The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

In this festive episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe unwrap two juicy query critiques! First up: — a whodunit-meets-reality-TV mashup where The Bachelor collides with Death on the Nile. The trio dishes on comps overload, missing love stories, and why “cozy romance” needs more than vibes. Then, a chilling turn with a literary horror set in Alaska. CeCe and Carly dive deep into what makes tension work (hint: clarity, specificity, and stakes), plus a few laughs over maps, marriage, and misfires.

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

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Money. Advances. Royalties. Envy. Agenting. In this no-holds-barred part one episode, Carly and CeCe crack open the money conversations writers are told not to have—and answer your most anonymous, anxiety-inducing questions about the business of publishing. From six-figure deal myths and what “earning out” actually means, to whether writing can be a job, how agents think about money, and why publishing is basically institutionalized gambling, nothing is off-limits. Honest, data-driven, funny, and deeply validating—this is the episode that pulls the financial curtain all the way back. Stay tuned for part two…coming soon.

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:
* 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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On this week’s episode, Bianca chats with Belfast-born writer Gráinne O’Hare, author of the hilarious, tender, and irresistibly relatable debut novel ‘Thirst Trap’. They discuss the evolution of Thirst Trap—from messy drafts to its final form, capturing the chaos, grief, and wild nights of your 20s, writing nuanced female friendships, crafting authentic dialogue, balancing “quiet” storytelling with real emotional stakes and so much more! If you love coming-of-age stories with humor, heart, and a whole lot of hangovers, this episode is for you.

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/

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

Do agents talk about your queries behind the scenes? 👀

In this episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe kick things off with winter sadsies, Brazilian brigadeiros, and an advent-calendar scandal before diving into the real talk writers need. They break down whether agents share queries with each other, if comping an agent’s own clients helps or hurts your chances, and what it really means when your work appears on Books with Hooks. Plus: big publishing investment news, female-led powerhouses, money-episode teasers, and a candid conversation about what makes a “good” question—and why creative decisions are yours alone. Equal parts industry insight, tough love, and chaotic banter. 

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

In this week’s Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe dig into two thought-provoking queries — one about addiction and redemption, the other about love, power, and self-worth. They unpack why “quiet” stories can still grab attention, how to balance A and B plots in romance, and why tension and character depth are everything. Tune in for sharp agent insights, story surgery, and a few laugh-out-loud moments along the way.

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

In this week’s Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe dive into the chaos that is publishing in December—best-of-year lists, midlist “bestsellers,” AI anxiety, and the eternal question: Are books becoming luxury items?! They unpack fresh sales stats, why returns matter more than you think, real talk about authors’ AI fears, and the emotional rollercoaster of watching everyone post their “Best of 2025” wrap-ups. Plus: industry gossip, beauty-episode fantasies, and a viral Instagram carousel that EVERY writer needs to see.

New week, new tea. Press play.

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

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https://romanolax.substack.com/p/almost-a-bestseller?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

https://www.thebookseller.com/news/published-novelists-believe-ai-will-entirely-replace[…]ewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20Briefing

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
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In this episode, Carly welcomes her co-writing clients Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman — authors of ‘10,000 Light Years from OK’ — to talk about their heartfelt, writer-centric sophomore novel. If you love stories about love, hope, courage, and the wild coincidences that make us believe in something bigger… this one’s for you. ‘10,000 Light Years from OK’ is out now — grab your copy and tune in!

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 affiliatepage: 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

Carly and CeCe are back—one in snowy Canada, one in flower-crown Hawaii—and they’re diving into burnout, the business of books, and the spicy gossip that only happens at publishing conferences. The dynamic duo cover everything from agent burnout, the power of booksellers and more conference chaos. You don’t want to miss this week’s episode! Can you spot the Easter eggs Carly and CeCe drop?

Take a listen here or watch it on YouTube!

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

In this Books with Hooks episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe dig into two submissions—a YA fantasy query and a memoir/nonfiction hybrid. They unpack why centering a protagonist matters, how to sharpen specificity in quests, what makes prologues succeed (or fail), and why memoir queries need a clear narrative arc. Expect candid advice on worldbuilding, dialogue, experimental structures, and how to position your author bio so agents take notice.

EPISODE UPDATE:

Dear TSNOTYAWers,

We recently made the difficult decision to remove one of the submissions from this episode.

Writers who submit to our show do so voluntarily for a chance to have their work shared on our platforms under our popular critique format. When a writer submits to our podcast, they are not only giving us permission to share and critique their work—indeed, they are requesting that their work be shared and critiqued on our show. When a writer has their work selected, that writer is taking a spot that could have gone to another writer.

The writer of the work that was featured in this now-edited portion of Books with Hooks contacted us claiming that they had not given permission to share their work on our podcast. This claim was extremely confusing to us, since our records indicate that they did, in fact, submit to our podcast. This writer also stated that we had violated their copyright, an accusation which is patently untrue.

We are upset by the comments made by this writer, as well as the fact that they took a coveted spot that could have gone to someone else.

We work very hard to offer a free service to writers. We are grateful to those who share their work with our show, thus allowing for a communal educational experience. Running a podcast is a costly endeavor, and producing an episode is expensive. Editing an episode after it airs is also expensive as it involves additional production time both for the audio of the podcast and for the video on YouTube.

Although we were under no obligation to do so, we have decided to take down the part of the episode in which we shared and critiqued this specific writer’s work. This decision is solely done out of kindness and empathy.

We have asked the writer in question to refrain from submitting to our podcast again.

We are very sorry that this Books with Hooks now only features one submission instead of two as we really try to get to as many submissions as we possibly can to give you as much value as you deserve.

Sincerely,

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Team

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

In part one of November’s bonus episode, bestselling author Patricia Sands joins Bianca to share how she started writing at 65, indie-pubbed her way to being approached by Amazon’s Lake Union, and built a devoted readership along the way. They chat about writing for joy, setting publishing goals for yourself, the pros and cons of indie vs traditional publishing, and her new novel The French Effect — a heartwarming Paris-at-Christmas tale full of charm, tango, and second chances.

And don’t miss Emilie Sommer from East City Bookshop — she’s back with another brilliant comps segment!

Take a listen here or watch it on YouTube!

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