When Characters Collide with Conflict

In this week’s episode of Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique two very different query letters—and what makes (or breaks) them on the page. First, they workshop an upmarket literary novel about an accountant heading to the brutal Mongol Derby, questioning stakes, starting point, and whether the pitch is selling the story or simply summarizing it. Then, they pivot to a 1970s dual-POV sports romance about a trailblazing female ultrarunner, breaking down strong comps, a compelling premise, and why opening pages need disruption, emotion, and seduction—not just context. Two queries, two first pages, and a masterclass in what agents are really looking for.

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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