Picture this: you’re at a midtown restaurant and you see two people having an animated conversation about books. You know this is a favorite lunch spot for publishing folk, so you guess (correctly), you’re witnessing one of those fabled agent/editor lunches. No, there are no empty martini glasses rolling across the table—you can just tell from the way one diner is animatedly talking about a new manuscript she’s working on. As she describes the plot, you find yourself pulled in—you’re intrigued by the details, maybe a few of them even make you smile. And just when you think “hey that’s a pretty clever idea,” the speaker presents another twist, another layer of tension of complication, and before you know it, you’re thinking “I’ve got to read this!”
We typically think about agents pitching projects to editors, and it’s true that as an agent I’m presenting new stories and manuscripts to my editor colleagues all the time. But oftentimes, at lunches like the one described above, the person raving about the wonderful new book they’ve acquired is just as likely to be the editor. And that’s great! As an agent, I want to know what my editors are excited about. What are they working on that’s inspiring them? What new book are they dying to share with the world?
I wish aspiring writers could hear how editors talk about their books at lunches and in-person meetings like these. I think it would be such an education for authors looking to generate compelling and commercial ideas of their own. On the one hand, editors speak from a place of pure, genuine enthusiasm—these are the books they’ve already fallen in love with, offered on, bought, reread a dozen times, and thought about for hours on end. At the same time, editors are often able to speak about their current titles with a kind of focus and precision that many struggling pitch-writers could learn from. Not only does the editor know her book inside out, she’s also a) had it pitched to her (by the author’s agent), and b) has had to pitch it herself—to her team, her publisher, her sales and marketing departments.
Firstly, editors often start with a compelling detail (usually with a smile on their face as they recall a favorite image or concept): “So, she’s a roller-derby all-star,” or, “His best friend is his hairless cat.” Instantly there’s something different or unusual to pull you in, snag your interest.
Secondly, there’s a layer of conflict (another opportunity for a unique detail): “She’s got to save her mom’s holistic pottery center” or “He’s finding first love against the backdrop of the Challenger shuttle disaster.”
This is often where most author pitches begin and end— with the set up and the basic conflict. But editors often go further in their off-the-cuff (or sometimes very polished) descriptions. There’s almost always a third layer, the thing that happens as the story unfolds: “She meets her idol who turns out to be her enemy,” or “He gets expelled for something his brother did.” Etc. etc.
The point is, you’ll notice that published books often have interesting details and “hooks” stacked on top of each other. There are multiple ins to the story, multiple elements that can potentially pull in a reader. If the roller-derby bit didn’t catch your attention, the holistic pottery center or star-crossed lovers might.
And my reaction is almost always, “Oh wow that’s cool. Hey that’s even cooler! And THAT happens too!?”
When building your story world, first, get creative and specific with your details. Instead of your main character working at a generic restaurant, why not have your hero be an entertainer at an off-brand Discovery Zone who has to dress as a giant frog (how embarrassing!).
Next, see if it’s possible to layer your “hooks,” giving your manuscript multiple points of interest for the reader browsing their local bookstore. One way to do this is by combining pre-existing ideas. That romcom about the typewriter repairman? Why not blend it with the detective story you’ve been toying with? Now you’ve got a mystery-rom-com about a typewriter repairman who falls in love with the prime suspect against the backdrop of the space race. Layered concepts equals more points of interest, more complexity, and more intrigue.
It can be tricky to stand out in the crowded market, but building in eccentric and memorable details, as well as combining story-concepts, can help your work rise above the static. Writing well is essential, the base line, but it’s only the start. Take the idea you began with and add your own layers of complexity. Tweak the details and embellish the conflicts, and the next time an editor is gushing about their favorite new manuscript over dim sum or lattes, that book might be yours.
John Cusick is a VP and literary agent with Folio Literary Management, representing a diverse list of award winners and New York Times bestsellers. His focus is middle grade, young adult, and crossover fiction. He is also the author of the YA novels Girl Parts and Cherry Money Baby (Candlewick Press), and the forthcoming middle-grade Dimension Why: How to Save the Universe Without Really Trying (HarperCollins). He tweets at @johnmcusick and discusses the craft and business of writing on YouTube at youtube.com/c/AgentBrainWriterBrain. His submission guidelines are available on Publishers Marketplace.
John Cusick will be one of the Storystorm Grand Prizes.
No, we’re not wrapping him in a bow and shipping him to you.
At the end of Storystorm, if you’ve completed the challenge and have at least 30 ideas, you can sign the Storystorm Pledge. If you have registered and signed the pledge, you will go into a random drawing for a Grand Prize. An agent will review your best 5 ideas and give you feedback regarding which ideas would be best to pursue as manuscripts.
So, no need to comment below today…but if you would like to, Storystorm loves feedback!
439 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 8, 2020 at 7:09 am
Catherine
I love the idea of adding ‘eccentric and memorable details’ to a story!
Thank you John :o)
January 8, 2020 at 7:13 am
thecrowsmap
The stories I love are just what you describe … layer ideas and surprise me. Thanks for your post!
Gail Hartman
January 8, 2020 at 7:15 am
jodieparachini
John, you “hooked” me! That was a fantastic post. Even though it was aimed at slightly older (MG) authors, it had so many relevant points for PB writers. And it’s always fun (and useful!) to hear a viewpoint from the “agent side” of the publishing world. Thank you.
January 8, 2020 at 11:09 am
Gail Atherley
Hearing from both sides of the table gives me additional ways to view my writing. Thank you for the visual concept of layers. It will help to add more flavors and textures to my work.
January 8, 2020 at 7:22 am
authoryvonafast
John, Thanks for sharing the agent / editor viewpoint with us. Even for my picture books which don’t have so many layers, it will help me with pitching.
January 8, 2020 at 7:26 am
Rebecca
Eccentric is my middle name. This has been a fun, useful and inspiring post! Thanks, John!
January 8, 2020 at 7:26 am
jeanne cherney
Thank you! On to another day of writing ideas!
January 8, 2020 at 7:27 am
Johnell DeWitt
Excellent info to have. Thank you.
January 8, 2020 at 7:27 am
tinamcho
That would be fun to have lunch w/an editor or to be a little birdie eavesdropping! Thanks for the tip to combine and add layers to our story ideas!
January 8, 2020 at 7:30 am
Suzanne Lewis
Wow! Perfect timing and great guidance just as I’m considering the layers of characters, conflicts and resolutions in my most inspired story to date. Thanks so much, John. And thanks Tara for including this perspective so early on!
January 8, 2020 at 7:37 am
Meli Glickman
What enthusiasm! What insight! Many thanks for sharing!
January 8, 2020 at 7:41 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
John! Great advice! I’m going to use it on my new MG graphic novel idea and my new YA novel idea. Now, let’s see what picture book ideas I can come up with today. waHAhahaha! Thank you!!! layers… layers… ins…hooks…LET’S GO!
January 8, 2020 at 7:41 am
Kelly Jaques
Great post, John! Love the layers and hooks!
January 8, 2020 at 7:43 am
58chilihed13
I appreciate the enthusiasm and insight especially on layering, I often struggle to find a way to make others fall in love with a character or situation I find marvelous! I am sold, so now how about you?
January 8, 2020 at 7:46 am
teacherwriteracker
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this perspective. Time to go layer on some ideas.
January 8, 2020 at 7:47 am
M.R. Street
This is the first time I have heard anyone suggest using more than one hook, at least in so many words. Thanks for the discussion about layering!
January 8, 2020 at 7:48 am
Joy Pitcairn
Thanks for sharing! This was a fun read. 🙂
January 8, 2020 at 7:51 am
Joan Longstaff
Layering … why does it make me think of a splendiferous sponge cake? Thanks for sharing.
January 8, 2020 at 7:53 am
Patricia Alcaro
Advice from John Cusick is always salient, and this article did not disappoint.
January 8, 2020 at 7:54 am
Kathi Morrison-Taylor
This post really appeals to my imagination! Thanks, John!
January 8, 2020 at 7:56 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Love this. I’ve had editors tell me about new books they’re excited about, and it IS an education for a writer.
January 8, 2020 at 8:02 am
Artelle Lenthall
Eccentric and memorable details! Love it, thank you John
January 8, 2020 at 8:16 am
Andrea Mack
Thank you for sharing this agent and editor perspective! So helpful!
