Carly also answers listener questions about a literary agent's
Leveraging Surprise and Disruption
In this week’s Books with Hooks episode, Carly and CeCe critique two speculative fiction submissions—one a chilling Appalachian horror and the other a YA romantic fantasy. They discuss the importance of giving protagonists compelling reasons for their choices, balancing atmosphere with plot, and ensuring readers understand what’s at stake from the very beginning. The conversation explores how curi
June Bonus Episode
In this month's bonus episode, bestselling author Jenny Jackson connects with literary agent CeCe Lyra to discuss the challenges of writing a second novel, balancing reader expectations, and finding confidence in the creative process. Jenny and CeCe explore character-driven storytelling, the ethics of drawing from real life, and the themes of friendship, marriage, parenthood, and growing up th
It's the Rewriting That Makes You an Author
Author and NPR producer Haili Blassingame joins Bianca Marais to discuss her debut novel, ‘They All Fall in Love in the End', a bold exploration of love, non-monogamy, identity, and self-discovery. Haili shares how her own experience in an open relationship inspired the story, how a viral essay led to finding an agent, and why learning to revise transformed her from a writer into an author. Th
Shooting the Shit About AI Reading Companions and Debriefing Last Week's Episode
This week, on Shooting the Shit Carly and CeCe unpack their conversation with best-selling author Andi Bartz and dive deeper into the growing role of AI in publishing. They discuss a listener's candid confession about using AI during the research and drafting process, the fear and uncertainty many writers are feeling, and how transparency and trust factor into agent-author relationships. The c
Finding the Heart of the Story
In this Books with Hooks segment, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly critique a memoir query about parenting a child with Down syndrome, emphasizing that while emotionally powerful, it lacks a clear hook, market positioning, and defined narrative arc—and may not yet function as a full memoir. They stress the importance of framing personal experience in a way that’s compelling to readers, with strong stakes,
Shooting The Shit About Author/AI Pain Points With NYT bestseller Andrea Bartz
In this special episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe are joined by bestselling thriller author and journalist Andrea Bartz for a wide-ranging conversation about publishing, AI, and the current state of the book industry. Andrea shares her perspective on the uncertainty many authors are feeling, from shifting book sales trends to the growing influence of AI, and discusses why storytelling f
Writing Dialogue That Carries the Entire Scene and How Voice Can Make or Break Your Novel
In part one of this week’s double author interview, Carly Watters sits down with debut author Lara Stokes to discuss her novel ‘Midsummer Nights’ — a contemporary, theater-filled spin on William Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Lara opens up about querying during COVID, the memoir and “drawer novel” that came before her debut, and how writing the book “just for fun” ultimately led to her
Shooting the Shit About Agent Financial Details, Imprint Mergers and Risks of a Top Heavy Industry
In this week’s episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe chat about the ever-expanding role of literary agents—from event support and career coaching to navigating emerging challenges like AI, fact-checking, and author advocacy. They discuss how agents balance evolving responsibilities while staying focused on their core job: making deals and supporting their clients’ careers. Carly and CeCe al
Layers of Psychological Processing
In this milestone 225th Books with Hooks segment , Bianca, Carly and CeCe break down two wildly different submissions to dissect what’s working (and what’s not). First up is a high-concept Western horror with cannibals, ghosts, and immortal outlaws. They discuss a strong premise, which can be made stronger by clearer stakes, as well as the author being aware of a romance that readers won’t necessa
Shooting the Shit About Agent Financial Details, Imprint Mergers and Risks of a Top Heavy Industry
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
Successfully Pitching at Conferences
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,
May Bonus Episode
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 reflectio
Sneaky Prologues That Sizzle
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 “impa
Shooting the Shit About Agent Scams and When A Book Is Truly Ready To Go
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 ag
Taking Big Risks That Pay Off & Breaking the Rules With Intentionality
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 strategi
