Lit Match
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
Lisa Montanaro ON: How to Use Real-Life Experiences to Inspire Memorable Fiction, Writing in Multi-POV and Dual Timelines, and Crafting Secrets in Storytelling
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you have real-life experiences that have shaped you, but you want to write a fiction—not nonfiction—story, then don't miss this episode. ...
First Chapter Deep Dive: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (with Savannah Gilbo)
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you love historical romance? Do you want to learn what makes a first chapter capture a reader's (and literary agent's!) attention? Then...
Diagon Alley Deep Dive: Scene Analysis of Chapter 5 in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're unsure how to write or analyze well-structured scenes in your novel, you need today's episode. Today, book coach and developmenta...
Zoe Norvell ON: Everything You Need to Know About Book Covers (and How to Find the Perfect Designer for Your Story)
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've written a book and are in need a book cover, this is a super important episode for you to hear. In this conversation, I talk to the br...
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: A Complete Breakdown of the Main Plot Line
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're planning your novel or have a finished draft and don't know where to begin with revisions, you need to hear this episode. This is a sp...
Karyn Fischer ON: Writing a Memorable Narrative Voice for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with Karyn Fischer, a book coach and past literary agent of Bookstop Literary Agency, to discuss narrative voice and how to differen...
BONUS Part 2: How Rowling Created A Cast of Compelling Characters (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Savannah Gilbo and Abigail for the second part of an inside interview with Tim Grahl, CEO of Story Grid, on our latest book, a masterwork an...
BONUS Part 1: What Made Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone A Best Seller
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What made Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone a worldwide bestseller? Why does this story still resonate with readers almost thirty years later? A...
First Chapters: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The third (and final!) analysis in a 3-part episode series! Abigail and Savannah return for their final first chapter analysis in The Hunge...
First Chapters: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The second analysis in a 3-part episode series! Abigail and Savannah are back to analyze the first chapter of CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne...
First Chapters: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The first analysis in what will be a 3-part episode series! Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the YA dystopian phenomenon, THE H...
Jen Craven ON: Her Shift from Self-Publishing to Traditional Publishing
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with domestic suspense author, Jen Craven—her first *returning!* guest. In Jen's previous episode, Abigail and Jen discussed ...
First Chapters: Remarkably Bright Creatures (with Savannah Gilbo)
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling and award-winning novel REMARKABLY BRIGHt CREATURES by Shelby Va...
Kate McKean ON: Demystifying Book Publishing Contracts
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Take out your notepads! Abigail sits down with literary agent Kate McKean for a very special conversation about book publishing contracts. ...
First Chapters: Fourth Wing (with Savannah Gilbo)
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo! Today, Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling fantasy novel...
Megan Tady ON: Resiliency and How She Turned Rejections into a Published Debut
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with Megan Tady (Super Bloom, May 2023) to discuss her debut and path to publishing. Humble and resilient, Megan ...
Meghan Stevenson ON: Her Literary Agent Matchmaking Strategy, the Pitfalls of Traditional Publishing, and Publishing Myths that Need to be Busted
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with Meghan Stevenson (Meghan Stevenson Books) to talk about all things traditional publishing. After an editing career at...
First Chapters: The Magicians (with Savannah Gilbo)
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of Lev Grossman's THE MAGICIANS (...
First Chapters: A Discovery of Witches (with Savannah Gilbo)
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo! Today, Abigail and Savannah sit down to analyze the first chapter of the bestselling f...
First Chapters: Untamed (with Suzette Mullen)
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with book coach and memoir writer Suzette Mullen to analyze the prologue and first chapter of Glennon Doyle's bestselling and ground...
Ariele Fredman ON: The Difference Between a Book Publicist and a Literary Agent, Her Mission to Expand Commercial Fiction, and How to Understand Where a Book Fits in the Market
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with Ariele Fredman, a book publicist turned literary agent at United Talent Agency (UTA). Ariele is active...
First Chapters: Legendborn (with Savannah Gilbo)
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A special episode that shares a piece of Abigail and Savannah's May Book Notes meeting! In this episode, Abigail and book coach companion S...
First Chapters: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (with Sara Gentry)
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Abigail takes a first chapter deep dive with kidlit book coach and author, Sara Gentry. Together, they discuss the first chapter of C...
First Chapters: The House Across the Lake (with Samantha Skal)
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Abigail takes a first chapter deep dive with Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense book coach expert and author, Samantha Skal. Togeth...
Mikki Brammer ON: The Collected Regrets of Clover and Her Writing, Querying, and Publishing Experience
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with author Mikki Brammer to discuss her (amazing!) contemporary fiction/upmarket debut, THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER. ...
