Lit Match Abigail K. Perry
-
- Kunst
A podcast made to help writers find the best literary agent for their writing and business career.
-
First Chapters: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)
The first analysis in what will be a 3-part episode series!
Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the YA dystopian phenomenon, THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins. This is one of Abigail's and Savannah's favorite series....ever...and their passion for this story shines in their discussion about what (1) sets up big picture expectations for the main plot, and (2) what makes the opening pages a great first chapter.
Tune in now to hear Abigail and Savannah's analysis, and don't forget to share your thoughts a you listen! Some key elements they take deep dives on include:
7 key questions to ask about the opening pages (The Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier)
Characters we love (and why)
When an opening of a daily routine works
Scenes versus beats and how Savannah and Abigail view the difference
How to raise the personal and public stakes (in this first book and in a series)
Plus, more!
Come study this juggernaut of a novel with Savannah and Abigail and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers.
P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories with Savannah and Abigailt? Learn more about their virtual book club, Book Notes. Sign up for their next meeting or purchase a recording of a past meeting >>
Follow Abigail and Savannah:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com
Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY!
Resources mentioned in this episode:• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins• The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier -
Jen Craven ON: Her Shift from Self-Publishing to Traditional Publishing
Abigail sits down with domestic suspense author, Jen Craven—her first *returning!* guest. In Jen's previous episode, Abigail and Jen discussed her writing career as a self-published author. In this episode, Jen talks about her latest books and what it's been like to shift from self-publishing to traditional publishing. Some of the big discussion topics Abigail and Jen explore include:
Why Jen decided to switch from self-publishing to traditional publishing
What she likes about traditional publishing and what she needed to let go of
What it's like to work with multiple editors at Bookouture
How to structure a domestic thriller with high conscience-based stakes vs. life or death stales
How to pitch to a publisher vs. write the back cover copy for Amazon
How to come up with a great hook for your story (and test it)
What to consider when choosing a title for a commercial vs. literary book
Plus, more!
Regardless of whether or not you want to self-publish or traditionally publish your manuscript, Jen's insights can help you weigh this decision. What key takeaways did you get from this episode?
Read Jen's Books >>
Find Abigail and Jen:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.jencraven.com/
IG: @abigailkperry | @jencravenauthor
Twitter: @abigailkperry | @jencravenauthor -
First Chapters: Remarkably Bright Creatures (with Savannah Gilbo)
Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling and award-winning novel REMARKABLY BRIGHt CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt. This was one of Abigail's favorite reads in 2023, and there are great reasons it received (and continues to receive) such hype!
Together, Abigail and Savannah discuss why these opening pages hook readers and set up big picture expectations for the story. Some key elements they take deep dives on include:
7 Key questions to analyze that set up big picture expectations
Voice and "attitude" in POV and narratives
Character development and relationships
Small details that work as great set ups for big pay offs
Plus, more!
Come study this popular book club fiction novel with Savannah and Abigail and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers.
P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories and the writing craft? Learn more about Savannah and Abigail's virtual book club, Book Notes. Sign up for their next meeting or purchase a recording of a past meeting >>
Follow Abigail and Savannah:
www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com
@abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY!
Resources mentioned in this episode:• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt• The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier -
Kate McKean ON: Demystifying Book Publishing Contracts
Take out your notepads!
Abigail sits down with literary agent Kate McKean for a very special conversation about book publishing contracts. This is a topic that intimidated Abigail early in her career—as it does many writers who are interested in traditional publishing. It's also extremely important for writers to understand what makes a good deal, and who better to learn from than an expert agent with over 17 years experience.
Kate has worked as a literary agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency since 2006, where she's built a diverse client list from New York Times best selling internet sensations like I Can Has Cheezburger to beloved humorist and short story writer Daniel M. Lavery to New York Times best selling YA horror writer Madeleine Roux.
Kate is also an adjunct professor at New York University in the School of Professional Studies and a writer herself (rep. by Michael Bourret of Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret).
Her ability to talk about complicated topics like publishing contracts in layman's terms is a testament to her teaching abilities and strong communication skills. Some of the key topics in this discussion include:
Contract misconceptions and what to really expect
What makes a good deal and what are red flags in contracts
Money, rights, and what happens if something goes wrong
Payout structures (how writers get paid)
General thought process about negotiations
Why you should always ask for more
Plus, more!
Does Kate sound like the ideal literary agent for you? Send her your query!
Kate's Full MSWL: Review it here
Learn more about HML: Visit their website
Read Kate's article on Catapult: "Book Contracts: Let's Talk Rights"
Sign up for Kate's informative email list! >> Enroll here
Follow Abigail and Kate:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.katemckean.com/
IG: @abigailkperry | @kate_mckean
X: @abigailkperry | @kate_mckean -
First Chapters: Fourth Wing (with Savannah Gilbo)
Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo!
Today, Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling fantasy novel FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros. Together, they discuss why these opening pages hook readers and set up big picture expectations for the story. Some key elements they take deep dives on include:
How to raise the stakes (and why they're so important)
Structuring multiple scenes in a single chapter
Romantasy as a genre and New Adult as a category
Character development and relationships
Plus, more!
Come study this popular fantasy novel with Savannah and Abigail and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers.
P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories and the writing craft? Learn more about Savannah and Abigail's virtual book club, Book Notes. Sign up for their next meeting or purchase a recording of a past meeting >>
Follow Abigail and Savannah:
www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com
@abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
Resources mentioned in this episode: • Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros • The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier -
Megan Tady ON: Resiliency and How She Turned Rejections into a Published Debut
Abigail sits down with Megan Tady (Super Bloom, May 2023) to discuss her debut and path to publishing. Humble and resilient, Megan shares her experience and knowledge about a wide range of writing tips from the importance of accountability partners and writing strategies to game-changing mindset tips and what to expect as a published author. Some of Abigail's favorite takeaways include:
How Megan became a story of resiliency
Ways to turn fear and a scarcity mindset into confidence
Why querying is a humbling experience and how to crack a query letter
The publishing gauntlet and what to expect after you publish
Zibby Books and their creative and supportive approach to publishing
Super Boom! (And Megan's next book)
More!
What are your favorite takeaways from Megan's interview?
P.S. Buy SUPER BLOOM here >>
Follow Abigail and Megan:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.megantady.com/
IG: @abigailkperry | @megtady