Lit Match

Lit Match episodes:

• 05.21.2024

  First Chapters: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)

  The third (and final!) analysis in a 3-part episode series!  Abigail and Savannah return for their final first chapter analysis in The Hunger Games series, this time analyzing the first chapter (and scene) of MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins. Learn why they think this first...

  
• 05.07.2024

  First Chapters: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)

  The second analysis in a 3-part episode series!  Abigail and Savannah are back to analyze the first chapter of CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins, the sequel in The Hunger Games phenomenon, and the second analysis in The Hunger Games first chapter deep dive episodes....

  
• 04.02.2024

  First Chapters: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)

  The first analysis in what will be a 3-part episode series!  Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the YA dystopian phenomenon, THE HUNGER GAMES  by Suzanne Collins. This is one of Abigail's and Savannah's favorite series....ever...and their passion for this story...

  
• 03.26.2024

  Jen Craven ON: Her Shift from Self-Publishing to Traditional Publishing

  Abigail sits down with domestic suspense author, Jen Craven—her first *returning!* guest. In Jen's previous episode, Abigail and Jen discussed her writing career as a self-published author. In this episode, Jen talks about her latest books and what it's been like...

  
• 02.27.2024

  First Chapters: Remarkably Bright Creatures (with Savannah Gilbo)

  Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling and award-winning novel REMARKABLY BRIGHt CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt. This was one of Abigail's favorite reads in 2023, and there are great reasons it received (and continues to receive) such hype! Together, Abigail and Savannah discuss...

  
• 02.06.2024

  Kate McKean ON: Demystifying Book Publishing Contracts

  Take out your notepads! Abigail sits down with literary agent Kate McKean for a very special conversation about book publishing contracts. This is a topic that intimidated Abigail early in her career—as it does many writers who are interested in traditional publishing....

  
• 12.19.2023

  First Chapters: Fourth Wing (with Savannah Gilbo)

  Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo! Today, Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling fantasy novel FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros. Together, they discuss why these opening pages hook readers and set up big picture...

  
• 12.05.2023

  Megan Tady ON: Resiliency and How She Turned Rejections into a Published Debut

  Abigail sits down with Megan Tady (Super Bloom, May 2023) to discuss her debut and path to publishing. Humble and resilient, Megan shares her experience and knowledge about a wide range of writing tips from the importance of accountability partners and writing strategies to game-changing mindset...

  
• 11.28.2023

  Meghan Stevenson ON: Her Literary Agent Matchmaking Strategy, the Pitfalls of Traditional Publishing, and Publishing Myths that Need to be Busted

  Abigail sits down with Meghan Stevenson (Meghan Stevenson Books) to talk about all things traditional publishing. After an editing career at a traditional publisher, Meghan left her job and started Meghan Stevenson Books (2012). Meghan and her team have helped their clients earn over...

  
• 11.09.2023

  First Chapters: The Magicians (with Savannah Gilbo)

   Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of Lev Grossman's THE MAGICIANS (and it's a doozy of a first chapter!). Both fantasy lovers, Savannah and Abigail come to this first chapter...

  
• 07.13.2023

  First Chapters: A Discovery of Witches (with Savannah Gilbo)

  Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo! Today, Abigail and Savannah sit down to analyze the first chapter of the bestselling fantasy novel A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness. Together, they discuss why these opening pages hook readers—and...

  
• 06.27.2023

  First Chapters: Untamed (with Suzette Mullen)

  Abigail sits down with book coach and memoir writer Suzette Mullen to analyze the prologue and first chapter of Glennon Doyle's bestselling and groundbreaking memoir, UNTAMED. Together, they discuss the differences between memoir and fiction writing—and also why writers can...

  
• 06.13.2023

  Ariele Fredman ON: The Difference Between a Book Publicist and a Literary Agent, Her Mission to Expand Commercial Fiction, and How to Understand Where a Book Fits in the Market

  Abigail sits down with Ariele Fredman, a book publicist turned literary agent at United Talent Agency (UTA). Ariele is actively seeking commercial fiction in: General fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense/thriller, Feel-Good Fiction, Women's Fiction, and YA.   Ariele joined UTA after working 12 years at Atria Books, where she...

  
• 05.30.2023

  First Chapters: Legendborn (with Savannah Gilbo)

  A special episode that shares a piece of Abigail and Savannah's May Book Notes meeting!  In this episode, Abigail and book coach companion Savannah Gilbo share a piece of their May virtual book club meeting; they take a deep dive into the...

  
• 05.23.2023

  First Chapters: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (with Sara Gentry)

  In this episode, Abigail takes a first chapter deep dive with kidlit book coach and author, Sara Gentry. Together, they discuss the first chapter of C.S. Lewis’s beloved masterwork, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (book two in The...

  
• 05.16.2023

  First Chapters: The House Across the Lake (with Samantha Skal)

  In this episode, Abigail takes a first chapter deep dive with Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense book coach expert and author, Samantha Skal. Together, they discuss the first chapter of Riley Sager's THE HOUSE ACROSS THE LAKE and why its prologue and first...

