Argh! Not Another Podcast with William May

Jessica Sinsheimer is a New York literary agent at Context Literary Agency, where she works with authors and illustrators to bring their books to life and helps writers build sustainable careers in publishing.

Jessica has been reading and campaigning for her favorite queries since 2004 and is known for co-creating #MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) and ManuscriptWishList.com. She’s always looking for new voices, with a particular interest in YA, MG, upmarket genre fiction, psychological thrillers, SF/F, and nonfiction, and she has a special love for stories that are smart, surprising, beautifully written, and full of contrast.

So, in this episode we're asking... what makes an agent say yes?

In Episode 20 of Argh! Not Another Podcast, William May sits down with Jessica for a conversation about querying, discovering new writers, what catches an agent’s attention, Manuscript Wish List, and the realities of getting your work in front of the right people.

Hosted by poet and author William May, Argh! explores the creative and practical realities of literary life. William is the author of Blaze without Burning, a 2025 poetry collection from Finishing Line Press, and his work has been recognized with a Pushcart Prize nomination. A fourth-generation New Yorker and self-described “Neurodiverse Language Wizard,” William brings his own perspective as a writer to conversations with authors, poets, publishers, and people working behind the scenes in publishing.

🎧 Listen to Episode 20 and discover what might make a writer’s query stand out.

Before we begin today's episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast, William shares some difficult personal news. His younger brother, Eugene Harris May, passed away suddenly, leaving behind a family and community who loved him deeply.

In the weeks since Eugene's passing, William has been reminded every day of the countless ways his brother built connections, supported others, and brought people together. It felt only fitting that this conversation would be about one of the things Eugene embodied so naturally: community.

This week, William is joined by speculative fiction writer, editor, and publishing professional Ryan James Dailey for a thoughtful conversation about building supportive writing communities, giving meaningful feedback, and creating spaces where writers feel encouraged to grow.

Together they discuss:
• Ryan's writing journey and creative evolution
• Why so many writers struggle to find community
• What makes feedback constructive rather than discouraging
• Creating workshops where writers feel safe to share their work
• Balancing honesty with encouragement in critique groups
• Building accountability and lasting creative connections
• What the ideal writing community looks like

This episode is a reminder that writing doesn't have to be a solitary pursuit. The right community can help us become better writers, and sometimes, carry us through life's most difficult moments.

Thank you for listening and for helping us continue to build a community around writing.

Find more about Ryan at www.rjamesdailey.com.

www.williammaywrites.com

Over the past several months, I’ve become increasingly aware of a tidal wave of scams targeting writers.  This has come to my attention both personally and professionally: first, through a barrage of various emails with tempting offers for publicity, book sales, and a boost into the authorial limelight that came direct to my email inbox and often seemed, at least on first glance, thoughtfully composed to reflect an understanding (or at least familiarity) with my work; second, through a wide variety of warnings in publications for writers, on the websites of professional organizations including publishers and agencies, and from talking with other writers who I know.  The fact is, writers are being targeted in ways that they never have been before.  Recognizing this, I felt it was extremely important to find a way to offer some guidance and insight about just how writers can keep safe.  

Towards that end, the newest episode of Argh! I speak with author Victoria Strauss, co-founder of Writer Beware, about how writers can better protect themselves and navigate these increasingly aggressive scams.  Writer Beware, if you are not familiar, has been around since the nineties, researching and fighting scams in the publishing industry, and Victoria has the insights of a seasoned veteran, including a heavy dose of common sense.  I am especially proud of this podcast and its relevance at this time,  and hope you will take some time to listen.  Even if you are not a writer, so much of what Victoria shared is, I think, quite valuable, not to mention just how interesting and entertaining the conversation itself was.

Episode Highlights

• Common publishing scams targeting writers

• Fake marketing and promotion schemes

• Red flags authors should watch for

• Advice for new and emerging writers

• The role of Writer Beware in protecting the literary community

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who cares about books, writing, and the published word amongst the publishing world.

In this episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, William May reflects on his first time attending the AWP Conference & Bookfair — an experience that marks a major step into the heart of the literary world.

From the buzz of the book fair floor to signing copies of his book, Blaze without Burning, with Finishing Line Press, William opens up about what it’s really like to show up as a published author in a space filled with readers, writers, and industry insiders. He shares the mix of nerves and excitement, along with the moments of connection that make events like this so impactful.

The conversation also touches on meeting fellow authors and publishers, insights from workshops that shape both craft and career, and the joy of discovering new voices along the way. There’s even a nod to John Waters, a few thoughts on a very surprisingly interesting grammar panel, and another one on the importance of authors using their voice with the help of podcasting.

If you’ve ever wondered what AWP is really like, this is your inside look.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who cares about books, writing, and the published word amongst the publishing world.

Our first episode of 2026 comes with a little extra depth, so make a cup of tea ☕ and settle in.

