We are so happy to talk with three agented writers about what worked—and did NOT work—in the submission process.

We talk about rejections, pivots, subjectivity, and finding the right agent for YOU. We attempt to reverse engineer their submission patterns just before an offer, so you can see what early signs mean you’re on the right path. We talk about their darkest moments, when they wanted to give up. And—more than anything—we talk about what they wish they knew, the things that could have saved months or years, when they were still querying agents.

We hope you’ll leave this podcast feeling inspired, uplifted, and optimistic about your chances of finding the perfect fit for your work.

Tabitha Bird lives with her family and chihuahua in Boonah, Australia. Her debut fiction, A LIFETIME OF IMPOSSIBLE DAYS (Penguin, 2019) was the 2020 winner of The Queensland Literary Award- People’s Choice Book of the Year. Her second book is THE EMPORIUM OF IMAGINATION (Penguin, March 30th 2021). http://tabithaannbird.com and (free shipping!) https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Emporium-of-Imagination/9781760895914

Elizabeth Holden writes light-hearted young adult fiction. Her queer roller derby novel, Mighty Millie Novak, is out on submission to publishers, and she is currently editing her YA spec fiction filled with girls in STEM, vintage clothes, time travel, and love triangles. She is represented by Emily Forney at BookEnd Literary Agency. She teaches physics at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and, along with her husband, is the co-founder of a tour company, Leaping Hound Travel. An avid roller derby player, she's skated with Madison Roller Derby since 2015 and leads "physics of roller derby" workshops for schools and other community groups.

elizabeth-holden.com

email: [email protected]

Twitter: @ElizabethH_WI

Molly McCaffrey is a former New Jersey native turned Kentucky Colonel, and the author of two small press books for adults. Now she writes young adult stories about strong young women who believe in the power of resistance. When Molly isn’t reading or writing, she’s on the move—biking, swimming, hiking, and kayaking—and loves to compete in local triathlons. She is represented by John Cusick of Folio Literary.

MollyMcCaffrey.com

https://twitter.com/MollyMcCaffrey

https://www.instagram.com/mollymccaffrey/

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMollyMcCaffrey/

Meghan Davis Hill has been a professional editor and writer of commercial nonfiction and fiction for many years. She has edited the memoirs of an author who appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and a celebrity chef. She’s also edited for children’s book authors, an award-winning film producer, and several novelists. Under her own name, Meghan writes middle grade and young adult fiction. She is represented by agent Karen Brailsford of Aevitas Creative Management, and her debut middle grade adventure is going out on submission this week. Meghan lives outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her husband and four children. When she’s not writing and editing, she’s usually in the woods – hiking and camping with her family every chance she gets.

website: meghandavishill.com

twitter: @meghanmhill

fb: meghan davis hill writing & editing