  
• 05.02.2023

  Mikki Brammer ON: The Collected Regrets of Clover and Her Writing, Querying, and Publishing Experience

  Abigail sits down with author Mikki Brammer to discuss her (amazing!) contemporary fiction/upmarket debut, THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER. This story features a socially stunted death doula whose obsession with documenting her clients’ final words sends her on the adventure of her life. This...

  
• 04.11.2023

  Victoria Marini ON: Atmospheric Writing, Balancing External Events and Interiority, and the Dos and Don'ts of Tropes

  Abigail sits down with Victoria Marini, a literary agent at Irene Goodman Literary Agency (IGLA). Victoria is actively seeking page-turning fiction for all audiences from middle grade through adult, and is expanding her Upmarket Book Club lists. She enjoys novels with high-concepts and distinctive voices in...

  
• 03.28.2023

  Jen Craven ON: Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing and How to Decide What's Best For Your Book and Career

  Abigail sits down with indie author Jen Craven (BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE) to discuss why she decided to self-publish her book—even though she was getting requests on her manuscript while querying it. Jen makes it very clear that she has nothing against...

  
• 03.16.2023

  First Chapters: Atomic Habits (with Barbara Boyd)

  Abigail is joined by nonfiction book coach expert, Barbara Boyd, to analyze James Clear's nonfiction book (a personal growth book) phenomenon, ATOMIC HABITS. What makes this deep dive particularly interesting is that Barbara and Abigail decide to analyze not the first...

  
• 03.08.2023

  First Chapters: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (with Savannah Gilbo)

  A special episode that shares a part of Abigail and Savannah's latest Book Notes conversation!  In this episode, Abigail and book coach companion Savannah Gilbo share a piece of their latest Book Notes Book Club meeting. Abigail and Savannah started Book Notes,...

  
• 02.23.2023

  Howard Yoon ON: The Core Components of a Book Proposal, Reveals and Results of the DOJ-PRH Antitrust Trial, and How Publishing Merges Art and Commerce

  Abigail sits down with Howard Yoon, a literary agent and principal of the Ross Yoon Agency. Howard specializes in narrative nonfiction, history, memoir, science, current events, politics, and popular culture. In this conversation, Howard shares his wealth of expertise in publishing...

  
• 02.15.2023

  Dani Abernathy ON: The Enneagram Personality Test and Why it Might Be a Writer's Next Favorite Tool

  Abigail sits down with book coach and fantasy writer, Dani Abernathy, to discuss a unique tool that Dani uses with her clients: the Enneagram Personality Test. Many writers love personality tests (Abigail included), but in this episode, Dani shares how to...

  
• 02.08.2023

  Maria Vicente ON: WTF is a Literary Agent, How She Supports Her Clients, and First Chapters that Hook

  Abigail sits down for an insightful conversation about agenting and craft with Senior Literary Agent, Maria Vicente, of P.S. Literary Agency.  While Maria has a love for and strong list of children’s books and graphic novels, she’s also looking to expand...

  
• 02.03.2023

  Gail (Gigla) Hayes ON: How Words and Music Inspire Change (and a Tribute to Her Joy and Life)

  This week's episode deviates from the normal Lit Match episode structure in order to honor the life of Abigail's aunt, Gail Hayes, who was a talented writer, devoted mother and wife, and active fundraiser—some of her many roles in life....

  
• 01.25.2023

  First Chapters: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover (with Savannah Gilbo)

  This week, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo joins Abigail for a first chapter deep dive analysis of a Colleen Hoover mega-hit, UGLY LOVE. This is also a particularly special episode because it pulls a small clip from the first...

  
• 01.10.2023

  First Chapters: Lessons in Chemistry (with Sarah Dickinson)

  Today, Abigail brings on a guest who is an avid reader and professional book reviewer—and popular podcast host!—Sarah Dickinson. Together, they take a first chapter deep dive analysis of one of 2022’s most popular books (what NYT called the Best...

  
• 01.03.2023

  Andrea DeWerd ON: The Writing Community's Mass Departure from Twitter and Book Marketing Strategies that Work for Authors

  Abigail sits down with book marketing expert (with 13 years Big 5 publishing experience), Andrea DeWerd, to discuss the writing community's mass departure from Twitter.   In this conversation, Andrea explains what's really happening on Twitter, why eight percent of the...

  
• 12.22.2022

  First Chapters: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory (with Book Coach Rona Gofstein)

  Come join Abigail and certified book coach, Rona Gofstein, as they analyze the first chapter of bestselling author Jasmine Guillory’s USA Today bestselling novel, THE WEDDING DATE.   Abigail and Rona explore many of the important elements of contemporary romance, as...

  
• 12.15.2022

  CeCe Lyra ON: Layered Stories that Exemplify Good Writing, Why Publishing is so Competitive, and the Importance of Persistence over Insistence

  Join Abigail as she interviews CeCe Lyra, Associate Literary Agent at P.S. Literary Agency and the brilliant co-host of the popular writing podcast, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. Abigail’s said it in more places than one: This...

