#MSWL - Podcast Details

Shows

The Manuscript AcademyEmotional Range, Sensory Details, And Pitching Works On Difficult TopicsContent Warning: This podcast discusses suicide, grief, and loss. Pam O'Hara's beautiful writing captivated our expert audience during a recent Manuscript Academy panel, so much so that it was picked for our 2024 MSWL Agent Choice Awards. Pam joins Jessica and Julie to speak about her stunning memoir about love, loss, and losing a loved one by suicide. We discuss everything from platform, to crafting your voice, to how to position a serious and sad topic for your audience, and more. Agents and editors, this one is in need of representation, if you're listening and like what you hear. We know...2024-06-0452 min

The Manuscript AcademyRed And Green Flags When Querying Agents with Agent Emmy Nordstrom HigdonWe are thrilled to welcome Emmy Nordstrom Higdon, agent at Westwood Creative Associates, to talk with us about the red and green flags when querying agents--how you can show (mostly) green flags, recognize agent red flags, and give yourself the best odds of a positive, productive working relationship. Learn more about Emmy and book a consultation here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/emmy-nordstrom-higdon Transcript at: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-emmy-nordstrom-higdon-agent-red-flags Timestamps: **Emmy's #MSWL (00:00:35)** Emmy discusses their soft opening to queries, their genre preferences, and the type of writing they're looking for this year. **Top Reasons For Rejection (00:07:07)** The challenges faced by authors...2024-02-121h 13

The Manuscript AcademyMSWL Live Agent Panel with T.S Ferguson, Kelly Van Sant, Jenissa Graham + Claire HarrisIn October, we wrapped up the month with a deliciously spooky Halloween #MSWL panel. Join us for a live panel recording with agents T.S Ferguson, Kelly Van Sant, Jenissa Graham, and Claire Harris as they take us through their creepy wishlists and fun bookish activities. But even if you’re writing serious nonfiction, or in a completely other genre, this is a great view into what agents love within genres—and how agenting, in general, works. With Q&A, trivia, live #MSWL and a class on dialogue, this is a fun event we’re thrilled to share. Want YOUR genre to b...2023-11-091h 04

Thriller 101Unlocking a Literary Agent's Wishlist: What Kathleen Foxx is Eager to Find in Your ManuscriptSend me a Text Message!Click here to rate and review the podcast!Find out more about Kathleen FoxxBrooke Robinson EpisodeCarleen Geisler EpisodeSign up to be notified when agent submissions reopen!Connect with Kathleen on TwitterConnect with David on TwitterEPISODE INFO:Today, we have another agent interview! I’m so excited to share this conversation with a brand new agent who has a resume that will make yo...2023-10-0333 min

Lit MatchAriele Fredman ON: The Difference Between a Book Publicist and a Literary Agent, Her Mission to Expand Commercial Fiction, and How to Understand Where a Book Fits in the MarketAbigail sits down with Ariele Fredman, a book publicist turned literary agent at United Talent Agency (UTA). Ariele is actively seeking commercial fiction in: General fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense/thriller, Feel-Good Fiction, Women's Fiction, and YA. Ariele joined UTA after working 12 years at Atria Books, where she worked across genres and launched bestselling campaigns from Colleen Hoover and Fredrik Backman to Zakiya Dalila Harris and Lisa Jewell (among others!). She has an exceptional knack at understanding people and instilling confidence in authors, and she is actively growing her MSWL! In addition to learning about Ariele's shift from...2023-06-131h 00

The Manuscript AcademyOrdinary Time, Extraordinary Time: How Expectations, Power Dynamics & Assumptions Propel Your ReaderJoin our Three-Day Workshop, Making & Breaking Status Quo with Anne Elliott, June 13-15, 2023. Tickets are $49 and include daily classes, daily workshops, a live Q&A, and first pages panel--all with replays, on-demand access, and 30 days to view. This podcast episode is a workshop preview for the three days together. Get your ticket here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/product/making-and-breaking-status-quo What you do with the "ordinary" in your story--and how you break it--creates the extraordinary reading experience. You've heard that agents want characters with power and agency (it's some of our top-requested keywords on #MSWL!), but how do you give them power...2023-06-0911 min

