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You got an agent—now what? In this candid and insightful episode, host Nelly sits down with author Ally Russell to talk about the gritty realities of traditional publishing after you land representation. From querying to editor submission hell, editorial rejection, and maintaining mental health through the highs and lows, Ally gives us a transparent look behind the curtain.

This is not a fairy tale ending — it's the start of a new adventure full of monsters, uncertainty, and growth. Sort of like a Witcher quest… but with fewer swords and more emails.

Whether you're in the trenches of querying, on submission, or just trying to figure out what’s next, this episode will give you wisdom, laughs, and the honest truth the writing streets don’t always tell you.

In This Episode:

• Ally’s early brushes with rejection and resilience
• The emotional rollercoaster of querying and signing with an agent
• What really changes — and what doesn’t — after you get “the call”
• The harsh truths of going on submission to editors
• How community, mindset, and dark humor keep us going
• What Ally wishes she’d known from the start

Links & Mentions:

• Follow Ally Russell: @onedarkally
• Get your copy of It Came from the Trees wherever books are sold
• Follow @the_krnelson for updates and behind-the-scenes
• Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.