Reviews
Bianca, Carly and CeCe provide weekly engaging content and great tips for aspiring writers. Carly & CeCe’s query critiques are so interesting, and Bianca is a master interviewer, always asking smart, thoughtful questions of the authors who come on the show. Can’t recommend the podcast highly...Read full review »
One Street Over via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/09/24
I wasn’t sure how I would like a “writing” podcast. Most of my info about publishing comes from articles, webinars, etc. But after one episode of this, I can’t get enough! It’s so helpful. I wish they would cover more memoir/CNF but otherwise, a great listen for writers!
A in Spain via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/02/24
I began listening to the podcast for the query letter reviews, which I find extremely valuable in my own querying journey, but I quickly realized the importance of the author interviews in improving my understanding of the publishing world overall. The entire podcast is a magnificent help in...Read full review »
Writeheidiwrite via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/31/24
There are podcasts better than this about writing out there. Too many ads. They think they are right about everything. So, it’s good enough…but not going to inspire your book. A book that WILL inspire your book is Refuse to Be Done by idk who but it’s really good. Helped me a lot. This podcast is...Read full review »
123454567ű9io0oHow’dIDoThat? via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/30/24
Hi! I really appreciate the time, energy, and passion you put into your show. Small feedback: I’d love it if you put the author interviews at the beginning of your episodes. Most of the time I don’t want to hear reviews of authors new material, some of it is low quality writing and hard to...Read full review »
Laurel Mmmm via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/23/24
I listened to every episode of his podcast, and the three hosts provide invaluable insight into writing a query letter. Although, at times, the two agents on the show, Carly Watters and Cece Lyra, can be contradictory in their advice from episode to episode. Today, they may say x is OK, and in...Read full review »
Sunshine Scribe via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/22/24
The only podcast I listen to religiously. I’ve learned so much about both writing and the business of publishing.
Mar-C in VA via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/09/24
This is one of my favourite podcasts and I highly recommend it!! Bianca, Carly and CeCe do a fantastic job of providing relevant, useful and easy to integrate feedback on querying, refining your writing and the journey from author to publication. I look forward to the episodes every week and have...Read full review »
Jen Karp via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 02/25/24
I can’t remember how or when I stumbled upon this absolute gem of a podcast, but I do know I was hooked immediately after one episode. Bianca, Carly and CeCe have changed my life and help me grow into the writer I have always dreamed of becoming. I can’t thank them enough for their service to...Read full review »
DallasLlama via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 02/25/24
So much good advice from qualified, knowledgeable people!
Sarah Bereza via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/25/24
If I could only listen to one podcast, it would be this one. Thank you for the unbelievable wealth of knowledge and generosity of spirit.
Susana Molinolo via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 02/11/24
Carly, Cece and Bianca were on tip-top form in this episode (season 19 ep 2) which I’ve rewound several times. I’d sum it up like this (btw they were so much nicer!): Don’t suppress what your story wants to be because you’re afraid of genre pigeon-holing. Listen to what your story is telling...Read full review »
So proud !! via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 01/26/24
If you want to understand what a query letter needs to do, this podcast will teach you!
Momunculus via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/19/24
This pod gives lessons through examples, which is perfect for me. It is uplifting and inspiring for new writers. Recommend for new and experienced writers!
orangehorizons28 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/18/24
I can’t say enough about this podcast. I’ve gotten so much great advice from it. But the best take away is… It just takes one yes. Smart ladies, giving real advice and not blowing smoke. Thank you.
Chloe derrico via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/12/24
This has been a great way to become acquainted with the publishing world. The motto that “It only takes one yes” is a heartening way to approach a process that is guaranteed to be full of rejection. The books with hooks sections are a great way to see what works and doesn’t work with query...Read full review »
Fostering English via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/02/24
I’ve learned SO MUCH from this podcast. Every episode is full of great tips and interesting interviews that have helped me understand the writing process better. Hearing an agent’s POV is incredibly insightful. I’m inspired to get that one yes!
MrsDee via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 12/23/23
Sort of like stumbling into a masterclass for writers who already have that MFA, that agent, that first few rejection letters. While listening to a few podcasts I lost all hope of becoming a writer. They make the whole process sound so difficult! Who knew that a simple query letter could be so...Read full review »
Seeking a New Direction via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/22/23
If you are a querying author, this podcast is a MUST! So drop what you’re doing and listen to these amazing women and their guests break down the literary world! 🙏🏻 I promise it will be worth your time!
KerrieFaye via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/18/23
Thanks for a great podcast with so much great advice & interviews . I wondered if any of the agents do want to read the whole manuscript after reviewing the query letter and pages ? So far I’ve not heard any of them want to read more or offer representation, it’d be good to know if a letter...Read full review »
Sarah Lovell Art via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 10/24/23
I’ve been listening to this great podcast for about a month now, starting from the beginning and working my way through the 200 episodes and I just have to say that I LOVE it! I’m soon to publish my first trad novel and had previously self-published, so not “new” to writing or publishing, but I...Read full review »
jefflrich via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/21/23
I absolutely love this podcast. I took creative writing course throughout my academic career. I found myself sitting down quite often having ideas for novels and short stories in my head, but not putting them on paper. This podcast has given me the courage to pursue writing. Ironically my parents...Read full review »
diamond124 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/13/23
Wow, this podcast is amazing. I learn something new from each episode and hope to submit my own query for critique in due course. My only complaint is the sometimes muffled sound quality of guests. Keep up the great work.
iluvcarrotts via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/12/23
I’m glad the TSNOTYAW team went back to the regular books with hooks segment. The interweaving of query critiques and author interviews felt choppy and not as helpful. I think CeCe is the most skilled interviewer on the team, and kind of wish Bianca let authors do more talking when she leads the...Read full review »
Eddwords via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/12/23
This is my favorite podcast dealing with the craft of writing. I learn something new every episode. Seeing how they break down opening pages and offer advice is an invaluable insight into how an agent may look at your work. The guests they get are amazing! Go back and listen to the episode with...Read full review »
Nicolecbf via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/28/23
This has been a massive help in my writing journey. Love the humour, advice, and kindness for new writers.