January 8, 2020 at 8:03 am
rosecappelli
Thanks for the tips! Based on an earlier Storystorm post, I’ve been going back to previous ideas and trying to combine some to see where they go. Fun!
January 18, 2020 at 3:53 am
Robin Perkins
Thank you for the peek into the editor’s mind.
January 8, 2020 at 8:08 am
Lauri Fortino
It’s always interesting to hear things from an industry professional’s perspective.
January 8, 2020 at 8:16 am
michelemeleen
It certainly is! It’s always great to have a new perspective.
January 8, 2020 at 8:12 am
hannahhudsonwrites
Love the idea of layering hooks. Thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 8:12 am
Marianne Knowles
Love the image of publishing pros gushing over books! Thanks for sharing.
January 8, 2020 at 8:16 am
Kathryn
Great ideas about the importance of layering a story and placing hooks in it to draw the reader in.
Thank You
January 8, 2020 at 8:20 am
Jennifer Weisse
Interesting and useful information. Thank you for sharing your insights!
January 8, 2020 at 8:23 am
lmconnors
Thank you for your insight. I live in a very small town and will likely never encounter an editor and agent enthralled in a lively book conversation.
January 8, 2020 at 8:24 am
Lisa L Furness
Todays nugget- write stories with multiple hooks! Thanks for the post John!
January 8, 2020 at 8:32 am
Carole Calladine
It’s all in the details and twists. Plus good writing Thanks for sharing how to enliven stories.
January 8, 2020 at 8:33 am
Linda Mitchell
Oh, to be in a restaurant to overhear this! Thanks for the inside info. It’s really helpful and very much like what we know, but NEED to hear again and again until getting it right.
January 8, 2020 at 8:40 am
Darlene Koppel
Great to get an inside look. Thank you for your advice.
January 8, 2020 at 8:45 am
writersideup
John, having taken your workshops and heard you as a speaker, I’m fortunate to have gained invaluable knowledge through you, and it’s no surprise that you would know eXACTly how to distill this basic, but often trying aspect of writing and pitching down to the points that make it crystal clear. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 8:47 am
authorlaurablog
Wonderful insight and this week I’ve been inspired to expand my StoryStorm list beyond picture books, so this helps me put some new ideas into clearer focus.
January 8, 2020 at 8:51 am
hmkingman
Tara, thank you for including the “behind the scenes” peek. I personally would love to see more, as insights like John’s help me in the editing process even as the words hit the paper. Cheers!
January 8, 2020 at 8:53 am
stacey miller
John, I love how much energy and enthusiasm you have, such brilliant advice about taking different ideas from different manuscripts and juxaposing them together, a genius idea!
January 8, 2020 at 8:53 am
Amy Houts
My mother lives in midtown. I’ll have to ask if she’s ever heard a similar conversation. Thanks for setting the scene.
January 8, 2020 at 8:54 am
Jennifer Phillips
This is a post I will read again and again, to capture all of the layers of advice. Very rich. Thank you so much!
January 8, 2020 at 8:55 am
Thelia Hutchinson
Enthusiasm is always good. Definitely your writing needs to be engaging and captures attention. Great advice.
January 8, 2020 at 8:56 am
Thelia Hutchinson
Enthusiasm is always good. Definitely your writing needs to be engaging and captures attention. Great advice. Thank you.
January 8, 2020 at 8:57 am
heatherbell37
I love the idea of layering and the way you describe it here is perfect. Thank you for sharing! “Tweak the details and embellish the conflicts” ❤️
January 8, 2020 at 8:57 am
Franny G
I always think I put too much detail and too many layers in, now I realise I’m on the right track. Thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 8:58 am
Kathy Erskine
Good reminder! Also good to see how concrete facts relay the story more vividly than a lot of description.
January 8, 2020 at 8:59 am
Nat Keller
Its great to hear from a different point of view regarding the process of how a story gets viewed. I loved this post- thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 9:03 am
Lori Sheroan
Quirky lenses on…may a fun day begin! Thank you for the inspiration.
January 8, 2020 at 9:11 am
Jane Heitman Healy
The idea of layering is a good one for me to keep in mind. If I have written ordinary characters or setting, ok. In revisions, I can come up with ways to make them unique. Thanks, John!
January 8, 2020 at 9:12 am
Joni Nemeth
Bookmarking this as a pitch reference guide!
January 8, 2020 at 9:16 am
Lauren Barbieri
Thank you for the post—it’s great information!
January 8, 2020 at 9:16 am
Jennifer Kay
Excellent brainstorming idea. I’m going to start looking at which of my StoryStorm ideas might layer well together. The power of three!
January 8, 2020 at 9:18 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
I cannot wait for an editor to be gushing over my manuscript! Thanks for the sage advice!
January 8, 2020 at 9:20 am
Dee Knabb
Thanks, John, for this expert’s tip on layering hooks, details, and conflict. Great advice!
January 8, 2020 at 9:21 am
gayleckrause
Layers of hooks! Great idea. 😉
January 8, 2020 at 9:25 am
yangmommy
Great post, John, but I must ask–do typewriter repairmen (or women) still exist? 🙂
January 8, 2020 at 9:26 am
asiqueira1307
I love this post, the idea is excellent but adding examples to show how to do it is the other layer we needed. I will be looking at all my manuscripts differently from now on.
January 8, 2020 at 9:26 am
suzannepoulterharris
A very helpful perspective on pitching. Thanks for sharing!
January 8, 2020 at 9:28 am
Robin Jordan
Thank you, John, for your fly-on-the-wall advice. I shall revisit this post again and again. Layer, layer layer was my big takeaway among all this great advice! Be happy today, everyone!
January 8, 2020 at 9:30 am
ptnozell
Layers & details – great ideas to improve any manuscript.
January 8, 2020 at 9:30 am
Kathy Halsey
Stacking hooks is a fabulous way to make a story more marketable and interesting. Great post, John, that has me thinking.
January 8, 2020 at 9:31 am
Sally Lotz
Great advice. I’m off to tweak and embellish.
January 8, 2020 at 9:31 am
Cathy L. Murphy
You drew us in from the get-go. Thanks for reminding us about the need to “rise above the static”, John.
January 8, 2020 at 9:32 am
Gregory E Bray
Very interesting post. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 9:32 am
tanyakonerman
These are all great points to keep in mind. Adding layers of complexity is not something I’ve really practiced well in my writing. Writing note to self right now to take notice!
January 8, 2020 at 9:37 am
VIRGINIA L MANNING
Thank you, John! Now I’m curious where the children’s editors eat lunch!
January 8, 2020 at 9:43 am
Deb Sullivan
Thanks for sharing that perspective…good to keep in mind!
January 8, 2020 at 9:46 am
beckylevine
This is fantastic…what a great way to show us how important those details are.
January 8, 2020 at 9:50 am
Shirley fadden
My between the lines take away is the peek into what it feels like to work with someone who is excited about your project. Fun and informative read. Thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 9:55 am
Joanna Rowland
Thanks for this interview. It has my wheels turning on how to add more interesting layers with stories I’m working on.
January 8, 2020 at 9:58 am
Tina H
Great advice. Thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 9:59 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
I appreciate your insightful perspective and useful advice!
January 8, 2020 at 9:59 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for a window into the agent/editor world. Time to look at my layers and details.
January 8, 2020 at 9:59 am
Sarah Tobias
This post just gave me a thought about rewriting a story that begins with the endnof current versions. Wondering if I have been trying to force the story into a shoe too small. No cutting of my toes to make it work, when it’s done, it will fit like a glass slipper.
January 8, 2020 at 10:00 am
Marty lapointe-malchik
As I began reading this post I immediately opened a word document to create a John M Cusick Checklist. Multiple hooks, multiple layers, combine multiple ideas—create a Princess and Pea worthy stack. Reading this felt like watching Netflix! Thank you, John and kudos, Tara, for these grand prize posts. Everybody wins!
January 8, 2020 at 10:01 am
Susan
Use layering for cooking, fashion, writing…the sky’s the limit! Thanks for an eye-opening post!
January 8, 2020 at 10:03 am
Linda Staszak
Very interesting post. Thanks so much!
January 8, 2020 at 10:05 am
Polly Sena Renner
Love all the agent/editor inside scoop I can get! Thanks John!
January 8, 2020 at 10:08 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Time to tweak and embellish! Inspiring challenge and great tips.
January 8, 2020 at 10:08 am
Debra Kempf Shumaker
Very helpful post. Thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 10:09 am
pathaap
Fantastic post, John. You’ve given me a lot of helpful information to think about, especially layering and combining preexisting ideas. Thanks for that!
January 8, 2020 at 10:16 am
colleen kosinski
Thanks for your post.
January 8, 2020 at 10:17 am
Liz Ski Healey
This statement is money. “Oh wow that’s cool. Hey that’s even cooler! And THAT happens too!?” Thank you, John!
January 8, 2020 at 10:20 am
8catpaws
Mash-up of two story ideas, multiple hooks…great post!
January 8, 2020 at 10:24 am
Megan Whitaker
I love envisioning an editor talking about one of my stories. It’s all about those layers. Thanks for the post!
January 8, 2020 at 10:27 am
Daniele Arndt
Thanks so much for your post.
January 8, 2020 at 10:28 am
writeremmcbride
Tara, what a wonderful prize! John’s post is quite informative, and many of us do concentrate on that primary conflict and let it go at that. The complication is important in picture books as well as middle-grade and up. I’m going back to look at some of my “bright ideas” to see if they could use such additional layers. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 10:32 am
Lori Dubbin
I want to go to that restaurant for lunch! I’ll have what they’re having, with some listening tea and lurking pie for dessert. 🙂
January 8, 2020 at 10:34 am
Kelly Vavala
This sounds so exciting! It is how I talk about my characters to people now if I could only get it all down on paper and say what I mean and really mean what I say! Thank you for the inspiration found in this wonderful post!
January 8, 2020 at 10:38 am
Laurie
Love reading this type of advice from agents! Thanks
January 8, 2020 at 10:41 am
clairebobrow
Love this super-helpful description of how to think about multiple hooks and layers! The tip about adding specific, eccentric details is my new mantra. Thank you, John!
January 8, 2020 at 10:45 am
Laura Rackham
Layering hooks…how fun to try this with all those ideas that have not yet found a home! What would happen if I mashed up my five best wannabes? Thanks
January 8, 2020 at 10:46 am
Bru Benson
This was an insider view of how the business works along with the great pointers of what to do for your project. Thank you for the peek.
January 8, 2020 at 10:46 am
Janice Woods
Great perspective! Thanks for sharing.
January 8, 2020 at 10:47 am
Aimee
Each time you added a layer, I definitely became more intrigued and invested. Thank you for your insight as a writer, agent and working with editors. Great post!
January 8, 2020 at 10:48 am
Sheri Radovich
Insight from agents and editors is helpful when planning plots and submission wording.
January 8, 2020 at 10:50 am
Krista Harrington
John, you have given me a whole page of useful information. I love the advice to build your story world to attract multiple readers.
Thank you so much!
January 8, 2020 at 10:52 am
Anita Banks
Thank you! You have such an exciting career!
January 8, 2020 at 10:54 am
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Such an exciting read, John! Love hearing your thoughts and ideas! I still remember the advice you gave me on 15 minutes with an expert and in fact, past some of it on to a cp just recently. Thanks for being such a helpful, encouraging part of the Writing Community
January 8, 2020 at 10:54 am
Hollie Wolverton
So fun to peek into the agent/editor world! Great tips for writing and pitching. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 10:54 am
Sharon Langley
This is good to know. Thanks
January 8, 2020 at 10:56 am
Eileen Mayo
Wow! Thank you for this perspective. I love your advice of adding specific details and layers to a manuscript. It’s so easy to get caught up in the plot that filling in the details can become generic. This definitely has me rethinking some ideas.
January 8, 2020 at 11:00 am
Marsha Diane Arnold
So impressed with John. Love to have him review my ideas, even if his focus isn’t picture books.
January 8, 2020 at 11:00 am
Michelle Ramirez
Will definitely look for ways to add more layers in my pb manuscripts!
January 8, 2020 at 11:05 am
Midge Ballou Smith
Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 11:06 am
nrompella
This was insightful. I’ll definitely think like an editor in pitching my book in a query. Thanks for sharing.
January 8, 2020 at 11:09 am
Hélène Sabourin
I will check the links. Thank you
January 8, 2020 at 11:11 am
donnacangelosi
Such useful information to draw from! Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 11:14 am
Sue Heavenrich
A hook; another hook – and yet another! great way to think about how to share our story ideas.
January 8, 2020 at 11:15 am
Catherine Crosby
Thank you for this post. This shows me that I need to practice my pitch and get my query down.
January 8, 2020 at 11:16 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Time to add layers of complexity through multiple hooks.
Thank you, John.
Suzy Leopold
January 8, 2020 at 11:16 am
debobrienbookscom
Oh, please wrap John Cusick up and send him to me. I want my own personal muse to get me through the rough patches of writing.
January 8, 2020 at 11:23 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Off to write a story about an elephant/ scientist/ astronaut/ baker who launches a bakery on the moon only to realize he misses baking for his hungry & supportive friends & family back home.
Thanks for reminding us to bait our hooks with layers, John.
January 8, 2020 at 11:24 am
paulinetso
That was a really interesting (and helpful!) way at looking at things. Thanks, John!
January 8, 2020 at 11:26 am
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
I love thinking about how an editor might pitch an idea and using that knowledge to come up with great details and layers–thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 11:29 am
Linda Schueler
Great idea! They all sound like books I’d want to read.
January 8, 2020 at 11:29 am
Natasha Garnett
Big challenge- multiple hooks, layering, all in brief text of a PB. We can do this!
January 8, 2020 at 11:30 am
danielledufayet
This is so insightful! Thank you, John, for sharing your “inside” information. 🙂
January 8, 2020 at 11:31 am
Kim Larson
Great advice, John! So helpful, thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 11:34 am
June Sengpiehl
What a fascinating post, full of information we all need to know.
January 8, 2020 at 11:37 am
Paula Puckett
Thank you very much for the help and insight. What a TON of information in one post!
January 8, 2020 at 11:38 am
Linda KulpTrout
Very interesting post! Thanks, John!
January 8, 2020 at 11:40 am
matthewlasley
This can be difficult to see in your own work. In my first book, I saw the story I was telling, it was others who saw the layers and interesting points that I hadn’t “intended’. It wasn’t that I didn’t put them in the story, they were just part of the story and experience and was not so “new” to me.
We can get very intimate with our work and it is often best to let someone else give their view on it, not just your critique group who has read it for the Nth revision, but someone new who can give you honest feedback.
January 8, 2020 at 11:41 am
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
Sometimes, a single sentence or idea is all that’s needed to inspire. Yes, John Cusick’s entire post is chock full of greatness, but the sentence that stopped me is this one. “Oh wow, that’s cool. Hey, that’s even cooler! And THAT happens too!?” From here on out, I’m going to work to make these reactions possible in my stories. Many thanks.
January 8, 2020 at 11:42 am
karammitchell
This was great! Coming up with situations is the easy part for me. It’s the details that drive the plot I struggle with. I’m going to start collecting details. Thanks, John!
January 8, 2020 at 11:45 am
jenabenton
I like this different perspective!
January 8, 2020 at 11:48 am
TerriMichels
Thank you, John for the insight into your world. I am always working on the idea of layers, thank you for the encouragement.
January 8, 2020 at 11:48 am
Susan Wroble
Loved the hook details layering technique (sound almost like a crochet term!). Thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 11:49 am
Mary Jane
Wow. Lots to think about here! Thank you for your post, John.
January 8, 2020 at 11:49 am
Sherry Smith
John, Thanks for your post. Though it’s more aimed at MG+ manuscripts, PBs can also build on the plot and complications in a story.
January 8, 2020 at 11:50 am
TerriMichels
Than you John for an insight into your world.
January 8, 2020 at 11:51 am
David McMullin
Fantastic advice, John. There is a lot here to think about.
January 8, 2020 at 11:54 am
Suzanne Alexander
Thank you for the writing tips, John. It is good to hear the perspective from the agent’s point-of-view.
January 8, 2020 at 11:55 am
kyavorski
I love the idea of layering and blending story ideas! it would be a great way to fit in that one idea that’s too good to give up on but doesn’t quite fit anywhere.
January 8, 2020 at 11:58 am
Angie
Great suggestions! Now it’s application time. Thanks, John!
January 8, 2020 at 11:59 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, John, for an intriguing look at the agent and editor process.
