Episodios

  • Episode 50: Jessica Faust, BookEnds Literary Agency President

    Episode 50: Jessica Faust, BookEnds Literary Agency President
    Jul 16 2025

    Jessica Faust, President of BookEnds Literary Agency, details her 26-year career as a literary agent, growing the company from a small boutique firm to a large agency representing fiction and nonfiction for adult and children's markets. Listen in as she shares insights on current publishing trends, including the resurgence of romance, the reimagining of the cozy mystery genre, and the challenges facing the middle grade and young adult markets.

    BookEnds Literary
    Website: https://bookendsliterary.com/
    Social: @bookends_literary

    Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you’re ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we’re here to help you.

    Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.com
    Membership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membership
    Writing Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.com

    Mary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children’s book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.

    Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesub
    Writing Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlit
    Irresistible Query Letters: https://amzn.to/3yg511K
    Writing Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRU
    How to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQ
    Writing Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0B
    NEW! Writing Irresistible First Pages: https://amzn.to/4gxgslq

    Follow us on social:
    YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstory
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodstory.bsky.social
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompany
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstoryco
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/goodstoryco
    Substack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/
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    55 m
  • Episode 49: Gloria Chao, Author & Screenwriter

    Episode 49: Gloria Chao, Author & Screenwriter
    Jun 18 2025
    Author Gloria Chao guides us through her unique journey from dentistry to writing! We also chat about her upcoming adult debut, The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club. Listen to our conversation for fun insights on puzzles, coming-of-age YA stories, and learning there’s no “right” way to write.Gloria ChaoWebsite: https://gloriachao.wordpress.com/Social: @gloriacchaoGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you’re ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we’re here to help you.Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.comMembership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membershipWriting Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.comMary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children’s book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesubWriting Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlitIrresistible Query Letters: https://amzn.to/3yg511KWriting Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRUHow to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQWriting Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0BNEW! Writing Irresistible First Pages: https://amzn.to/4gxgslqFollow us on social:YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstoryBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodstory.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompanyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstorycoFacebook: https://facebook.com/goodstorycoSubstack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/
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    59 m
  • Episode 48: Niña Mata, Author-Illustrator

    Episode 48: Niña Mata, Author-Illustrator
    May 14 2025
    Children’s author-illustrator Niña Mata joins the Thriving Writers Podcast to chat about her publishing journey—from illustrating educational materials, working with Olympian athletes, to finally writing her own stories! Listen to hear Niña share some tips on what illustrators gravitate towards in manuscripts and ways writers can make the collaborative process smoother. Plus, get her thoughts on the value of storytelling and what she hopes readers take away from her work.Niña MataWebsite: https://www.ninamata.com/Social: @ninamataartGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you’re ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we’re here to help you.Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.comMembership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membershipWriting Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.comMary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children’s book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesubWriting Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlitIrresistible Query Letters: https://amzn.to/3yg511KWriting Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRUHow to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQWriting Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0BNEW! Writing Irresistible First Pages: https://amzn.to/4gxgslqFollow us on social:YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstoryBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodstory.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompanyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstorycoFacebook: https://facebook.com/goodstorycoSubstack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/
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    51 m
  • Episode 47: Courtney Maum, Author & Writing Coach

    Episode 47: Courtney Maum, Author & Writing Coach
    Apr 16 2025
    Thrilled to be joined by author and publishing expert Courtney Maum! She gives us insight behind her terrific book, Before and After the Book Deal, and talks about the highs and lows of the publishing business. Tune in for her knowledgable tidbits about marketing, building an online platform, self-publishing, memoir, and more!Courtney MaumWebsite: https://www.courtneymaum.com/Substack: https://courtneymaum.substack.com/p/welcomeSocial: @cbmaumGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you’re ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we’re here to help you.Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.comMembership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membershipWriting Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.comMary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children’s book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesubWriting Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlitIrresistible Query Letters: https://amzn.to/3yg511KWriting Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRUHow to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQWriting Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0BNEW! Writing Irresistible First Pages: https://amzn.to/4gxgslqFollow us on social:YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstoryBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodstory.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompanyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstorycoFacebook: https://facebook.com/goodstorycoSubstack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/
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    53 m
  • Episode 46: Casey Moses, Cover Designer

