Alyssa Matesic
@alyssamatesic.bsky.social
your book editor friend 💪📚
formerly at Penguin Random House and The Book Group
🎥 weekly tips on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaMatesic
💌 insider publishing tips: https://www.chapter-break.com
✏️work with me: https://www.alyssamatesic.com
formerly at Penguin Random House and The Book Group
🎥 weekly tips on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaMatesic
💌 insider publishing tips: https://www.chapter-break.com
✏️work with me: https://www.alyssamatesic.com
Conflict is the fuel to your story's plot engine. Without enough conflict, the story will slow to a stop. 🛑
But how can you tell if you have enough conflict in your story?
Here are three keys to writing effective conflict that keeps readers turning the pages:
But how can you tell if you have enough conflict in your story?
Here are three keys to writing effective conflict that keeps readers turning the pages:
November 13, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Conflict is the fuel to your story's plot engine. Without enough conflict, the story will slow to a stop. 🛑
But how can you tell if you have enough conflict in your story?
Here are three keys to writing effective conflict that keeps readers turning the pages:
But how can you tell if you have enough conflict in your story?
Here are three keys to writing effective conflict that keeps readers turning the pages:
After working with books and authors for more than a decade, I've learned a LOT about what it takes to write an effective story and get published.
Here are my top 10 tips for authors just starting out. (The stuff that often takes years to learn!)
youtu.be/Tu3J4QkbZ7I
Here are my top 10 tips for authors just starting out. (The stuff that often takes years to learn!)
youtu.be/Tu3J4QkbZ7I
My Top 10 Tips for Aspiring Authors
Are you an aspiring author hoping to be published one day? As a book editor formerly at Penguin Random House who has helped hundreds of authors strengthen th...
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:43 PM
After working with books and authors for more than a decade, I've learned a LOT about what it takes to write an effective story and get published.
Here are my top 10 tips for authors just starting out. (The stuff that often takes years to learn!)
youtu.be/Tu3J4QkbZ7I
Here are my top 10 tips for authors just starting out. (The stuff that often takes years to learn!)
youtu.be/Tu3J4QkbZ7I
It's easy to look at bestselling authors and think that writing always comes easily to them. They sit down to write and the words flow effortlessly.
But I can promise you that no writer has it all figured out.
But I can promise you that no writer has it all figured out.
November 11, 2025 at 4:56 PM
It's easy to look at bestselling authors and think that writing always comes easily to them. They sit down to write and the words flow effortlessly.
But I can promise you that no writer has it all figured out.
But I can promise you that no writer has it all figured out.
Let's debunk these writing misconceptions:
❌ Writing only happens at the keyboard
❌ You have to write every day
❌ "Thinking" about your story doesn't count
They simply aren't true. Take a look at how three published authors stay connected to their stories, even when they’re not actively drafting.
❌ Writing only happens at the keyboard
❌ You have to write every day
❌ "Thinking" about your story doesn't count
They simply aren't true. Take a look at how three published authors stay connected to their stories, even when they’re not actively drafting.
November 10, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Let's debunk these writing misconceptions:
❌ Writing only happens at the keyboard
❌ You have to write every day
❌ "Thinking" about your story doesn't count
They simply aren't true. Take a look at how three published authors stay connected to their stories, even when they’re not actively drafting.
❌ Writing only happens at the keyboard
❌ You have to write every day
❌ "Thinking" about your story doesn't count
They simply aren't true. Take a look at how three published authors stay connected to their stories, even when they’re not actively drafting.
If writing a book was easy, it wouldn't be special. 💖
Regardless of where you're at in your journey, you're part of a small group of people who did not take the easy way out.
Regardless of where you're at in your journey, you're part of a small group of people who did not take the easy way out.
November 7, 2025 at 5:09 PM
If writing a book was easy, it wouldn't be special. 💖
Regardless of where you're at in your journey, you're part of a small group of people who did not take the easy way out.
Regardless of where you're at in your journey, you're part of a small group of people who did not take the easy way out.
If you’re getting dozens of rejections, it’s easy to feel like your publishing dreams are over.
But they’re not. I promise.
Rejections don’t mean you don’t have talent; they just mean your book wasn’t right for those particular agents at those particular moments.
But they’re not. I promise.
Rejections don’t mean you don’t have talent; they just mean your book wasn’t right for those particular agents at those particular moments.
November 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM
If you’re getting dozens of rejections, it’s easy to feel like your publishing dreams are over.
But they’re not. I promise.
Rejections don’t mean you don’t have talent; they just mean your book wasn’t right for those particular agents at those particular moments.
But they’re not. I promise.
Rejections don’t mean you don’t have talent; they just mean your book wasn’t right for those particular agents at those particular moments.