January 8, 2020 at 12:00 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Great post! Thank you.
January 8, 2020 at 12:02 pm
Jayy
Great advice and good to hear the perspective of agents and editors. Thank you John
January 8, 2020 at 12:04 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Thank you for breaking down the interesting perspective! Helpful advice!
January 8, 2020 at 12:08 pm
Poupette Smith
Wow, quite the challenge for PBs. Thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 12:08 pm
Debra Daugherty
Thank you, John, for sharing what an agent/editor lunch is like, and for the post on layering hooks. It’s nice to hear from an agent’s viewpoint.
January 8, 2020 at 12:09 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
As in fashion so in story telling; layers add interest.
January 8, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Great ideas! Thanks, John.
January 8, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Cinzia V.
I can’t resist commenting – what an awesome post. I love the concept of stacked hooks, and look forward to making sure I can articulate them about my stories – or get revising!
January 8, 2020 at 12:20 pm
kdid54
Very enlightening. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Great insight! Thanks so much, John.
January 8, 2020 at 12:26 pm
carolmunrojww
Oh, John. You disappoint me again and again…because you don’t rep PB writers. 😉 Your posts/webinars/videos are always insightful. Thanks.
January 8, 2020 at 12:27 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Thanks for the look inside the editor/agent’s excitement about new ideas/projects AND for the encouragement to push our creative boundaries. 🙂
January 8, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Heather Rowley
Thanks for sharing your insights!
January 8, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Laura N. Clement
I am caught up in imagining the agent/editor lunch. What a fun Netflix series that would make! Thank you for the energizing post.
January 8, 2020 at 12:31 pm
Marty Bellis
Took plenty of notes today! Great info. Thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 12:38 pm
Heidi Yates
Great ideas! Thank you for the advice, John.
January 8, 2020 at 12:43 pm
Heather Stigall
Thank you for the advice to layer our hooks! My creative juices will be churning today.
January 8, 2020 at 12:46 pm
EmmieRWerner
Thank you👏 I have an idea❤️
January 8, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Excellent stuff, John Cusick, I took notes. 🙂
January 8, 2020 at 12:50 pm
Doreen E. Lepore
Thank you for the inspiring post!
January 8, 2020 at 12:51 pm
JEN Garrett
THANK YOU JOHN! Sorry for yelling, but as someone in the query trenches, I needed this post. I’m always pitching books (my own unpublished manuscripts, and others’ published books) and yet when I sit down to query the book I just had my local librarian itching to shelf as soon as it’s published, it sounds like I’m pitching those bland-spined encyclopedias gathering dust in back. (“Great sleep-inducing work! Read it and learn stuff!”)
OK, I might be exaggerating a little (hey, I’m a writer, what’dya expect?) But now, thanks to your post, I can approach the query from a new perspective. so THANK YOU!
January 8, 2020 at 12:52 pm
Shirley
What a great post. So many nuggets of good information. Thank you so much!
January 8, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Sue Reichard
Loved these ideas and to hear what editors really say! Fabulous information! Thanks so much!
January 8, 2020 at 12:56 pm
SpeechVine
Thank you for sharing. It’s fascinating to get a glimpse into an agents mindset and process.
January 8, 2020 at 1:01 pm
Sara Matson
Thank you! It’s great to get an agent’s perspective.
January 8, 2020 at 1:03 pm
saintamovin
I appreciate all the great tips to being a better writer…thank you
January 8, 2020 at 1:04 pm
Melissa Richardson
John this post came at a great time for me. I’ve been working on adding heart to one of my manuscripts that I love but that has giving me a run for my money. I was debating about whether or not an additional layer served the plot, and this post really helped me to see my options in a new light. Thank you for the insight!
January 8, 2020 at 1:10 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Thanks, John! I’m now writing a story about a hairless cat who enjoys holistic pottery but hates her generic restaurant day job. When she wins the roller derby, she quits her job, writes a best-selling memoir and then falls in love with the typewriter-repair dog 😉
January 8, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Joanne Roberts
I wonder if John echoes Disney’s Jasmine, “I am not a prize to be won!” Just kidding. What a lovely opportunity. Thank-you both. This is amazingly useful advice on layering your ideas as well as pitch-writing. Very grateful!
January 8, 2020 at 1:13 pm
Nancy Furstinger
Such a cool post about intertwining layers of hooks! And wondering which ones the editor and agent were discussing.
January 8, 2020 at 1:22 pm
Cathy Ogren
Interesting post. Thanks for sharing.
January 8, 2020 at 1:23 pm
bevbaird
Love your perspective and the idea of layering hooks. Thanks so much
January 8, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Alice Fulgione
I loved reading about what agents & editors look for. Such good advice especially about layering hooks!
January 8, 2020 at 1:48 pm
Abigail Marble
Great tips to think about. Thanks
January 8, 2020 at 1:49 pm
Charlotte Offsay
A great reminder to look at this from the marketing perspective!
January 8, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Heather Thurmeier
This was an excellent post. I’d love to hear more like this, from the editor’s perspective. Thanks for sharing this with us!
January 8, 2020 at 2:04 pm
Aimee Satterlee
When I saw this snippet of advice on Twitter the first time, I had an “aha” moment. And now this expanded explanation on Storystorm is everything! I love thinking about multiple hooks and layering them to provide multiple points of interest. Thanks, John, for sharing!
January 8, 2020 at 2:06 pm
Joan Swanson
What great ideas I had coming from your post, thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 2:16 pm
Teresa Robeson
Layer your “hooks” + killer details…yes!! I’m sharing this with my CPs…thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 2:25 pm
sareenmclay
Thank you, John. Very inspiring and motivating.
January 8, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Karen Greenwald
This was quite interesting! I loved hearing another facet of the process. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 2:39 pm
kimpfenn
It’s always a treat to hear John’s perspective on writing and publishing so many thanks to both John and Tara!
January 8, 2020 at 2:42 pm
Buffy Silverman
Great tips–thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 2:49 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thanks John, I’m in the middle of a rewrite and think I could use a few layers. I’d love to have an editor excited about my manuscript.
January 8, 2020 at 2:55 pm
jenniemacdonald
“published books often have interesting details and “hooks” stacked on top of each other. There are multiple ins to the story, multiple elements that can potentially pull in a reader.” I love this idea of connecting with readers on a variety of topics and details. It can produce a whole range of keyword interests that appeal to many people in different and surprising ways. I’m not very familiar with westerns, for example, but set one in a theatre or ghost town and it would definitely get my attention!
January 8, 2020 at 2:57 pm
kathrynjeanhagen
Great insights into the publishing world. Thank you, John!
January 8, 2020 at 3:01 pm
drawingablank6
Great post and what an amazing grand prize too!
January 8, 2020 at 3:07 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Thank you for this post! I love the idea of adding complexity and multiple hooks to our stories. I also loved to hear you talk about editors and how much they love the books they work on. Thanks for sharing.
January 8, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Jess Townes
This is incredibly insightful. Thank you so much!
January 8, 2020 at 3:13 pm
Susan Drew
Thanks a new formula to think about when writing!
January 8, 2020 at 3:17 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks for the peek at an editor/agent lunch! Love the idea of layering hooks- a great way to use more Storystorm ideas!
January 8, 2020 at 3:17 pm
Cindy Williams Schrauben
This is great and fits well with my after-the-Storystorm strategy. At the end of the month, I take all my ideas and categorize them into lists – character ideas, plot ideas, setting ideas, etc. Then, when I’m stuck on a story I look for another layer in these lists. Sometimes, it actually works! Thanks for the post.
January 8, 2020 at 3:24 pm
Maria Marshall
John, this was excellent. Thanks for the concrete examples of layered hooks. Very inspirational for new ideas and revisions/queries of WIP.
January 8, 2020 at 3:29 pm
Rona Shirdan
Time to think about layering hooks. Interesting tip!
January 8, 2020 at 3:31 pm
Heather Gallagher
Good ideas here for my MG WIP 😀
January 8, 2020 at 3:35 pm
bookfish1
Thanks for the behind the scene look at what an editor loves. It was so insightful along with the 3rd layer of a pitch.
January 8, 2020 at 3:36 pm
Patti Richards, Children's Author
I love this so much! I need to go back and layer upon layer to my manuscripts! I got all kinds of ideas as I was reading today. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 3:44 pm
aidantalkin
oh to be a fly on the wall at an editor-agent lunch!