In this episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, William May sits down with Shahid Mahmud, founder of Arc Manor Books, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging exchange that begins with a shared affection for Winnie-the-Pooh and the enduring magic of A.A. Milne. The conversation unfolds into an honest, exuberant discussion of what it really means to build and sustain a small press.

Shahid talks warmly and candidly about his journey from finance executive to science-fiction and fantasy publisher, including the moment he knew he had to make a career change towards something he loved.

Together, they explore their love of reading, share a deep respect for legacy genre authors, uncover the passion for Fantasy and Science Fiction that motivates Shahid and Arc Manor Publishing, and explore what these genres can offer to writers and readers alike.

🎧 Listen to the audio companion here:⁠ William May’s Blaze Without Burning – Soundtrack / Audio Companion

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who cares about books, writing, and the published word amongst the publishing world.

Gratitude showed up in many forms this year:

in poetry that kept us company,

in music that carried us forward,

in community that crossed borders,

and in the creative work that reminded us why we began.

As we close out the year, Episode 15 of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing invites a pause—a moment to ask a simple but powerful question: What am I grateful for?

In this special reflective episode, host William May is joined by the Marsa Media team—Denise Marsa, Meggie Dimitrova, and Melissa Nastasi—for an intimate conversation rooted in gratitude, creativity, and community. We read and reflect on messages shared by writers, creatives, collaborators, and friends from around the world—voices that speak to poetry as companionship, community as lifeline, creativity as fuel, and patience as growth.

From writing communities that span continents, to music charting in UK dance clubs, to finding home in new cities, creative partnerships, trusted collaborations, and even the grounding presence of pets—this episode is a collective thank-you note to the people and practices that carried us through.

This episode is produced by Marsa Media and Paul A. Harvey, and we also invite listeners to deepen the experience by tuning into Blaze without Burning: The Audio Companion, a soundtrack created by Denise Marsa, Paul A. Harvey, and The Rhythm Method, to accompany William May’s debut poetry book.

🎧 Listen to the audio companion here: William May’s Blaze Without Burning – Soundtrack / Audio Companion

Now we’d love to hear from you: What are you grateful for this year?

Leave a comment, follow the podcast, and rate this episode—your support helps Argh! reach more writers, creators, and listeners who need these conversations.

Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, hosted by poet and 2025 Pushcart Prize-nominated author William May, announces a groundbreaking new episode featuring publishing strategist and Head of US Publishing at Amlet.ai | Book Publishing Mentor Julie Trelstad. The 14th episode, titled “AI, Copyrights & Book Publishing with William May and Julie Trelstad,” explores one of the most urgent and contentious topics facing writers and publishers today: how artificial intelligence is reshaping the creative and ownership landscape.

Trelstad, a longtime industry leader who has guided authors and publishers through several technological disruptions—from the rise of eBooks to the explosion of digital publishing and social media, approached May specifically after hearing about his podcast. She comes with a purpose: to help authors understand AI, protect their work, and harness new tools responsibly to aid in this era of change. A major highlight is Trelstad’s explanation of content registration and licensing for AI systems.

May shares, “What I understand is she’s on something of a crusade to help authors and publishing professionals understand AI. I was apprehensive about speaking with Ms. Trelstad, and I told her so during our initial chat before we started recording. Our conversation reflects my feelings quite clearly, and she was graceful with her responses, which I totally appreciate.” 

What follows is a thoughtful, warm, honest exchange between a cautious poet and a forward-looking strategist. The two passionate professionals explore how artificial intelligence is transforming book publishing—from creative process to content protection—and provide practical insights that help writers navigate these changes without compromising artistic integrity. The episode opens with Trelstad’s personal arc: what first drew her to publishing, how she became a digital innovator, and why AI represents a disruption unlike any before it.

May voices what many authors feel: worry that AI could dilute originality or replace creative roles. Trelstad addresses these fears directly, framing AI as a tool, not a replacement, and outlining how writers can maintain their voice while embracing new technologies.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing is hosted by poet and 2025 Pushcart Prize-nominated author William May. The Pushcart Prize is an American literary award that honors the best poetry, short fiction, and essays from small presses and literary magazines. Winning is a significant honor in the literary world, and being nominated is considered a major achievement for a writer. 

Produced by Marsa Media and May with humor, candor, and deep curiosity, the show explores the many-layered world of publishing—from book creation to marketing to the evolving technologies shaping the industry. Each episode brings honest conversations with authors, editors, strategists, and innovators who are redefining what it means to publish in the 21st century.

What role does a local bookstore play in shaping the cultural and literary heartbeat of its city? In this episode, William May sits down with Caylee Wilson of Midtown Reader to talk about the power of independent bookstores, the literary scene in Tallahassee, and how poetry connects with readers of all ages.

