The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Will Carly have a serious case of FOMO after this Monday’s Shooting the Shit episode?! In this special episode, CeCe was supposed to fly solo—but instead, she twisted the arms of her former colleagues turned besties, literary agents Eric Smith, Nour Sallam, Adria Goetz, and Claire Harris, to join her for a publishing industry catch-up. This fireside chat amongst besties, covers everything from printing delays and a new children's imprint to the resurgence of bookstores and the latest buzz from the Frankfurt Book Fair. AI…the agents go there. Diving into the increasingly complicated world of AI in publishing, discussing author protections, AI-generated submissions, and the controversy surrounding AI detection tools like Pangram. This episode is packed with loads of laughs, strong opinions, and publishing industry hot takes. Sorry, Carly. You definitely missed a good one!

As mentioned on this episode:

Sign up for Coaching Corner for access to the editorial library with agents' feedback — including feedback from Eric, Claire, Adria, and Nour!

https://learn-with-cece.thinkific.com/products/courses/cecescoachingcorner

The first publisher to issue AI guidelines to authors and illustrators: 

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/connect/contact-us/ai-policy-for-authors-and-illustrators/

Supply Chain Issues Threaten Book Sales:

https://lunch.publishersmarketplace.com/2026/10/as-supply-chain-problems-increase-some-books-miss-on-sale-dates/

What's Hot at the Frankfurt Book Fair: 

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/trade-shows-events/article/101287-frankfurt-book-fair-2026-what-s-hot-according-to-agents.html

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

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It’s Books with Hooks week on the podcast! This week, CeCe and Bianca are joined by acquiring editor Elizabeth Hitti Musicant from Dial Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House. As they critique two queries, they break down choosing strong comps, creating specific stakes, trimming an overstuffed query, and making sure your opening pages deliver on your pitch. Plus, they unpack romantasy vs. romantic fantasy, prologues, dual POVs, and what it takes to create romantic chemistry readers can root for.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

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Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

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It’s the first Monday of the month, which means Carly and CeCe are back for another Shooting the Shit! This week, Carly and CeCe unpack the latest from the People of Publishing Conference, from shifting reader habits and publishing trends to what’s happening behind the bestseller lists. CeCe shares what she learned about the return of historical fiction, the pressure on authors to promote their own books, why some books find success long after pub week, and the industry’s ongoing—and complicated—conversation around AI. Plus, Carly and CeCe talk about the power of long-term relationships in publishing and why sometimes it takes 20 years for the right agent-editor-book combination to come together.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Find us on our socials:

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Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

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October is starting with a BANG. And this episode delivers. In part one, Bianca sits down with award-winning author Imbolo Mbue, author of the New York Times bestseller Behold the Dreamers, winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and an Oprah’s Book Club selection. Her second novel, How Beautiful We Were, was named one of The New York Times’ ten best books of 2021. Now, Imbolo joins the podcast to discuss her new novel, Every Story Is a Love Story, and its powerful exploration of grief, guilt, forgiveness, and healing. She shares her unconventional path to publication—including years of writing, countless rejections, and finally landing her dream agent—plus the personal experience that inspired her latest novel. Imbolo discusses craft, from creating complex characters to weaving together timelines, plots, and subplots, and why structure is essential to her writing process.

Stay tuned for part 2! Patrick Ryan, author of Buckeye, joins Bianca to talk about the eight-year journey behind the novel and why he learned to separate the joy of writing from the pressure to publish. They dive into writing without rigid rules, balancing showing and telling, experimenting with structure, mastering the omniscient narrator, and why revision is where so much of the magic happens. Patrick also shares what writing short stories taught him about economy, pacing, and giving a novel room to breathe.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Find us on our socials:

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Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

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* Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
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In part one of this month’s bonus episode, Emily St. John Mandel joins Bianca Marais to talk about Exit Party, the interconnected Mandelverse, and her unconventional writing process. She shares why she writes without a plan, treats first drafts as raw material, and relies on meticulous revision to shape the story. They also dig into complex characters, POV, keeping exposition moving, working with editors, and Emily’s best tip for stronger prose: read your novel aloud.