  
• 12.07.2022

  First Chapters: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (with Bestselling Author Jennifer Klepper)

  Come join Abigail and USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer Klepper, as they perform a first chapter deep dive analysis of Celeste Ng’s bestselling masterpiece, LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. Abigail and Jennifer agree, Celeste Ng is an exceptional author and LFE is a book...

  
• 12.01.2022

  First Chapters: The Midnight Library (with Book Coach Sharon Skinner)

  "Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made...

  
• 11.09.2022

  Inside Interview: Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and 5 Big Writing Takeaways and Assignments to Apply to Your WIP

  The first episode in a new Author Interview + Writing Tips and Assignments series on LIT MATCH! In today’s episode, Abigail pulls one of her favorite interviews from her  her old podcast (pub. 2020) and revamps it for the Lit Match...

  
• 11.02.2022

  Comparable Titles: What They Are, Why Writers Need Them, and How to Find (and Pitch!) Ones that are Irresistible

  After writing a book comes publishing it, and to do so (or if you want to do it well), you need to know your target readers and the market. One of the most important tools a writer, literary agent, editor,...

  
• 10.26.2022

  First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

  We're back with the final episode!  Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS. This is a particularly special episode in the series being the final Harry Potter...

  
• 10.19.2022

  10 Unforgettable Writing (and Life!) Tips from My Favorite Author Presentation

  Taking a different direction for this week’s episode, Abigail speaks directly to listeners about ten pieces of writing (and life!) tips she absorbed from what she considers her favorite in-person author presentation.  Last month, Abigail was lucky enough to attend bestselling...

  
• 10.05.2022

  First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

  We're back with book six! Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE. This is an extra special episode since HBP is Savannah's favorite book in...

  
• 09.28.2022

  First Chapters: Counterfeit (with Special Guests, Bestselling Author Kirstin Chen and Executive Editor Jessica Williams

  Abigail sits down for a first chapter analysis of the bestselling and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, COUNTERFEIT. She takes a deep dive into the first chapter analysis—and she enthusiastically welcomes the author and editor of the book to join...

  
• 09.14.2022

  First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

  We're back with book five! Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX. Abigail and Savannah return with a discussion on how the first...

  
• 09.08.2022

  Allison Hunter ON: What Makes a Great Beach Read, How to Use Comps, and Why Secrets are Imperative in Fiction

  In today’s episode, Abigail sits down with another amazing Trellis Literary Management co-founder, Allison Hunter.  Allison is an expert in commercial fiction and shares exactly what she’s looking for in a manuscript wishlist, as well as other invaluable writing and publishing...

  
• 08.18.2022

  First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

  We're back with book four! Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE. Abigail and Savannah return with a discussion on how the first...

  
• 08.10.2022

  How to Write a Query Letter (Part 3): Paragraph Three, the Author Bio (and Final Tips)

  This is the third episode in a three-part series of episodes on how to write a query letter. Abigail teaches writers how to write the third (and final!) paragraph of the query letter, or the author bio.  Sometimes writers overthink the...

  
• 08.03.2022

  How to Write a Query Letter (Part 2): Paragraph Two, the Blurb (or Back Cover Copy)

  This is the second episode in a three-part series of episodes on how to write a query letter. In it, Abigail teaches writers how to write the second paragraph of the query letter, otherwise known as the blurb or back...

  
• 07.20.2022

  How to Write a Query Letter (Part 1): Paragraph One, the Hook

  In the first episode of a three-part series of episodes on how to write a query letter, Abigail teaches writers how to write the first paragraph of their query letter. To do this, she covers important elements like: What a query...

  
• 07.13.2022

  First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

  We're back with book three! Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN. Following the normal first chapter analysis format, Abigail and Savannah discuss...

  
• 07.06.2022

  Quick Query Tips: 3 Strategic Ways to Research Literary Agents

  Welcome to the first Quick Query Tips episode! While Abigail books more literary agents and editors for the show, she turns the focus from interviews with literary agents to the research and submission process.  In this episode, Abigail shares three of her...

  
• 06.22.2022

  First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

  We're back!  Abigail sits down with Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS. This is an especially interesting conversation on first chapters since the first chapter of HPCOS is also the first...

  
• 06.08.2022

  Jennie Nash ON: What Makes a Great Book Coach, Fundamental Questions Writers Need to Ask (and Answer), and Why Writers Should Invest in Their Work

  "Working with a book coach is an investment, and there's no guarantee. No book coach is going to say, ‘I guarantee that you will get an agent and a book deal.’ That would be dishonest. They can't do that. So...

  
• 06.01.2022

  Michelle Brower ON: What Makes a Great Book Club Pick, Creating Community, and How to Write Through the Middle

  "I love books that sort of  take you through the pain of living in some way. Life inherently has tragedy and hardship. And I love books that take you to that, but also give you an opportunity to see a...

  
• 05.25.2022

  First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

  QUICK NOTE! THE BOOK VS. THE AUTHOR As much as I love the HARRY POTTER series, I am saddened by and do not condone JKR’s attacks on the trans community.  It’s this reason that, for these first chapter episodes featuring the Harry...