Plugging in Mental Modules

This week on Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe and Carly break down two query letters—and pull no punches. From missing plot lines to overstuffed author bios, they highlight the biggest mistakes writers make when pitching their work. They dig into why subplots don’t belong in queries, how vague “vibes” kill momentum, and why your protagonist must think on the page—not just act. Plus: the danger of performing for the reader, the myth of show don’t tell, and what agents actually need to say yes.

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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