Today, host Dave Temple is diving into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world with the legendary Robert Gottlieb, the chairman of Trident Media Group.

Robert has the inside scoop on how books go from mere words on a page to bestsellers that everyone’s talking about. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to run a top-tier talent agency and what separates a good writer from a great one.

As we chat, Robert shares his journey from being an assistant at the William Morris Agency to establishing himself as a titan in the literary agency world. He highlights the importance of understanding the unique qualities that make an author stand out in a sea of submissions.

We explore the nuances between literary and commercial fiction, uncovering what truly captivates editors and readers alike. Robert's insights into the shifting dynamics of publishing—especially with the rise of eBooks and the influence of social media on book sales—paint a vivid picture of today's literary landscape.

Get ready for a masterclass in how to navigate the complexities of getting published, with plenty of anecdotes and wisdom from Robert's extensive career. Whether you're a budding author or just a curious listener, there's gold to be mined in this conversation.

Learn more at TridentMediaGroup.com and WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW us at TheThrillerZone.com

Companies and people mentioned in this episode:

• Trident Media Group
• William Morris Agency
• Knopf
• Bertelsmann
• Alba Michel
• Frank Herbert
• Brian Herbert
• Leon Uris
• Random House
• Dune
• Sony
• Lionsgate
• Putnam Group

Keywords: thriller podcast, literary agent insights, Robert Gottlieb interview, publishing industry trends, how to write a bestseller, author career development, Trident Media Group, best practices for authors, commercial fiction vs literary fiction, storytelling techniques, international book markets, marketing for authors, navigating publishing contracts, building an author brand, literary agency secrets, author representation tips, the future of publishing, writing craft advice, book marketing strategies, understanding genre fiction

Welcome to not only the 232nd episode of The Thriller Zone, but we are also celebrating our 4-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!! Can you believe it? Four years of thrilling stories, incredible guests, and a whole lot of banter.

Who better to celebrate with than #1 New York Times Bestselling author Megan Abbott, author of The Turnout.

Today's chat is all about celebrating our fabulous four-year anniversary of the podcast...but perhaps as equally important, we're going to do a deep-dive on her latest riveting thriller called El Dorado Drive...which is already catching some serious buzz.

If you know Megan's work, then you know what a captivating author she is. Moreover, she's a delightful conversationalist...and we have plenty of that in store for you.

Trust me, El Dorado Drive is a riveting read that dives deep into the chaos of suburban life and the lengths people go to maintain their status. We'll also explore some juicy tidbits about the upcoming TV adaptation and how it feels to see her characters come to life on screen.

So grab your favorite drink and settle in, because this episode is packed with all the good stuff!

Learn more at MeganAbbott.com and TheThrillerZone.com ... where we plan on kicking off Season 9, here in our 4th year!

Takeaways:

• Celebrating our four-year anniversary feels like a wild ride through podcasting history, can you believe it?
• Megan Abbott's latest work, El Dorado Drive, is a riveting tale of suburban intrigue and family drama that'll keep you guessing.
• The fascinating dynamics of desperation and friendship in illegal money-making schemes are explored through Abbott's storytelling.
• A24 is adapting El Dorado Drive for TV, bringing Abbott's cinematic vision to life in a thrilling new way!
• The conversation dives into nostalgia, revealing how our fond memories can obscure the less glamorous realities of the past.
• Abbott emphasizes the importance of reading widely to hone your writing skills, so pick up those books, folks!

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Netflix
• A24
• Triton Media Group
• May Cobb
• Megan Abbott
• Gillian Flynn
• SA Cosby
• Dennis Lehane
• Harlan Coban
• Karen Slaughter
• Elmore Leonard

Keywords: podcast, Megan Abbott, El Dorado Drive, thriller genre, suspenseful stories, book recommendations, crime fiction, Netflix adaptations, women in literature, anniversary episodes, literary interviews, writing advice, reading habits, character development, suburban stories, female empowerment, psychological thrillers, nostalgia in storytelling, book to screen adaptations, A24 productions

Get ready to dive into the wild world of “Dark Neon Dirt,” because today's 231st episode with Dave Temple, the host of The Thriller Zone, we’re hanging out with debut author Thomas Trang.

Let me tell you, this cat knows how to spin a tale, and we kick things off by gushing over his book that’s got all the thrilling vibes you’d expect—think crime, grit, and a dash of clever banter.

Thomas shares his journey from the shipping industry to the literary scene, proving that you can go from navigating the high seas to navigating the depths of character development without missing a beat. Plus, we’ll chat about how the magic of storytelling intertwines with real-life experiences, and why engaging characters are the secret sauce to any gripping narrative.

If you’re into sharp dialogue and stories that hit home, you’re in for a treat—this episode is a must-listen!

Takeaways:

• In today's episode of the Thriller Zone, we had the pleasure of welcoming debut author Thomas Trang, whose book 'Dark Neon Dirt' is creating quite the buzz in the literary world.
• We dove deep into the intricacies of character development, emphasizing that it's not just about the plot but how well we connect with the characters that truly draws readers in.
• Thomas shared his journey from working in shipping to writing thrillers, revealing how his diverse experiences enrich his storytelling and character creation.
• The conversation highlighted the importance of dialogue in fiction, with both hosts agreeing that strong dialogue can elevate a story and bring characters to life.
• We also discussed the fascinating blend of personal experiences and cultural references that shape Thomas's writing style, making 'Dark Neon Dirt' a rich tapestry of influences.
• Lastly, we touched on the future of storytelling, as Thomas hinted at an upcoming sci-fi project that will maintain the gripping essence of his debut while exploring new themes.

Links referenced in this episode:

• shotgunhoney.com
• thomastrang.com
• thethrillerzone.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Shotgun Honey
• Bad Fido

Keywords: debut author podcast, thriller zone podcast, Thomas Trang interview, Dark Neon Dirt, writing advice for authors, crime fiction writing, character development in thrillers, Elmore Leonard influence, dialogue in writing, audiobook recommendations, publishing debut novels, writing process tips, storytelling techniques, crafting engaging narratives, essential writing skills, podcasting for authors, literary podcast, suspenseful storytelling, author interviews, book recommendations