What is a familiar query letter...

In this episode of Books with Hooks, literary agents Carly and CeCe return with insightful feedback on query letters, focusing on commercial women’s fiction and book club fiction. They celebrate Bianca’s exciting book launch and dive deep into the craft of storytelling—discussing character development, emotional resonance, and the vital role of originality in fiction. This episode also highlights the importance of clearly conveying conflict and stakes in query letters, offering practical tips for writers looking to capture an agent’s attention. Don’t miss this powerful reading from ‘Let Us Play.’ Harrison Brown opens up about his remarkable journey from competing as a female athlete to living authentically as a transgender man. Through his story, he sheds light on the emotional and physical complexities of transitioning, the hurdles trans athletes face in sports, and the ongoing evolution of inclusion policies. With honesty and courage, Harrison explores the vital role of advocacy, visibility, and compassion in creating a more equitable athletic world. Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and CeCe on this podcast are solely that of them as podcast co-hosts 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 submit a question for the show, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/submit-a-question.html To subscribe to our Substack newsletter, go to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/about Our Sponsors: * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands