Debut author Alessandra Ranelli joins the show to share the wild, real-life story behind Murder at the Hotel Orient — from a disastrous week that sparked the idea, to turning a legendary Vienna love hotel into the setting for a spicy, modern whodunit. She breaks down her full journey: writing her first novel, querying highs and lows, the “aha” craft moment that changed everything, and how strategic pitching led to multiple agent offers. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the bold, author-driven marketing strategy that built buzz before the book even hit shelves.

In part two of this week’s episode, author Mikki Brammer, author Good Joy, Bad Joy, shares her unconventional path from journalist to bestselling novelist—and how a fear of death sparked her debut ‘The Collected Regrets of Clover.’ The interview dives into the reality of two-book deals (creative constraints, multiple editors, and market pressure), writing under deadlines, and why success doesn’t always mean less stress. Mikki also breaks down her craft choices—from slow, contemplative openings to immersive sensory descriptions—and how she builds deeply human, frustrating, and evolving characters.

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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In this episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe dive into the power of “fit” in publishing — from finding the right agent-author relationship to understanding how passion, advocacy, and instinct shape a literary career. They unpack professional development for agents, the importance of being in community with readers and industry peers, and why networking conversations often become the best education. The episode also tackles AI anxiety in publishing, including whether writers should include anti-AI disclaimers in query letters, plus a discussion on the growing legal battles surrounding AI and copyright infringement.

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.

As mentioned on today’s episode:

https://www.thebookseller.com/news/meta-and-mark-zuckerberg-sued-by-us-publishers-for-copyright-infringement-to-develop-its-ai?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20Briefinghttps://lareviewofbooks.org/article/middlemen-literary-agents-american-publishing-industry-laura-mcgrath/https://gothamghostwriters.com/ai-guidelines/?mc_cid=7c5298bcbe&mc_eid=92846a4ddc

https://ladywhistlethreads.substack.com

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On this week’s Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe talk about TWO standout queries hit the table this week—and the bar is high. One delivers a polished, compelling YA pitch with strong writing and commercial appeal, but raises a big question. The other hooks with voice and literary edge, but struggles with clarity—multiple storylines, shifting tones, and an unclear inciting incident leave agents searching for the core. On the page, both authors shine. We talk sneaky prologues, elevated voice in YA, and the balance between internal vs. external stakes. Plus: why “sparkle” matters in a crowded market, how query letters must signal tone as much as plot, and the difference between intriguing and confusing.

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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