Thank YOU 😊 It was such a pleasure meeting you!

You’re very welcome 😊

Front-loading Backstory: Opening Pages Shouldn't Read Like a Wikipedia Entry Start the Story in the Right Place

Is too much backstory getting in the way of your actual story?

open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

Tight Writing: The Art of Word Choice Fewer words. Bigger Impact

Strong writing doesn't mean more words. Often, less is more. See how less can make a bigger impact.

reneefountain.substack.com/p/tight-writ...

Less Is More: An Agent's Case for Cutting the Clutter Tighter prose, stronger voice, bigger impact

Sometimes the “scenic route” can delay the excitement of the journey.

✂️ Cut the clutter. Keep the magic.

reneefountain.substack.com/p/less-is-mo...

Thank you, Vincent. That was very kind of you to say.

Writers often ask if events are worth it. It’s often inferred they’re a money grab. Someone asked me why I do events if agents never sign anybody. Not an informed comment, but their perception. Jen is proof that writers do get signed, as do writers sending blind queries.

The above meant to say compatibility, not comparability.

MA is more for making sure you’re ready to pitch or query, more so than to sign up to “pitch”. They do however do the occasional pitch event here on Bluesky.

Not implying anything beyond an “edge” being the opportunity to meet and speak with each other. It’s good to see if there’s comparability.

Look into WDW. They have a lot of on line pitches as well as in person. I’ve met with people from all over. I’m sure there are other good ones.

July 2025 Agent Wishlist Update

👻 Horror: make it scary. Also trope defying 🔪 Serial killers
😂 Humor: Fiction/NF
👩‍❤️‍👩 Women’s Fiction: Rebecca Serle
♥️ Rom Com - heavy on the com
🔎 Romantic Mystery

📚 Non-Fiction:
🌟 Self-Improvement
🎬 Pop Culture
🤯 Narrative
💼 Business (esp. women led 👩‍💼)

Most people paint (legit) events as a money grab. Slush piles work too. I feel like an event might give you a bit more of an edge sometimes.

But I’ve signed authors this year from both places.

My Home Run at the Writer's Digest Conference Pitch Slam Author Jen Ruiz shares how taking a chance on the Writer's Digest Conference Pitch Slam event connected her with her agent and a book deal.

For writers who wonder if pitch events are worth it. Jen is on her second book.

Here's the link: www.writersdigest.com/my-home-run-...

The Ticking Clock: Going Beyond Thrillers A Sense of Urgency for Any Genre

⏳ Ticking clocks aren’t just for hidden explosives—they’re how you make a story feel like time is of the essence.

Whether it’s a breakup ultimatum, a big game, or the last summer before everything changes, urgency drives momentum in almost every genre.

open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

Scene-Setting or Inventory List? An Agent's Take on Excessive Description A Quick Lesson on Chekhov's Gun

Setting the scene doesn't mean naming every single thing in the room.

It also doesn't require describing what every person in that room is wearing... unless they're furries. Then it's always helpful to get a visual.

reneefountain.substack.com/p/scene-sett...

You Say Plot Device Like It's a Bad Thing: An Agent’s Take on What Works—And What Doesn’t And How to Tell the Difference

I don’t care if your story has a love triangle, a time loop, or a magic sword.

Don't just tack it on. Give it weight. Make it matter.

reneefountain.substack.com/p/you-say-pl...

I literally went down a rabbit hole for the past 30 minutes looking at cute bunny pics... @dailybunnies.bsky.social

Revenge Isn’t a Stake—It’s a Symptom: Why Stakes Matter More than Motive Ensuring Bigger Consequences for Your Characters

Does your entire plot depends on whether the character gets revenge?

open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

You only get one shot at a first impression.
Make yours count.

The Query Confident Workshop is coming soon—
This only happens 2x per year, so get on the waitlist for early access + limited VIP spots.

reneefountain.com/2025Wait

😬 Agents don’t read bad queries. They delete them.

Stand out—in the right way. The Query Confident Mini Course is here:

📬 Write a sharper query letter
🧩 Craft a real synopsis
📖 Solid opening pages
💻 Includes 3 bite-sized videos + Bonus workbook

NO fluff. NO filler.

👉 reneefountain.com/mini

I'm with you Mike. I had no idea you had to pay on Twitter/X now.

The Platform Paradox: What Authors Need to Know to Sell Books Fiction authors don’t need a platform—until they do.

Do fiction authors need a platform? Yes and No -- but mostly YES. Read on to find out why.

reneefountain.substack.com/p/the-platfo...

Welcoming @kapinson.bsky.social to the GH&F Family

Super excited for the journey ahead, Kaitlin :)

Plot Twist or Cheap Trick: When Technique Replaces Purpose All Hook. No Substance

open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

😂

Do you like free books? Do you like to have your sins forgiven? Head over to my Instagram account for a giveaway of Hell’s Detective from @crookedlanebooks.bsky.social, which offers both! www.instagram.com/michaellogan...

Thank you, Farrah. That was very nice of you to say. 🥰 You have a really fun story concept, a great voice and solid sense of humor. You handle the craft well -- it's just a matter of chipping away at the excess marble to reveal the amazing sculpture within. I know you can absolutely do it.

The REAL Truth About Agents at Writing Conferences Setting the record straight on "shady" literary agent practices

Do you think agents who attend writing events are "shady", or that the event is predatory to writers? Read on.

reneefountain.substack.com/p/the-real-t...