Querying has never exactly been fun… but in 2026, it can feel especially not fun.
Response times are longer, agents are overwhelmed. Publishing is changing. And once you hit send on that query, it can feel like you’re left alone.
So for this episode, I invited senior literary agent Linda Camacho onto the podcast to give us an honest look at what querying actually looks like from the other side of the inbox.
We talk about:
- What actually happens when an agent opens your query (and how quickly they may make that first decision)
- Why your query needs to sell your book, not just summarize it
- What’s changed in publishing and querying over the last few years
- Why things are moving more slowly—and why silence doesn’t necessarily tell you what you think it does
- What writers can actually control during the querying process
- How to stay grounded when so much of publishing is completely outside your control
- Why learning the business side of publishing matters if traditional publishing is your goal
And then we talk about something Linda and I have been quietly creating behind the scenes: The Query Lab.
The Query Lab is a three-month, application-only beta program for fiction writers who are ready (or very close to ready) to query and want expert support while they’re actually in the query trenches.
Learn more here: https://querylab.monicahaycoaching.com/
Instead of getting your query critiqued once and then being sent off to figure everything else out yourself, you’ll have three months of support from both Linda and me—including feedback on your submission package, monthly strategy calls with Linda, coaching with me, weekly office hours, and help navigating the inevitable wait, what the hell do I do now? moments that come with querying.
This isn’t a promise that you’ll get an agent. Linda won’t be introducing you to agents, and participants cannot query Linda. What we can offer is a place to bring your questions, get feedback from someone who actually works inside the publishing industry, adjust your strategy when needed, and have support through a process that can otherwise feel incredibly lonely.
We’re keeping this beta intentionally tiny: just 5–7 writers.
If your fiction manuscript is polished (or very close), you’re preparing to query the North American market, and you want support navigating the process instead of trying to decipher Reddit threads at 1 a.m., apply for The Query Lab.
Applications are open now and close October 12. We start October 26.
Learn more here: https://querylab.monicahaycoaching.com/
Go straight to the application here: https://forms.gle/SVnn2UD8kM46jjjW6
