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Episode Summary

What does it actually take to get a non-fiction book published in today's market? In this episode, literary agent and author Alia Hanna Habib pulls back the curtain on the publishing industry. Alia shares insights from her new book, Take It From Me, a practical guide for writers looking to navigate the complex journey from idea to bookshelf. Whether you are a debut author or a seasoned writer, this conversation explores the essential elements of a successful non-fiction proposal, the evolving role of a literary agent, and how to stay resilient in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways & Timestamps

• [00:00] Introduction: Meet Alia Hanna Habib, literary agent at The Gernert Company for acclaimed writers like Nicole Hannah-Jones and Clint Smith.
• [02:15] The "Why" Behind the Book: Alia discusses what inspired her to write Take It From Me and why transparency in the publishing process is more important than ever.
• [07:40] Crafting a Winning Proposal: The non-negotiable elements every non-fiction writer needs to include to catch an agent's eye.
• [15:20] Delivery & Acceptance: Insight into Alia’s Substack newsletter and how she uses it to share candid, behind-the-scenes industry advice.
• [22:10] The Author-Agent Partnership: How the relationship works and what authors should realistically expect during the publishing cycle.
• [30:05] Closing Thoughts: Practical steps for writers who are just starting their non-fiction journey.

About the Guest: Alia Hanna Habib

Alia Hanna Habib is a veteran literary agent and the author of Take It From Me: A Practical, Behind-the-Scenes Guide to Getting a Non-Fiction Book Published. Named one of New York Magazine's "most powerful New Yorkers you’ve never heard of," she represents leading voices in journalism, history, and literature. She also writes the popular Substack newsletter, Delivery and Acceptance.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Book: Take It From Me by Alia Hanna Habib (Available January 28th)
• Newsletter: Delivery and Acceptance Substack
• Website: Writers with Wrinkles Official Site

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• Follow the Podcast: Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!
• Ask a Question: Have a question for Beth and Lisa? Send it our way for a future "Ask Beth and Lisa" episode.
• Visit the Blog: Find more show notes and author resources at writerswithwrinkles.net.

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Note: For the most up-to-date information on Erin’s submission status, interests, and availability, visit https://erincaseywestin.com.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk with Erin Casey Westin, associate agent at Galt & Zacker Literary Agency, about the current kidlit market and how agents evaluate queries and manuscripts. Aspiring authors will gain insight into writing stronger query letters, understanding agent decision-making, and knowing when a manuscript is truly ready to submit.

Guest Bio

Erin Casey Westin is an associate agent at Galt & Zacker Literary Agency, where she represents children’s literature. She is especially drawn to projects with strong voice, vivid worldbuilding, and authentic, thoughtful representation. Erin is passionate about stories that allow every child to see themselves reflected on the page. She is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Key Discussion Points

• The state of the kidlit market
  Erin shares what she’s hearing from editors, including cautious optimism around middle grade and continued demand for humorous, character-driven picture books.
• How sales track records affect authors
  Why prior sales aren’t everything, how agents strategize around them, and when switching publishing houses can make sense.
• What makes a query letter stand out
  Clear, specific stakes; strong voice; and careful attention to submission guidelines—plus why vague, high-level stakes often fall flat.
• Common query mistakes to avoid
  Writing queries in first person as the character, misquoting agents, careless personalization, and over-reliance on AI-generated text.
• How Erin evaluates manuscripts
  The step-by-step mental checklist: polish, voice, character connection, plot and pacing, and whether the story sustains momentum beyond the opening pages.
• When a manuscript isn’t ready yet
  Why rushing to query out of frustration can hurt your chances, and when putting a book away for a few months can actually help.
• What Erin wants to see more of
  Middle grade and YA survival stories—especially fresh, modern takes featuring underrepresented protagonists.

Conclusion

This episode reminds writers that strong queries and manuscripts are built on clarity, specificity, and patience. Erin Casey Westin offers a transparent look at how agents read, evaluate, and decide—helping authors approach querying with more confidence and intention.

Links & Resources

• Erin Casey Westin: https://erincaseywestin.com
• Galt & Zacker Literary Agency: https://www.galltzacker.com/
• QueryTracker: https://querytracker.net

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In this bonus season-finale episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid reflect on the end of the season, share a behind-the-scenes podcasting mishap, and dive into a First Pages critique of a cozy fantasy submission, The Village Mage. Along the way, they discuss why first pages are so hard to get right, how too much backstory can stall momentum, and what cozy fantasy readers expect from the very first paragraph.

What We Cover in This Episode

A Season Wrap-Up

• Why this season felt especially long (emotionally and creatively)
• The surprising reach of the podcast, including international listeners
• Why listener messages matter more than download numbers

Behind the Scenes of Podcasting

• A funny (and harmless) upload glitch
• Why multitasking and podcast production don’t always mix
• A reminder that mistakes happen—and they’re fixable

First Pages Critique: The Village Mage

• Why the tea shop setting immediately signals “cozy”
• What works well in the opening voice and atmosphere
• Where the opening leans too heavily on setting and backstory
• Why character emotion needs to come before worldbuilding
• How early signals of magic shape reader expectations
• The importance of “showing” magic instead of naming it outright

First Page Takeaways for Writers

• Less is more on page one
• Avoid stacking backstory and description in large blocks
• Establish genre expectations immediately
• Use specific, character-centered details instead of generic atmosphere
• Trust the reader—don’t explain everything up front
• Consider whether your story actually starts later than you think

A Common Revision Reality

• Why first chapters are often written as “thinking-through” pages
• How hard it is to cut beloved early material
• Why cutting doesn’t mean deleting—just relocating

Key Writing Advice from Beth & Lisa

• Your first page should hook, not explain
• Genre cues matter—especially in fantasy
• Pacing is created through balance: dialogue, action, and selective detail
• If readers don’t know why they should care about the character yet, they won’t care about the world

What’s Coming Next

• A brand-new season with exciting guest interviews
• More First Pages bonus episodes
• Kicking off the new season with literary agent Erin Casey Westin

Have first pages you’d like feedback on?

Visit the Writers With Wrinkles website and submit your opening pages for a chance to be featured in a future episode.

Thank you for listening, sharing, and sticking with us this season. We’ll see you in the new year—until then, happy reading, writing, and listening.

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Visit the Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!