Literary agent and author Kate McKean shares how to pitch like a human, read rejection letters usefully, and protect your joy so you can build a durable writing life. You'll learn: How to build a clear 1–2 line pitch others can repeat and sell. How to read rejection letters, spot strong notes, and decide when to revise. Query etiquette and timelines: when to follow up and how resubmissions work. Fixing weak nonfiction proposals with clearer scope, audience, and takeaway. Write for the reader: comp titles, positioning, and a useful synopsis. US vs UK agenting models and what that means for money and process. Why agents don’t steal ideas and why execution is what matters. Self-publishing realities: expectations, track records, and when it helps the book. Resources and Links: 📑 Interview Transcript Agents & Books Substack Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe Write Through It Howard Morhaim Literary Agency About Kate McKean Kate McKean is a literary agent at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency, author of Write Through It , and the writer of the Agents & Books newsletter; she represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction and fields hundreds of queries each month. For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com. For free writing sessions, join free Writers’ Hours: writershour.com. * FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS’ SALON Twitter: twitter.com/WritersSalon Instagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalon Facebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalon If you’re enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!