January 8, 2020 at 3:44 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
This is great insider tips. I need to revisit my pitches and make sure they include all three layers. Thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 3:45 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Hmm, kind of like using a net instead of a pole to give your “manuscript multiple points of interest for the reader browsing their local bookstore.” Great advice, John. Thank you.
January 8, 2020 at 3:46 pm
Sharon Solomon
Thanks for the great ideas from John.
January 8, 2020 at 3:55 pm
Elizabeth W Saba
Thanks for the inside scoop John BUT this is truly a GRAND prize Tara.
January 8, 2020 at 4:01 pm
Jane Baskwill
Thanks for sharing. It’s so much fun to play around with ideas and create a mash-up!
January 8, 2020 at 4:02 pm
Rebecca Herzog
I am actually working on a pitch for a one-on-one pitch session coming up so this post was perfect timing. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 4:03 pm
Janie Reinart
Thanks John. Layers and details for the win!
January 8, 2020 at 4:16 pm
angelcat2014
Some great tips for creating our pitch, blurb and query time. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
January 8, 2020 at 4:19 pm
charlestrevino
Great perspective!
You had me at – his hairless cat…
January 8, 2020 at 4:27 pm
jenfierjasinski
I gained a lot when a similar message was posted on Twitter. Thanks for the additional details today John. Off to layer up!
January 8, 2020 at 4:41 pm
jenwritespbs
Great insight on how to make a story really stand out, especially, “Build in eccentric and memorable details…”
January 8, 2020 at 4:41 pm
Priya Gopal
Good idea, why ordinary when you can be extraordinary
January 8, 2020 at 4:44 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Thank you for sharing, John. It would be amazing to hear those conversations, and what a confidence boost if that book was your own!
I love your ideas about getting specific in the details, too.
January 8, 2020 at 4:50 pm
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
Thanks for the tips. Great ideas for making our story stand out.
January 8, 2020 at 4:58 pm
Carolyne Ruck
Very helpful ideas about using multiple hooks and layering them. And it was inspiring to “eavesdrop” on a editor at lunch.. Thank you for giving us the benefit of your first hand experience and expertise.
January 8, 2020 at 5:04 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks John! I appreciate your perspective.
January 8, 2020 at 5:12 pm
Laura Jean Watters
“Layering your hooks,” eh? That’s an image that’s been stuck in my head all day.
January 8, 2020 at 5:23 pm
SUSAN M CONTRERAS
This advice was so good. I am already bubbling with ideas. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Solid advice to take an idea you already have and figure out how to make it more memorable. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks, John, for your inside look at what excites agents, editors, AND folks reading a good book. Stacked hooks makes so much sense. One element may not pull a reader in, but the other will. A genius way to expand our audience for a single book!
January 8, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Layers and hooks, layers and hooks. A primer on writing bestselling books!
January 8, 2020 at 5:38 pm
Linda Whalen
Layering up! I get it, like a 7 layer dip😊, each layer is yummy.
January 8, 2020 at 5:40 pm
LaurenKerstein
This post launched my PB, MG, YA, and adult-writing brain into hyper-drive.Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 5:43 pm
ingridboydston
What an amazing opportunity! Thank you Tara and John Cusick for making this possible! The entire month just got even more exciting!
January 8, 2020 at 5:46 pm
Chelle Martin
Multiple genre books are interesting, but don’t they sometimes get lost due to the bookstores not knowing where to catalog them? Each genre has its own sub-genre, but mixing in too many genres might lose some readers. At least, I’ve heard this from other agents/editors.
January 8, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Great food for thought. Thanks for the opportunity!
January 8, 2020 at 5:50 pm
Juliana Lee
Thanks for the examples of how exactly to layer concepts. Very useful!
January 8, 2020 at 5:58 pm
Louann Brown
Great ideas John. Now I know why my latest ms isn’t singing, yet.
January 8, 2020 at 6:09 pm
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
Thanks for your insight!
January 8, 2020 at 6:15 pm
Amy Newbold
Thanks for giving an insider’s view on how to layer hooks. Very helpful post, John.
January 8, 2020 at 6:24 pm
Karin Larson
Love this post! Thank you for the insight.
January 8, 2020 at 6:34 pm
Wendy Pierman Mitzel
This was really helpful and practical and imaginative all at the same time!
January 8, 2020 at 6:39 pm
Jennifer Blanck
Thank you for sharing your insights and suggestions!
January 8, 2020 at 6:46 pm
steveheron
Eccentric, memorable and combining. Three things I will take away from this. Thanks.
January 8, 2020 at 7:13 pm
Sara A
Great look at hooks!
January 8, 2020 at 7:18 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I’d love some examples of how this philosophy can be applied to writing picture books, since we are typically encouraged to streamline as much as possible.
January 8, 2020 at 7:26 pm
jcobooks
Great post! I love people-watching in restaurants and imagining they are talking about something I’ve written! John, let’s have nachos–I know a great Tex-Mex place 🙂
January 8, 2020 at 7:35 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Thank you, John for this post which has many of us look at our WIPs in a new way!
January 8, 2020 at 7:38 pm
Linda Hofke
No doubt about it. Adding layers to a WIP takes time and hard work but is definitely worth it. In the end, the story will be more interesting and meaningful in the end and also more marketable.
January 8, 2020 at 7:38 pm
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
John, Thanks for sharing your layers of knowledge.
January 8, 2020 at 7:40 pm
JillDanaBooks
Super helpful ideas! Thanks so much!! 🙂
January 8, 2020 at 7:41 pm
chardixon47
Thank you, John, for the layered look behind the scenes. Solid gold!
January 8, 2020 at 7:42 pm
tiffanydickinson
I appreciate these concepts of layering. Before reading this post, I thought I was just throwing new ideas at the story, but if I pull them in properly they make for a deeper more satisfying tale. Thanks, John!
January 8, 2020 at 7:43 pm
Michelle Lord
This is a great point… “If the roller-derby bit didn’t catch your attention, the holistic pottery center or star-crossed lovers might.”
January 8, 2020 at 7:50 pm
cbcole
I like the idea of several hooks for a story – I need to incorporate that into my picture book manuscripts.
January 8, 2020 at 7:55 pm
Arlene Schenker
Great advice, John, for standing out in today’s market! Thank you.
January 8, 2020 at 7:59 pm
Maria J Cuesta
This was a great post and interesting perspective. Thanks a lot. Really useful!
January 8, 2020 at 8:20 pm
Angela H. Dale
Winter is a great time to be thinking about layers – what job does each do, what is revealed when you peel one away.
January 8, 2020 at 8:26 pm
Julie Reich
I love the concept of combining two pre-existing ideas! You’ve given us so much to think about–thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 8:37 pm
Nancy Riley
All great info, thanks. You got me more excited, the more I read.
January 8, 2020 at 8:48 pm
Jenn
Thanks for a great post! Off to tweak some ideas!
January 8, 2020 at 8:51 pm
Erik Ammon
Oh, this helps a lot! Change a location or two, twist in an interesting character/ character flaw and voila! Layers 🙂 Thanks, John!
January 8, 2020 at 8:52 pm
Janet Smart
That’s a good idea! I’ll have to give it a try.
January 8, 2020 at 8:58 pm
Mark Ceilley
I enjoyed reading this post! Great ideas for my stories!
Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 9:04 pm
KASteed
Hi! Could you elaborate more on the “multiple ins to the story”? Thanks!
January 8, 2020 at 9:11 pm
Susie Sawyer
Oh, to be a fly in the soup of that restaurant, so that I could hear that conversation! 🙂 Thanks so much, John!! And on behalf of the authors you work with, thank you for your sincere enthusiasm!
January 8, 2020 at 9:25 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
THanks for this. Always good to remember to mash up story ideas- time to go back and see what shake out!
January 8, 2020 at 9:31 pm
Angela Padron
Layer the hooks, make strong page turns. Great advice!
January 8, 2020 at 9:33 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
JOHN: THANK YOU for the INSPIRING post! It is SO HELPFUL to have the POV of someone who works in a different area of the book business.
January 8, 2020 at 9:41 pm
Becky Shillington
Great advice. Thanks, John!
January 8, 2020 at 9:55 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Great advice, thank you! Lots to think about.
