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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, along with authors and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, discuss the exhilarating and often complex phase that follows signing with a literary agent. They emphasize the importance of celebrating this achievement while remaining realistic and proactive in one's writing career. Key topics include dealing with mixed emotions, understanding the evolving dynamics of the publishing industry, communicating effectively with your agent, managing submission processes, and maintaining professional relationships. They also discuss the importance of continual writing and networking, even after securing representation. The episode is rich with practical advice and personal anecdotes aimed at guiding newly agented authors through this critical stage of their publishing journeys.

00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:41 Celebrating Your New Agent
01:10 Navigating Mixed Emotions
02:54 Realities of Having an Agent
07:27 Communication with Your Agent
10:09 Setting Expectations and Boundaries
16:29 The Role of Critique Groups
20:47 Going on Submission
22:41 Navigating the Submission Process
23:05 Handling Rejections and Moving Forward
23:38 Trusting Your Agent
24:14 Dealing with the Waiting Game
25:35 Questions and Revisions
27:37 Maintaining Professional Boundaries
28:24 What Not to Do After Getting an Agent
33:08 Tracking Submissions and Networking
38:29 Final Advice for New Authors
40:59 Conclusion and Audience Engagement

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In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Wendy Dale, an acclaimed author and memoir writing coach. Wendy discusses her journey into memoir writing, emphasizing the complexities and common pitfalls writers face. The conversation highlights crucial topics like the importance of structure, the challenges of balancing personal vulnerability with craft, and the necessity of creating an emotional experience for readers. Wendy also shares success stories from her clients and offers valuable advice for aspiring memoir writers.

00:00 Introduction to Wayward Writers
00:30 Guest Introduction: Wendy Dale
01:40 The Challenges of Writing Memoirs
03:55 Understanding Memoir Structure
08:28 The Importance of Structure and Prose
17:02 Memoir Engineering System
23:57 Identifying and Fixing Writing Issues
24:45 The Importance of Critique Partners
25:29 Common Writing Pitfalls
28:21 Success Stories of Memoir Writing
32:22 Balancing Vulnerability and Craft in Memoir Writing
33:23 The Role of Structure in Writing
40:41 Advice for Aspiring Memoir Writers
43:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find out more about Author Wendy Dale HERE!

Memoir Writing For Geniuses (FREE Workshop)

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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the key elements of author branding and platform building with special guests Nicole Meyer and Gretchen Schafer. Nicole and Gretchen, the brains behind 'Bookwork,' share their expertise in book coaching and branding strategies to help fiction writers stand out. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of author platforms, tips for crafting compelling pitches, and navigating the complexities of branding for introverted writers. The episode concludes with actionable advice for authors, emphasizing community-building and the importance of beginning with a focused, authentic platform.

00:00 Welcome to Wayward Writers

00:32 Meet Nicole Meyer and Gretchen Schafer

01:08 Nicole Meyer's Journey

01:37 Gretchen Schafer's Expertise

02:33 The Birth of Bookwork

06:24 Understanding Author Branding

09:53 Balancing Multiple Identities

20:58 Common Branding Mistakes

24:18 Refreshing Your Social Media Strategy

25:29 Customizing Your Platform for Your Audience

27:07 Effective Querying and Pitching Techniques

29:38 Distilling Your Book into a Compelling Pitch

33:18 Building a Community as an Introverted Writer

41:01 Taking Strategic Steps to Advance Your Writing Career

43:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell

The Book Works Team: Nicole & Gretchen