The Manuscript Academy#MSWL Live Agent Panel: Caitlin McDonald, Samantha Wekstein, Thao Le & Taj McCoyThe votes are in! Science Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative & Supernatural won—and we’ve built this panel to that theme. But even if you’re writing serious nonfiction, or in a completely other genre, this is a great view into what agents love within genres—and how agenting, in general, works. With Q&A, trivia, live #MSWL and a class on dialogue, this is a fun event we’re thrilled to share. Want YOUR genre to be the theme for our next panel? Vote here!https://manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live Prefer to watch the video version? Check it out here! https://manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-l...2023-05-111h 00

The Manuscript Academy“This Is What I Love About Agenting”—How Adriann Ranta-Zurhellen Found Joslin BrorsenWe are so happy to welcome happy author-agent pair Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Folio Literary Management, and author Joslin Brorsen, who created a magical written world specifically for her son. We love hearing how they found each other—how Joslin’s work fits right into Adriann’s #MSWL—and their tips for how to find a happy creative partnership. You can learn more about Adriann, and book a meeting with her (starting May 4, 2023) here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/adriann-ranta-zurhellen And you can find Joslin on Instagram @joslinbrorsen 2023-04-2929 min

Lit MatchVictoria Marini ON: Atmospheric Writing, Balancing External Events and Interiority, and the Dos and Don'ts of TropesAbigail sits down with Victoria Marini, a literary agent at Irene Goodman Literary Agency (IGLA). Victoria is actively seeking page-turning fiction for all audiences from middle grade through adult, and is expanding her Upmarket Book Club lists. She enjoys novels with high-concepts and distinctive voices in a variety of genres including: fabulism and fantasy, psychological and domestic suspense, thriller, procedurals, historical (particularly lesser known cultures, peoples, and histories), mystery, literary speculative, magical realism, and horror. An agent of many genres, Victoria offers a wealth of great advice on various fiction elements. Listen to this episode for great insights...2023-04-1156 min

The Manuscript AcademyQuick Q&A: Personalizing Your Queries With #MSWL, Publishers Marketplace & MoreWe had a great question during one of our Manuscript Academy Welcome Tours: How do you personalize a query if you don't know the date of an agent's #MSWL? Is it still relevant? Will you look silly for bringing up something older? Or are they still relevant for years? Here's how to navigate without a date stamp--and still look well-researched, smart, and like the kind of writer an agent would love to work with.2023-03-2103 min

The Manuscript Academy#MSWL's 10th Anniversary, From Tumblr to Sustainable, Miraculous Site: How It All Happened, Part 2If you’ve been following along at home, you know that ManuscriptWIshist.com version 4.0 just launched. And while it’s new, and shiny, and lovely, it’s ten years in the making. This is the miraculous-feeling story about how we got from Tumblr to Wordpress blog to site where agents and editors can login and make their own updates—the only way we’d still exist, because doing everything manually quickly became impossible. We’ll hear from Mike Chen and Sierra Godfrey, now multi-published authors, who (we know! We can’t believe it either) saw Jessica’s sad “Does anyone know how to fix we...2023-03-0339 min

The Manuscript Academy#MSWL Live: Agents on What They Wish They Had In Their InboxesWe had the best time with this panel! Many thanks to our amazing agent panelists. Vote for YOUR genre for the next #MSWL panel! https://manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live These events will turn into video clips for ManuscriptWishList.com profile, and podcasts for everyone to enjoy. They're recorded in front of our Manuscript Academy (http://manuscriptacademy.com/) members. In order of appearance: Bibi Lewis, doing a query critique: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/bibi-lewis/ Emmy Nordstrom-Higdon, doing a lesson on passive voice: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/emmy-nordstrom-higdon/ Kiana Nguyen, with a writing prompt + contest: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/kiana-nguyen/ ...2023-02-1657 min

