Episode 68: The Agent’s Perspective with literary agent Alia Hanna Habib
Mon Jan 26 2026
We’re talking with Alia Hanna Habib of the Gernert literary agency about how academics can successfully find agents; what’s the best way to write a cold-call query letter to agents; how an academic author can include her own intellectual history in the book proposal; avoiding the “voice from nowhere” style of writing; how much money is reasonable to expect as a first-time trade press author; and what to expect from an agent. We also discuss how book deals differ from their cinematic portrayals, and when an academic might consider trade press publication.
Don't forget to rate and review our show and follow us on all social media platforms here:
https://linktr.ee/writingitpodcast
Contact us with questions, possible future topics/guests, or comments here: https://writingit.fireside.fm/contact
More
We’re talking with Alia Hanna Habib of the Gernert literary agency about how academics can successfully find agents; what’s the best way to write a cold-call query letter to agents; how an academic author can include her own intellectual history in the book proposal; avoiding the “voice from nowhere” style of writing; how much money is reasonable to expect as a first-time trade press author; and what to expect from an agent. We also discuss how book deals differ from their cinematic portrayals, and when an academic might consider trade press publication. Don't forget to rate and review our show and follow us on all social media platforms here: https://linktr.ee/writingitpodcast Contact us with questions, possible future topics/guests, or comments here: https://writingit.fireside.fm/contact