What's Your Unfair Advantage?
Writers Circle
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Mike Salisbury: Writing Slow, The Joy of Obscurity, & Other Essentials
Writers Circle
Feeling behind in your writing—or wondering if it’s even worth finishing? In Part 2 of my conversation with literary agent Mike Salisbury, we dig deeper into the emotional and practical realities of the writing life. Mike challenges our obsession with speed and reminds us that quality storytelling takes time. He talks about the beauty of being unknown, how to face book reviews, and why finishing your draft matters more than perfecting it. You’ll walk away with a fresh appreciation for the quiet, focused work it takes to write something worth reading. Hi! I’m Will Parker...
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Mike Salisbury: Why Storytelling Matters
Writers Circle
Literary agent Mike Salisbury shares his unique journey into Christian publishing, starting from his unexpected role as a mascot to becoming a literary agent. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in both fiction and nonfiction, the value of revision, and the need for authors to find joy in their writing process. Mike also discusses the challenges of time management for writers and the significance of building a strong platform. Throughout the discussion, he offers practical advice and insights into the publishing industry, making it clear that while the journey can be tough, the...
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Vanessa Reyner: How To Land a Literary Agent
Writers Circle
Start watching Will's proposal course here: https://will-anderson-fde4.mykajabi.com/proposalsmadesimple Want to publish your book but don’t know where to start? In this episode, Will Parker Anderson sits down with former coaching client Vanessa Reyner to share the behind-the-scenes story of how she went from self-publishing to landing a literary agent. Together, they unpack the process of building a compelling book proposal—one that clarified Vanessa’s concept and ultimately opened the door to traditional publishing. If you’ve got a message to share but feel lost on how to pitch it,...
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Will Parker Anderson: Proposals Made Simple
Writers Circle
Struggling to get publishers to pay attention to your book idea? In this episode, the mic flips—host Will Parker Anderson becomes the guest as leadership coach J.R. Briggs interviews him about Proposals Made Simple, a new course designed to help nonfiction writers land a book deal. Will explains why writing a strong book proposal is the fastest, most strategic way to pitch your book and yourself to publishers. You’ll learn how proposals act like movie trailers, why time and attention are your biggest obstacles, and how a few small improvements can give you a major edge in today’s...
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Andy Patton: Are you called to write a book? (Part 2)
Writers Circle
Last week, we started asking the question: Am I really called to write? In this follow-up episode, Andy Patton (content director at The Rabbit Room) returns to walk us through the final four questions every writer should consider when discerning their calling. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your next step or wondered whether you’re truly meant to pursue writing, this conversation will help you wrestle with that tension—and walk away with more clarity. Hi! I’m Will and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into...
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Andy Patton: Are you called to write a book? (Part 1)
Writers Circle
Ever wonder if you’re actually called to write? You’re not alone. Maybe you’ve said, “God called me to this”—but your book isn’t published, your platform is stalled, and doubt is creeping in. What if our view of calling is part of the problem? In this two-part episode, I talk with Andy Patton from The Rabbit Room about the question every writer asks: How do I know if I’m truly called to write? In Part 1, Andy introduces a fresh way to think about calling—starting with a key distinction between cosmic and local callings—and shares the first of five questions to help you...
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Drew Dyck: Why Tone Matters
Writers Circle
If your tone misses the mark, your readers stop reading — no matter how great your ideas are. Author and Moody Publishers editor Drew Dyck joins Will Parker Anderson to tackle one of the biggest struggles nonfiction writers face: tone. It’s easy to get caught up in sounding smart or sharing everything you’ve learned, but that can push readers away. Drew unpacks how to strike the right balance—writing in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and reader-first. Hi! I’m Will and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and...
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Dave Kopp: What Makes Readers Turn the Page
Writers Circle
The best publishing advice doesn’t come from what’s trending—but from someone who’s been shaping books for decades. Today’s guest is Dave Kopp, a behind-the-scenes legend in Christian publishing and the mentor of mentors. He shares practical wisdom every nonfiction writer needs—including a framework called The 5 P’s that helps clarify your concept and reach readers. Enjoy decades of Dave's hard-earned wisdom, distilled in less than an hour. Hi! I’m Will and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the...
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Drew Dixon: 6 Keys to Compelling Communication
Writers Circle
You might have a powerful message, but if it’s not compelling, it won’t land. In this episode, Will sits down with fellow editor and coworker Drew Dixon, executive editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Drew unpacks six key elements that make any message more compelling. Whether you're writing a book, a blog, or a pitch, this episode delivers clear, actionable insights to strengthen your craft. Hi! I’m Will and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the...
info_outlineWhy does your platform matter so much to publishers? Isn’t good writing enough? Is it necessary to become an online personality just to land a book deal?
You’ve probably asked these questions, as you watch countless writers exhaust themselves trying to gain traction on social media. It’s noble to want to exit the circus and focus on what matters: writing.
When it comes to platform, writers make two key mistakes. First, they ignore it altogether. But if publishers look for momentum, and don’t see it, it’s unlikely you’ll get a book deal. Second, writers try to gather followers across too many platforms. It’s too much to manage, and they ultimately give up.
Today’s guest offers a better way. Curtis Yates is a lawyer, literary agent, and author coach at Yates & Yates一the agency his father founded. In this episode, he explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson how the digital age has shifted the publishing world. Discoverability, which was once confined to brick and mortar bookstores, has moved onto the internet and social media.
If you want to win the game, you have to know the rules. Curtis offers insight about why publishing has changed so dramatically in the last 10-15 years, and what you as a writer can do about it.
This episode is Part 1 of 2. Stay tuned for the second half next week.
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