63 episodes

A podcast made to help writers find the best literary agent for their writing and business career.

Lit Match Abigail K. Perry

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 50 Ratings

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)

    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

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Jen Craven ON: Her Shift from Self-Publishing to Traditional Publishing

    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

    • 1 hr 3 min
    First Chapters: Remarkably Bright Creatures (with Savannah Gilbo)

    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

    • 55 min
    Kate McKean ON: Demystifying Book Publishing Contracts

    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

    • 1 hr 17 min
    First Chapters: Fourth Wing (with Savannah Gilbo)

    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

    • 1 hr 11 min
    Megan Tady ON: Resiliency and How She Turned Rejections into a Published Debut

    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

    • 56 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
50 Ratings

50 Ratings

Tacoosh ,

Abigail Perry is an exceptional resource for writers!

Abby is a pro - talented, experienced and smart. She knows the book business and is the perfect partner or resource for writers building their career. The podcasts are well organized, and deal with important topics in practical ways. However you connect with Abby, you will be glad you did.
Highly, highly recommended!

Tanya Brooking ,

Love these in-depth agent interviews

What a great find this podcast is! Nobody deep dives with literary agents like Abigail does!

Fostering English ,

Check out the query letter episodes :)

A great writing resource! I especially loved the query letter episodes! They break down each section of an effective query letter and have practical, actionable advice. Working through the back catalogue of episodes now.

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