In this conversation, Jess Regel, founder of Helm Literary, shares her journey to becoming a literary agent, the challenges and triumphs of the publishing industry, and the importance of networking and relationships in the field. She discusses the querying process, the subjective nature of finding the right fit for authors, and the impact of reader engagement on writers. Jess emphasizes the significance of failure in the creative process and the evolving landscape of publishing, including the rise of self-publishing. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the importance of passion and connection in the literary world. In this conversation, Jess and Steven discuss the multifaceted role of a literary agent, the intricacies of the publishing process, and the importance of persistence in an author's journey. They explore the realities of auctions, advances, and royalties, emphasizing that success in publishing is not solely defined by initial sales figures. Jess shares insights on the value of genre diversity and the significance of writing for yourself, while also reflecting on her personal growth and rediscovery of the cello!
Helm Literary: https://helmliterary.com/about
Follow Jess on Instagram: @helmliterary