January 8, 2020 at 9:59 pm
Susan Macartney
Highlighting an editor’s approach to presenting their favourite books is such a great way of reminding writers about essential story elements and ways of presenting their work – thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 10:02 pm
Virginia Rinkel
I do like all this detail with intriguing hooks here, and there, and before you know it, you will be able to form that story. Thanks for all this info to think on.
January 8, 2020 at 10:10 pm
brittanypomales
I hope to find some potential layers during these 30 days. Great post!
January 8, 2020 at 10:17 pm
Cedar Pruitt
Man, this advice is classic John Cusick: it makes me want to go write! I could use some more examples of layered PB’s, though, to really make use of this approach.
January 8, 2020 at 10:20 pm
DaNeil Olson
Love the suggestion of layered interests. Thank you.
January 8, 2020 at 10:23 pm
Abby Wooldridge
Thank you for this great advice. I really appreciate it!
January 8, 2020 at 10:27 pm
Lydia Lukidis
I love hearing about how editors and agents talk about our books, its so refreshing. I also loved the advice here- I had seen this thread on Twitter recently and bookmarked it. It’s gold.
January 8, 2020 at 10:35 pm
megcason1
John, you’ve got my brain spinning with inspiration.
Thanks for your post!
January 8, 2020 at 10:37 pm
Lindsay Ellis
Almost like playing PB writing madlibs. Love it.
January 8, 2020 at 10:48 pm
candicewolff
Thanks so much for the encouragement. Seemingly random things when brought together can create such a fun and unique story. I think it’s just a matter of making the right connections.
January 8, 2020 at 10:58 pm
Sandy Perlic
What a useful post! I’m going to reread this a few times and think deeply about my stories and all their hooks. Thank you!
January 8, 2020 at 10:59 pm
susanzonca
Thanks for helpful information from the other side. Time to get to work!
January 8, 2020 at 11:02 pm
Michele Ziemke
I’ve heard lots of advice on hooks, and nothing has been more clear than John’s description today!
January 8, 2020 at 11:11 pm
ruthwilson48
Very helpful advice! It’s great hearing from someone who’s so well-versed in the industry.
January 8, 2020 at 11:14 pm
Leigh Therriault
So interesting! Thanks for the sneak peek into agent/editor interactions. And what a brilliant idea to layer hooks, drawing the reader in deeper & deeper… wow!
January 8, 2020 at 11:19 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for the post! Great read. Very helpful.
January 8, 2020 at 11:32 pm
Shaunda K Wenger
love the idea of multiple layers. I was under the impression that less was more, but I like the idea that more can be interesting…. a new hook!
January 8, 2020 at 11:33 pm
Jennifer Spillane
Sounds like this could be complicated, but worth a try.
January 8, 2020 at 11:38 pm
seschipper
Great post ! It was so interesting to view our craft from this perspective! Thanks John and of course Tara!! 🙂
January 8, 2020 at 11:46 pm
Laura W.
Very helpful. Thank you for the insight John.
January 8, 2020 at 11:48 pm
jbbower
Thanks for sharing John! It would indeed be great to hear all those conservations!
January 9, 2020 at 12:13 am
Keila Dawson
Oh to be a fly on a wall on such an occasion. And thank you for such good advice to “…layer your “hooks,” giving your manuscript multiple points of interest for the reader.”
January 9, 2020 at 12:15 am
Stephanie Austin
Love the third layer!
January 9, 2020 at 12:39 am
Terrie Hellard-Brown
Love this! Thank you for writing this post. I’m thinking through some of my stories right now to see where I can add layers and hooks.
January 9, 2020 at 12:49 am
betlw
Thanks, John, for the tips on how to make our manuscripts more exciting and more apt to attract an agent and/or editor. Great post!
January 9, 2020 at 12:55 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Thank you for the inside scoop about the lunches between editors and agents. It was wonderful to hear about their passion for their projects.
January 9, 2020 at 12:59 am
lahewson
Thank you, John, for the tips. Love eccentric and your examples of layers and hooks 🙂
January 9, 2020 at 1:47 am
Juliann Caveny
This is definitely one of the most helpful posts so far this year. I love hearing other’s stories when they layer one good hook/twist on top of another too! We (writers) should often aim for the same “wow” reactions from our own MS.
January 9, 2020 at 1:48 am
laurimacey
❤️
January 9, 2020 at 1:58 am
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
Coincidentally I just finished watching last night’s Mixed-ish which featured a budding romance with the Challenger explosion as the backdrop!
January 9, 2020 at 2:04 am
Michelle Kashinsky
You had me at the Challenger romance. Thanks!
January 9, 2020 at 2:24 am
Michele Helsel
Of course you are right. Now if I can just remember to always do it.
January 9, 2020 at 2:49 am
Jocelyn Rish
Hmmm, now I’m thinking of how I can add some hook-y layers to an old YA I’d like to pull out of the dusty drawer.
January 9, 2020 at 3:27 am
Marcia Berneger
Great ideas on improving my pitches and the stories behind them. Thank you!
January 9, 2020 at 4:40 am
percyandcat
What crazy intriguing ideas. Mr. Cusick has some great insight.
January 9, 2020 at 4:43 am
percyandcat
What crazy intriguing ideas. Mr. Cusick has great insight and would be an asset to any writer.
January 9, 2020 at 5:27 am
Leah
Thank you for the interesting article!
January 9, 2020 at 7:14 am
Judy Bryan
This comes at the perfect time for me as I’m plotting my next MG. Thank you, John, for your wisdom and insight about layering hooks. Much appreciated!
January 9, 2020 at 7:14 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for the practical suggestions.
January 9, 2020 at 7:53 am
Jen Kraar
Love this. Thanks. The devil in the eccentric, appealing details. Hope, one day you’ll be discussing my next story over some steamed bao, shu mai and fung jeow!
January 9, 2020 at 8:18 am
kaleegwarjanski
What a cool grand prize!
January 9, 2020 at 8:35 am
Angela De Groot
Awesome grand prize – fingers crossed! Thanks, John, for the info and tips.
January 9, 2020 at 9:22 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Adding unique layers is the goal. Thanks for the suggestions John.
January 9, 2020 at 9:28 am
phaeacrede
Layered Hooks Make Better Books
January 9, 2020 at 9:29 am
Maria Bostian
Looking forward to layerings some ideas together from some of 2020’s est all thanks to this great post!
January 9, 2020 at 9:31 am
Mariana Rios
Thanks for making me think about adding suspense and complexity to my stories, to keep the reader hooked. 😊 I will try to see how I can include these elements. Thanks!
January 9, 2020 at 9:33 am
Mita
Sounds like a great prize! 🤞🏽
January 9, 2020 at 10:28 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks for including specific examples as you extol the value of specificity in pitching. Very helpful!
January 9, 2020 at 10:35 am
shannonlhall
Ohhhhhh my! There is so much good information in here. I’m excited to go back to some of my finished works to see what I can add.
January 9, 2020 at 10:36 am
claireannette1
Such great suggestions. I’m going to go back and add details and layers to my manuscripts.
January 9, 2020 at 10:49 am
Dawn Prochovnic
I learned so much when I recently attended a booksellers convention and listened to the sales reps pitch their lists to the booksellers. It was much the same as you describe here, and very instructive. Thanks much for the insider’s perspective.
January 9, 2020 at 10:54 am
Dawn Young
Love “And THAT happens too!?” Great post. Thank you!
January 9, 2020 at 11:11 am
tdjw
Standing out in a crowded market is what concerns me the most but I know there is room for my ideas too.
January 9, 2020 at 11:18 am
Becky Ross Michael
Love the suggestion of combining and layering plot ideas!
January 9, 2020 at 11:31 am
Rebecca Thill (@rkthill)
Great suggestions for all genres!
January 9, 2020 at 11:36 am
Kathy Mazurowski
Interesting, thanks
January 9, 2020 at 12:05 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
Thanks for the insights into making a manuscript stand out.
January 9, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Lane Mathis Arnold
“Layered concepts equals more points of interest, more complexity, and more intrigue.
It can be tricky to stand out in the crowded market, but building in eccentric and memorable details, as well as combining story-concepts, can help your work rise above the static. Writing well is essential, the base line, but it’s only the start. Take the idea you began with and add your own layers of complexity. Tweak the details and embellish the conflicts, and the next time an editor is gushing about their favorite new manuscript over dim sum or lattes, that book might be yours.”
May it be so!
