Querying is hard. Sending email after email, waiting for months (or forever) for a response—it’s enough to make any writer scream. But what if you could skip the inbox slush pile and pitch your book directly to an agent?

That’s precisely what Amy Neilsen—author, literary agent, and freelance editor—joins me to talk about in this episode. Amy has been on both sides of the process, and she’s here to break down the differences between live pitching and cold querying so you can decide which approach is right for you.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Meet Amy Neilsen, A librarian-turned-literary agent
00:34 – Amy’s unexpected journey to publishing Worth It
06:52 – The highs and lows of getting published
10:17 – Why having a writing community matters
12:37 – Live pitching vs. cold querying—how do you choose?
 21:24 – How to overcome pitch nerves (without spiraling)
 22:03 – How to make your live pitch count (and what not to do)
23:20 – Why agent feedback is gold (even when it stings)
25:56 – Must-have comp resources for querying writers
28:02 – How to make real industry connections
37:14 – The power of a solid writing community
38:13 – Where to connect with Amy

To Connect with Amy: 

website - www.amynielsenauthor.com

Manuscript Wish List  - www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/amy-nielsen/

Query Manager - www.querytracker.net/agent/16163

Twitter/X - @AmyNielsen06

IG: @author_amy.nielsen

Other Links and Resources discussed on the show:

Writing Day Workshops

Live Pitch Template

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast Website

How to Find Compelling Comp Titles for Your Book by Star Wuerdemann on the Jane Friedman blog

Thriller 101 Podcast

Thriller storyteller’s society 

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

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