How I Got Published – Writing My First Novel with The Novelry

<p>Do you dream of publishing a book?</p><p>Join <strong>editor Josie Humber</strong> and <strong>author Brisa Carleton</strong> for this very special bonus episode of The Novelry on Writing. Find out how Brisa turned an idea into her debut novel, <em>Last Call at the Savoy</em> (publishing November 4, 2025), through <strong>The Novelry’s</strong> world-class writing courses.</p><p>Discover how expert guidance with author coaches, editorial mentorship, and a supportive writing community can take your story from first draft to publication.</p><p>💫 Start your own writing journey today → <a href="https://www.thenovelry.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.thenovelry.com</a></p><p>Read the full episode transcript <a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/podcast/how-i-got-published-brisa-carleton" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">here</a>!</p><p>Thanks for tuning in, and happy writing! 🖋️</p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><ul><li><strong>00:00:00</strong> — Intro to The Novelry and the episode.</li><li><strong>00:02:30</strong> — The spark: Brisa’s first idea before <em>Last Call at the Savoy</em>.</li><li><strong>00:05:00</strong> — Early momentum: first steps and the initial hurdles.</li><li><strong>00:07:30</strong> — Building a first draft: routine, accountability, structure.</li><li><strong>00:10:00</strong> — Editorial feedback at The Novelry: how guidance sharpened the work.</li><li><strong>00:17:30</strong> — Submission strategy: polishing for agents and editors.</li><li><strong>00:20:00</strong> — Finding an agent: outreach, conversations, next moves.</li><li><strong>00:22:30</strong> — After the ‘yes’: refinement and forward plan.</li><li><strong>00:25:00</strong> — Craft breakthroughs that made the draft sing.</li><li><strong>00:30:00</strong> — The book deal moment and what followed.</li><li><strong>00:32:30</strong> — Nailing your hook and pitch.</li><li><strong>00:35:00</strong> — Loving the process (and looking ahead to launch).</li><li><strong>00:37:30</strong> — Gratitude, and advice for writers at every stage.</li><li><strong>00:40:00</strong> — Invitation to begin: how The Novelry can help you start today!</li></ul><p><strong>Guest Bios</strong></p><p>Brisa Carleton was introduced by The Novelry to literary agent Rebecca Scherer at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, and went on to sign a book deal with Grand Central Publishing, an imprint of Hachette, for her debut novel, <em>Last Call at the Savoy</em>. **Pitched for readers of Josie Silver and Fiona Davis and set at the legendary London hotel, the novel follows a young writer who helps uncover the history of the famed American Bar’s first (and forgotten) female bartender, Ada Coleman.</p><p>Josie Humber is Deputy Editorial Director at The Novelry, and previously a Senior Commissioning Editor at Hodder &amp; Stoughton (Hachette), home to authors including Jodi Picoult, Stephen King, David Nicholls, and Erin Kelly. Josie has worked with bestselling authors such as Kate Mosse, Kate Morton, and Joanna Trollope.</p><p><strong>Resources</strong></p><p>Don’t know where to begin? Check out these blog posts for insight on how to write a compelling story:</p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/blog/storytelling" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">What is a Story? Uncovering the Art of Great Storytelling</a></p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/blog/novel-ideas" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Novel Ideas and Where to Find Them</a></p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/blog/podcast-page-turning-stories" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Novelry on Writing Podcast:</a> How to Write a Page-Turning Story</p><p>🔔 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast and YouTube channel for more writing tips, podcast episodes, and creative inspiration! Hit the bell icon to stay updated.</p><p>📚 Ready to take your writing to the next level? For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a <a href="https:/