Shooting the Shit About Professional Development and the Power of the Agent "Fit"
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 e
The Craft of Specificity: Why Vague Kills Queries
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 sear
Shooting The Shit About Expectations in Agent Author Relationships and Who Gets To Go On Book Tour
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 issue
Author Insights from Mai Nguyen, Lindsay Wong and Laurie Frankel
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 darknes
April Bonus Episode
Debut author Canwen Xu joins Bianca to talk about ‘Boring Asian Female’—the dark, addictive novel that began as women’s fiction and evolved into a razor-sharp psychological thriller. They discuss, turning personal failure into emotional truth on the page, the 25 drafts and major genre pivot that changed everything, writing a morally messy, hyper self-aware protagonist and why internal validation m
When Intrigue Turns Into Confusion
This week on Books with Hooks, Bianca CeCe and Carly unpack what makes a query actually work—and where things quietly fall apart. From a gripping friends-to-lovers premise with a dark past to a stranded-on-an-island YA romance, they dive into high-stakes storytelling, dual POV risks, and the fine line between intrigue and frustration. They break down why accessible literary might raise eyebrows, h
Shooting the Shit About What Agents Do All Day
What do literary agents actually do all day—and what does that mean for you as a writer? This episode pulls back the curtain on the reality: constant code-switching, shifting priorities, and a job driven by urgency, relationships, and gut instinct. In this week’s episode of Shooting the Shit…Carly and CeCe break down why publishing is as much about human connection and timing as it is about great
How to Build a Protagonist Who Actually Makes Sense
Debut author Miranda Shulman joins literary agent CeCe Lyra to talk about turning a childhood dream into her literary suspense novel ‘Harmless’—and why the stories we tell ourselves about adulthood don’t always hold up. From writing her first draft at Planned Parenthood to landing an agent through a fellowship (no traditional querying required), Miranda shares her unconventional path to publicatio
Shooting The Shit About Changes to the NYT Bestseller List and Editors Allegedly Using AI
This week, Carly and CeCe dive into major shifts in publishing—from quiet updates to the ‘New York Times’ bestseller list to growing concerns about editors using AI behind the scenes. Carly and CeCe unpack what these changes signal about industry trends, including the rise of audiobooks and the decline of mass market paperbacks. They also tackle the controversy around manuscripts being fed into AI
Plugging in Mental Modules
This week on Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe and Carly break down two query letters—and pull no punches. From missing plot lines to overstuffed author bios, they highlight the biggest mistakes writers make when pitching their work. They dig into why subplots don’t belong in queries, how vague “vibes” kill momentum, and why your protagonist must think on the page—not just act. Plus: the danger of pe
Shooting the Shit About Cancelled Books and the Shy Girl AI Discourse
It’s chaos in publishing—and Carly and CeCe are breaking it all down. From the AI controversy behind Shy Girl to growing fears around trust, authorship, and what readers actually want. They get real and talk about layoffs, imprint closures, and what it means for writers navigating an already tough landscape. Plus: the reality of editor turnover, the flood of self-published books, and why literary
Insights from Beth O'Leary and Kate Hilton
A double author interview you don’t want to miss! Bestselling author Beth O’Leary breaks down her signature approach to writing high-concept, emotionally grounded romance—starting with a compelling “what if” hook and building outward into layered characters, structure, and setting. She shares how ‘The Name Game’ evolved from a simple premise into a complex, multi-POV narrative with intentional use
March Bonus Episode
March’s bonus episode is jam packed. We start off with an engaging conversation, Bianca speaks with author Kerry Clare about her latest novel, 'Definitely Thriving.' They explore the inspirations behind the book, including the influence of Barbara Pym and Rebecca Solnit, and discuss the complexities of writing, character development, and the importance of community and female empowerment i
Comp Titles That Make Agents Go...Hmm
This week’s Books with Hooks gets real. The hosts dissect two query letters — one with a jaw-dropping horror premise and another that sparks big conversations about comps, pacing, and giving away too much too soon. From believable character choices to the difference between strong writing vs strong storytelling, this episode is packed with blunt, actionable feedback emerging writers need to hear.
