Write the Damn Book Already

Ep 79: Querying Literary Agents with Lauren Kay


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Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

Lauren Kay's young adult debut novel, We Ship It, was a dream come true, but it wasn't easy to get there. Now, she helps other writers achieve the same joy, minus the roadblocks. Having secured eight agent offers in a month,  she works with authors dreaming about a traditional publishing deal to help them write irresistible query letters.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

  • The 7-year path to her first novel, for which she received a 6-figure advance (best quote: "Lightning speed in this industry is 7 years.")
  • The importance of transparency in the book industry when it comes to timelines, sales figures, and overall expectations
  • The idea of an author “deserving” their lead author status (I hadn't heard this before, and loved the discussion around it!)
  • How changing our expectations as authors can lead to far better results 
  • The “before” and “after” of publishing
  • Top mistakes to avoid when writing query letters + how to navigate the world of querying without becoming (too) disappointed 


CONNECT WITH LAUREN:

Query letter masterclass: https://www.laurenkaywrites.com/insiders-guide-to-publishing

Lauren's YA Rom-Com Debut: We Ship It  

🗞️ The Damn Good "Can't Stop Writing" Formula

Grab the free nonfiction or memoir kickstart that's helped hundreds of authors get out of their heads and into the flow: 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/chapterone

✍️ You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's start writing (for real this time).
 
No incense, inspirational playlists, or fancy mantras. Just a clear, doable plan to get your nonfiction or memoir draft written in 33 days. 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook

WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?

Grab my 25+ done-for-you email templates, book launch graphics, and book promo tools designed to help nonfiction, memoir, and fiction authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 

🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates

Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!

PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)

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Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
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Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

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Write the Damn Book AlreadyBy Elizabeth Lyons

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