Welcome to the first installment of a four-part series on querying literary agents. In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of publishing with a Big Five publisher versus an independent press. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, traditionally publishing or submitting directly to publishers, this episode will help you clarify your publishing goals.

Plus: A roundup of the latest publishing news, including the growing backlash against tech giants using books to train AI.

Overthinking Couch Topics:

• The Big Five publishers: what they offer and what you give up.
• Independent presses: creative freedom and community.
• Why authors might choose commercial reach vs. a passionate niche.
• Important questions to ask yourself before querying.

• Ep 84: Query Letters vs Book Proposals - Writing Break
• Ep 68: Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing - Writing Break
• Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts
• Crown Publishing Group Launches Book Imprint Dedicated to Black Voices
• OpenAI copyright lawsuits from authors, New York Times consolidated in Manhattan
• French publishers and authors sue Meta over copyright works used in AI training
• ‘Meta has stolen books’: authors to protest in London against AI trained using ‘shadow library’ | Books | The Guardian
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.

It’s time for a heavy dose of writing wisdom, clipped and curated from recent episodes. Whether you’re plotting, editing, procrastinating or just looking for a creative nudge, this episode’s packed with the good stuff: smart takes, helpful reminders, and maybe a little tough love.

Missed a few episodes? I’ve got you covered.

Featuring:

✍️ First-draft and second-draft writing advice

✍️ Actionable writing tips from bestselling authors

✍️ The reality of traditional publishing

✍️ Plus more gems you might’ve forgotten (or ignored😉)

• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.

Is your story high-concept or low-concept? Understanding this difference can help you refine your pitch, strengthen your storytelling, and position your book effectively in the publishing industry.

🎙️ In this episode, we’ll cover:

✍️ what makes a story high-concept;

✏️ what defines a low-concept story;

✍️ how to tell which one you’re writing and why it matters; and

✏️ examples from books and films to illustrate both concepts.

As always, I’ll share the latest publishing industry news, including trends, controversies, and shifts that could impact authors.

• 7 Literary Conflicts Explained (Clip Show #11) - Writing Break
• New Jersey Star-Ledger will end print edition in 2025
• ‘Sign our own death warrant’: Australian writers angry after Melbourne publisher asks them to sign AI agreements | Australian books | The Guardian
• Demand for page-turning ‘romantasy’ fuels boom for books
• Waiting for the Paperback? Good Luck - WSJ
• Gains in the religion and adult fiction segments helped to offset softness in other areas, leading to a 6.5% sales increase at publishers who report to the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program.
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks:

“More Jam Please” by Raighes Factory

The publishing world is shifting fast, and as writers, we need to keep up. In this episode, I dive into some of the biggest changes happening in the industry right now, from how AI is reshaping publishing to restrictions that could impact book accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, understanding these changes will help you navigate publishing smarter.

I also share a piece of writing advice I give to authors that I’m now following myself as I write my first book-length work. 

• Eight Independent Publishers Form Cooperative to Share Resources, Cut Costs
• London Book Fair 2025 to Focus on AI, Developing Readers
• Kill Your Darlings - Writing Break
• Library Database Providers Clash Over Subscription Models
• New Bills in Iowa Threaten to Tighten Obscenity Provisions for Libraries
• Will the Diamond Bankruptcy Change the Comics Business Forever?
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.

We all dream of making it big with our writing, but what happens when that dream doesn’t unfold the way you expect? We’ll talk about how that dream didn’t quite come true for one author. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry and for the latest publishing news.

• The debate over blurbs in publishing, explained | Vox
• ‘It’s quite galling’: children’s authors frustrated by rise in celebrity-penned titles | Children and teenagers | The Guardian
• New Romance
• Cosy Kink
• The acquisition of Text Publishing by Penguin Random House is part of a worrying trend in Australian publishing
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks

In this episode, we bring you the latest publishing news along with a discussion on finding a balance between inspiration and hard work. I'll let you know where to access tax tips for authors and where to view sessions that took place during the Winter 2024 Book & Author Festival. I also tell you about a literary agent scam preying on authors. Plus, we discuss a significant legal victory protecting creative freedom and highlight resources for creators impacted by the Los Angeles fires.

In the second half, we explore the concept of the muse—what it means to create space for inspiration and how to balance it with the discipline of writing. Drawing from personal insights and Stephen King’s On Writing, we reflect on the dynamic between inspiration and perseverance in the creative process.

Tune in for updates, insights, and encouragement to help you see yourself as the writer you already are.

• Authors Guild Federal Court Victory: Arkansas Book Ban Declared Unconstitutional - The Authors Guild
• Emergency Aid for Creators Affected by the Los Angeles Fires - The Authors Guild
• Publishing Scam Alerts - The Authors Guild
• Tax Tips for Authors 2025 - Webinar Registration - Zoom
• PRH Winter 2024 Book & Author Festival
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.

In this episode, we take a look at writing advice from Chuck Palahniuk. Can his approach to storytelling help you craft more immersive scenes, or is it too restrictive for your taste?

• Nuts and Bolts: “Thought” Verbs | LitReactor
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.

Looking for the perfect gift for the writer in your life? Forget notebooks and pens—this episode reveals five priceless gifts that every writer needs. Best of all, they’re completely free! Whether you’re a writer yourself or supporting one, these gifts can make all the difference. Tune in for a fun and insightful holiday episode that celebrates writers and their craft.

• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks:

“More Jam Please” by Raighes Factory

Publishing slows down significantly at the end of each year. So, don’t fret if your query letters remain unanswered this month. Today, we’re exploring 9 practical, actionable writing tips approved by bestselling authors.

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to sharpen your writing craft. In this episode of Writing Break, we explore nine practical, actionable writing tips from bestselling authors. From crafting clearer sentences to developing compelling characters and keeping readers hooked, these timeless lessons will help you refine your writing and storytelling.

Get ready to take notes! Great writing starts with great habits, and these authors knew exactly how to make their words count.

• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks:

“More Jam Please” by Raighes Factory

Your first draft is done! Now what? In this episode of Writing Break, we break down eight essential steps for revising your manuscript, regardless of genre. Whether you're on your second or sixth draft, this guide will help you refine your work into a polished, compelling manuscript.

We also cover major publishing industry updates, including HarperCollins’ AI licensing deal and social media shifts in the publishing world. Plus, details on the Faber Action! Prize for children’s action-adventure books.

• Bluesky Hits 20 Million Users as People Flee Twitter
• HarperCollins AI Licensing Deal - The Authors Guild
• Faber launches Action! Prize | Journal, News | Faber
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks:

“More Jam Please” by Raighes Factory