SEASON 2 is officially live! Join award-winning non-fiction writers Julie Satow and Alice Robb as they interview editors, literary agents, marketing executives, and other publishing insiders, shedding light on the opaque book industry and revealing what experienced and aspiring authors need to know Tune in for more brand-new episodes!
From Bantam Books to Bestsellers: Literary Agent Jane Dystel on Paperbacks, Proposals, and Publishing Trends
Jane Dystel, has been a literary agent since 1986, and, as the president of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, represents bestselling writers like Colleen Hoover and Samantha Young. Jane spoke to us about what she looks for in a new writer; why she sometimes advises her clients not to take the biggest advance; and what she reads for fun.
18 Sept 2025
From Ghostwriting to Fiction: A Conversation with Ada Calhoun, Bestselling Author
Ada Calhoun is the bestselling author of several nonfiction books and now her first novel, Crush. She told us about what she’s learned about structure from writing- ghostwriting- over 30 books; how she avoids the “fallow field mode” that some writers (e.g. Alice and Julie) experience between books; and the feedback that helped her make Also a Poet such a success.
10 Sept 2025
Gatekeepers to Goldmines: Inside the World of Literary Agents
Julie Satow and Alice Robb sit down with Laura McGrath, the author of Middlemen to tell the surprising story of how literary agents went from magazine brokers to the most powerful figures in American publishing. Through archival sleuthing, vivid fieldwork, and data that brings catalogs and auction-room drama to life, this episode traces pivotal moments — from the first auctions to the birth of the super agent — and the intimate, sometimes fraught relationships that shape what readers get to see on shelves.
Listen as they weave anecdotes about deals, loyalty, and gatekeeping with sharp reporting on today’s shifts: agents as editors, agents on Substack, and the ways technology and consolidation are rewriting old rules. It’s a fast-moving, character-driven narrative that reveals not just how books get made, but who gets to decide.
2 Sept 2025
The Speaking Circuit: A Conversation with Speakers’ Bureau Founder Christie Hinrichs of Authors Unbound
Have you ever wondered about speakers' bureaus and how they work? Or wondered whether they might make sense for you? Speakers' bureaus can be controversial, with some authors adamant that they are not worth the cost, while others are big believers in the benefit of increased visibility.
Join Alice and Julie as they talk with Christie Hinrichs, the Director & Events Agent at Authors Unbound, a full-service literary speakers bureau that represents more than 300 authors and manages nearly 1,000 events every year. Christie, who lives with her partner and teenage son in Bend, Oregon, managed several Visiting Author Series and worked as an independent booking agent before founding Authors Unbound in 2018. She talks with Alice and Julie about what sorts of authors are a good fit for her company, what authors can do to book more speaking gigs, and what Authors Unbound brings to the table.
26 Aug 2025
From Manhattan to Milan: An Interview with Allison Malecha, Director of Foreign Rights
For our inaugural episode of Season 2 of How Books Work, Julie and Alice delve into the obtuse world of foreign rights, perhaps one of the least understood aspects of the publishing industry. Did you know, for instance, that half of all books published in Germany are translations, while only 3% of US publications are? Or that UK publishers are now booking their schedules so far in advance that some editors can't take on anything new until 2027? Have you ever had the surreal experience of finally selling a book, then hearing from your agent that it also sold abroad, then months later, getting sent your book, but with a completely different cover and in a language that you don't understand? How do these deals actually happen? And what determines whether your book finds readers in Italy versus Japan versus nowhere abroad at all?
To get answers to these mysteries, Julie and Alice speak with Allison Malecha, Director of Foreign Rights at Trellis Literary Management. Allison explains the hidden world of foreign scouts and shares stories of authors who flopped in America but became bestsellers in France. Whether you're curious about advances abroad or wondering why American narrative nonfiction still has such cachet internationally, then this conversation is for you.
14 Dec 2024
Unveiling the Secrets of Book Publishing: Real Talk with Anna Sproul-Latimer
Literary agent Anna Sproul-Latimer shares the realities of book publishing, from marketing and publicity to securing deals, and offers insights on the evolving landscape of nonfiction.
17 Oct 2024
Navigating Media with Anne Dickerson: From Manuscript to Mainstream
Anne Dickerson, CEO of the communications training firm 15 Minutes Group, helps authors like Maggie Haberman and Christine Blasey Ford prepare for high-profile interviews on radio and TV. In this episode, she tells us about the biggest challenges authors face when it comes time to pitching their books. (Distilling years of work into a two-minute soundbite?!) She gives us tips on how to handle an unwanted question, how a podcast differs from a radio interview, and what not to wear on TV.
15 Aug 2024
Everything You Wanted To Know About Marketing Your Book With Anne Jaconnette of Doubleday
Take a journey into the world of book marketing as hosts Julie Satow and Alice Robb speak with Anne Jaconette, a senior marketing manager at Doubleday Books. With nearly a decade of experience, Anne shares her expertise in developing ad campaigns, social media strategies, and partnerships for a wide range of nonfiction books. We talk about the difference between publicity and marketing, what sorts of book marketing are working these days, and what authors can do to help promote their work.
Anne has worked with writers including David Grann, Colson Whitehead, and Patrick Radden Keefe. She shares insights into how she tailors ads and messaging for authors, what sorts of pitches and partnerships she finds most effective, and best practices for the all-important social media roll-out. Before joining Doubleday Books, Anne was a title marketer at Galley Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, and Abrams Books.