I get SO many questions from authors about query letters, so I've put them all together in this guide!
It contains:
📝 the 7 elements your letter should include
📝 guidance on personalizing
📝 length guidelines
📝 tone & formatting
📝 common mistakes
Still have questions? Leave me a comment ⬇️
It contains:
📝 the 7 elements your letter should include
📝 guidance on personalizing
📝 length guidelines
📝 tone & formatting
📝 common mistakes
Still have questions? Leave me a comment ⬇️
November 5, 2025 at 3:26 PM
I get SO many questions from authors about query letters, so I've put them all together in this guide!
It contains:
📝 the 7 elements your letter should include
📝 guidance on personalizing
📝 length guidelines
📝 tone & formatting
📝 common mistakes
Still have questions? Leave me a comment ⬇️
It contains:
📝 the 7 elements your letter should include
📝 guidance on personalizing
📝 length guidelines
📝 tone & formatting
📝 common mistakes
Still have questions? Leave me a comment ⬇️
Curious to see my editing process in action? In today's video, I'm critiquing the opening pages of three fantasy novels submitted by my subscribers.
I'm workshopping things like:
✏️ creating narrative momentum
✏️ fixing head hopping
✏️ whether to include a prologue
youtu.be/U3rkFrO2gso
I'm workshopping things like:
✏️ creating narrative momentum
✏️ fixing head hopping
✏️ whether to include a prologue
youtu.be/U3rkFrO2gso
You Sent Me Your Fantasy Novels…Here Are My (Honest) Thoughts
Today I’m sharing my honest editorial feedback on the opening pages of three fantasy novels written by my subscribers. I’ll share which ones I'd reject, whic...
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Curious to see my editing process in action? In today's video, I'm critiquing the opening pages of three fantasy novels submitted by my subscribers.
I'm workshopping things like:
✏️ creating narrative momentum
✏️ fixing head hopping
✏️ whether to include a prologue
youtu.be/U3rkFrO2gso
I'm workshopping things like:
✏️ creating narrative momentum
✏️ fixing head hopping
✏️ whether to include a prologue
youtu.be/U3rkFrO2gso
If your plot is feeling dead… here are some quick ways to raise it from the grave: 🪦
October 31, 2025 at 4:01 PM
If your plot is feeling dead… here are some quick ways to raise it from the grave: 🪦
A strong scene has three key ingredients:
🏃 ACTION
🗣️ DIALOGUE
💬 NARRATIVE
Most writers naturally lean on one and may neglect the others, leading to scenes that feel imbalanced or emotionally weak.
So here's how to use each element effectively, plus examples demonstrating the common pitfalls!
🏃 ACTION
🗣️ DIALOGUE
💬 NARRATIVE
Most writers naturally lean on one and may neglect the others, leading to scenes that feel imbalanced or emotionally weak.
So here's how to use each element effectively, plus examples demonstrating the common pitfalls!
October 30, 2025 at 4:04 PM
A strong scene has three key ingredients:
🏃 ACTION
🗣️ DIALOGUE
💬 NARRATIVE
Most writers naturally lean on one and may neglect the others, leading to scenes that feel imbalanced or emotionally weak.
So here's how to use each element effectively, plus examples demonstrating the common pitfalls!
🏃 ACTION
🗣️ DIALOGUE
💬 NARRATIVE
Most writers naturally lean on one and may neglect the others, leading to scenes that feel imbalanced or emotionally weak.
So here's how to use each element effectively, plus examples demonstrating the common pitfalls!
What makes some books so addictive that you just can't put them down? You know which ones I'm talking about — the ones that keep us up all night reading.
It all comes down to a psychological phenomenon known as the Zeigarnik effect. 🧠
It all comes down to a psychological phenomenon known as the Zeigarnik effect. 🧠
October 29, 2025 at 8:11 PM
What makes some books so addictive that you just can't put them down? You know which ones I'm talking about — the ones that keep us up all night reading.
It all comes down to a psychological phenomenon known as the Zeigarnik effect. 🧠
It all comes down to a psychological phenomenon known as the Zeigarnik effect. 🧠
If you're writing in third person, make SURE you know the difference between close third person and omniscient.
Then, check your story against these issues:
❌ head hopping
❌ not going deep enough
❌ including too many POVs
❌ ignoring genre conventions
Watch my full breakdown!
youtu.be/NJGAYA7FgpM
Then, check your story against these issues:
❌ head hopping
❌ not going deep enough
❌ including too many POVs
❌ ignoring genre conventions
Watch my full breakdown!
youtu.be/NJGAYA7FgpM
5 Things You’re Getting WRONG About Third Person
If you mess up your novel's point of view, you're probably going to face massive rewrites. Here are the most common third person pitfalls, how to avoid them,...
