Is too much backstory getting in the way of your actual story? open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

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...

Sometimes the “scenic route” can delay the excitement of the journey. ✂️ Cut the clutter. Keep the magic. reneefountain.substack.com/p/less-is-mo...

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 👩‍💼)

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-...

⏳ 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...

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...

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

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

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

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...

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...

This was just one of the topics we covered in my April webinar on how to know if your book is ready for submission. 🎥 You can request access to the free 1-hour YouTube replay: "Is Your Manuscript Ready For Prime Time" reneefountain.com/April.

My thoughts on the fears of writing. open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

Are you dealing with a mid-book slump? It's important to know--and fix--BEFORE you query. reneefountain.substack.com/p/the-midboo...

Your writing can be brilliant, but that's not all that's required to carry your story. A strong premise is about more than just a cool idea. open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

Aspiring authors need to know that getting an agent and editor at a publisher isn’t the last hurdle. I had two books fall to the acquisitions board (World War Moo and Hell’s Detective), despite my editors loving them. I was lucky enough to find other homes, but this biz is tough. #authorsky

Just attended this, and it answered so many questions I have been wrestling with. Thanks again for taking your time to help up-and-coming writers @reneefountain.bsky.social!

If you are a writer looking for good advice on how to polish your work and get published, do follow my agent Renee, who landed me a deal with @crookedlanebooks.bsky.social and is a general Fountain of wisdom on writing.

Amid the evolution in #AI image generation, it’s important to remember that the human element is what makes a work of art special. Standing before a painting by an old master and marveling at how a person was able to do that is not a feeling that AI will ever replicate.

Friday is coming soon - make sure to sign up.

What makes a memoir worth publishing? What makes your story worth reading? If you're not sure how to answer that, read this: open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

How to know if your ms is query ready. Join me for APRIL's FREE LIVE WEBINAR+Q&A. April 18th 1:30EST ✅ The Submission Ready Myth ✅ The Four Traps of Endless Revising ✅ The Three Layers of Revision ✅ And MORE ✅ Plus your questions answered 👉 Info & Sign up: reneefountain.kit.com/f4b448b6de

🎭 Every scene in your book should have a purpose: 🔹 Does the scene make sense as the next step? 🔹 What new info is revealed? 🔹 Does it drive the plot or character arc? Weak/rambling/extra scenes kill pacing. My free Launch Kit can help with this & much more. Get it here: reneefountain.com/launch

How to know if your ms is query ready. Join me for APRIL's FREE LIVE WEBINAR+Q&A. April 18th 1:30EST ✅ The Submission Ready Myth ✅ The Four Traps of Endless Revising ✅ The Three Layers of Revision ✅ And MORE ✅ Plus your questions answered 👉 Info & Sign up: reneefountain.kit.com/f4b448b6de

It’s still shocking to me how some people have zero issue with taking advantage of others.

Your story idea might be great, but it all comes down to execution. open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

I thought this was a great example of how to spotlight your book without being "salesy". Check out Jodi Picoult's Insta - make sure the sound is on: www.instagram.com/reel/C20QDLx...

How to get a new POV on the classic standards. reneefountain.substack.com/p/teaching-o...

How to stand out in an agents crowded in box: 🔥 A fresh perspective 🔥 Strong voice & execution 🔥 An unexpected outcome Flip convention on its head. Make it clear why YOUR book is different from all the others in the genre. The "HOW" is coming tomorrow.

Anybody going to D.C. this weekend for the @writingdaywksp.bsky.social event? I'll be there with lots of great agents and editors. Hope to see you there! chesapeakewritingworkshops.com

3 Keys To An Author Platform ✨ Authenticity ✨ Consistency ✨ Connection Authenticity: Focus on creating genuine connections rather than chasing follower counts. Consistency: Choose 1-2 platforms Where you feel comfortable. Connection: Share the why & how behind your book, not just the what.

Are you stuck in the revise/query loop? Fear of rejection is usually the culprit. 📌 If you’re making tiny changes instead of dealing with big picture issues. 📌 If every pass is just tiny tweaks and word swaps, you’re stalling. I think this will be the next discussion for April's Free Webinar.

Are you engaging the reader right away? Your first five pages must: ✅ Character – Do we connect with them fast? ✅ Ground – Do we have an idea what's happening? ✅ Pacing – Did you start in the right place? Skip the setup. Start where the story is. The Free Launch kit: reneefountain.com/launch

Is your character flawed or just unlikeable? See how your anti-hero stands up. reneefountain.substack.com/p/anti-hero-... #amwriting #amquerying #litagent #publishing

What are "rejections" really saying? They could be important clues. If you keep hearing: 🔹 “Didn’t connect” → Maybe voice isn’t strong enough. 🔹 “Pacing too slow” → Look at your opening pages. 🔹 “Not for me” → Are you targeting the right agents? Make needed changes before exhausting your list.

March's Live Free Webinar is a wrap! 🎉 Thanks for all who particpiated and asked great questions. The recording will go out shortly. 💡Help me pick the topic for APRIL's Free Live Webinar. 🎯Message me with publishing and writing topics you want to learn more about.

FREE Guide. I created this as a thank you for all the writers who find value in my articles, webinars & workshops; and who trust me to help them on their writing journey. ✔ First 5 Pages Checklist ✔ Scene Q&A ✔ MS Ready Cheat Sheet ✔ The Ultimate Submission Checklist reneefountain.com/launch

Great post. Fun writing exercise.

If writing a synopsis feels like stuffing an entire turkey into a snack bag, you’re not alone. Master the balance and make your synopsis work for you! ✨ 📖 Read here: reneefountain.substack.com/p/mastering-... #amquerying #amwriting #synopsis #litagent #publishing

I'm getting a lot of non-fiction submissions featuring themes of "the good ol days" Here's a quick read to vet your book idea. reneefountain.substack.com/p/is-your-st...

For querying writers, know that agents don’t reject you—they reject the version of your query you sent. That means there’s always room to improve. What’s one thing you struggle with in queries? #WritingCommunity #amquerying #litagent #amwriting

🚨 Coming February 26: The debut edition of Charlotte: Beyond Major Leagues! Our first long-form feature is locked in—can you guess who it’s about? 👀 Check the photo for a clue! Don’t miss out—subscribe now to get the story first: dub.sh/HUrBycX Follow @charlottebml.bsky.social for regular updates

Wondering if you should write what you think the market wants? #amwriting #amquerying #writingtips open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

Happy #MSWL Day! See below for what I'm looking for. Please stick to this list. NOTE: for Women's Fiction: In Five Years is a Rebecca Serle book.