Victoria Marini ON: Atmospheric Writing, Balancing External Events and Interiority, and the Dos and Don'ts of Tropes
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with Victoria Marini, a literary agent at Irene Goodman Literary Agency (IGLA). Victoria is actively seeking pag...
Jen Craven ON: Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing and How to Decide What's Best For Your Book and Career
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with indie author Jen Craven (BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE) to discuss why she decided to self-publish her book—even though s...
First Chapters: Atomic Habits (with Barbara Boyd)
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail is joined by nonfiction book coach expert, Barbara Boyd, to analyze James Clear's nonfiction book (a personal growth book) phenomenon, AT...
First Chapters: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (with Savannah Gilbo)
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A special episode that shares a part of Abigail and Savannah's latest Book Notes conversation! In this episode, Abigail and book coach companion...
Howard Yoon ON: The Core Components of a Book Proposal, Reveals and Results of the DOJ-PRH Antitrust Trial, and How Publishing Merges Art and Commerce
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with Howard Yoon, a literary agent and principal of the Ross Yoon Agency. Howard specializes in narrative nonfiction, history, memoi...
Dani Abernathy ON: The Enneagram Personality Test and Why it Might Be a Writer's Next Favorite Tool
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with book coach and fantasy writer, Dani Abernathy, to discuss a unique tool that Dani uses with her clients: the Enneagram Personal...
Maria Vicente ON: WTF is a Literary Agent, How She Supports Her Clients, and First Chapters that Hook
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down for an insightful conversation about agenting and craft with Senior Literary Agent, Maria Vicente, of P.S. Literary Agency. Wh...
Gail (Gigla) Hayes ON: How Words and Music Inspire Change (a Tribute to Her Joy and Life)
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode deviates from the normal Lit Match episode structure in order to honor the life of Abigail's aunt, Gail Hayes, who was a talented ...
First Chapters: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover (with Savannah Gilbo)
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo joins Abigail for a first chapter deep dive analysis of a Colleen Hoover mega-hit, UGLY ...
First Chapters: Lessons in Chemistry (with Sarah Dickinson)
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Abigail brings on a guest who is an avid reader and professional book reviewer—and popular podcast host!—Sarah Dickinson. Together, they ta...
Andrea DeWerd ON: The Writing Community's Mass Departure from Twitter and Book Marketing Strategies that Work for Authors
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down with book marketing expert (with 13 years Big 5 publishing experience), Andrea DeWerd, to discuss the writing community's mass depar...
First Chapters: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory (with Book Coach Rona Gofstein)
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Come join Abigail and certified book coach, Rona Gofstein, as they analyze the first chapter of bestselling author Jasmine Guillory’s USA Today best...
CeCe Lyra ON: Layered Stories that Exemplify Good Writing, Why Publishing is so Competitive, and the Importance of Persistence over Insistence
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Abigail as she interviews CeCe Lyra, Associate Literary Agent at P.S. Literary Agency and the brilliant co-host of the popular writing podcast, T...
First Chapters: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (with Bestselling Author Jennifer Klepper)
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Come join Abigail and USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer Klepper, as they perform a first chapter deep dive analysis of Celeste Ng’s bestselling...
First Chapters: The Midnight Library (with Book Coach Sharon Skinner)
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you c...
Inside Interview: Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and 5 Big Writing Takeaways and Assignments to Apply to Your WIP
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The first episode in a new Author Interview + Writing Tips and Assignments series on LIT MATCH! In today’s episode, Abigail pulls one of her favorit...
Comparable Titles: What They Are, Why Writers Need Them, and How to Find (and Pitch!) Ones that are Irresistible
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After writing a book comes publishing it, and to do so (or if you want to do it well), you need to know your target readers and the market. One of the...
First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with the final episode! Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapte...
10 Unforgettable Writing (and Life!) Tips from My Favorite Author Presentation
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Taking a different direction for this week’s episode, Abigail speaks directly to listeners about ten pieces of writing (and life!) tips she absorbed...
First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with book six! Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY POTT...
First Chapters: Counterfeit (with Special Guests, Bestselling Author Kirstin Chen and Executive Editor Jessica Williams
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail sits down for a first chapter analysis of the bestselling and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, COUNTERFEIT. She takes a deep dive into the fi...
First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with book five! Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY POT...
Allison Hunter ON: What Makes a Great Beach Read, How to Use Comps, and Why Secrets are Imperative in Fiction
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Abigail sits down with another amazing Trellis Literary Management co-founder, Allison Hunter. Allison is an expert in com...
First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with book four! Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY POT...
How to Write a Query Letter (Part 3): Paragraph Three, the Author Bio (and Final Tips)
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the third episode in a three-part series of episodes on how to write a query letter. Abigail teaches writers how to write the third (and final...
