Querying Literary Agents, Part 1: Big Five Dreams or Indie Vibes?
Writing Break8 Apr 2025

Querying Literary Agents, Part 1: Big Five Dreams or Indie Vibes?

Welcome to the first installment of a four-part series on querying literary agents. In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of publishing with a Big Five publisher versus an independent press. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, traditionally publishing or submitting directly to publishers, this episode will help you clarify your publishing goals.

Plus: A roundup of the latest publishing news, including the growing backlash against tech giants using books to train AI.

🛋️

Overthinking Couch Topics:

  • The Big Five publishers: what they offer and what you give up.
  • Independent presses: creative freedom and community.
  • Why authors might choose commercial reach vs. a passionate niche.
  • Important questions to ask yourself before querying.


Music licensed from Storyblocks.

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