The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Shooting the Shit About Winning Author Mindsets and Agent Submission Timelines
Nov 3, 2025
The hosts dive into the latest Q3 book sales, noting a decline in romance and thrillers. They unpack the mystery behind agent feedback, emphasizing its rarity and value. Discussions on when to submit manuscripts highlight strategic timing, while a debate on targeted versus broad submission lists prompts insight into author-editor dynamics. Rejection is normalized as part of the journey, with tips on perseverance. Plus, beware of AI scams that prey on authors looking for shortcuts!
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Q3 Print Sales Snapshot
- Q3 print-book sales fell about 1% year-over-year, driven mainly by adult market declines.
- Romance and thrillers were hardest hit while children's nonfiction showed growth.
Treat Agent Notes As A Gift
- Treat agent feedback as a gift and a positive signal about your manuscript's potential.
- Don't assume only junior agents give notes; agents rarely spend time on works they can't help.
Use Feedback To Build Rapport
- If an agent offers notes, expect them to be thoughtful rather than perfunctory; they want to build rapport.
- Use feedback to improve or keep the agent in mind for future projects, not as a guaranteed offer.
