Learn how to write a query letter for literary agents, including the correct structure, paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown, submission strategy, and proven techniques to increase your chances of getting representation.

Writing a query letter is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—steps in the traditional publishing process. It’s your first impression with a literary agent, and it determines whether your manuscript gets read or rejected.

In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Stephen Aryan, who secured representation with literary agent Juliet Mushens, to break down exactly how to write a query letter that stands out in a competitive submissions inbox.

This is a detailed, practical deconstruction of query letters, designed to give you a clear, repeatable framework.

We cover every stage of the query process, including:

• What a query letter is and how literary agents evaluate submissions
• The standard query letter structure (opening hook, synopsis paragraph, author bio, closing)
• A step-by-step walkthrough of how to write each paragraph
• Key query letter terminology and industry expectations
• How many agents to query before revising your approach
• Whether you should follow up with agents—and how to do it professionally
• How to get feedback on your query letter (including services like Stephen’s Write Advice)
• Real-world insights from Stephen Aryan’s successful query letter

This episode combines craft, strategy, and industry knowledge to give you a complete understanding of how querying works.

If you’re preparing to submit to literary agents and want to improve your chances of securing representation, this episode provides a clear, actionable guide to writing a query letter that gets results.

ABOUT STEPHEN ARYAN

https://stephen-aryan.com/

https://stephen-aryan.com/2014/07/31/how-i-found-an-agent-part-2/

https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2024/06/the-write-advice-4-common-mistakes-in-query-packages/

https://www.mushens-entertainment.com/blog/the-perfect-cover-letter

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What makes the fae such enduring figures in fantasy? How do you write in the present tense without it feeling awkward? And can a fantasy story work in a confined setting instead of a vast world?

In this episode, I’m joined by author Rym Kechacha to talk about her new novel The Apple and the Pearl. We dive into the strange allure of the fae in fantasy fiction, explore the craft of writing in the present tense, and discuss how powerful stories can unfold in smaller, more contained settings.

Rym shares insights into her writing process, including the idea of “vibe writing” — letting the tone and atmosphere of a story guide you as you discover the narrative. We also talk about taking inspiration from artwork and paintings, and how visual sources can shape characters, mood and worldbuilding.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Apple and the Pearl is its setting. Rather than a sprawling epic landscape, much of the story unfolds within the confined environment of a train. We discuss how limitations like this can actually strengthen tension, character development and narrative focus.

If you’re a fantasy writer or reader, this conversation offers a fascinating look at craft, inspiration and the creative decisions behind a unique fantasy novel.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How writing in the present tense can make a story feel immediate and active
• Why the fae remain one of the most compelling forces in fantasy fiction
• How to create characters readers genuinely care about
• The idea behind “vibe writing” and discovering your story as you write
• How artwork and paintings can inspire story ideas and atmosphere
• Why confined settings can create powerful fantasy stories

About The Apple and the Pearl

The Apple and the Pearl blends myth, atmosphere and character-driven storytelling, drawing on fae folklore and rich visual inspiration to create a unique fantasy experience.

Whether you’re interested in folklore-inspired fantasy, writing craft, or the creative process behind a novel, this episode offers plenty of insight.

Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations with fantasy authors, writing advice and behind-the-scenes discussions about storytelling.

Get it here > https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800526/the-apple-and-the-pearl-by-rym-kechacha/

About Rym Kechacha

Rym Kechacha is a fantasy author and teacher whose work blends folklore, art, and literary fantasy. She is the author of Dark River, To Catch a Moon, and the new novel The Apple and the Pearl. Her debut novel Dark River was shortlisted for the British Fantasy Awards for both Best Novel and Best Newcomer.

Website https://rymkechacha.squarespace.com

X / Twitter https://x.com/rymkechacha

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rymkechacha/

What does it really mean to treat your writing as a business?

In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author and entrepreneur Joanna Penn to explore how writers can build a sustainable writing business without losing their creative spark.

If you want to move from hobbyist to professional author, this conversation breaks down what a real author business looks like — from mindset shifts to practical systems.

We cover:

• What a writing business actually is (and why most authors get this wrong)
• How to balance writing as a business without burnout or overwhelm
• How to get inside your reader’s head and clearly define your target audience
• The essential steps to kickstart your author business today
• Direct book selling, special editions, and owning your customer relationship
• Book marketing methods that still work — email marketing, paid advertising, and author networking
• How to use AI in your writing business (marketing content, concept images, Amazon ads optimisation, book descriptions and more)
• How Joanna Penn uses AI herself to support her fiction and non-fiction author income
• Time management strategies for writers building a business while improving craft

If you’re serious about turning your writing into income, this episode will help you think strategically, act intentionally, and build long-term author resilience.

Because writing as a business isn’t about selling out — it’s about building freedom.

About Joanna Penn

Non-fiction for authors: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/books-for-authors/

Fiction (J.F. Penn): https://jfpennauthor.com/books/

The Creative Penn Podcast: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/

Socials: Website: https://www.thecreativepenn.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfpennauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCreativePenn X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecreativepenn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCreativePenn

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