Summary

In this episode of Bad Lit Friends, we discuss arguably the most challenging part of your query package, the synopses.

We share personal updates on our writing progress, delve into the structure of a synopsis, and explore common pitfalls.

In our "hot gos" segment, we talk more about the Anthropic settlement, the future of publishing, and the impact of fan fiction on the traditional publishing market.

Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.

Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.

Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com

Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social

Threads: @badlitfriends

Instagram: @badlitfriends

Show notes:

Writing a Great Synopsis by Nicola Morgan: https://nicolamorgan.com/my-books/write-a-great-synopsis/

Rylan is off having East Coast adventures, so it’s just Meagan and Kirk left unsupervised like gossipy Kevin McCallisters.

Whether you’re staring down your first query or have already sent out fifty, this episode is packed with hard-learned experience, do’s and don’ts, and the structure of your query letter. We break down the must-haves, and Kirk shares his actual hook that landed an agent.

We also commiserate about rejection, resilience, and what makes this whole process just a little bit less demoralizing, rounded out with thoughts on voice, structure, personalizations, and why publishing is basically just a never-ending series of gates to worm your way through.

And of course, more hot goss as we dive into the recent $1.5 billion Anthropic lawsuit settlement, the ethics of AI and piracy in publishing, and their impact on real writers. And as always, Megan and Kirk have plenty of feels about capitalism, copyright law, and the future of the book world.

Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.

Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.

Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com

Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social

Threads: @badlitfriends

Instagram: @badlitfriends

Show notes:

The query letter that got Kirk an agent:

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4527162724777475067/3648320377209075956

The five questions your query letter should answer:

• Who is the main character?

• What do they want?

• What’s standing in the way?

• What are they willing to do to get it?

• What happens if they fail?

We didn't discuss on the show, but Lauren Kay has a fantastic query letter guide here:

https://www.laurenkaywrites.com/blog/how-to-write-a-query-letter

With Kirk away on vacation, Meagan is joined by producer (and guest co-host) Rylan for a deep dive into the writing contest industrial complex.

Are contests a legitimate path to publication, or just an expensive detour filled with dashed hopes and black-box judging? Together they compare notes on entering contests, from quarter-finalist laurels to anthology publications, and debate whether the deadlines, feedback, and visibility are worth the fees, or if it’s all just a money pit.

Also: the joys and pains of adapting screenplays into novels, the tea-fueled glamour of Australian book launches, and this week’s Hot Goss: when a querying author’s Twitter misstep spirals into internet drama and unlikely allies.

Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.

Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. This episode is guest co-hosted by Rylan Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.

Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com

Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends

Show notes:

What Makes a Great First Page of a Novel: https://gutsygreatnovelist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/What-Makes-a-Great-First-Page-of-a-Novel-.pdf

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  Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize guidelines: https://www.thegutsygreatnovelist.com/page-one-prize

  
  

  Mind’s Shine Bright Confidence II Anthology: https://www.mindsshinebright.com