The Prose Pros

Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a life-long lover of books. Cathie’s journey in the publishing industry was born in 2014 after her oldest child left for college. With newfound time on her hands, she set about writing The Edge of Nowhere, a work of adult historical fiction inspired by her grandmother’s life as a widow raising fourteen children during the one-two punch of the 1930s Dust Bowl and The Great Depression. Three years later, she followed up with her sophomore novel, Roam, a young adult title inspired by the homeless community that resides in the town where she currently lives. The release of this second book coincided with Cathie’s first job as a literary agent where she spent eight years learning the industry before joining the team at Marsal Lyon.Kelly Beck is a former TV news producer turned romance and women’s fiction author specializing in writing “unhinged shenanigans” and funny escapades sprinkled with real-life grit. Her former career experience includes writing the number-one ranked CBS morning show, and many TN Associated Press awards. Since “retiring” to become a stay-at-home mom, she’s written three books and signed with her literary agent, Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong at Marsal Lyon Literary agency. When not writing or reading, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children in Memphis, Tennessee, and rotting her brain with silly TV shows like Ancient Aliens and Expedition Unknown.

In this episode of The Prose Pros, Alli Hoff Kosik discusses her upcoming book, TOO BLESSED TO STRESS. She shares her non-linear path to publishing, the impact of her sales experience, and how podcasting shaped her marketing approach. Alli describes her writing process and querying journey while reflecting on the evolution of her manuscript.Alli Hoff Kosik is a writer based in Philadelphia. The former host of The SSR Podcast, her work has been published in Marie Claire, Real Simple, Business Insider, and Cosmopolitan. TOO BLESSED TO STRESS is her first book. Follow Alli @allihoffkosik on Instagram.

In this episode, Emily Ohanjanians discusses her debut novel, THE BOOK TOUR, and shares insight on her transition from editor to author. She describes her the querying process, the importance of voice in writing, and what editing taught her about writing.Emily Ohanjanians is a book editor who after many years on the other side of the desk, decided to parlay a lifelong love of joyous, escapist, romantic stories into her own writing. THE BOOK TOUR is her debut novel on sale March 3. 

In this episode, Tommy Dean shares his journey through the publishing landscape, including his experiences as a writer, editor, and now a literary agent. We discuss the importance of strong openings, character development, and how to craft an effective query letter. We also touches on the resurgence of short fiction in the market and the dynamics between writers and agents.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.Query Tommy at: https://QueryTracker.net/query/TDRLTommy's Substack: https://tommydean.substack.com/

