Argh! Not Another Podcast with William May

Jessica Sinsheimer is a New York literary agent at Context Literary Agency, where she works with authors and illustrators to bring their books to life and helps writers build sustainable careers in publishing. Jessica has been reading and campaigning for her favorite queries since 2004 and is known for co-creating #MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) and ManuscriptWishList.com. She’s always looking for new voices, with a particular interest in YA, MG, upmarket genre fiction, psychological thrillers, SF/F, and nonfiction, and she has a special love for stories that are smart, surprising, beautifully written, and full of contrast. So, in this episode we're asking... what makes an agent say yes? In Episode 20 of Argh! Not Another Podcast, William May sits down with Jessica for a conversation about querying, discovering new writers, what catches an agent’s attention, Manuscript Wish List, and the realities of getting your work in front of the right people. Hosted by poet and author William May, Argh! explores the creative and practical realities of literary life. William is the author of Blaze without Burning, a 2025 poetry collection from Finishing Line Press, and his work has been recognized with a Pushcart Prize nomination. A fourth-generation New Yorker and self-described “Neurodiverse Language Wizard,” William brings his own perspective as a writer to conversations with authors, poets, publishers, and people working behind the scenes in publishing. 🎧 Listen to Episode 20 and discover what might make a writer’s query stand out.

Before we begin today's episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast, William shares some difficult personal news. His younger brother, Eugene Harris May, passed away suddenly, leaving behind a family and community who loved him deeply. In the weeks since Eugene's passing, William has been reminded every day of the countless ways his brother built connections, supported others, and brought people together. It felt only fitting that this conversation would be about one of the things Eugene embodied so naturally: community. This week, William is joined by speculative fiction writer, editor, and publishing professional Ryan James Dailey for a thoughtful conversation about building supportive writing communities, giving meaningful feedback, and creating spaces where writers feel encouraged to grow. Together they discuss: • Ryan's writing journey and creative evolution • Why so many writers struggle to find community • What makes feedback constructive rather than discouraging • Creating workshops where writers feel safe to share their work • Balancing honesty with encouragement in critique groups • Building accountability and lasting creative connections • What the ideal writing community looks like This episode is a reminder that writing doesn't have to be a solitary pursuit. The right community can help us become better writers, and sometimes, carry us through life's most difficult moments. Thank you for listening and for helping us continue to build a community around writing. Find more about Ryan at www.rjamesdailey.com. www.williammaywrites.com

Over the past several months, I’ve become increasingly aware of a tidal wave of scams targeting writers. This has come to my attention both personally and professionally: first, through a barrage of various emails with tempting offers for publicity, book sales, and a boost into the authorial limelight that came direct to my email inbox and often seemed, at least on first glance, thoughtfully composed to reflect an understanding (or at least familiarity) with my work; second, through a wide variety of warnings in publications for writers, on the websites of professional organizations including publishers and agencies, and from talking with other writers who I know. The fact is, writers are being targeted in ways that they never have been before. Recognizing this, I felt it was extremely important to find a way to offer some guidance and insight about just how writers can keep safe. Towards that end, the newest episode of Argh! I speak with author Victoria Strauss, co-founder of Writer Beware, about how writers can better protect themselves and navigate these increasingly aggressive scams. Writer Beware, if you are not familiar, has been around since the nineties, researching and fighting scams in the publishing industry, and Victoria has the insights of a seasoned veteran, including a heavy dose of common sense. I am especially proud of this podcast and its relevance at this time, and hope you will take some time to listen. Even if you are not a writer, so much of what Victoria shared is, I think, quite valuable, not to mention just how interesting and entertaining the conversation itself was. Episode Highlights Common publishing scams targeting writers Fake marketing and promotion schemes Red flags authors should watch for Advice for new and emerging writers The role of Writer Beware in protecting the literary community If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who cares about books, writing, and the published word amongst the publishing world.

In this episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, William May reflects on his first time attending the AWP Conference & Bookfair — an experience that marks a major step into the heart of the literary world. From the buzz of the book fair floor to signing copies of his book, Blaze without Burning, with Finishing Line Press, William opens up about what it’s really like to show up as a published author in a space filled with readers, writers, and industry insiders. He shares the mix of nerves and excitement, along with the moments of connection that make events like this so impactful. The conversation also touches on meeting fellow authors and publishers, insights from workshops that shape both craft and career, and the joy of discovering new voices along the way. There’s even a nod to John Waters, a few thoughts on a very surprisingly interesting grammar panel, and another one on the importance of authors using their voice with the help of podcasting. If you’ve ever wondered what AWP is really like, this is your inside look. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who cares about books, writing, and the published word amongst the publishing world.

Our first episode of 2026 comes with a little extra depth, so make a cup of tea ☕ and settle in. In this episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, William May sits down with Shahid Mahmud, founder of Arc Manor Books, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging exchange that begins with a shared affection for Winnie-the-Pooh and the enduring magic of A.A. Milne. The conversation unfolds into an honest, exuberant discussion of what it really means to build and sustain a small press. Shahid talks warmly and candidly about his journey from finance executive to science-fiction and fantasy publisher, including the moment he knew he had to make a career change towards something he loved. Together, they explore their love of reading, share a deep respect for legacy genre authors, uncover the passion for Fantasy and Science Fiction that motivates Shahid and Arc Manor Publishing, and explore what these genres can offer to writers and readers alike. 🎧 Listen to the audio companion here:⁠ William May’s Blaze Without Burning – Soundtrack / Audio Companion If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who cares about books, writing, and the published word amongst the publishing world.