January 9, 2020 at 1:09 pm
Jenny Read Stout
I would love to see one of these editor conversations illustrated like a graphic novel! Thanks for your insight!
January 9, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Carrie Williford (@carrietimes)
Thank you for this insight! I need to think about layered hooks as I start the revision process.
January 9, 2020 at 1:40 pm
rgstones
Love the reminder to create multiple points of interest.
January 9, 2020 at 1:52 pm
bluerabbit
OMG! This is an amazing post! It’s worth a whole writers’ conference.
January 9, 2020 at 2:27 pm
Dina Ticas
OOH, this sounds like great advice. Now I just have to be careful to make it “clean” and not confusing.
January 9, 2020 at 2:48 pm
writeknit
How fun to weave three different hooks into a story that is fun to read. Thanks for the great advice.
January 9, 2020 at 3:12 pm
Susan Twiggs
Interesting, John
January 9, 2020 at 3:20 pm
Liz Steinglass
Interesting post. Fun to think about agents and editors being excited about our work.
January 9, 2020 at 3:31 pm
Teresa Traver
This is great. It really helps to hear the kinds of stories that might get an editor excited.
January 9, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
Loved your exhilarating article filled with fabulous detailed examples! I am now hooked into following your writing and advice, John Cusick. Thank you for inspiring me.
January 9, 2020 at 4:09 pm
Catherine Morgans
Love the description of layering your hooks to give different points of interest to attract a broader range of readers. Thanks John.
January 9, 2020 at 4:20 pm
Nadia Salomon
Thank you for this nugget Mr. Cusick! “Layered concepts equals more points of interest, more complexity, and more intrigue.” I’ll have to add these hook concepts to my pitches.
January 9, 2020 at 4:45 pm
mginsberg10
Thanks for your great ideas, John!
January 9, 2020 at 5:48 pm
Elle
What a fantastic post!
January 9, 2020 at 6:23 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
I always enjoy the many different tips we get through the Storystorm month. Thanks for adding your layer.
January 9, 2020 at 6:35 pm
Susan Latta
Love the idea of multiple pull-ins to a story. Thanks!
January 9, 2020 at 6:50 pm
Writer on the run
John, Thanks for reminding me to layer my hooks and be looking for unique ways to make the story sing!
January 9, 2020 at 7:13 pm
MaryAnn Cortez
Thanks for another great post!
January 9, 2020 at 7:25 pm
Bettie Boswell
Great advice! I will definitely work on details and interesting layers.
January 9, 2020 at 7:37 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you,John. Layering hooks is a fine description.
January 9, 2020 at 7:45 pm
kmajor2013
Thanks for that detail, John. I’m going to apply those ideas to my mss.
January 9, 2020 at 8:49 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Not only is this a great process for analyzing story ideas, but stories already in progress. This will even help when I’m critiquing. Thank you!
January 9, 2020 at 9:11 pm
Karen Lawler
Adding the exciting details to my stories is wonderful to hear! I needed to be jolted into action and you did it for me!!! Thank You. 🙂
January 9, 2020 at 9:50 pm
saputnam
Great post, John!! Thank you for sharing with us the agent/editor viewpoint. I love the idea of adding multiple layers to our stories and can think of 2 chapter books that I will be revamping with this in mind
January 9, 2020 at 10:34 pm
Susan Eyerman
Storystorm loves feedback!
January 9, 2020 at 11:46 pm
Jacque Duffy
John, not that I wish a fly to be present and listening in during any of your lunch meetings, however, if by chance you happen to notice one with a messy hair cut lurking near your water glass… please don’t squish me.
January 10, 2020 at 12:23 am
sharongiltrow
Love the agent perspective. Great to see what turns a manuscript from good to great!
January 10, 2020 at 12:32 am
topangamaria
Appreciate the detailed insight on how to.
January 10, 2020 at 12:49 am
Susan Apps-Bodilly
The description of how an editor talks about a story in layers reminds me of how my second graders convince a friend to read a book they’ve just finished! First the hook, then the cool things in the next layers – great tips to remember for my own writing! Thank you!
January 10, 2020 at 1:28 am
Susan Cabael
I wish there could be a podcast episode of these editor conversations.
January 10, 2020 at 2:00 am
Gaby Lagos
Love your advice John, combining our treasured ideas could be something memorable and unique.
January 10, 2020 at 8:41 am
kathydoherty1
Thank you, John, for the post about building layers I get just as excited about stories and books as those two people in the restaurant!
January 10, 2020 at 9:12 am
Della Ross Ferreri
Thank you for your insight! Very helpful!
January 10, 2020 at 9:17 am
Joana Pastro
This is a great insight for any genre, but I’ll keep it close as a reminder for when I finally resume work on my novel. Thanks!
January 10, 2020 at 9:53 am
Brittanny Handiboe
I think I got an idea 🙂
January 10, 2020 at 10:03 am
alisongoldberg
Thanks for this helpful post!
January 10, 2020 at 10:09 am
Judy Palermo
Thanks, John. So helpful.
January 10, 2020 at 10:19 am
Jane Dippold
Thanks for your tips on layering concepts to reel a reader in!
January 10, 2020 at 10:28 am
Elizabeth Brown
Great post! Thank you!
January 10, 2020 at 11:54 am
Mary Jo Wagner
It is my dream that an editor will talk that animatedly and with that much love about my manuscript.
January 10, 2020 at 11:59 am
KRISTINA COOPER CASTILLO
I really enjoyed this! Thanks!
January 10, 2020 at 1:02 pm
marshaelyn
WOW! John clearly explains how the multi-layers of storytelling create the “I’ve-Gotta-Read-This” attitude. We ALL WANT THAT from editors! Thank you!
January 10, 2020 at 1:33 pm
rindabeach
Layers like a cake or onion on a cake? Interesting idea. Now to figure out how to try it!
January 10, 2020 at 2:33 pm
jeanjames926
Love your perspective. Thanks for sharing.
January 10, 2020 at 2:53 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
I HAD to comment!! After this post, my mind is combining my StoryStorm 2020 stories! One Moose on the Loose searches for Some Bunny to Love and ends up on a hill, alone but exHILarated, as he enjoys his own homemade PBJ!
January 10, 2020 at 3:06 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
Intriguing insight! I had more fun with my brainstorming today 🙂
January 10, 2020 at 3:28 pm
Helen Lysicatos
Thank you for the insider look into editors and the ideas into hooking our readers.
January 10, 2020 at 4:19 pm
Lynne Marie
LOVED this — so enlightening. Thank you so very much for sharing!
January 10, 2020 at 6:34 pm
adavis6385
Thanks for this insider perspective, John! Wish I could be a fly on the wall at one of those lunches. 🙂
January 10, 2020 at 10:06 pm
Ashley Pierson
What a fun post! Thanks, John!
January 10, 2020 at 10:14 pm
Dee Leone
If we could be a napkin at those lunches listening to everything that is said between the editors and agents, we would learn so much. Even better… a trash can listening to what is said about manuscripts in the slush pile!
January 10, 2020 at 10:29 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Need to make these ideas into a checklist to relook at my manuscripts and revise. A lot to reflect on. Thank you
January 10, 2020 at 11:03 pm
Kaye Baillie
I love this!! It’s such a real example of layers and hooks. Thanks, John!
January 10, 2020 at 11:41 pm
susan schade
Thanks for the insider look on what catches attention and makes a story better. Helpful and interesting post, John!
January 11, 2020 at 8:25 am
Brenda Whitehead
This is SO on point. One of my hang-ups is weaving in hooks and layers beyond the main thread. Much to think on and apply!
January 11, 2020 at 8:25 am
Kellie
Thank you so much for the insight. There’s a whole world out there we don’t know about.
January 11, 2020 at 10:00 am
makz5650
This is great information and very practical I’m going to do some exercises with this today. Thank you for your insider view.
January 11, 2020 at 11:38 am
Stephen S. Martin
Fun and enlightening indeed. Nice to hear about “the other side”
January 11, 2020 at 12:09 pm
jshaklan
Your enthusiasm is contagious! Thank you!
January 11, 2020 at 12:39 pm
cantsing1
Many thanks. Wish you did pb’s. I love your energy and the direction you sent me in!
January 11, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Jill M Proctor
Great information! You’ve revved up my engine. Thanks!
January 11, 2020 at 2:05 pm
Brinton Culp
Appreciated this point of view and got me thinking about all those hooks. Thanks!
