Kate McKean

1 week ago | agentsandbooks.com | Kate McKean

Hi friends, I can’t believe it, but my book is out in just under two weeks. EEEEK! People have been asking me how I’m doing, and tbh I’m not freaking out. I know it’s going to feel amazing to see it out in the world. But instead of a finish line, it feels like the start. I wish I could transfer that feeling to you, too, if you’re staring down your query letter like it’s the finish line. It’s not. It’s just the beginning—and that’s a GOOD thing.

1 week ago | agentsandbooks.com | Kate McKean

Friends, It’s an exciting day in Agents & Books land. No, it’s not about my book—we’re still two weeks out from the publication of WRITE THROUGH IT: An Insider’s Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life. It’s no special anniversary either. I’ve been writing this newsletter for six years, four months, and sixteen days. But today, we’re going to revisit some foundational posts in our world, to see what’s changed and what hasn’t. To see how my advice has changed and how it hasn’t.

2 weeks ago | agentsandbooks.com | Kate McKean

Hello my friends, To start, I just want to remind you that Simon Element is giving away FIFTY print copies of my book over on Goodreads! Check it out here! Ends on June 2nd. (US Only.) And you have just under three weeks left to get your preorder in at the Strand—and I’ll sign it for you! Now, let’s answer some questions!J asks: I have a question that's a little broad, but I'd love to hear your insight.

2 weeks ago | agentsandbooks.com | Kate McKean

Hey Y’all, I read a book last week—a NYT best seller, by an established author—and I didn’t love it. I read the whole thing and I wanted to know the ending but I can’t say I enjoyed it. I was, however, very interested in A: why this book made me so mad and B: why I think other people didn’t feel that way. No, I’m not going to tell you what book it was, because I don’t want to shit on this author, who I’m sure is doing fine, regardless of what I think.

3 weeks ago | agentsandbooks.com | Kate McKean

Hi friends, Our Q&A today is a meaty one. And it’s Friday and not Thursday—apologies—it’s been a helluva week. In a good way! But I’ve also been chewing on this question and I have a lot to say. Here goes:L asks: For a long time now, I have been interested in the process of creating American modern literature. I understand that a literary agent is the first one who opens a door to the future writer and actually helps to create American literature, which will exist centuries after us.