• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Nathan Bransford | Writing, Book Editing, Publishing

Helping authors achieve their dreams

  • Blog
  • Writing Advice
  • Publishing Advice
  • About
  • Take a Class
  • Get Editing

Office Hours Recap! (September ’25)

September 8, 2025 by Nathan Bransford

Thanks so much to everyone who attended Office Hours last Thursday!

In case you missed it, you can watch the video above (if you’re reading via the newsletter, please click here to see it). I forgot to hit record at the start of the call, so it kind of jumps right in (whoops).

Also check out: Here are the November office hours.

You need to be a subscriber to watch, so please enter your email address to see it. If you’re not yet subscribed, you’ll be added to the newsletter, which is how you will find out about future events like these!

Among the topics we covered:

  • Integrating backstory and exposition
  • Ageism in publishing
  • Managing beta reader feedback
  • Engaging readers through motivation
  • The definition of “speculative fiction” 
  • Enhancing plot descriptions
  • Structuring queries for multiple POVs
  • How often do agents request synopses
  • Crafting concise high-concept pitches

You can navigate to specific sections of the call by hovering over the video like so:

To view the query letters, it may be helpful to view in full screen mode on a laptop or desktop by clicking this button:

and then this button:

Feedback welcome, particularly if there are any classes or events you’d like to see in the future.

Thanks again to everyone who participated! And make sure to subscribe if you want to join the next one.

I’ll be taking a Fall blog break the rest of this week and next week, but I’ll be back soon enough!

Need help with your book? I’m available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and coaching!

For my best advice, check out my online classes, my guide to writing a novel, and my guide to publishing a book.

And if you like this post: subscribe to my newsletter!

Filed Under: Office Hours

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Petrea Burchard says

    September 12, 2025 at 9:02 pm

    Loved office hours! Thanks for all the great advice.

Primary Sidebar

About Nathan

Hi, I’m Nathan. I’m the author of How to Write a Novel and the Jacob Wonderbar series, which was published by Penguin. I used to be a literary agent at Curtis Brown Ltd. and I’m dedicated to helping authors achieve their dreams. Let me help you with your book!

My blog has everything you need to know to write, edit, and publish a book. Can’t find what you need or want personalized help? Reach out.

Learn more about me

Need Editing?

I'm available for consultations, edits, query critiques, brainstorming, and more.
Learn more!

My Books

How to Write A Novel
Cover of How to Publish a Book by Nathan Bransford
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapo
Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe
Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp
Footer Logo
Nathan Bransford

Helping authors achieve their dreams

  • Editing Services
  • My Books
  • About Me
  • Subscribe!
  • Blog Directory
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Threads Logo Facebook Logo Instagram Logo
As an Amazon and Bookshop Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and Bookshop links are usually affiliate links.
Take your writing to the next level!

Get a free course on writing and selling the book of your dreams.

Loading
Get secrets from an insider!

Sign up for the newsletter for tips on advanced writing craft, querying, marketing, and more.

Loading
Sign up for a free publishing course!

Subscribe to the newsletter for free classes on writing craft, industry tips, and more.

Loading