From building community partnerships to hosting vibrant author events (including William’s upcoming reading at Midtown Reader on September 10th), Caylee shares insights on what keeps a bookstore thriving in today’s world. We also explore Midtown’s unique coffee shop, The Piebrary, the store’s relationship with Florida State University, and what genres resonate most with Tallahassee readers.

This episode will give you a window into the people, passion, and purpose behind Midtown Reader, so don't forget to share!

📅 Book Launch: Sunday, September 10 @ 6PM | Midtown Reader 🎟️ RSVP here: ⁠https://rsvp.link/rn8tU

Check out William May's website: www.williammaywrites.com

Check out Midtown Reader: www.midtownreader.com

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your writing crew, leave a review, download, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a moment of Argh!

Produced by Denise Marsa & Meggie Dimitrova. Mixed & Mastered by Paul A. Harvey,

(C) 2025 William May. All Rights Reserved.

In this special episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, William May welcomes poet, editor, and professor Freesia McKee for a deep dive into the collaborative journey behind his new chapbook, Blaze without Burning.

Together, they explore:

• How they met and why the partnership worked

• The creative and editing process behind the book

• Mentorship, trust, and how feedback helps shape a poet’s voice

• The often-overlooked world of press and publicity in poetry

• Freesia’s own writing process, publishing path, and life as a teacher-writer

Plus, they share reflections on literary community, staying inspired, and what comes next, including details on William’s upcoming book launch event in Brooklyn!

📅 Book Launch: Sunday, July 13 @ 3 PM | Pete’s Candy Store, Brooklyn🎟️ RSVP here: https://rsvp.link/rn8tU

—

🔗 Learn more about Freesia: Freesia McKee writes about gender, genre, history, and place. Her work appears in three chapbooks, City of Honesty (Water's Edge Press), How Distant the City (Headmistress Press) and Hummingbird Vows (Bottlecap Press), as well as The Journal, Fugue, Puerto del Sol, Cleaver, ellipses, Mobius, Stoneboat, Tinderbox Poetry Journal, and elsewhere. Freesia served as the Fall 2022 Poet in Residence at Ripon College. Since 2023, she has served as an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Website: https://freesiamckee.com/
How Distant the City: https://freesiamckee.com/publications/how-distant-the-city/
Hummingbird Vows: https://freesiamckee.com/publications/hummingbird-vows/

🔗 More from William: William May, a fourth-generation native of New York’s Greenwich Village, dubbing himself a “Neurodiverse Language Wizard,” began writing poetry when he was 9 years old while a student at The Stephen Gaynor School, a pioneer in special education. There, he received individualized support, allowing him to thrive academically and, eventually, enabling him to attend New York City’s highly competitive Collegiate School. William now also resides in Southern Florida.His work has been featured in SoFloPoJo, Chameleon Chimera: An Anthology of Florida Poets, and The Centifictionist. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and the University of North Carolina’s MFA program in creative writing, William shares his work through performances, newsletters, and his podcast, Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing.
Order Blaze Without Burning: https://williammaywrites.com

📖 Referenced poem:
Passing a Truck Full of Chickens at Night on Highway Eighty by Jane Mead → https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/88762

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your writing crew, leave a review, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a moment of Argh!

Produced by Denise Marsa & Meggie Dimitrova. Mixed & Mastered by Paul A. Harvey,

(C) 2025 William May. All Rights Reserved.

In this special episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, we’re tuning into something a little different: the sound of poetry. Join us as we explore the musical world behind the soon-to-be-released soundtrack for Blaze Without Burning, the debut poetry collection by William May ⁠[Available for Presale!]⁠.

In Part One, Meggie Dimitrova moderates a candid conversation between Denise Marsa and UK-based musician Paul A. Harvey, who not only co-created the 25 original musical compositions for the chapbook but also mixes and masters Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing.

Together, they unpack the artistic process behind composing the musical companion for William’s poetry, the delight of allowing yourself to listen deeply to the words first or the music first, or read and listen at the same time. A discussion about how to translate emotional nuance into melody and sound. From instruments and moods to artistic inspiration, it's a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to score a collection of words with intention.

In Part Two, Denise reconnects with William May, who shares more about his journey as a poet and student at Sarah Lawrence College and reflects on why music has always been essential to his creative life. They dive into the shared vision that led to the Blaze Without Burning music project—and how the poems almost change the way we read them, and we perceive them, based on the music.

Curious about how poetry can be transformed through music? This episode dives into a one-of-a-kind collaboration that brings both to life.

Tune in, listen between the lines, and don’t forget to preorder your copy of Blaze Without Burning (if you have not already)  to support independent poetry. If you have purchased your book and are waiting for its arrival, thank you!

📚 Order Now: ⁠https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/blaze-without-burning-by-william-may/⁠ 

🔗 Learn more about William: ⁠www.williammaywrites.com⁠  

🎶 Produced by Denise Marsa & Meggie Dimitrova. Mixed & mastered by Paul A. Harvey.

(C) 2025 William May. All Rights Reserved.