    Episode 46: Casey Moses, Cover Designer
    Mar 12 2025
    What’s the secret behind designing a bestselling YA book cover? Are illustrated covers here to stay? Casey Moses, an Assistant Art Director at Penguin Random House, gives us some answers and provides insight into the role of a book cover designer. Listen to our in-depth conversation to learn about designing typography, special edition production, and the unusual methods for achieving perfect photoshoot conditions. Casey also shares her thoughts on international publishing markets and the importance of communication in creating covers that captivate readers and succeed in the market.Note: This episode was recorded in 2024, and we’ve since rebranded to the Thriving Writers Podcast. Stay tuned for new episodes soon!Casey MosesWebsite: https://www.caseymoses.com/Social: @_thebookcaseGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you’re ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we’re here to help you.Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.comMembership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membershipWriting Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.comMary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children’s book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesubWriting Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlitIrresistible Query Letters: https://amzn.to/3yg511KWriting Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRUHow to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQWriting Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0BNEW! Writing Irresistible First Pages: https://amzn.to/4gxgslqFollow us on social:YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstoryBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodstory.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompanyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstorycoFacebook: https://facebook.com/goodstorycoSubstack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/
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    54 m
  • Episode 45: John Matthew Fox, Writer & Founder of Bookfox

    Episode 45: John Matthew Fox, Writer & Founder of Bookfox
    Nov 13 2024

    Ready to navigate the publishing landscape and want some practical advice? Mary Kole is joined by writing expert John Matthew Fox to chat about his work helping authors and founding his company, Bookfox. Conversation topics include the different publishing paths available to writers, the benefits and drawbacks of traditional vs. self-publishing, the challenges of effectively marketing one's work, and going beyond commercial success.


    John Matthew Fox
    Website: https://thejohnfox.com/
    Social: @bookfox

    Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you’re ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we’re here to help you.

    Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.com
    Membership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membership
    Writing Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.com

    Mary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children’s book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.

    Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesub
    Writing Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlit
    Successful Query Letters: 40+ Real World Query Letters With Literary Agent Feedback: https://amzn.to/3WvZ600
    Writing Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRU
    How to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQ
    NEW! Writing Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0B

    Follow us on social:
    YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstory
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/goodstoryco
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompany
    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstoryco
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/goodstoryco
    Substack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/
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    57 m
  • Episode 44: Tracy Badua, MG & YA Author

    Episode 44: Tracy Badua, MG & YA Author
    Oct 16 2024
    Despite the challenges of balancing writing with a day job and parenting, middle grade and YA author Tracy Badua keeps churning out adventurous contemporary fantasy stories. Tracy’s books, all featuring Filipino-American characters, explore themes of cultural identity and family expectations, even drawing inspiration from Filipino superstitions she grew up with. Her stories provide joyful, diverse representation for young readers while also tackling complex emotional and cultural issues faced by her tween and teen protagonists. Check out her newest release, Thea and the Mischief Makers, available now!Read the transcript for this episode here: https://goodstorycompany.com/blog/tracy-baduaTracy BaduaWebsite: https://tracybadua.com/Social: @tracybaduawritesGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you’re ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we’re here to help you.Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.comMembership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membershipWriting Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.comMary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children’s book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesubWriting Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlitSuccessful Query Letters: 40+ Real World Query Letters With Literary Agent Feedback: https://amzn.to/3WvZ600Writing Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRUHow to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQNEW! Writing Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0BFollow us on social:YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstoryTwitter: https://twitter.com/goodstorycoInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompanyTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstorycoFacebook: https://facebook.com/goodstorycoSubstack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/
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    59 m
  • Episode 43: Farrah Penn, YA Author

    Episode 43: Farrah Penn, YA Author
    Sep 18 2024

    Young adult author Farrah Penn (Twelve Steps to Normal & Cancelled) details her publishing journey, from striking out on submission to her newest novel. Listen in to this conversation for thoughts on the young adult genre, using tropes, crafting stakes and curveballs for your characters, and how screenwriting may help when writing a novel.


    Farrah Penn
    Website: https://www.farrahpenn.com/
    Social: @farrahpenn

    Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you’re ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we’re here to help you.

    Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.com
    Membership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membership
    Writing Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.com

    Mary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children’s book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.

    Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesub
    Writing Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlit
    Successful Query Letters: 40+ Real World Query Letters With Literary Agent Feedback: https://amzn.to/3WvZ600
    Writing Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRU
    How to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQ
    NEW! Writing Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0B

    Follow us on social:
    YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstory
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/goodstoryco
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompany
    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstoryco
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/goodstoryco
    Substack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/
    Más Menos
    50 m