In this episode, Jessica Sorentino discusses the importance of author branding, marketing, and networking. She advises authors on how to build their personal brand and engage with their audience on social media. Jessica also explains how to maintain a consistent brand identity. She provides practical tips to help authors navigate the evolving landscape of publishing and social media, and highlights common pitfalls. The Prose Pros is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Jessica Sorentino is an author brand advisor and book marketing strategist with over a decade of experience working with leading publishing houses including Simon & Schuster and Macmillan Publishers. She writes the Open Book: Where Storytelling Meets Strategy newsletter on Substack and co-hosts the Reading Between the Wines podcast. Based in Connecticut, Jessica is passionate about helping writers build meaningful connections with the readers who need their stories most. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this episode, Ashley Winstead shares her journey as a multi-genre author. From her querying and Pitch Wars to landing her literary agent, Ashley emphasizes the importance of persistence in the face of rejection. She also explores what it means to write across different genres in terms of her readership, as well as the varying experiences she has had with multiple publishers. Ashley also comments on the importance of investing in self-promotion and the impact of social media on book marketing. She shares what she’s learned about building a community with readers while also setting boundaries.Thanks for reading The Prose Pros! This post is public so feel free to share it.Ashley Winstead is the national bestselling author of This Book Will Bury Me, Midnight is the Darkest Hour, The Last Housewife, In My Dreams I Hold a Knife, The Boyfriend Candidate, Fool Me Once, and The Future Saints. Her books have been Library Read picks, Loan Star picks, Best of Amazon picks, Best of Apple Books picks, and have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, BookPage, and Library Journal.Her work has been covered by New York Times, Washington Post, CrimeReads, Parade, Cosmopolitan, Good Morning America, Good Housekeeping, Seattle Times, and Southern Review of Fiction, among others. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages worldwide and optioned for television. Ashley holds a Ph.D. in contemporary American literature and lives in Houston.She is represented by Melissa Edwards of Stonesong Press LLC. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Prose Pros, Callie Kazumi sits down with us to chat weird girl fiction, from inspiration to publication. She describes how the pandemic sparked the idea for her novel, CLAIRE, DARLING (but not in the way you’d think!) We discuss her writing process, her experience in the publishing industry (and how a viral video impacted her querying journey), and the unique themes her upcoming book, GREEDY, explores.GREEDY comes out February 3rd, 2026.The Prose Pros is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Callie Kazumi is a British-Japanese author of psychological thrillers. Callie is a graduate of Stirling University, where she studied Journalism and Politics and realised that she enjoyed shocking headlines and making up twisted plots in her head far more than reporting reality. She wrote her first book after her father gifted her Stephen King’s On Writing, which inspired her into action. She works in publishing as a marketer, and spends her days selling incredible stories before returning home and trying to write her own. She currently lives in London with her husband and Bichon Frise, Betsy. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this engaging conversation, we sit down with bestselling author Stacy Willingham to discuss her writing journey, the significance of setting in her novels, and how she put “southern suspense” on the map. She shares her creative process, how she goes about character development, and crafting twists in her stories. Stacy offers valuable advice on how aspiring writers can develop their own voice and reflects on her own experience in the literary world. The Prose Pros is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Stacy Willingham is the New York Times, USA Today and internationally bestselling author of psychological suspense. Her books include A Flicker in the Dark, All the Dangerous Things, Only If You’re Lucky and Forget Me Not. Her debut, A Flicker in the Dark, has sold over one million copies in North America alone. It was the winner of Strand Magazine’s Best Debut Award and a finalist for the Book of the Month’s Book of the Year award, Goodreads Choice Best Debut award, Goodreads Choice Best Mystery & Thriller award, and ITW’s Best First Novel award. Her work has been translated in more than thirty languages. Before turning to fiction, Stacy was a copywriter and brand strategist for various marketing agencies. She earned her B.A. in magazine journalism from the University of Georgia and M.F.A. in writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband, daughter, and dog. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Olivia shares her journey as an author, discussing challenges she’s faced throughout the publishing process, the personal themes in her writing, and her future plans. She reflects on her writing style, the importance of creating tension, and what it means to her to have a dedicated writing space. Olivia also talks about her goals for the upcoming year, including going on a book tour. The discussion highlights the power of community in writing, the role of podcasting in building connections, and Olivia's recommendations for upcoming reads.The Prose Pros is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Olivia Muenter (pronounced Men-ter) is a writer, reader, and the co-host of the Bad on Paper podcast. Her first novel Such A Bad Influence (Quirk Books) was an instant USA Today Best Seller. Her second novel Little One (Little, Brown) will be published in Feb 2026.A former fashion & beauty editor and freelance writer, Olivia’s work has been published in Glamour, Byrdie, Bustle, Brides, Health.com, Philadelphia Magazine, and more. You can find her most personal writing via her weekly newsletter where she shares about her life, her work, and everything in between.For more regular life/work updates, follow Olivia on Instagram (@oliviamuenter) Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

