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In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid sit down with literary agent Sheyla Knigge of Highline Literary Collective to talk about the art of building strong author-agent relationships. Sheyla shares her journey into publishing, her approach to championing authors, and the key questions every writer should ask before signing with an agent.

Guest Bio:
Sheyla Knigge is a literary agent at Highline Literary Collective with nearly two years of experience representing authors and selling books. A lifelong reader who entered agenting during the pandemic, she quickly proved her eye for marketable stories—discovering Where the Dark Stems Still by A.B. Poranek, which became a six-week New York Times bestseller. She now represents 25 clients across genres and is known for her transparency, passion for storytelling, and dedication to uplifting diverse voices.

Key Discussion Points:

• Origin story: how Sheyla transitioned from project management to slush-pile reader to full-time agent.
• Defining strong partnerships: the importance of open communication, trust, and transparency in the agent-author relationship.
• Red flags in queries: why writing outside one’s lived experience without sensitivity can be problematic, and how Sheyla evaluates submissions.
• Crucial questions for writers: why asking about an agent’s support system and mentorship is essential before signing.
• When to walk away: how gut checks, excitement about revisions, and true alignment matter more than a “big name.”
• Wish list: Sheyla’s dream project—“murderous cheerleaders,” a mashup of Bring It On meets I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Conclusion:
Sheyla Knigge reminds writers that publishing is about partnership, not desperation. Choosing the right agent means prioritizing communication, shared vision, and mutual growth over prestige. Her advice encourages authors to seek relationships that set their creative souls on fire, because the right story—and the right fit—will always find its way to readers.

Mentioned Links:

• Highline Literary Collective
• Sheyla Knigge on Instagram

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