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This episode of Way-word Writers, hosted by Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer, dives into the challenging topic of breaking up with a literary agent. The hosts, along with their personal experiences, discuss the emotional and professional aspects of ending agent relationships, whether initiated by the agent or the writer. They highlight reasons for breakups, including changes in agency ownership, misalignment of editorial needs, and shifts in career goals, emphasizing the importance of mutual growth, communication, and maintaining professional etiquette throughout the process. The conversation also covers practical advice for writers re-entering the querying phase, stressing the need for emotional readiness, professional self-assessment, and maintaining a positive outlook on one's writing career despite setbacks. This episode serves as a guide for writers facing or contemplating an agent breakup, offering strategies for handling it with grace and strategic planning for future success.

00:00 Welcome to Way-word Writers: The Agent Breakup Episode
00:19 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Agent Breakups
02:42 Nikki's Fairy Tale Agent Relationship and Its End
05:17 Heather's Perspective: The Agent's Side of Breakups
11:11 Identifying Red Flags in the Agent-Author Relationship
29:30 Navigating the Query Trenches After a Breakup
32:51 Advice for Writers on Healing and Moving Forward
39:40 Closing Thoughts: Staying Positive and Moving On

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