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What if the tropes you love are actually holding your thriller back?

In this episode, Charlene Wang reveals how she transformed the beloved campus novel into a feminist revenge thriller by strategically subverting genre expectations.

And the results landed her a major book deal.

You'll discover the counterintuitive truth about "wasted" drafts (spoiler: nothing is ever wasted), learn how to weaponize social media as a character psychology tool rather than just a plot device, and understand why the most compelling morally gray characters make us root for their goals while questioning their methods.

If you're struggling to make your thriller feel fresh or your contemporary setting feel authentic, this conversation will fundamentally change how you approach revision and might just save you years of trial and error.

Learn more about Charlene

Bio:
Charlene Wang was born in Beijing and, after immigrating to the US when she was three, has lived in seven different cities from Los Angeles to Rockville to Biloxi. Graduating with a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law, she worked as a litigator for six years before quitting to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an author. She now lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her fiancé and their dog Winky.

Episodes I think you'll love...

1. Agent Carleen Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening Pages
2. Writing Your Opening Scene with Thomas Mullen
3. Writing Unique Openings to Grab Literary Agent Attention: Jason Powell Author

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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What if I told you that right now, while established agents are drowning in hundreds of submissions, there's a brand new literary agent who's actively building his client list and genuinely excited to discover your manuscript?

In this episode, Tommy Dean shares what makes him your ideal partner in this industry.

Tommy shares...

• the insider secrets that separate professional queries from amateur ones
• why newer agents might actually be your best bet for building a career-long partnership,
• some hard truths about what's instantly killing your chances in the query process.

If you're serious about traditional publishing, this conversation could be the game-changer that gets your work noticed.

Bio: Tommy Dean is an associate literary agent with Rosecliff Literary, the author of two flash fiction chapbooks, Special Like the People on TV (Redbird Chapbooks, 2014) and Covenants (ELJ Editions, 2021), and a full flash collection, Hollows (Alternating Current Press, 2022). He lives in Indiana, where he is currently the editor of Fractured Lit and Uncharted Magazine. A recipient of the 2019 Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction, his writing can be found in Best Microfiction 2019, 2020, 2023, and Best Small Fiction 2019 and 2022. His work has been published in Monkeybicycle, Laurel Review, Moon City Review, Pithead Chapel, Harpur Palate, and many other litmags. He has taught writing workshops for the Gotham Writers Workshop, The Writers Center, and The Writers Workshop. Find him at tommydeanwriter.com and on Twitter @TommyDeanWriter.

Episodes I think you'll love...

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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You’re going to love this exclusive conversation with Chantelle Aimée Osman, Senior Editor at Simon & Schuster's new imprint, Simon Maverick.

Chantelle reveals how the publishing industry is evolving to meet indie and hybrid authors where they are.

And why audio is becoming the new frontier that could transform your writing career.

Discover the submission strategies that actually work, learn why your biggest strength might be the one thing editors can't fix, and find out how to reframe rejection in a way that accelerates rather than derails your publishing journey.

Whether you're traditionally published, indie, or still figuring out your path, this conversation offers insider insights that could change everything about how you approach your writing career.

Past Episodes with Chantelle

What You'll Learn:

• Why audio publishing is the new gold rush opportunity
• The one manuscript element editors absolutely cannot fix
• How to reframe rejection as progress toward your goal

Click here to learn more about Chantelle Aimee Osman

Guest Bio: Chantelle Aimée Osman (she/her) is senior editor at Simon & Schuster's newest imprint, Simon Maverick. Prior to joining Simon & Schuster, Chantelle Aimée Osman was an acquiring editor at Amazon Publishing, where she worked with bestselling authors such as Robert Dugoni, Mark Sullivan, Suzanne Redfearn, Megan Chance, Victoria Helen Stone, and Simon Tolkien. Previously, she helped found Agora Books, an imprint of independent press Polis Books, focusing on crime fiction and horror with unique social and cultural voices—themes which still hold a special place in her heart. She's online at chantelleaimee.com

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Tamara Miller's debut thriller INTO THE FALL has launched her career with a two-book publishing contract.

But her path from government policy analyst to published author wasn't built on talent alone.

It was strategic business thinking that made the difference.

In this episode, Tamara Miller reveals the approach that got her agent's immediate attention and explains why treating your query like a business proposal changes everything.

She also shares some immersive writing techniques that keep readers turning pages.

Whether you're struggling with submissions or wondering how to make your manuscript stand out, this episode’s practical insights will shift how you think about the publishing game.

What You'll Learn:

• Why query letters must be business proposals first, pitches second
• The "equation" for writing immersive scenes that hook agents instantly
• How to research and position your book for commercial success

Click here to learn more about Tamara Miller

Guest Bio: Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tamara L. Miller earned her PhD in Canadian history before embarking on a career working for the federal government. Miller began as a doe-eyed policy analyst and eventually moved into an executive role with the Government of Canada. She later left public service, older and perhaps a little wiser, to become a writer. Tamara is past president of Ottawa Independent Writers and has written several articles published online by the likes of CBC and Ottawa Life Magazine. Into the Fall is her first novel.

Over the years, the author has called many Canadian cities home but now lives in Ottawa with her family and two long-suffering cats. She’s always been fascinated by the raw beauty of the wilder places in the world and escapes to them whenever possible.

Episodes I think you'll love...

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Literary agent Lori Galvin reveals exactly what makes a query letter irresistible.

She breaks down the specific elements that make agents request materials, and the common mistakes that lead to instant rejections.

