Tea and Tales: Sipping on Writing, Editing, and Publishing

Tea and Tales: Sipping on Writing, Editing, and Publishing

A writer’s community for all genres and a place for readers to see what it takes to give them a great novel.

Episodes

June 2, 2025 23 mins

If you're querying your novel, you're going to get rejections. Likely a lot of them. We hear a lot of things from agents, and in this episode, we explore what those might mean.

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There are ways to make sure your manuscript is ready to go into the world. Let’s talk about them! Whether you are eager to get your work out in the world, or sitting on your manuscript fearing it isn’t ready, this episode is for you.

Resources:https://elizabethspanncraig.com/business-of-writing/10-ways-to-tell-if-your-book-is-ready-for-publishing/

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May 19, 2025 24 mins

We don’t always think about the sounds of our writing. In this episode, explore the cadence and understandability of language in our writing.

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May 11, 2025 25 mins

We’ve talked about bits and pieces of how to query your novel, but in this episode, we put it all together! From building your agent list to what to do after a pass letter or request (or an offer!), this episode discusses fitting all the little pieces together.

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May 5, 2025 20 mins

Writers have to wait for so many things to fall into place. It can be stressful. Join our conversation on how you relax and enjoy the journey.

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April 27, 2025 30 mins

We learned so much from Cozy Mystery Author Mary Seifert! This episode explores her take on publishing, inspiration, and the people we rely on as writers.

Related links:

https://maryseifertauthor.com/about/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B138VWS5

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22479915.Mary_Seifert

https://www.instagram.com/maryseifertauthor/

https://misteriopress.com/2024/06/a-crime-writers-...

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April 21, 2025 21 mins

We love them, and we hate them. Join us to discuss why book reviews are important, where to put them, and the great ways we have seen people post book reviews.


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April 14, 2025 19 mins

Don't judge a book by the cover, unless you're talking about actual books. The cover is the first impression of your novel, so let's look into how we can build a cover that draws in your target audience.

Check out this resource we used in this episode!

https://wordrevel.com/confab-judging-book-covers-pros-cons/

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April 7, 2025 26 mins

Writers need feedback, but what do you do with it after you have it? We discuss the processes we use to make the most out of feedback from beta readers and writer groups.

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March 31, 2025 27 mins

What's creativity without a bit of fun? If your writing journey was a boardgame, what game would it be? Invigorate your writing process with this fun exercise!

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March 24, 2025 28 mins

Authors always hear to write what we know, but what does that mean? Dig into how to put yourself in what you write and expand your experiences.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/9-dos-and-donts-of-writing-what-you-know-a-guide-to-authentic-and-engaging-writing

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March 17, 2025 28 mins

Self-editing your novel can be daunting…or fun! Join us with guest Johnny Smythe as we talk about all things editing. Then peek at this excellent guide from literary agent Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong to see if you have some “sprucing up” you can do before sending to beta readers, editors, or agents.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y6XGjRUW2Rr0o4aNrMkhMBkRDDQzZNxn/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwY2xjawIYYptleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbCE0Wg7-8LzAbIvpRCi...

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Traditionally published memoir author Tracy Smith Mathis discusses platform building, networking, and the trials of being a memoir writer.

www.tracysmithmathis.com

www.facebook.com/TracySmithMathisAuthor

www.mcfarlandbooks.com

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March 3, 2025 24 mins

Comparison or comp titles are something all authors should find, traditionally or indie published. But how? This episode deep dives into all things comps! Check out these resources for more.

https://www.aealexander.com/comp-finder-databases (amazing database for spec fic) https://www.literature-map.com/ (just a cool website.. put in an author and voila! it shows you similar authors... still have to research to fit things into other ...

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February 24, 2025 34 mins

Finding the perfect agent for your story can be daunting! Literary Agent, and Bookends Literary founder, Jessica Faust discusses with us how to research and choose agents to query.Find more from Jessica at least links:

Www.bookendsliterary.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukLkiCzvK6AIMnYIDqxUug

https://www.instagram.com/bookends_literary/?hl=en

https://www.tiktok.com/@bookends_literary

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Writing deep characters can be tricky. Join our guest, Marilu Hayes, as she discusses ways to incorporate mental health, neurodivergence, and difficult personality traits into our characters.

Visit her website at www.mariluhayes.com, look for her on Instagram, Linked In or Facebook @mariluhayes, or binge her YouTube channel: FACETS with Marilu.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent

https://www.youtube.com...

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February 10, 2025 26 mins

Writers love our snacks! Here are some of our favorites for while we are writing and to add depth to our books.

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February 3, 2025 28 mins

Writing the blurb for your Novel or book can be stressful. Special guest blurb writer Jessie Cunniffe shares her thoughts and processes for creating the best blurb!

https://www.bookblurbmagic.com

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February 3, 2025 26 mins

Jessie Cunniffe live reviews the blurb for one of our listeners, where we see all the principles of a good blurb in action!

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January 26, 2025 25 mins

Meet Author Olivia McCarthy (O. McCarthy) as she discusses her writing process and journey as a self-published author. Follow Olivia on Instagram @ oliviamccarthyauthor

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