Finding a literary agent is like... dating? 😘

Today's guest is author Jo Morey

In dating and in querying, you’re looking for “the one”

The one who understands what you’re trying to achieve with your story. The one who shares your passion for it. The one who “gets” you.

And while that might sound like a lot of pressure, waiting for the right agent (just like the right romantic partner!) is worth it.

Your perfect match is out there

If it doesn’t feel right, or you’re just not clicking, keep querying. Don’t feel like you have to accept the first agent who expresses interest in working with you. The author-agent relationship is a two-way street, and it has to work for both of you.

In today’s interview, author Jo Morey shares how she persevered until she met her perfect agent, what helps her reset, and how feedback can make a big difference.

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OUR SPECIAL GUEST TODAY IS…

Jo Morey

Author

Available Now: Lime Juice Money

What’s a myth about publishing or being an author that you wish more people understood?

That it’s easy. People often say, “I have a book in me,” without realizing the time and energy it takes to get those words on the page. Writing and publishing demand passion, perseverance, and a very thick skin. It’s hard work—but it’s also brilliant fun. And if you believe you can do it, you should definitely give it a go (but don’t kid yourself it’s easy!).

How did you get your literary agent? What was the querying process like for you?

My querying process was a little unusual. Around the same time, I was shortlisted in several competitions, came runner-up in one, and won another. A judge from one of those reached out, interested in Lime Juice Money and possibly representing me. It was exciting, but it didn’t quite feel right—finding an agent is like dating, you have to “click.”

I used that momentum to query the agents I really wanted to work with. Within a week, I had six full requests and three offers. But as soon as Madeleine Milburn emailed me with her thoughts, I knew she was the one. She completely understood my vision for the novel and shared my goals. I’m thrilled to call her my agent—she’s amazing.

What’s the best piece of feedback you ever received? How did it change your story?

For Lime Juice Money, my editors suggested I take another look at one character’s arc, especially in the middle section. That small note changed everything. I printed out the manuscript (I’m a pen-and-paper person at heart!) and spent three days in a hotel room with scissors and glue, cutting and rearranging until it clicked. The result was a tighter, more compelling story, and I learned how transformative a single, insightful suggestion can be.

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Ready for feedback that takes your story to the next level?

“Having Alyssa edit my manuscript was truly one of the best decisions I could have made. Her suggestions absolutely made my story better. Then, the very first agent I queried requested to read the whole manuscript after reading the revised pages we worked on!”

—Laura Geraghty, historical fiction author

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What part of the writing process brings you the most joy?

All of it. Truly. I love dreaming up ideas, creating characters, daydreaming plot twists, drafting, editing, even copy-editing. And I love connecting with readers who’ve found something meaningful in my words. Every part of the process feels like a privilege. I’m living my dream.

What’s one thing you do (creatively, mentally, or physically) that helps you stay in it when writing gets hard?

Yoga and meditation help me stay grounded and focused. Walking is also magic for untangling plot knots—I often come up with solutions while driving or walking the dog, so I send myself voice notes before I forget. And I swear by scent: candles, essential oils, and palo santo all help me create a calm, focused space to return to the page.

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ICYMI…This week on YouTube, I show you how to leverage a little-known psychological trick to make your novel a page-turner.

It’s my top-viewed video from the past months, so don’t miss it!