Exciting news for The Prose Pros: literary agent Lauren Khan joins the show as a co-host!In this episode, hosts Tali Shammas and Lauren Khan reflect on some key headlines that made publishing news in 2025. They discuss their accomplishments for the year and their goals for 2026. They also touch on the evolving role of authors and the trends shaping the industry as we move into 2026, sharing their predictions for the future of publishing.My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Lauren Khan joined FinePrint Literary in 2025 as an Associate Agent following an internship at Triada US Literary Agency. She first entered the publishing world as an author. Prior to transitioning to agenting, she worked for over seven years as a corporate lawyer in New York City. Lauren brings both editorial and transactional expertise to her clients. Lauren lives with her family in her small beach hometown in Florida. She wrote her first novel while pregnant with her son and began agenting while pregnant with her daughter. A graduate of Duke University and Fordham University School of Law, she loves podcasts, long walks with her dog, and all things Nora Ephron. As a former theatre kid, Lauren is a lifelong champion of storytelling, subjecting her loved ones to her songs, stories, and plays from the moment she could talk. ​An avid reader across genres, Lauren is particularly interested in adult and YA commercial fiction, especially women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, and thrillers, as well as select non-fiction titles. She is an editorial agent with a strong interest in developing fulfilling and long-lasting careers for her authors. I​nstagram: @laurenjpkhan X: @laurenjpkhanTali Shammas is a literary intern at CMA Literary. Her work is represented by Marilyn Biderman and Brenna English-Loeb at Transatlantic Literary Agency. Prior to writing, Tali practiced corporate law at a large multinational firm for a number of years, then shifted to academia with an eye to completing her PhD. While on maternity leave, she dabbled in fiction writing, and was immediately hooked.Tali gives back by offering mentorship to up-and-coming writers and running workshops on legal issues writers should consider. Tali is the chair of a large writer's organization and her award-winning short fiction has been published in an anthology. She currently lives in Canada with her husband, two children, and a very spoiled (and handicapable) cockapoo with wheels.I​nstagram: @talishammasX: @talishammas Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Demi Michelle Schwartz and I discuss her passion for short stories. She considers the challenges and strategies of character development, pacing, and revisions in short fiction. Demi also emphasizes the importance of feedback and building a writing community. She encourages aspiring writers to embrace prompts and have fun with their writing, regardless of their background or education.My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Demi Michelle Schwartz is an author from Pittsburgh, PA, represented by Ciara Smith at Spencerhill Associates. She primarily writes young adult fiction, focusing on the fantasy and thriller genres, though she loves to explore other genres and age categories in her short stories found in anthologies. In 2019, Demi graduated summa cum laude with BAs in Creative Writing and Music from Seton Hill University, then earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill in June of 2022. Along with being an author, Demi is the host of Literary Blend: A Publishing Podcast, a freelance fiction editor through her independently-run services, Amethyst Ink Editorial, an editor for Revise & Resub (#RevPit), and an award-winning songwriter and recording artist. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this engaging crossover episode, my good friend Mylee J. Miller interviews me! We discuss our journeys in the podcasting world and share our inspiration, how we manage guests, and the tools we use. We touch on the importance of sound quality, the joy of connecting with others, and the challenges of balancing podcasting (and social media) with writing. We also discuss our goals for our podcasts and conclude with some awesome book recommendations.Find the headphones I use hereFind the microphone I use hereMy Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Mylee J. Miller is an author of fantasy, mystery, horror, and retelling novels, and is represented by Rachel Estep at D4EO Literary Agency for all of her literary works. She’s a freelance editor, a reader for the literary magazines Uncharted Magazine and Fractured Lit, a book reviewer with SFF Insiders, the host of the literary podcast Books And Beyond, and she is pursuing her BS in English in the hopes of becoming an agent or editor someday. When not walking her cats or adding books to her endless TBR, she’s screaming along to Imagine Dragons and eating too much Italian food. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this eye-opening conversation, Nicole Dalcourt shares her journey as a writer, exploring the differences between poetry and prose. She describes how she refined her craft through workshops and open mics and discusses her recently-published poetry collection, WHAT REMAINS, and the healing process involved in writing it. Nicole also sheds light on her experiences with self-publishing, the importance of community support, and her aspirations for future writing projects.My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Nicole Dalcourt is an award-winning Canadian writer and poet living on the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario. Her debut poetry collection, What Remains, uses a confessional voice to explore themes of grief, heartbreak, rebirth and belonging. Dalcourt’s work has appeared in Writerly Magazine, The King City Mosaic and on Howl Radio and the Viewless Wings Podcast. When not writing, Nicole hosts and participates in open mics around the region and pursues her passion for teaching poetry skills through in-person and online workshops. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

