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In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, the hosts tackle listener questions about navigating the challenges of writing and publishing, including understanding agent rejections and crafting strong hooks. They also discuss personal writing goals and the importance of building supportive writer communities.

Key Discussion Points

1. New Year's Writing Resolutions:
   • Beth aims to quit Amazon shopping and regain control over external influences.
   • Lisa focuses on rediscovering joy in writing after a challenging year in publishing.
2. Understanding Agent Rejections:
   • "No editorial vision" often means agents can't see how a manuscript aligns with their list or market goals.
   • A polished manuscript and a clear understanding of its market positioning are critical for agent interest.
3. Crafting a Strong Commercial Hook:
   • A book’s hook must be compelling and marketable, summed up in a concise logline.
   • Before starting a manuscript, writers should identify the core premise and target audience.
4. Writer Community Support:
   • Beth and Lisa highlight the value of their private Facebook group, "The Waiting Room," as a resource for writers to ask questions, share experiences, and find encouragement.
5. Podcast Updates:
   • Plans to incorporate video clips from recordings into social media to enhance listener engagement.
   • Upcoming episodes with industry guests, including agents and editors.

Conclusion

Beth and Lisa encourage writers to embrace community support, focus on market readiness, and maintain resilience in the face of rejection. They invite listeners to submit questions, join the Facebook group, and support the podcast by subscribing and sharing.

Mentioned Links

• The Waiting Room (Facebook Group): A private space for writers at all levels to connect and seek guidance.
• Website: WritersWithWrinkles.net

Join the next episode featuring Agent Adria Goetz on February 3rd!

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**Please Note: Guest Adria Gaetz episode will drop on February 3rd, not January 20th.**

In the premier episode of Season 4, Beth and Lisa chat with Ivan Taurisano, Associate Editor at Abrams, who specializes in children's literature and intellectual properties. Ivan shares insider tips on creating standout submissions, navigating the acquisition process, and the evolving trends in middle-grade publishing.

Guest Bio

Ivan Taurisano is an Associate Editor at Abrams, specializing in children's licenses and intellectual property. His work includes novelty books, board books, graphic novels, and select MG and YA titles. He has collaborated on several successful series and brands, such as How to Catch, Little Heroes, Big Hearts, Sesame Street, Disney, Tokidoki, and Pokémon. His guiding principle is that a child whose life is transformed by a book is one step closer to becoming an adult who will change the world.

Key Discussion Points

1. Submission Essentials: Ivan emphasizes the importance of polished manuscripts, strategic research, and personalized query letters. Authors should highlight why their work fits the editor’s preferences and demonstrate professionalism to make a strong first impression.
2. Acquisition Process: Ivan demystifies the journey of a manuscript from editorial meetings to marketing evaluations, highlighting what makes or breaks a deal.
3. Middle-Grade Trends: The market is leaning toward shorter, action-packed, and visually engaging middle-grade books. Writers are encouraged to innovate and break traditional molds to captivate readers.
4. Social Media & Track Records: While a social media platform isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s a bonus for YA and middle-grade authors. Past sales numbers of debut books are discussed critically during acquisitions, with publishers investigating contributing factors to performance.
5. Opportunities in Chapter Books: There’s room for new voices in character-driven chapter books, with series potential being a key factor for success.

Conclusion

This episode provides actionable advice for aspiring authors to refine their submissions and navigate publishing with confidence. Ivan’s insights, grounded in industry expertise, offer a roadmap for writers seeking to make an impact in children’s literature.

Links Mentioned

• Join the The Waiting Room Facebook Group for personalized writing tips and peer support.
• Visit Writers With Wrinkles for additional podcast notes and resources.

Support the show

Visit the Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

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Episode Summary:
Beth and Lisa chat with Kaitlyn Sanchez, literary agent at Bradford Literary and co-creator of kidlit contests, about navigating the publishing industry. Kaitlyn shares actionable insights for aspiring authors on trends, querying agents, and creating standout manuscripts.

Guest Bio:
Kaitlyn Sanchez is a literary agent at Bradford Literary, middle school math teacher, and co-creator of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, Kidlit Zombie Week, and the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy. A passionate advocate for children's literature, Kaitlyn specializes in helping writers connect their stories with the right editors while encouraging diversity and humor in picture books.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Emerging Trends in Picture Books:
   • Increased demand for diverse stories that represent all children.
   • A post-COVID push for humorous stories as a counterbalance to emotional content.
   • Picture book sales have declined slightly post-COVID boom but remain competitive.
2. Advice for Aspiring Authors:
   • Have at least 3-4 polished manuscripts ready before querying agents.
   • Tailor your submissions to reflect your unique voice while aligning with market trends.
   • Persist through rejection (or "passes"), as the right agent/editor match takes time.
3. The Importance of Relationships:
   • Kaitlyn emphasizes the value of connecting personally with editors to match manuscripts with the right fit.
   • She built her knowledge of the publishing landscape from scratch, focusing on imprint dynamics and editor preferences.
4. Contests and Creative Growth:
   • Kaitlyn highlights the value of free writing contests like the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy and Storystorm for generating fresh ideas.
5. Alternative Paths:
   • Authors can query agents and submit directly to publishers simultaneously, increasing opportunities for success.

Conclusion:
Kaitlyn inspires writers with her passion for the craft and dedication to finding "the right fit" for every manuscript. Her actionable advice and genuine enthusiasm make this a must-listen episode for aspiring picture book authors.

Mentioned Links:

• Learn more about Kaitlyn Sanchez: Bradford Literary
• Contests: Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy
• Podcast Website: writerswithwrinkles.net

Support the show

Visit the Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!