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:21 PM
If you're writing in third person, make SURE you know the difference between close third person and omniscient.
Then, check your story against these issues:
❌ head hopping
❌ not going deep enough
❌ including too many POVs
❌ ignoring genre conventions
Watch my full breakdown!
youtu.be/NJGAYA7FgpM
Then, check your story against these issues:
❌ head hopping
❌ not going deep enough
❌ including too many POVs
❌ ignoring genre conventions
Watch my full breakdown!
youtu.be/NJGAYA7FgpM
Once you've signed with an agent, secured a book deal, and gotten your book in print, you've MADE IT.
Right?
Not quite. The reality of publishing is that there are always going to be moving goalposts. The next milestone to hit. The next target to reach. 🎯
Right?
Not quite. The reality of publishing is that there are always going to be moving goalposts. The next milestone to hit. The next target to reach. 🎯
October 24, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Once you've signed with an agent, secured a book deal, and gotten your book in print, you've MADE IT.
Right?
Not quite. The reality of publishing is that there are always going to be moving goalposts. The next milestone to hit. The next target to reach. 🎯
Right?
Not quite. The reality of publishing is that there are always going to be moving goalposts. The next milestone to hit. The next target to reach. 🎯
The querying process is like dating:
-you get ghosted 😔
-you have to put yourself out there 👀
-it's worth waiting for the right match 💞
-you get ghosted 😔
-you have to put yourself out there 👀
-it's worth waiting for the right match 💞
October 23, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The querying process is like dating:
-you get ghosted 😔
-you have to put yourself out there 👀
-it's worth waiting for the right match 💞
-you get ghosted 😔
-you have to put yourself out there 👀
-it's worth waiting for the right match 💞
Writer's block happens to every author, so when it comes around, don't stress! 😰
Here are 20 strategies to help you get unstuck.
What’s your favorite trick for beating writer’s block?
Here are 20 strategies to help you get unstuck.
What’s your favorite trick for beating writer’s block?
October 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Writer's block happens to every author, so when it comes around, don't stress! 😰
Here are 20 strategies to help you get unstuck.
What’s your favorite trick for beating writer’s block?
Here are 20 strategies to help you get unstuck.
What’s your favorite trick for beating writer’s block?
So excited to see my upcoming book with QueryTracker's Patrick McDonald listed on Simon & Schuster's website, cover and all! It's getting real 🥹
THE MODERN GUIDE TO QUERYING LITERARY AGENTS is coming to you summer 2026! 👀
THE MODERN GUIDE TO QUERYING LITERARY AGENTS is coming to you summer 2026! 👀
October 21, 2025 at 10:20 PM
So excited to see my upcoming book with QueryTracker's Patrick McDonald listed on Simon & Schuster's website, cover and all! It's getting real 🥹
THE MODERN GUIDE TO QUERYING LITERARY AGENTS is coming to you summer 2026! 👀
THE MODERN GUIDE TO QUERYING LITERARY AGENTS is coming to you summer 2026! 👀
What do authors hate more than...
❌ writer's block
❌ writing a blurb
❌ rejections?
Writing a freaking synopsis.
Why do so many agents ask for one anyway? What's the point?
❌ writer's block
❌ writing a blurb
❌ rejections?
Writing a freaking synopsis.
Why do so many agents ask for one anyway? What's the point?
October 21, 2025 at 4:04 PM
What do authors hate more than...
❌ writer's block
❌ writing a blurb
❌ rejections?
Writing a freaking synopsis.
Why do so many agents ask for one anyway? What's the point?
❌ writer's block
❌ writing a blurb
❌ rejections?
Writing a freaking synopsis.
Why do so many agents ask for one anyway? What's the point?
Why are some books page-turners that keep us up late while others put us to sleep?
The answer comes down to a powerful but little-known psychological principle known as the Zeigarnik effect.
Here's how to use this psychological principle to make your book "unputdownable."
youtu.be/6p4_JKpshoc
The answer comes down to a powerful but little-known psychological principle known as the Zeigarnik effect.
Here's how to use this psychological principle to make your book "unputdownable."
youtu.be/6p4_JKpshoc
3 Ways to INSTANTLY Make Your Story a Page-Turner (No Matter the Genre)
What makes some books page-turners while others put you to sleep? The answer lies in a fascinating psychological principle called the Zeigarnik effect. It’s ...
www.youtube.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Why are some books page-turners that keep us up late while others put us to sleep?
The answer comes down to a powerful but little-known psychological principle known as the Zeigarnik effect.
Here's how to use this psychological principle to make your book "unputdownable."
youtu.be/6p4_JKpshoc
The answer comes down to a powerful but little-known psychological principle known as the Zeigarnik effect.