January 11, 2020 at 6:55 pm
Stella Gardener
Thank you for giving us a behind-the-scenes view of those lunches we sometimes see in movies. I like the suggestion of multiple entry points to stand out in a crowded market.
January 11, 2020 at 7:03 pm
Emily
I have trouble adding complexity- thank you for all the advice!
January 11, 2020 at 8:12 pm
ingridboydston
So good I had to read it twice! Thank you!
January 11, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you for sharing your insider’s perspective and offering great advice, John.
January 11, 2020 at 11:31 pm
storycatcherpublishing
I would love to be a fly on the wall near THAT table…;-)
Donna L Martin
Story Catcher Publishing
January 11, 2020 at 11:32 pm
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Wow, great advice! Multiple interest points of entry, and layered and intertwined hooks! A formula I’ll remember…
January 12, 2020 at 4:49 am
kateperidot
Some great advice. The pitch is so important. I always try and write the elevator pitch first.
January 12, 2020 at 10:28 am
JC
Great advice, thanks so much!
January 12, 2020 at 11:56 am
Becky H
How exciting. This is even MORE incentive to squeeze out some good ideas. Also, I am going to try and write some of them as pitches so I can see if they have legs. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 1:20 pm
julielacombeauthor
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your post sparked an idea for an old manuscript!
January 12, 2020 at 1:39 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Love the insight and noting “building in eccentric and memorable details, as well as combining story-concepts.” These are helping with existing manuscripts as well as new ideas. Thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Pamela Haskin
Thanks so much for your insight! Love the multiple-hook advice.
January 12, 2020 at 2:53 pm
Vanessa Hancock (@HancockVanessa)
Great info! Thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 3:49 pm
wangliarron
Great info, thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 6:29 pm
Tracy Hora
Thanks for all the great info! This post was packed!
January 12, 2020 at 8:46 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the insight!
January 13, 2020 at 12:18 am
Benji Rearick
This is grand-prize level advice — thank you for sharing!
January 13, 2020 at 12:27 am
Naana
Thank you for the insight – layers of complexity, and embellishing conflicts
January 13, 2020 at 7:18 am
Joan Maher
Thanks for the great post! Terrific advice!
January 13, 2020 at 9:43 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Oh, the pressure! Now I need a martini.
January 13, 2020 at 9:57 am
Kim Wilson
Love layering ideas! Thanks so much for your insight and tips!
January 13, 2020 at 1:29 pm
deniseaengle
My intuition tells me that I need to pay close attention to this post on layers and complexity. Thank you, John!!
January 13, 2020 at 3:54 pm
Viviane Elbee
Great advice about layering complexity and specific details!
January 13, 2020 at 5:28 pm
Bronte Colbert
Love this post!
January 13, 2020 at 5:43 pm
meghandwrites
This is very insightful!
January 13, 2020 at 5:59 pm
Suwin Chan
Thank you for this exceptional advice!
January 13, 2020 at 6:35 pm
Dea Brayden
Thank you, John! Loved this: Take the idea you began with and add your own layers of complexity. Tweak the details and embellish the conflicts…
January 15, 2020 at 12:21 am
Kari Gonzalez
Thanks, John! This was a very motivational and inspirational piece for me. I hadn’t stopped to consider the excitement felt by editors and agents to work on our beloved projects.
January 15, 2020 at 9:27 am
melissamiles1
It’s always great to get these insights from an agent (and writer!). I attended your workshop on pacing at WIK in Birmingham and refer to my notes when I’m working on a new plot. Thanks!
January 15, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Jud Ward
I love layers of complexity, that’s what makes a picture book so re-readable. I hadn’t thought of your multiple hooks idea. I’m going to try that. Thanks!
January 15, 2020 at 3:05 pm
Lisa L. Owens (@LisaLOwens)
Great tips on layering, and a good reminder to strive to be an expert on your own book in order to hook an editor who’ll want to invest that same knowledge and excitement in representing your work to their team and the world.
January 15, 2020 at 5:46 pm
Anne Appert
I am intrigued by the idea of combining pre-existing ideas and excited to look at my existing drafts to see how I can add layers. Thanks for the tips!
January 15, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Anne Appert
I love the idea of combining pre-existing ideas. I’ll have to take a look at my list and see if I can do this. I’m also excited to look at my existing manuscripts to see what layers I can add. Thanks for the tips!
January 15, 2020 at 8:57 pm
Janet Halfmann
Thanks for giving us an inside view.
January 16, 2020 at 2:42 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Thanks for a glimpse into “editor talk!” And thanks for your comments about layers.
January 16, 2020 at 2:59 pm
dlapmandi
Love the idea of combining story elements. The more unique, the better. Thanks for the post.
January 16, 2020 at 4:12 pm
Rene` Diane Aube ~ Children's Author
Thanks for the tips, John! Really got me thinking about layers to a story I’ve been working on for some time… 🙂
January 16, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Susan Orton
Your idea of combining pre-existing ideas in layering a story has me rethinking some of my manuscripts. Thank you for sharing ideas from an agent and editor perspective.
January 17, 2020 at 9:36 pm
denarose
I like the idea of combining plots, to give a story layers! Thank you!
January 18, 2020 at 3:57 am
Robin Perkins
Thank you for the peek into the Editor’s mind.
January 18, 2020 at 1:41 pm
Shar
layers – this is what I need to work on. thank you!
January 18, 2020 at 8:56 pm
Stephanie Lau
I saw John’s Twitter thread about this topic a while ago, and appreciated seeing the longer version of it!
January 18, 2020 at 10:45 pm
bgonsar
Really enjoyed reading this post. It’s spot on and really what makes a story break through. Thanks John!
January 19, 2020 at 9:13 am
Beth Gallagher
I so love to hear from agents and editors, as they are such magical species! Thanks so much for the insight and inspiration. 😊
January 19, 2020 at 3:31 pm
Wendy Greenley
This post is gold! When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Thanks John and Tara. “)
January 19, 2020 at 8:35 pm
shirley301
Thanks for sharing. It’s always interesting to hear the agent/editor side of things.
January 20, 2020 at 1:08 am
Rachel
Loved hearing from the perspective of the editor
January 20, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Mary York
Hmmmmm . . . it’s interesting to hear from an agent what an editor’s perspective often is!
January 21, 2020 at 10:37 am
Kelly Conroy
This is really interesting and helpful. I wish I could be a fly on the wall!
January 22, 2020 at 3:11 pm
Lisa Tolin (@lisatolin)
This is great food for thought when coming up with layers and hooks!
January 24, 2020 at 12:23 am
Christine Pinto
What a great way to describe this! Thank you for the insights.
January 24, 2020 at 12:12 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
January 24, 2020 at 1:01 pm
imagination4lf
Thanks, John! Love the ideas you shared. Would love to be a fly on the wall to listen in on an agent/editor meeting. 🙂
January 24, 2020 at 7:20 pm
Amanda Sincavage
Love this look at hooks (and the sneak peek at an editor-agent lunch)!
January 25, 2020 at 5:15 pm
Terri Sabol
Great story building techniques and pitch ideas. Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2020 at 5:37 pm
Sue Thoms
Great post. I feel like I was at that lunch. Now I want to hear more about that typewriter repairman ….
January 28, 2020 at 11:21 am
anneiversonbellsouthnet
What an interesting lunch conversation and oh, to be a fly on the wall listening. Only problem, flies get swatted and wouldn’t be able to relay your suggestions! Thanks for a great post!
January 29, 2020 at 3:31 pm
Lucy Staugler
John, great info! I love the visual of an agent and editor having a love fest at lunch over a book! Gets me in the “feels”!!!
Thanks for StoryStorming with us!
January 31, 2020 at 12:44 am
Dani Duck
OMG blending the stories is a great idea! I’ve had some stories that I’ve done this with, but not enough. I will definitely keep this in mind when I go through all my old Storystorm ideas! Thanks John!
January 31, 2020 at 3:58 pm
LJ Laniewski
Thanks so much for this inspirational post. You pulled me right in. I’ll get to work adding layers and imagining an editor gushing over my book!
January 31, 2020 at 8:54 pm
kmshelley
Thanks for the story building tips!
February 1, 2020 at 3:13 pm
storyfairy
Nice post.
February 5, 2020 at 10:55 pm
CindyC
Great advice, John.