Ep 79: Querying Literary Agents with Lauren Kay

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Lauren Kay's young adult debut novel, We Ship It, was a dream come true, but it wasn't easy to get there. Now, she helps other writers achieve the same joy, minus the roadblocks. Having secured eight agent offers in a month,  she works with authors dreaming about a traditional publishing deal to help them write irresistible query letters.INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTSThe 7-year path to her first novel, for which she received a 6-figure advance (best quote: "Lightning speed in this industry is 7 years.")The importance of transparency in the book industry when it comes to timelines, sales figures, and overall expectationsThe idea of an author “deserving” their lead author status (I hadn't heard this before, and loved the discussion around it!)How changing our expectations as authors can lead to far better results The “before” and “after” of publishingTop mistakes to avoid when writing query letters + how to navigate the world of querying without becoming (too) disappointed CONNECT WITH LAUREN:Query letter masterclass: https://www.laurenkaywrites.com/insiders-guide-to-publishingLauren's YA Rom-Com Debut: We Ship It  Instagram: @laurenkaywritesWebsite: www.laurenkaywrites.comTikTok: @laurenkaywritesRESOURCES MENTIONED:Writing Down the Bones by Natalie GoldbergBird by Bird by Anne LamottThe Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall Story Genius by Lisa CronWHAT LAUREN'S READING NOW:Splinters by Leslie Jamison Grief is for People by Sloane Crosley🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINTGet back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.*episode sponsor WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMPYou've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebookSupport the show******Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Let's Connect! InstagramWebsite Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] comThe podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth