EPISODE 101: Mastering Submission Strategies with Harold Underdown

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer sit down with Harold Underdown, a seasoned editor and consultant, to discuss effective submission strategies for writers. Harold shares insights on common submission missteps, how to test editor and agent fit, and crafting the perfect query letter. He also delves into the impact of digital workflows and AI on the publishing industry, and offers useful revision tools for authors. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the balance between trade and educational markets for nonfiction works, and practical tips for finding comparable titles.EPISODE 101 DEEP DIVE: Where Heather Talks About Publishing Trends and Assessing Manuscripts For Submission00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers00:34 Guest Introduction: Harold Underdown02:11 Common Submission Missteps05:22 Testing Editor and Agent Fit07:43 Submission Checklist Essentials11:03 Handling Soft Passes and Rejections15:28 Using Industry Intel Smartly18:33 Big Changes in Publishing23:32 The Impact of AI on Publishing Staff25:09 Editorial Assistants and Efficiency26:14 Challenges for Authors with Orphaned Books28:00 Revision Tools for Authors31:45 Positioning Nonfiction for Multiple Markets34:40 The Role of Comparable Titles in Queries39:17 Submission Strategies Across Genres41:22 Lightning Round: Trends, Myths, and Resources45:57 Conclusion and FarewellThe Purple CrayonChildren’s Book Agents and Artist’s Representatives: a Guide This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com