Lit Match

Abigail sits down with Ariele Fredman, a book publicist turned literary agent at United Talent Agency (UTA). Ariele is actively seeking commercial fiction in: General fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense/thriller, Feel-Good Fiction, Women's Fiction, and YA.  

Ariele joined UTA after working 12 years at Atria Books, where she worked across genres and launched bestselling campaigns from Colleen Hoover and Fredrik Backman to Zakiya Dalila Harris and Lisa Jewell (among others!). She has an exceptional knack at understanding people and instilling confidence in authors, and she is actively growing her MSWL!  

In addition to learning about Ariele's shift from publicist to agent, Ariele sheds light on various writing and publishing topics, some including: 

Does Ariele sound like the ideal literary agent for you? Send her your query! 

Follow Abigail and Ariele:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com 

IG: @abigailkperry | @arielestewart

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @arielestewart

A special episode that shares a piece of Abigail and Savannah's May Book Notes meeting! 

In this episode, Abigail and book coach companion Savannah Gilbo share a piece of their May virtual book club meeting; they take a deep dive into the first chapter (and prologue) of Tracy Deonn's YA fantasy bestseller LEGENDBORN. Here's a preview of what they discuss:

Links mentioned in this episode:

Follow Abigail and Savannah: 

www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com 

@abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo 

In this episode, Abigail takes a first chapter deep dive with kidlit book coach and author, Sara Gentry. Together, they discuss the first chapter of C.S. Lewis’s beloved masterwork, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (book two in The Chronicles of Narnia series).

In addition to their analysis of how the first chapter (and part of chapter two) sets up big picture expectations and creates a well-structured scene, Sara explains why burgeoning MG fantasy writers can use this book as a masterwork example—but not as a model for MG fantasy stories published in today’s market. To support this, she explains what readers expect (and what publishers want) in recent MG fantasy stories, and how the beginning might read if it were published today.  

Come study a portal fantasy and learn how C.S. Lewis’s classic world and adventure, relatable characters, and unique narrative—among other strengths—make this story one that stands the test of time.  

Follow Abigail and Sara: 

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://solutionsforwriters.com

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @writewithsara 

Instagram: @abigailkperry | @writewithsara

In this episode, Abigail takes a first chapter deep dive with Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense book coach expert and author, Samantha Skal. Together, they discuss the first chapter of Riley Sager's THE HOUSE ACROSS THE LAKE and why its prologue and first chapter hook readers and set up big picture expectations. Plus, Abigail picks Samatha's brain about several elements that make MTS novels special, like how Riley Sager masters misdirection with this bestseller, how to write exceptional plot twists, the difference between mysteries, thrillers, and suspense books—and more! 

Even if you don't write MTS, you'll benefit from this episode and all the insights you can learn about conflict, suspense, tension, and entertaining your reader until the end.  

P.S. Samantha is hosting a Twists/Reveals how-to class this summer that you don't want to miss! It's called Twists and Reveals in Thrillers - A How To Course and you can learn all about it here. 

Follow Abigail and Samantha: 

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.samanthaskal.com/ 

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @samanthaskal

Instagram: @abigailkperry | @authorsamanthaskal

Abigail sits down with author Mikki Brammer to discuss her (amazing!) contemporary fiction/upmarket debut, THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER. This story features a socially stunted death doula whose obsession with documenting her clients’ final words sends her on the adventure of her life. This is one of Abigail's favorite reads in 2023—and releases May 9th, 2023!

Together, Mikki and Abigail explore Mikki's inspiration for the novel, what it's about, and the many lessons she learned as a burgeoning writer-turned-published author.

In addition to an insightful discussion about her book, Mikki sheds light on her querying and publishing experience. Writers in traditional publishing can learn a lot from Mikki as she elaborates on some important topics that pertain to traditional publishing, like:

Whether or not you're writing a book, querying one, navigating the traditional publishing industry, or just love fiction, Mikki has experience—and a debut—that can inspire, comfort, and positively influence you.

Buy THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER>>

Find Abigail and Mikki:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.mikkibrammer.com/ 

IG: @abigailkperry | @mikkibrammer

Twitter: @abigailkperry 

Abigail sits down with Victoria Marini, a literary agent at Irene Goodman Literary Agency (IGLA). Victoria is actively seeking page-turning fiction for all audiences from middle grade through adult, and is expanding her Upmarket Book Club lists. She enjoys novels with high-concepts and distinctive voices in a variety of genres including: fabulism and fantasy, psychological and domestic suspense, thriller, procedurals, historical (particularly lesser known cultures, peoples, and histories), mystery, literary speculative, magical realism, and horror. 

An agent of many genres, Victoria offers a wealth of great advice on various fiction elements. Listen to this episode for great insights on: 

Does Victoria sound like the dream literary agent for you? Review her MSWL and send her your query! 

Victoria's Full MSWL: Download the file at the bottom of this page

Submit to Victoria: Review the submission guidelines here and then submit to [email protected]

Follow Abigail and Victoria:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.victoriamarini.com 

IG: @abigailkperry | @litagentmarini

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @LitAgentMarini

P.S. Want to learn more about writing query letters and the query process? Abigail is hosting a workshop on Zoom on April 20, 2023! Learn more or sign up at www.abigailkperry.com/query 

Abigail sits down with indie author Jen Craven (BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE) to discuss why she decided to self-publish her book—even though she was getting requests on her manuscript while querying it.

Jen makes it very clear that she has nothing against traditional publishing, and that for many authors, this is the best publishing path. (She remains open to publishing differently in the future, but not because she disliked indie). Jen also shares why she decided that her first contemporary book (women's fiction) would do better as an indie book—and then, with explicit details, educates listeners on what she did to "go wide" with her book.

Additionally, Jen gives tips on marketing, including how to choose and build a social media platform authentically.

Even if your publishing goal is traditional, there are tons of tips on how to balance writing with marketing in this episode, all from an awesome literary citizen and author who does this on a daily basis.   

Buy BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE>>

Find Abigail and Jen:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.jencraven.com/

IG: @abigailkperry | @jencravenauthor

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @jencravenauthor

Abigail is joined by nonfiction book coach expert, Barbara Boyd, to analyze James Clear's nonfiction book (a personal growth book) phenomenon, ATOMIC HABITS. What makes this deep dive particularly interesting is that Barbara and Abigail decide to analyze not the first chapter, but the introduction—something Barbara explains is crucial for a nonfiction book and book proposal that hooks a literary agent (and target readers). 

They use the 7 Key First Chapter Questions that set up big picture expectations to analyze the introduction. Then, instead of the traditional scene analysis breakdown Abigail uses to analyze the first chapters of fiction books, Barbara teaches what is needed in a nonfiction introduction—and together, they analyze how ATOMIC HABITS exemplifies this. 

ATOMIC HABITS by James Clear (pulled from Amazon)

The number one New York Times best seller. Over one million copies sold!

Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving - every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you'll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.

Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Along the way, listeners will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.

Learn how to:

Atomic Habits will reshape the way you think about progress and success, and give you the tools and strategies you need to transform your habits - whether you are a team looking to win a championship, an organization hoping to redefine an industry, or simply an individual who wishes to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, or achieve any other goal.

Buy ATOMIC HABITS>>

Sign Up for Barbara's Upcoming Memoir Retreat: Mainley Memoir

Find Abigail and Barbara :

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.barbarajboyd.com/

IG: @abigailkperry | @babsinrome

Twitter: @abigailkperry 

A special episode that shares a part of Abigail and Savannah's latest Book Notes conversation! 

In this episode, Abigail and book coach companion Savannah Gilbo share a piece of their latest Book Notes Book Club meeting. Abigail and Savannah started Book Notes, their virtual book club, to teach fiction writers how to read like a writer by (a) reading and analyzing a bestselling book and (b) engaging in a craft-based discussion that spotlights specific elements in fiction that likely made it a popular read. 

Here, Abigail and Savannah discuss the first chapter of what they argue is V.E. Schwab's novel masterpiece, THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE. Although their full Book Notes discussion covers the entirety of the book—Abigail and Savannah do not think it would be fair to book club attendees if they shared the whole discussion—this episode features the part of that discussion that is their first chapter analysis.

Listen to hear what Abigail and Savannah thought about the first chapter's scene structure and how important details set up expectations for the big picture. If you want to learn how to read like a writer (and simultaneously improve your writing craft), you'll enjoy this episode! 

P.S. If you'd like to learn more about Book Notes, and/or join their next book club meeting, you can do so here.

The next Book Notes meeting is on: 

Other Resources to Check Out:

Follow Abigail and Savannah: 

www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com 

@abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo 

And don't miss Savannah's amazing podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY 

Abigail sits down with Howard Yoon, a literary agent and principal of the Ross Yoon Agency. Howard specializes in narrative nonfiction, history, memoir, science, current events, politics, and popular culture.

In this conversation, Howard shares his wealth of expertise in publishing as a nonfiction literary agent and what makes a great nonfiction book. He enlightens Abigail about various topics from important business insights on news like the Penguin Random House trial to craft-focused conversations like what determines an idea that works better as a podcast or blog vs. a nonfiction book. 

And that’s only the beginning. Listen to this episode to hear everything Howard teaches and discusses, with some big topics like: 

Does Howard sound like the dream literary agent for you? Don't be afraid to query him! 

Howard Yoon on Jane Friedman's Roundtable: DOJ-PRH Antitrust Trial

*826 nonprofit mentioned >> Donate here to support children with writing, tutoring, and publishing 

Some of Howard's Clients and Books:

Elizabeth Taylor by Kate Andersen Brower

Follow Abigail and Howard:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.rossyoon.com/howard-yoon

IG: @abigailkperry | Ross Yoon Agency (@rossyoon_)

Twitter: @abigailkperry | Ross Yoon Agency (@RossYoon)