Shooting the Shit About Your Response to Last Week's Episode and What Can Be Copyrighted
Publishing isn’t broken… or is it?This week, Carly and CeCe unpack the explosive reaction to last episode—burnout, disillusionment, and the uncomfortable truths no one wants to say out loud. Plus: a stat that proves a tiny group of readers is carrying the entire industry (yikes). They also call out London Book Fair myths, Instagram fatigue, and why long-form thinking is making a comeback.Note: CeC
The Secret Behind Immersive Worlds
In this week’s episode, bestselling author J.R. Ward—creator of the wildly popular ‘Black Dagger Brotherhood’ series—joins the show to talk about her new romantasy novel ‘Crown of War and Shadow’ and the evolution of fantasy romance. J.R. and Bianca explore the difference between paranormal romance and romantasy, why collectible book editions are booming, and how immersive worlds help readers expe
Shooting the Shit About High Brow vs. Low Brow and Editors Who Hate Their Jobs
In this week’s Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe bounce from industry gossip to big philosophical questions about publishing. They announce an exciting live podcast recording at the 'When Words Collide 2026’ conference in Calgary and share what’s buzzing around the London Book Fair—from politics and AI to the state of nonfiction. The conversation gets deeper when they unpack a viral Reddit pos
When Characters Collide with Conflict
In this week’s episode of Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique two very different query letters—and what makes (or breaks) them on the page. First, they workshop an upmarket literary novel about an accountant heading to the brutal Mongol Derby, questioning stakes, starting point, and whether the pitch is selling the story or simply summarizing it. Then, they pivot to a 1970s dual-POV
Shooting the Shit About Sending The Elevator Back Down And Paying It Forward With Blurbs
This week, Carly and CeCe are covering a little bit of everything—from surprising publishing mishaps to the realities of author blurbs and the strange psychology of the slush pile. They unpack what happens when an offer lands in an agent’s inbox… with the author’s name spelled wrong, why blurbs still matter (even when authors are overwhelmed by requests), and the unspoken etiquette of returning th
Insights from Lisa Unger
Bestselling thriller author Lisa Unger joins the show to talk about longevity, creativity, and the craft behind writing dark, layered stories. From surviving industry shifts to protecting your creative “deep work,” Lisa shares what it really takes to build a long writing career — and why the only constant is showing up at the page. Bianca and Lisa dive into writing multiple first-person POVs, crea
Shooting the Shit About Memoirs That Sell and The Publicity Delusion
Carly and CeCe are back! This week they chat about audiobook double-dipping stats, the behind-the-scenes “fires” agents constantly put out (covers, contracts, timelines, leverage), and whether traditional media still moves the needle—or just feeds our very human need for validation. They also dive into buzzy memoirs, literary-agent characters in fiction, and why AI submissions are getting spotted
Double Hooks & Power Imbalances
In this episode of Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly workshop two anonymous submissions—a YA dystopian and an adult thriller—breaking down what’s working, what’s missing, and how to level both projects up for the slush pile. First up: a YA dystopian about a society built on “modification,” where failure means servitude—and survival may depend on a dangerous twin-swap. Then they turn to an
February Bonus Episode
February’s bonus episode is packed with oodles of amazing writing tips from incredible authors. In part one of this month’s bonus episode, Bianca, connects with bestselling thriller author Robyn Harding and breaks down how she builds slow-burn suspense in ‘Strangers in the Villa’—from sneaky prologues and curiosity seeds to power imbalances, inciting incidents, and structuring twists that keep rea
The Anatomy of an Opening
In this week’s episode, Bianca connects with rising women’s-fiction author Mara Williams. Mara shares her winding road to publication, the Books with Hooks → beta reader → agent pipeline, and why community matters. They dig into writing emotionally charged openings, handling buried secrets, balancing romance with women’s fiction, and learning which feedback to take—and which to trust yourself to i
Shooting The Shit About Our Publishing Pet Peeves and What To Do When Your One “Yes” Is A “No”
This week’s Shooting the Shit is pure publishing chaos — in the best way. CeCe and Carly swap hilariously relatable publishing pet peeves (reply-all disasters, missing phone numbers, email thread nightmares), answer listener DMs about agent offers, beauty contests, and what to do when your “yes” doesn’t feel right, and dive into real talk about author marketing budgets and industry expectations.Th
How to Make Agents Curious While Also Impressing Them With Your Line Level Writing