BenjaminW0001 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 09/21/23
All the best advice and concrete examples from writing experts and professional guests who make the listener feel they’re part of a fun and intimate writing group conversation. After every episode, I rush to my computer to do chapter edits or tweak my query letter based on the suggestions I...Read full review »
JWS1920 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 09/13/23
I have to say I really miss the Books With Hooks segment that used to start every podcast. Still love all of you and think you’re amazing. The episodes are just missing a certain “oomph” for me now and sometimes I miss the transitions to critiques- it all seems to blend together. You ladies...Read full review »
Alifreebird via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/11/23
This podcast has been with me on my journey to write my first novel. I’d be lost without Carly, Bianca and Cece’s generous, gracious and expert advice! If you are an aspiring author wanting to learn how to work towards publication, do yourself a favour and listen!
C_A_Chong via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 09/06/23
This podcast is truly a roadmap for aspiring authors on their path to publication! I love listening to the generous and helpful advice of Bianca, CeCe, and Carly but agree with others I find the new format jarring. I much prefer Books with Hooks with agents and guest agents (and occasionally...Read full review »
Lysslw80 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/17/23
I only learned about this podcast in June of 2023, two months later and it has totally changed how I write. Between the Pod, the courses CeCe, Carly and Bianca teach, their endless knowledge on the craft and business of writing, and their uplifting passion for the written word… I feel as though...Read full review »
MC-Lit75 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/16/23
I had to stop listening because the book was being spoiled and resume after I read the book. Ann was amazing, as always, but the host was hellbent on spoiling the book.
Amy45227 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/10/23
I loved this show and the hosts and am grateful for all I’ve learned from older episodes. But I can’t finish newer episodes because the new format of the show feels like whiplash going back and forth from queries to author interviews. I’ll probably take a break from the Pod and come back later....Read full review »
Mcbdale via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/09/23
I love all the advice that the hosts give and have enjoyed the author interviews as well. However, integrating the author interviews into the critiques have made it awkward and ruined the flow of the podcast for me.
trini a b via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/30/23
I have loved this podcast for so long but this new format is not working. Please, please, please consider another change (or return to the old one). All the respect to the authors, we all hope to be them one day, but they should not be involved in critiquing the queries. If the hope is to...Read full review »
R4nd0m N1ckn4m35 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/25/23
I mostly love this podcast. I love the Books With Hooks segment and really anything with Carly and CeCe— I really appreciate their perspective on the industry and their genuine support for writers. The guests are incredible and knowledgeable. I have loved the guest interviewers and the newer...Read full review »
ceejayoga via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/19/23
The information you share with writers is so useful. The service you offer can’t be found anywhere else!! Books with Hooks and the shows on Comps is invaluable!! Thank you for all the work you put into making this podcast.
Muggle5972 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/19/23
As an aspiring author, I find this to be so informative. As a lover of podcasts, it’s just a good podcast that leaves you feeling smarter than before you lifted. An added Bonus is list meaning to all the great story’s.
caseyls_17 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/17/23
I love this podcast and think it’s so insightful and helpful. However, the new format is not working. Switching back and forth between the author and the query letters is confusing and makes it really hard to follow what they’re talking about. It does not flow well and is not cohesive. I really...Read full review »
rosie1990!!!!!!!!!!! via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/13/23
I’ve learned so much by listening to this podcast about writing, what is expected of writing, and how to improve. So grateful for the guidance provided!
Monarca* via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/19/23
I’ve loved this podcast for a long time, but the new format isn’t working for me at all. It’s jarring to jump back and forth between the query letter and the author’s book—it feels like head-hopping in a novel, which is exactly what the podcast hosts tell listeners not to do! Plus, it can be...Read full review »
podcastreviews1998 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/15/23
Without a doubt, one of the best resources I’ve ever been exposed to for writing! Amazing!
kattjg via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 06/12/23
There are some great podcasts on writing, but this is my favourite! This one has taught me more about writing AND the querying process than all the others combined. Whenever I’m talking to other writers I tell them they must listen to this podcast. So grateful to Bianca, Carly, and Cece for all...Read full review »
Stronghappyandhealthy via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 06/08/23
My new favourite podcast. Hearing form authors and agents talk about the creative process and the business of books is fascinating and inspiring. The query letters is a great learning tool and now I’m excited for books that don’t exist yet.
laureng652748 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 06/05/23
I was shocked to learn all the things I struggle with, all the fears, insecurities, doubts and frustration that everyone else (even professional published authors) are struggling with the same thing! I so appreciate all the honest conversation and the very helpful industry information in each...Read full review »
Farcy girl via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/04/23
I stumbled onto this podcast and boy am I glad I did!! This is absolutely one of the best writing podcasts I've found. The advice Bianca, Cecelia and Karly share mixed with the incredible interviews with authors and editors is FANTASTIC!! Love it!Read full review »
bookville via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/31/23
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