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What makes a literary agent say “yes” to your book pitch in under 30 seconds?

Allison Lane sits with Sam Hiyate, founder of The Rights Factory, to demystify how to write a compelling query letter, position your book in today’s market, and avoid the most common author mistakes.

If you've been wondering how to land an agent or make your book proposal unskippable, this is your masterclass in reverse engineering your author marketing. Hit play now because the publishing game is changing, and this episode helps you change with it.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to tailor your query letter to grab an agent’s attention fast.
• The role of market positioning, comparables, and agent fit in getting published.
• What makes agents say no and how to avoid that response.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Rights Factory: https://www.therightsfactory.com/
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhiyate/
• Research Tool: Publishers Marketplace https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/
• Book Recommendation:
  • How to Survive a Bear Attack - A Memoir by Claire Cameron: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781039056350
  • Detective Aunty - A Novel by Uzma Jalaluddin: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780063434875

Timestamps:

• [02:00] What agents scan for in a pitch beyond the writing.
• [06:00] The real purpose of comparables in your proposal.
• [17:00] How to know if an agent relationship is the right fit.
• [26:00] Why your agent is not your marketing director.
• [44:00] The truth about manuscript quality before pitching.

If you enjoyed today’s tips, take a moment to rate and review The Author’s Edge. Your support helps us grow and reach more authors ready to launch their books and share their message.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXNdz1Dh0ms

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
Facebook @allisonlanelit

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Send me a text!

Your real life is your best marketing plan if you know how to use it.

Allison Lane and award-winning author and physician Dr. Mimi Zieman break down what it really looks like to build your author platform from lived experience … not guesswork.

From treating frozen limbs on Everest to launching her memoir at 60+, Dr. Zieman shares how to stop waiting, start marketing smart, and reframe success on your terms. If you’ve been putting off your book - or second-guessing whether your story is big enough, this conversation is your sign to stop minimizing your journey and start building your legacy.

3 Key Takeaways From This Episode:

1. Your Story Is Already Powerful - Why your lived experience is your unfair advantage and how to own it.
2. Marketing Doesn’t Have to Be a Mystery - Reverse engineer your reader’s journey and reach the right audience without burning out.
3. Visibility Starts with You - The mindset shifts that help women claim space as authors (without waiting for permission).

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Mimi’s Website: mimiziemanmd.com
• Dr. Mimi Zieman’s book Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781493078431
• Book Reco: Life Worth Living - A Guide to What Matters Most https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780593489307

Timestamps:

• [00:04:00] Why you’re more ready than you think.
• [00:10:00] Body wisdom and gut instinct in authorship.
• [00:21:00] Turning risk into writing resilience.
• [00:30:00] Connecting to your real voice as a writer.
• [00:37:00] Taking up space, unapologetically.

Share this episode with someone who’s waiting to be ready. Then remind them: they already are.

And don’t forget to subscribe + leave a review - it helps more people turn their wisdom into legacy-building books.

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
Facebook @allisonlanelit

🔔 Subscribe for more tips and insights on writing and publishing!
👍 Like, comment, and share this video if you found it helpful!

Send me a text!

What if your book doesn’t fly off the shelves just because it’s published?

Allison Lane dives into the truth about book marketing myths with editor and author Terry Whalin. From breaking down publisher expectations to showing you how to reverse-engineer your author strategy, this episode gives you the clarity and tools to stop spinning and start selling.

Whether you’ve just launched your first book or have a shelf full of titles, don’t miss this straight talk on building visibility and making your book work for you.

Listen now and find out how to take charge of your book’s success.

What You’ll Learn:

• The biggest myth authors believe about publishers (and what to do instead).
• How to create book marketing momentum using the Rule of 5.
• What works in 2025 for getting reviews, visibility, and real book sales

Resources Mentioned:

• Terry Whalin’s blog spot: https://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/ | Subscribe: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA
• Terry Whalin’s Book: 10 Publishing Myths by Terry Whalin: Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed - https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781642794526
• Publishing Offer - Get the book + $200 in bonuses: https://www.marketing4books.com/us-ord
• Connect with Terry on LinkedIn over 19,400 connections: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrywhalin/ | on X 175K followers: https://x.com/terrywhalin
• Join Bestseller Launch School: https://www.lanelit.com/bestseller
• Book recommendation: Kenny’s Bright Red Scooter: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781636981352

Timestamps:

[02:00] – The #1 myth authors believe about publishers
[08:30] – How a children’s book author sold 10,000 copies through the military
[17:00] – Terry’s marketing wake-up call and the power of blogging
[24:00] – Why your book needs reviews—and how to get them
[30:00] – The 11th publishing myth and a free resource you need

Watch here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MKfJB_W0WQ

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
Facebook @allisonlanelit

🔔 Subscribe for more tips and insights on writing and publishing!
👍 Like, comment, and share this video if you found it helpful!