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Live Pitching vs. Cold Querying: Insights from Author and Agent Amy Nielsen
Manage episode 472980654 series 3564884
Querying is hard. Sending email after email, waiting for months (or forever) for a response—it’s enough to make any writer scream. But what if you could skip the inbox slush pile and pitch your book directly to an agent?
That’s precisely what Amy Neilsen—author, literary agent, and freelance editor—joins me to talk about in this episode. Amy has been on both sides of the process, and she’s here to break down the differences between live pitching and cold querying so you can decide which approach is right for you.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Meet Amy Neilsen, A librarian-turned-literary agent
00:34 – Amy’s unexpected journey to publishing Worth It
06:52 – The highs and lows of getting published
10:17 – Why having a writing community matters
12:37 – Live pitching vs. cold querying—how do you choose?
21:24 – How to overcome pitch nerves (without spiraling)
22:03 – How to make your live pitch count (and what not to do)
23:20 – Why agent feedback is gold (even when it stings)
25:56 – Must-have comp resources for querying writers
28:02 – How to make real industry connections
37:14 – The power of a solid writing community
38:13 – Where to connect with Amy
To Connect with Amy:
website - www.amynielsenauthor.com
Manuscript Wish List - www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/amy-nielsen/
Query Manager - www.querytracker.net/agent/16163
Twitter/X - @AmyNielsen06
IG: @author_amy.nielsen
Other Links and Resources discussed on the show:
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast Website
How to Find Compelling Comp Titles for Your Book by Star Wuerdemann on the Jane Friedman blog
Thriller storyteller’s society
Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.
To become a supporter of the show, click here!
To get in touch with Stacy:
Email: [email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/
Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:
Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide
Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears
56 episodes
Manage episode 472980654 series 3564884
Querying is hard. Sending email after email, waiting for months (or forever) for a response—it’s enough to make any writer scream. But what if you could skip the inbox slush pile and pitch your book directly to an agent?
That’s precisely what Amy Neilsen—author, literary agent, and freelance editor—joins me to talk about in this episode. Amy has been on both sides of the process, and she’s here to break down the differences between live pitching and cold querying so you can decide which approach is right for you.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Meet Amy Neilsen, A librarian-turned-literary agent
00:34 – Amy’s unexpected journey to publishing Worth It
06:52 – The highs and lows of getting published
10:17 – Why having a writing community matters
12:37 – Live pitching vs. cold querying—how do you choose?
21:24 – How to overcome pitch nerves (without spiraling)
22:03 – How to make your live pitch count (and what not to do)
23:20 – Why agent feedback is gold (even when it stings)
25:56 – Must-have comp resources for querying writers
28:02 – How to make real industry connections
37:14 – The power of a solid writing community
38:13 – Where to connect with Amy
To Connect with Amy:
website - www.amynielsenauthor.com
Manuscript Wish List - www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/amy-nielsen/
Query Manager - www.querytracker.net/agent/16163
Twitter/X - @AmyNielsen06
IG: @author_amy.nielsen
Other Links and Resources discussed on the show:
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast Website
How to Find Compelling Comp Titles for Your Book by Star Wuerdemann on the Jane Friedman blog
Thriller storyteller’s society
Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.
To become a supporter of the show, click here!
To get in touch with Stacy:
Email: [email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/
Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:
Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide
Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears
56 episodes
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