In the second part of this month’s bonus episode, Bianca welcomes bestselling author Chloe Benjamin back to the podcast to discuss her ambitious new novel, Understory. Chloe shares how real-life science inspired the story, the five-year journey of writing her first draft, and how she balanced extensive research with creative discovery. She also dives into crafting complex timelines, maintaining tension across a sprawling novel, working with a new editor, and why even an ambiguous ending should always be an intentional choice.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Find us on our socials:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

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To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

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In this extra-special Books with Hooks, Olivia Haberman joins Bianca, Carly, and CeCe to workshop her upmarket novel Nobody Panic—and earns some seriously rare praise. They dig into what makes a query impossible to stop reading, writing omniscient POV without falling into head-hopping, creating tension through dramatic irony, and knowing when not to over-explain your choices. Plus, Olivia shares why intentionality matters at every stage of the writing process and offers candid advice for writers considering an MFA.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Find us on our socials:

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

Our Sponsors:
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* Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
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Carly and CeCe are back for another Shooting the Shit. This week they are talking about the unexpected work literary agents do behind the scenes—from tracking book availability and rights reversions to using sales data to advocate for authors. They also dig into Spotify opening AI-powered audiobook narration to all authors and what increasing automation could mean for writers, narrators, readers, and the human side of storytelling. Plus, Carly shares the book she can’t stop talking about, while CeCe reveals the manuscript that already has her plotting the perfect pitch.

As mentioned on the podcast:

https://authors.spotify.com/blog/creationtools?mc_cid=8d36cc232e&mc_eid=f61c809461

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Find us on our socials:

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

Our Sponsors:
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* Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
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Bestselling author Isabel Allende joins CeCe Lyra for an incredible interview that touches on storytelling, creativity, and the writing life. From the difference between writing and storytelling to the power of discipline, research, dreams, and solitude, Isabel shares the lessons she's learned over a lifetime of crafting unforgettable novels. They also discuss magical realism, overcoming self-doubt, trusting the creative process, and why every writer should protect their writing time as fiercely as their stories.

Stay tuned for part two! Bestselling author Jodi Picoult connects with fellow bestselling author Bianca Marais to share her approach to crafting unforgettable novels, from building stories around irresistible "what if" questions to conducting months of immersive research before writing a single page. She discusses plotting twist-filled narratives, creating compelling characters readers can't leave behind, weaving timelines with purpose, and why emotional tension matters more than explosive openings. Plus, Jodi reflects on revisiting beloved characters, trusting the writing process, and the surprises that emerge even after decades of storytelling.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Find us on our socials:

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

Our Sponsors:
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* Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com


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Carly and CeCe are back! This week they tackle what’s shifting in the book world—from immersive audiobooks becoming a “movie between your ears” to bookstores proving that reading and community are very much alive. They also discuss the decline of nonfiction, why readers may be turning to other ways to learn, and what it means for authors and publishing.

As mentioned on this episode:

https://defector.com/what-do-booksellers-make-of-the-end-of-reading?giftLink=73a5c6e0b00

https://dearheadofmine.substack.com/p/the-nonfiction-book-market-is-collapsing?r=h5j0&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Find us on our socials:

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com\

Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code RosettaStone.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com
* Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com


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This week's Books with Hooks welcomes special guest and acquiring editor Kirsiah Depp. Together with CeCe and Bianca, she critiques two fantasy queries, shares what makes a query stand out in today's crowded market, explains why blockbuster comps can hurt your pitch, and dives into opening pages that balance worldbuilding, atmosphere, plot, and emotional momentum. If you're querying fantasy—or any commercial fiction—you won't want to miss this one.

Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Find us on our socials:

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code RosettaStone.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com
* Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands