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Learn more about Amy Nielsen

Having reviewed thousands queries in the past two years, literary agent Amy Nielsen shares exclusive writing tips specifically tailored for thriller writers on the traditional publishing route. 

This agent interview with Amy dives deep into query structure, comp titles, and how to craft a pitch that perfectly matches your opening pages. 

Whether you're writing thriller, mystery, suspense, or crime fiction, Amy's professional insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and significantly improve your chances of catching an agent's attention with your query. 

Learn how to write query letters that stand out from the slush pile with practical advice from one of the industry's most approachable literary agents.

• The exact structure of a winning query letter, including where to place metadata, how to craft a personal introduction, and how to keep your word count tight at 300-350 words
• Why comparative titles are crucial to query success, with a real-life example of how changing just one comp title led to representation and publication offers
• How to ensure your query pitch accurately reflects your opening pages (especially if you have a prologue), and why this alignment is essential for thriller writers working with agents

Bio:

Amy Nielsen spent nearly 20 years as a youth librarian. Daily immersion in story took root and she penned her YA debut WORTH IT behind her circulation desk. In addition to being an author, Amy is an editorial literary agent at The Purcell Agency. She is also a freelance editor and runs Mayflower Media where she helps authors make book trailers and other video marketing materials. 

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Learn more about Karyn Fischer

Jessica Berg Literary Agent Interview

Want to know what literary agents really think when they read your submission? 

In this interview, former literary agent and current book coach and writing expert Karyn Fischer shares insider knowledge on how to write a novel that stands out. 

Discover the top mistakes writers make, why 90% of submissions aren’t ready, and the essential writing tips you need to elevate your work.

Whether you're preparing to query or refining your first 10 pages, this episode will help you improve your craft and increase your chances of landing an agent.

• The top 10 writing mistakes that make agents reject manuscripts—and how to fix them
• How to hook a literary agent in the first 10 pages of your novel
• What stakes really mean in thriller writing and why they’re critical to success

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Learn more about Jessica Berg
Listen to Daria White Osah's Episode

Want to write a thriller that stands out in today’s crowded market? 

In this episode, literary agent Jessica Berg shares expert insights into what makes a manuscript irresistible to agents and publishers. 

We dive into essential thriller writing techniques, including...

• The power of a strong character voice
• The importance of genre mashups
• How to balance plot, tension, and stakes. 

If you’re looking for writing tips, querying advice, or an insider’s perspective on how to write a gripping thriller, this is a literary agent interview you won’t want to miss!

We cover...

• How a compelling character voice can make or break your manuscript – and why agents will forgive other flaws if your character shines.
• Why genre mashups are the future of thriller writing – and how blending suspense with horror, mystery, or humor can make your book more marketable.
• What agents really look for in a query and full manuscript – plus, the biggest mistakes authors make when pitching their books.

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Learn more about Daria White Osah
Listen to David McCloskey's Episode

Struggling to find time to write? In this episode, Daria White Osah (author and book coach) discusses a great strategy for busy writers—Time Pockets.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write more efficiently while juggling work, family, and life, this episode is packed with actionable writing tips to help you prioritize your craft.

Whether you’re deep into thriller writing or working on your first novel, Daria’s approach will help you stay consistent, avoid burnout, and finally finish that book.

Actionable Tips:
✔️ How to prioritize your writing like a business meeting and make it non-negotiable
✔️ The Time Pockets method—how to identify hidden opportunities in your schedule to write consistently
✔️ Strategies to overcome writing slumps and get back into your routine when life gets in the way

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Leslie Conner's Episode
Connect with David
Find David on Instagram

In this episode, we’re joined by David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and author of the thrillers The Seventh Floor, Moscow X, and Damascus Station. David brings a wealth of real-world experience into his fiction, and today, we’ll explore how his background as a CIA agent has shaped his writing. You’ll will learn how to blend real-world expertise with gripping fiction, we’ll also dive deep into character development, and master pacing and high-stakes in your opening chapter. If you’re looking to craft stories that feel authentic, compelling, and full of tension, this conversation is for you.

• How to use real-world experience to enhance your thriller writing.
• Writing an opening chapter that readers will love
• Pacing techniques that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

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Alex Kenna's Episode
Connect with Leslie

In this episode, thriller author Leslie Conner joins us to share expert tips on crafting suspenseful mysteries. She shares valuable resources and an insight into her writing practice that will help writers see how to develop a series!

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Download the One-Page Study of Alex Kenna's Writing
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Elle Grawl's Episode
Connect with Alex on Instagram

Join me for an in-depth author interview with Alex Kenna, the brilliant mind behind What Meets the Eye. This episode is packed with writing tips for aspiring thriller authors, including how to write gripping characters, avoid backstory pitfalls, and use word choice to reveal personality and mood. If you’re passionate about thriller writing, this conversation offers actionable advice you can implement immediately. Don’t miss these insights from an expert storyteller!

What You’ll Learn:

• How intentional word choice reveals character personality and mood.
• Why intriguing lines can replace heavy backstory to keep readers hooked
• The importance of setting up character goals early in your story.

Actionable Tip:
This week, experiment with introducing a new character using Alex’s techniques. Write one paragraph that:

1. Reflects their personality through word choice.
2. Hints at their backstory without giving too much away.
3. Clearly shows what they’re striving for.

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Learn more about Elle


In this episode, I talk with Elle Grawl, author of the psychological thrillers One of Those Faces and What Still Burns. Elle shares how she wrote her debut novel while balancing a demanding day job, how her writing process has evolved, and her best advice for writers navigating pacing and productivity challenges.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Elle finished her debut novel while working full-time.
• The importance of pacing in thrillers and mysteries and how to refine it.
• Tips for evolving your writing process as life and creative needs change.
• Why experimenting with different methods can reignite your creativity.

Actionable Tip:

Take a moment to evaluate your current writing process. Is it still working for you? Try incorporating one new technique this week—whether it’s experimenting with drafting out of order, bullet-pointing your next few chapters, or carving out time during your lunch break to write. See how it feels and adjust as needed. Flexibility is key to keeping your momentum!

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Previous episode with Aaron Philip Clark
Learn more about J.T. Ellison
Join J.T. Ellison's Substack

Bestselling thriller author, J.T. Ellison shares how she create the unforgettable twists and characters that define her work. 

Whether you're an aspiring writer or an experienced author, this episode is packed with actionable writing tips, insider insights, and inspiration from one of the best in the genre.

1. How to create plot twists that are surprising yet inevitable and avoid “cheat” endings.
2. J.T. Ellison’s process for juggling multiple points of view in thriller writing.
3. The importance of trusting your subconscious and revisiting earlier sections of your story for foreshadowing opportunities.

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