Whether you're crafting your first query or your fiftieth, this episode delivers the agent perspective that every fiction writer needs to hear.

What You'll Learn:

• Why manuscript word count can kill your chances instantly
• The test some agents use to evaluate opening pages
• How to prove you're serious about writing in your bio

Click here to learn more about Lori Galvin

Guest Bio: Lori Galvin, has been with Aevitas Creative Management since 2015 and represents a wide variety of bestselling, award-winning, and critically acclaimed writers of both fiction and nonfiction including Wanda M. Morris, Nishita Parekh, and Kwame Onwuachi. Prior to her agenting career, she was an editor at America’s Test Kitchen as well as Houghton Mifflin. She has also worked as a restaurant cook and managed a bed-and-breakfast in coastal Maine. She lives in Massachusetts. Lori only accepts submissions through Query Manager: QueryManager.com/QueryLoriGalvin

Episodes I think you'll love...

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message!

Ever wondered why it feels nearly impossible to land a literary agent these days?

In this episode, I had a chat with Vicky Weber, a literary agent, bestselling children's author, and marketing strategist, who pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities facing today's publishing industry.

Vicky reveals why the bar for getting agented has skyrocketed, how agents are making just $20 on some deals, and why editors no longer do the developmental work they used to.

But more importantly, she shares a few of the strategies that helped one of her books profit over $18,000 and explains exactly what agents are really looking for when they say a manuscript "isn't the right fit."

If you're serious about getting published, this conversation will fundamentally change how you approach querying, revisions, and building relationships in the industry.

What You'll Learn:

• Why developmental editing now falls on authors, not editors
• The marketing plan framework that can ensure your book doesn’t flop
• How to signal coachability and professionalism in queries

Click here to learn more about Vicky

At Home Author Blog

Guest Bio: Vicky Weber is a literary agent, bestselling children’s book author, and publishing industry expert with years of experience helping authors navigate both traditional and self-publishing. As the founder of At Home Author, she has guided countless writers through the process of crafting, publishing, and marketing successful books. With a background in education, Vicky is passionate about breaking down complex industry concepts into actionable steps. Whether securing book deals for her clients or sharing insights on the ever-evolving publishing market, she is dedicated to helping authors turn their creative dreams into reality.

Episodes I think you'll love

1. Turn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler Ruiz
2. Author Liz Alterman Reveals Her Weekly Writing Ritual That Transforms First Drafts Into Gold And How to Know When Your Story Idea Is Worth Writing
3. Literary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Fix Your Opening Pages (Part 2)
4. Literary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's Eye

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Developmental editor and former literary agent Mary Kole breaks down the exact process that transforms manuscripts from "just okay" to "must-read."

In this episode, you'll learn why most writers approach feedback and revision completely wrong.

You’ll discover the important difference between revision and editing.

And you’ll master the "boring edit" technique that ensures your story grips readers from page one to the end.

Mary reveals

• When to seek feedback (and when not to)
• How to create a mission statement that guides every revision decision
• Why cause-and-effect logic is the secret weapon of successful storytellers.

Whether you're drowning in feedback or paralysed by perfectionism, this episode gives you the roadmap to finish your manuscript and make it as good as you’d always hoped it would be.

What You'll Learn:

• How to filter feedback and reject notes that don't serve your story.
• The mission statement technique that guides every revision decision.
• Why big-picture changes must come before sentence-level editing.

Click here to learn more about Mary Kole

Guest Bio: Former literary agent Mary Kole provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres. She founded Good Story Company in 2019 to create valuable content for writers—like the Thriving Writers Podcast, YouTube channel, and Thriving Writers classes and resources. ​​Mary has presented at hundreds of regional, national, and international writing conferences, and guest lectured at Harvard, the Ringling College of Art and Design, the Highlights Foundation, and the Loft. She also develops unique and commercial intellectual property for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers with Bittersweet Books.

Episodes I think you'll love…

1. Agent Carleen Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening Pages
2. Literary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing Industry
3. Turn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler Ruiz
4. First Page Formula: Author and Writing Coach April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript Opening

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message!

Former Scholastic editor Shelly Romero just made the leap to literary agent.

And she's spilling the industry secrets most writers never hear.

After eight years of editorial experience and now with an agent's perspective, Shelly reveals…

• What really happens when agents read your opening pages
• Why manuscripts need to be more polished than ever
• The submission mistakes that trigger instant rejections.

What You'll Learn:

• Why voice trumps plot in manuscript submissions
• Exact polish level needed for today's publishing market
• Query red flags that guarantee instant rejections

Click here to learn more about Shelly Romero

Connect with Shelly on Instagram

Guest Bio: Shelly Romero began her publishing career in 2017 at Scholastic, where she rose up the ranks from editorial assistant to associate editor, where she acquired her own titles and assisted on series publishing for The Bad Guys and Goosebumps. She later joined Cake Creative as Lead Editor, and she was most recently a freelance editor. She graduated from Stephens College with a bachelor’s degree in English and attended the 2017 NYU Summer Publishing Institute. Shelly was selected as a 2020 Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree and is a member of Latinx in Publishing & People of Color in Publishing. Born and raised in Miami by Honduran parents, she now resides in New York City, where she might be found at a movie theatre viewing the latest release from her Letterboxd watchlist.

Episodes I think you'll love…

1. 3 Keys to Nailing the Opening of Your Novel
2. Literary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing Industry
3. Turn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler Ruiz
4. Literary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's Eye

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now