Join me as I chat with Karis Rogerson about the writing journey, MFA programs, and the importance of community in the writing world. We recommend craft books to hone writers’ skills and touch on on the challenges of marketing and the significance of intentionality in storytelling. Other topics of conversation are the limitations of traditional workshop models, the importance of cultural perspectives in storytelling, and the subjectivity of writing. We also spend some time discussing the unique aspects of writing for children and young adults (Kidlit) compared to adult fiction, and emphasize the responsibility authors have towards their young readers.My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Karis Rogerson is a writer, reader, and podcaster who was born in the South Carolina Midlands, raised in Northeastern Italy, schooled in the German Black Forest and Kentucky Bluegrass, and now lives in Brooklyn, on Lenni Lenape land. She has an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from VCFA and her fiction is represented by Eric Smith at Neighborhood Literary. Karis writes sapphic romance for all ages, as well as poetry, personal essays, and select journalism. She’s a co-host of the podcast The Write Way of Life, and you can find more at https://www.karisrogerson.com/ or follow her on Instagram.Find Karis’s publishing info master doc here. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, debut author Grace Morrow details her eventful querying journey and the creation of her upcoming novel, We Become Darkness (now releasing April 7, 2026, with Alcove Press). She discusses the challenges of the submission process, the importance of community support, and her unique approach to marketing her book. We also chat about the rise of genre blends, female agency, and the influence of art history on Grace’s writing, including the intricacies of world-building and the emotional depth of her characters.My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Grace Morrow is an author of magic, mayhem and mischief. As an art historian, her goal is to inspire the same feelings one might associate when looking at a particular piece of art and integrating that feeling into her books. A true Californian, she lives with her husband and two unruly cats. When she isn’t writing you can find her binge watching the latest trash reality tv show, working with an academic support program, or trying to keep alive her many, many, succulents. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, entertainment lawyer Michael Duboff shares legal insights that all writers should keep in mind, focusing on the common legal questions and concerns. He discusses the importance of understanding copyright, the misconceptions surrounding that issue, and the necessity of contracts. Mike emphasizes the need for writers to seek independent legal advice, especially when dealing with contracts, and highlights key clauses to watch for. He also addresses the dynamics of negotiation and conflict resolution. Finally, he offers valuable advice for both traditionally published and self-published authors, encouraging them to be proactive and confident in their legal dealings.My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Michael Duboff is a Canadian entertainment lawyer with a professional focus on music, film and television, publishing, and corporate matters. He has worked with a variety of artists and creative businesses helping to facilitate projects, performance opportunities locally and across borders, and organizational matters.Born and raised in Winnipeg, Michael’s practice spans across Manitoba where he carries on clients and representation in addition to the firm’s primary residence in Ontario.Prior to working as a lawyer, Michael has worked professionally in both the music and film/tv industries, as a musician in an alternative rock band and as a freelance director/writer/producer in Toronto and Vancouver. His passion for the arts and artists helps drive his practice and makes him grateful to be able to continue to work for and with the vibrant arts communities. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I’m joined by author Katie Gergel, whose rom-com, WORTH PLAYING FOR, was recently acquired by Bantam Dell in a pre-empt. We discuss Katie’s path to securing a book deal, the editing process, and her experience with her agent and submission. She discusses the importance of persistence, professional relationships in publishing, and the lessons she learned querying. Katie also reflects on her marketing career and her passion for entertainment and reality TV.My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Katie Gergel lives in Hoboken, NJ, and works as a senior marketing manager for Hearst Magazines in Manhattan. From writing books for her friends in elementary school to earning Film and Political Science degrees at Penn State University, she’s always been a storyteller at heart. When she’s not forcing her characters into messy scenarios, Katie can be found hunting down the best spicy margarita, gobbling up the latest reality dating show, or planning elaborate themed parties that will force her friends to dress up or vote each other out (or both). Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, bestselling author and editor Phoebe Morgan shares her publishing journey, discussing how she has navigated the publishing industry. She emphasizes the importance of networking, the interplay between writing and editing, and the need for transparency in publishing. Phoebe also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, including common pitfalls to avoid in manuscript submissions.My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Phoebe Morgan is the Executive Publisher of Adult Fiction at Simon & Schuster UK. She runs a list of commercial fiction across genres. She is also a published author with HarperCollins and her five thrillers are out now; the latest is called The Trip. She also runs a Substack called The Honest Editor all about improving transparency in the publishing industry. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, literary agent, bestselling children’s book author, and publishing industry expert Vicky Weber shares her journey from self-publishing to becoming an agent. She discusses the evolving landscape of publishing, the importance of marketing strategies, and the nuances of the querying process. Vicky emphasizes the significance of building a supportive community in the publishing industry and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors.My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.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. Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe

Today I sat down with Krystal Elkhoury to critique her query letter for THE NECROMANCER’S WIFE, a 110,000-word adult low fantasy. You can find the original query letter reproduced below.My Writerly Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.If you want to have your query letter critiqued on the show, please send a message to hello@talishammas.com with your query letter in-text.Krystal’s Query Letter:Dear [Agent],I’m excited to share THE NECROMANCER’S WIFE, a 110,000-word adult low fantasy. This novel is melting pot of necromancy and sapphic romance in the vein of Nicki Pau Preto’s Bonesmith, the alchemy, magic systems, and government conspiracies evocative of Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist, alongside the search for a missing person behind enemy lines from Saving Private Ryan.Retired necromancer Layla Noor is living in suburban comfort when she learns that famed alchemist, Sabah Samar, was captured by the enemy to be coerced into making biochemical weapons to win the devastating war between Galum and the Allied Forces. Falsifying military documents, Layla joins the strike team tasked with extracting the alchemist at any cost—even if it means retrieving a dead body.The only problem? The alchemist is her wife.Dodging danger, detainment, and death while traveling across volatile war zones, Layla must balance keeping secrets from the team she’s growing close with and uncover why the allied governments are willing to sacrifice mancers and alchemists like her wife to turn the tide of the war.It’s a race against time and imperative that Layla find her wife—alive. While necromancers can raise the dead, they cannot bring back the person that once inhabited the corpse. Layla knows well that every form of magic comes with a cost, and she’s willing to pay the price to ensure her wife survives—even if every corpse she reanimates for information and survival shortens her own life.As a bisexual Lebanese-American, it’s long been my dream to publish stories for and about readers like me. I’ve been writing for almost 20 years in half a dozen different countries around the world. I enjoy blogging about various fandoms online and am the co-creator of the pitch event #MENApit and cohost of #PosterPit. Currently, I’m a professor of English composition, literature, creative writing, and poetry. Off campus, I enjoy working on puzzles, paintings, and keeping my hands busy when they’re not typing.The full manuscript is available upon request. I appreciate your consideration!Very best,Krystal Elkhoury Get full access to The Prose Pros at talishammas.substack.com/subscribe