How to Write a Query Letter (Part 2): Paragraph Two, the Blurb (or Back Cover Copy)
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the second episode in a three-part series of episodes on how to write a query letter. In it, Abigail teaches writers how to write the second p...
How to Write a Query Letter (Part 1): Paragraph One, the Hook
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of a three-part series of episodes on how to write a query letter, Abigail teaches writers how to write the first paragraph of th...
First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with book three! Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY PO...
Quick Query Tips: 3 Strategic Ways to Research Literary Agents
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first Quick Query Tips episode! While Abigail books more literary agents and editors for the show, she turns the focus from interviews ...
First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're back! Abigail sits down with Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS. This is a...
Jennie Nash ON: What Makes a Great Book Coach, Fundamental Questions Writers Need to Ask (and Answer), and Why Writers Should Invest in Their Work
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Working with a book coach is an investment, and there's no guarantee. No book coach is going to say, ‘I guarantee that you will get an agent and a ...
Michelle Brower ON: What Makes a Great Book Club Pick, Creating Community, and How to Write Through the Middle
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"I love books that sort of take you through the pain of living in some way. Life inherently has tragedy and hardship. And I love books that take...
First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
QUICK NOTE! THE BOOK VS. THE AUTHOR As much as I love the HARRY POTTER series, I am saddened by and do not condone JKR’s attacks on the trans commun...
Tee Moore ON: Becoming a Career Author and How to Find a Literary Agent
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"I'm becoming more intentional about my dreams because my purpose didn't just die when I became a mom, it actually became more realized. Being a...
Stephanie Winter ON: Millennial Fiction, the Difference Between Voice and Style, and How Agents Work with Editors
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"I'm here to answer any questions and help create a strong positioning for the work. Whether that means, figuring out how the creator needs to receive...
Emmy Nordstrom Higdon ON: Predicting the Market, A Love for Weird Stories, and How to Lift Up Diverse Books in Traditional Publishing
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"You can't really pick what you're going to represent or what you're going to pitch based on what people are excited about today. You need to be...
Tara Gilbert ON: What Makes a Character-Driven Story, YA vs. MG Novels, and How to Emotionally Connect with Your Reader
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"I think it's really just grounding your reader in the story, making sure that they are right up front aware of who this character is or what th...
Paula Munier ON: How to Identify and Capitalize on the Selling Points of a Story and What Makes a Story Unique
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Stories are what get us through, stories are how humans have encouraged one another to survive the dark times and given pointers about how to survive...
First Chapters: Read Until You Understand by Farah Griffin
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail K. Perry takes an in-depth look at READ UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND by Farah Jasmine Griffin. In this special BONUS episode, Abigail uses the f...
Katie Shea Boutillier ON: Audio Rights, What Makes an Imperfect Character, and How Writers Can Define and Develop Their Voice
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"If you don't know how to write characters that have problems and issues and you're actually not writing any human that's realistic, cause we're...
Tanya McKinnon ON: What Makes Great Nonfiction, Why Stories Encourage Empathy, and How She Helps Clients Craft a Powerful Proposal
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Every time you pick up a good book, you enter someone else's mind, you see the world through their lens. And that's deeply exciting for me. I also th...
First Chapters: The Chandler Legacies by Abdi Nazemian
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“I'm rooting for Beth, as she prepares to submit her essay for consideration...There's this sense of, I may be insecure, but at the same time remind...
John Cusick ON: What Makes a Manuscript Stand Out, Blending Passion and Business, and Why He Loves Kidlit
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Without any kind of moralizing or didacticism, I think that what kidlit provides is a space for young people to grow their own sense of themse...
First Chapters: Take It Back by Kia Abdullah
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Regardless of what POV you choose, a strong voice is necessary for great books, and it’s not uncommon for an agent or editor to pass on a story t...
Jessica Faust ON: Her Mission to Represent Marginalized Voices, Advocating and Mentoring Authors and Agents, and Defining Success
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Authors who are marginalized are writing to a marginalized audience. And I think it's time that they be given the voice to write to all audiences. ...
First Chapters: Girls with Bright Futures and a Special Conversation with Co-Authors Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“I think the reason to start here was because this is the inciting incident that led to all the madness that is going to unfold.” – Tracy Dobmei...
Carly Watters ON: Her MSWL, How to Define Commercial Fiction, and the Power in an Author-Agent Relationship
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“I think it's really important to be working with creators that have a really strong point of view, and they know how to communicate that point of v...
Lit Match Introduction: A Podcast Made to Help Writers and Literary Agents Find Each Other
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Lit Match! This is a podcast made to help writers find the best literary agent and business partner for their writing and publishing career...