3 Jul 2024
From Editor to Author: Inside the Publishing World with Eamon Dolan
Publishing veteran Eamon Dolan—currently Vice President and Executive Editor at Simon & Schuster—has edited hundreds of books, including Eric Schlosser's FAST FOOD NATION, Richard Dawkins' THE GOD DELUSION, and Mary L. Trump's TOO MUCH AND NEVER ENOUGH. He makes his debut as an author next year with THE POWER OF PARTING - which draws on his own experience of physical and psychological abuse in childhood, as well as research on trauma and interviews with other survivors.
In one of Eamon's first interviews about his upcoming book, he discusses the difficult topic and what drew him to it, as well as what it's like to write his own book after thirty years of editing others'; what he looks for in a proposal; and what all the books he acquires have in common.
3 Jun 2024
Navigating the Nonfiction Landscape with Literary Agent and Former Executive Editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Susan Canavan
Susan Canavan, a literary agent at Waxman Literary Agency, discusses the current state of nonfiction books, the role of AI in publishing, and how the industry is changing. She also shares insights on how important author platforms are for book deals, what makes a successful book launch, and what she looks for when working with clients. Susan also explains why she transitioned from editor to agent and the delicate balance she has to manage when talking to authors and managing their expectations.
6 May 2024
An Insider's Journey with Leigh Stein
In this episode, Julie Satow and Alice Robb welcome five-time author Leigh Stein. From high-school dropout to memoirist, book coach, branding expert and BookTok enthusiast, Stein has experience with virtually every segment of the publishing industry. She talks about how she got hired by the New Yorker without a college degree; what she learned from her first flop; why she decided not to become an agent; and how authors can take control of their book’s trajectory—years after the pub date.
22 Apr 2024
Hidden Processes That Shape the Publishing World with Ashley Alberico, Sales Marketing Director at Penguin Random House
In this latest episode of the "How Books Work" podcast, delve into an in-depth discussion with Ashley Alberico, the Sales Marketing Director at Penguin Random House. Ashley shares her journey, experiences, and the hidden processes that shape the publishing world. This episode reveals the intricacies of sales marketing and underscores the importance of well-planned strategies in publishing.
Throughout the discussion, Ashley breaks down the complex processes of creating a successful book, from defining book priorities to understanding its target audience and developing effective marketing strategies. From acclaimed authors like Michelle Obama and Ina Garten to various challenges in nonfiction book categories, this episode navigates the complex world of book publishing in a detailed, relatable, and exciting manner.
Further exploration into the journey of a book shed insights on ensuring a book is accessible and findable, demonstrating the pivotal role of the 'subject category' and how it aligns with an author's vision. This podcast episode discusses the importance of right placement, ideal timing, and the influence of retailers like Amazon on a book's journey and success.
In their comprehensive overview, Julie Satow and Alice Robb discuss practicalities, from setting print runs to understanding complex sales cycles. They also highlight the value of authenticity in writing and living one's message to engage an audience. Exploring both the significance of an author's engagement with their book project and the use of social media in the publishing landscape, this podcast is a rich trove of knowledge for aspiring and seasoned authors alike.
From exploring the concept of 'living your message' to revitalizing backlist books, this enlightening and insightful episode of the "How Books Work" podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the thrilling and challenging world of book publishing. Join us to have a better understanding of the publishing industry, learn how to boost your book sales in an ever-evolving literary world, and discover how authenticity can lead to engagement and success in your writing career.
24 Mar 2024
Demystifying the Agent/Writer Relationship with Cherise Fisher, Literary Agent to New York Times Bestselling Authors Sadeqa Johnson and Tia Williams
Dive deep into the world of agenting with our guest, Cherise Fisher, who shares her unique insights from a 25-year career in publishing.
In this episode, Cherise delves into the relationship between a writer and editor, from page to bookstore shelf, dispelling common misconceptions, like whether an agent “edits” a book proposal, their role in the business side of writing, and sharing her do’s and don’ts for authors. Plus, find out how she became an agent to New York Times bestsellers, like Sadiqa Johnson and Tia Williams, and what attributes she looks for in clients.
She also talks about her career, from graduating college to her first job in publishing, how she became an acquiring editor at Simon & Schuster, and eventually Editor in Chief of Plume, an imprint of Penguin Random House. And what prompted her to change her career trajectory and leave the editorial side of publishing to become a literary agent.
In addition to sharing personal anecdotes and inside stories, Cherise dispels common misconceptions in the non-fiction market and discusses the economics of publishing. Learn the various strategies publishers utilize to maximize profit amidst slim margins, what are 'comp titles', and the calculated exaggeration of print runs, not to mention what it really means to ‘earn out’ your advance. If you're a seasoned author, an aspiring writer, or even just a curious reader, this episode will enrich your perception of the book publishing world.
12 Mar 2024
The Changing Dynamics of Book Publishing with Libby Burton, Executive Editor at Crown
In this episode of How Books Work, Executive Editor at Crown, Libby Burton joins co-hosts Julie Satow and Alice Robb for an enlightening conversation about gatekeeping in the publishing industry, her passion for poetry, and important ways editors and writers can improve the system.
Libby, who has edited award-winning authors like Stacey Abrams, Katie Porter, Mariah Carey, and others, talks about her personal journey into publishing, and how being a poet influences her editorial role. She also discusses what types of writers appeal to her, and her mission to create a more inclusive industry. The conversation also delves into the importance of authors' platforms, the relevance of publicity, marketing, and sales in corporate publishing, and the influence of public opinion on platforms like Goodreads.
Libby also advises Julie and Alice about how authors need to balance their careers and writing, the importance of choosing the right agent, understanding the market for their work, and the critical role of meeting deadlines in the publishing process. It’s a comprehensive dive into the changing landscape of the publishing industry that will provide invaluable insight for aspiring writers, industry enthusiasts, and avid readers alike.
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