In this special Books with Hooks segment, the team sits down with author Sarah Miller-Adams to workshop her query letter for Bilateral Breathing, an upmarket, literary-leaning novel about three mid-career women in medicine on the brink of personal and professional collapse.They break down what’s working (a striking voice, emotional depth, and powerful themes) and what needs sharpening—especially c
Shooting the Shit About Editors Quiet Quitting and the Unpaid Labour of Agents
Carly and CeCe are Shooting the Sh*t About what’s driving them crazy (and cracking them up) in publishing this week — from “quiet quitting” on option books and editors who ghost, to why a brilliant nonfiction expert ultimately chose not to write a book. They unpack a refreshingly transparent breakdown of what authors really make (and spend), defend why authors deserve to promote their work without
The Long Game of Publishing
In part one of this week’s double author interview, Bianca sits down with executive by day and dark-fiction writer by night, Marisa Walz. They talk about her chilling debut novel ‘Good Intentions’ and the long, emotional road it took to get there. They dive into books dying on submission, leaving agents, trusting your instincts, and what it really means to keep going after heartbreak. Marisa share
Shooting The Shit About Auctions, *That* Post, and The Right Resources
On this week’s segment of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe talk about publishing layoffs, surprising Canadian bestseller stats, and a viral article questioning the state of publishing. They break down how auctions actually work, what “private” submissions really mean, and how writers can navigate paid resources without getting burned. Plus: vacation reads, TV obsessions, and why authors love sign
When the Past Won't Stay Buried: Building Dark Psychological Thrillers
In this week’s author interview, Bianca chats with debut novelist Leodora Darlington about ‘The Exes’, a sharp, dark psychological thriller that asks how far the past can reach into the present. Leodora shares her unconventional (and accidental!) path to publication, what it’s like querying agents while working in publishing, and why choosing the right agent matters more than choosing the first ye
January Bonus Episode
In part one of this month’s bonus episode, Bianca sits down with longtime collaborators and best friends Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke to talk about ‘The Naysayers’, a sharp, funny, and insightful satire about negative self-talk, toxic positivity, and the stories we tell ourselves. They open up about the realities of a long publishing career—success, setbacks, agent changes, and constant pivots—an
The Infinite Options of Where to Begin
This week on Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe break down two standout queries—and what they get right (and wrong).First up: a UK-set enemies-to-lovers romance featuring a disgraced chef, a fallen influencer, and a double-booked garden plot. The hosts talk about query length, POV clarity, influencer culture on the page, and whether surface-level charm is enough to sustain romantic tension.
Shooting the Shit About What Carly and CeCe Want To Fix In The Publishing Industry and (of course!) Heated Rivalry
In this week’s episode, Carly and CeCe chat a little bit about everything from unreliable memories and heated hockey romance TV shows to what they’d actually change if they had a magic wand over the publishing industry. They dive into big, bold industry wishes—higher pay across publishing, transparency around marketing budgets, no taxes on books, better royalties, fact-checking nonfiction, escrow
The Mechanics of Great Storytelling
In this week’s double author interview, Bianca sits down with New York Times bestselling author Simone St. James to talk about her chilling new novel, ‘A Box Full of Darkness’—a return to the eerie town of Fell that readers of ‘The Sundown Motel’ will lose their minds over. Simone reveals how a single idea—children playing hide-and-seek and one never returning—sparked a locked-room mystery layered
Shooting the Shit About The Easiest Genres to Sell and How Agents Impact The Outcomes of Book Deals
In this week’s Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe ring in the new year by talking about words of the year, habits vs. goals, and what ease might actually look like in 2026. They also dive into what really goes into selling books, including a fascinating editor breakdown of the hardest—and easiest—genres to publish in fiction and nonfiction.Plus, they answer a big community question about whether wh
Perfecting the Page One Experience
In this episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe welcome writer Rhiannon Harvey for an in-depth Books with Hooks critique. Rhiannon reads her polished query for ‘Mara’s Call’, a speculative YA mystery set on a fog-shrouded New England island where the sea whispers secrets—and a girl’s family history refuses to stay buried. The hosts discuss tightening hooks, anchoring motivations, crafting atmospheric tit
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