Here's how to use this psychological principle to make your book "unputdownable."
youtu.be/6p4_JKpshoc
A hill I will die on: suspense is not limited to just mysteries and thrillers! ALL novels should incorporate suspense.
💞 In a romance: will the couple end up together?
🌎 In a historical novel: how will the events shape the characters' lives?
🐲 In a fantasy novel: will the hero save their world?
💞 In a romance: will the couple end up together?
🌎 In a historical novel: how will the events shape the characters' lives?
🐲 In a fantasy novel: will the hero save their world?
October 17, 2025 at 3:59 PM
A hill I will die on: suspense is not limited to just mysteries and thrillers! ALL novels should incorporate suspense.
💞 In a romance: will the couple end up together?
🌎 In a historical novel: how will the events shape the characters' lives?
🐲 In a fantasy novel: will the hero save their world?
💞 In a romance: will the couple end up together?
🌎 In a historical novel: how will the events shape the characters' lives?
🐲 In a fantasy novel: will the hero save their world?
As a book editor, reading is my job, but it still somehow never feels like work.
If you're struggling to get through your TBR pile or find yourself reaching for the remote rather than a book, here are some tips to help you prioritize reading—without rearranging your routine. 📖
If you're struggling to get through your TBR pile or find yourself reaching for the remote rather than a book, here are some tips to help you prioritize reading—without rearranging your routine. 📖
October 15, 2025 at 4:02 PM
As a book editor, reading is my job, but it still somehow never feels like work.
If you're struggling to get through your TBR pile or find yourself reaching for the remote rather than a book, here are some tips to help you prioritize reading—without rearranging your routine. 📖
If you're struggling to get through your TBR pile or find yourself reaching for the remote rather than a book, here are some tips to help you prioritize reading—without rearranging your routine. 📖
You all have been loving this series where I live-critique real manuscripts sent to me, so here's another round!
Today, we're talking about things like:
🤜 bringing conflict to the forefront
⏰ clarifying the narrative timeline
📝 whether to include a prologue
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg6...
Today, we're talking about things like:
🤜 bringing conflict to the forefront
⏰ clarifying the narrative timeline
📝 whether to include a prologue
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg6...
You Sent Me Your Manuscripts…And I Have Thoughts
Wondering why literary agents are rejecting your manuscript without reading more than a few pages? Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on the querying proces...
www.youtube.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:03 PM
You all have been loving this series where I live-critique real manuscripts sent to me, so here's another round!
Today, we're talking about things like:
🤜 bringing conflict to the forefront
⏰ clarifying the narrative timeline
📝 whether to include a prologue
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg6...
Today, we're talking about things like:
🤜 bringing conflict to the forefront
⏰ clarifying the narrative timeline
📝 whether to include a prologue
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg6...
What should you include in your author bio? 📝
Sometimes authors write far too much — or far too little — in their query letter bios.
A solid author bio can be straightforward and succinct. It just needs three key elements:
Sometimes authors write far too much — or far too little — in their query letter bios.
A solid author bio can be straightforward and succinct. It just needs three key elements:
October 13, 2025 at 10:40 PM
What should you include in your author bio? 📝
Sometimes authors write far too much — or far too little — in their query letter bios.
A solid author bio can be straightforward and succinct. It just needs three key elements:
Sometimes authors write far too much — or far too little — in their query letter bios.
A solid author bio can be straightforward and succinct. It just needs three key elements:
If you're deep in the querying trenches and every rejection is sending you down a spiral, listen up:
Rejection isn't a step back, but a stepping stone FORWARD.
Rejection isn't a step back, but a stepping stone FORWARD.
October 10, 2025 at 4:03 PM
If you're deep in the querying trenches and every rejection is sending you down a spiral, listen up:
Rejection isn't a step back, but a stepping stone FORWARD.
Rejection isn't a step back, but a stepping stone FORWARD.
For better or worse, there's so much more to being an author than just writing. And juggling it all can be hard.
October 9, 2025 at 3:56 PM
For better or worse, there's so much more to being an author than just writing. And juggling it all can be hard.
I've been a book editor for 10 years. 1,000+ authors and countless manuscripts later, the biggest lessons I’ve learned might surprise you.
Here are the 3 biggest takeaways from the past decade that totally changed the way I approach editing.
They might help you take your story to the next level!
Here are the 3 biggest takeaways from the past decade that totally changed the way I approach editing.
They might help you take your story to the next level!
October 8, 2025 at 3:59 PM
I've been a book editor for 10 years. 1,000+ authors and countless manuscripts later, the biggest lessons I’ve learned might surprise you.
Here are the 3 biggest takeaways from the past decade that totally changed the way I approach editing.
They might help you take your story to the next level!
Here are the 3 biggest takeaways from the past decade that totally changed the way I approach editing.
They might help you take your story to the next level!