The Manuscript Academy#MSWL’s 10th Anniversary: How It All Happened with KK HendinFor MSWL’s 10th anniversary (we know! We can’t believe it either!) we’ve invited KK Hendin, co-founder, who made us legit within four minutes of the first tweet. ***The next MSWL day is February 16, on Twitter *and* on your favorite platforms*** We talk about how we went from Tumblr to a real life site to a site where agents and editors could update their own wishes (Jessica and KK were updating them manually before that), the stories we’ve heard of how it’s impacted writing life, and the amazing, serendipitous coincidences that made it all possible. Please note that...2023-02-1140 min

Lit MatchMaria Vicente ON: WTF is a Literary Agent, How She Supports Her Clients, and First Chapters that HookAbigail sits down for an insightful conversation about agenting and craft with Senior Literary Agent, Maria Vicente, of P.S. Literary Agency. While Maria has a love for and strong list of children’s books and graphic novels, she’s also looking to expand her list with adult fiction and nonfiction. Learn about Maria’s MSWL and her agenting style, along with other solid pieces of writing and business advice, in this episode. Some key takeaways from this conversation include: How Maria got into agenting and some of her favorite responsibilities (like meticulously reviewing contract...2023-02-0855 min

The Tea GranniesAgent HuntingToday we’re here to chat about finding an agent, so pour yourself a cup of tea and let’s get started! Don’t forget to rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on Instagram @theteagranniespodcast and on Twitter @theteagrannies. We’ll see you next time for our episode on what happens when you get an agent, featuring a special guest. Happy writing!Links:Query Tracker: https://querytracker.net/ Manuscript Wish List: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/ Twitter #MSWL: https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSWL?src=hashtag_click ...2022-08-051h 01

Lit MatchTara Gilbert ON: What Makes a Character-Driven Story, YA vs. MG Novels, and How to Emotionally Connect with Your Reader"I think it's really just grounding your reader in the story, making sure that they are right up front aware of who this character is or what they want and what their goal is, you want to make sure you're grounded in the character and even a little bit of the world, too, so you know where your character is coming from, and then obviously use that to make a reader laugh or cry or pull at their heartstrings.” – Tara Gilbert, Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency Abigail K. Perry sits down with Tara Gilbert to discuss the differe...2022-04-2036 min

Lit MatchJessica Faust ON: Her Mission to Represent Marginalized Voices, Advocating and Mentoring Authors and Agents, and Defining Success“Authors who are marginalized are writing to a marginalized audience. And I think it's time that they be given the voice to write to all audiences. I'm really making it a mission to do that.” – Jessica Faust, Principal Literary Agent and Founder of BookEnds Literary Abigail K. Perry sits down with Jessica Faust to talk about her mission to bring more marginalized voices into publishing. She also shares her goals as a leader, including how she mentors the team at BookEnds so that they can continue to make real change in publishing. Jessica’s MSWL lean...2022-03-1647 min

Lit MatchCarly Watters ON: Her MSWL, How to Define Commercial Fiction, and the Power in an Author-Agent Relationship“I think it's really important to be working with creators that have a really strong point of view, and they know how to communicate that point of view.” – Carly Watters, Senior Literary Agent and SVP at P.S. Literary Agency Abigail K. Perry sits down with Carly Watters to talk about her manuscript wishlist (#MSWL) and the role she plays in the agent-author relationship. From there, Carly shares her insights on the publishing industry and expertise that come from her eleven years working at P.S. Literary Agency. Carly teaches writers the difference between literary fiction, upmarket fiction...2022-03-1637 min

MG Book PartyLittle Brown Editor Samantha Gentry—Where We Talk About Aquisitions, Editor Phone Calls, and her #MSWLWe had way too much fun interviewing Samantha Gentry editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. We got so much insight into the editorial process, acquisitions, publication, editor phone calls, and so much more!Samantha Gentry is an editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Her primary focus is commercial nonfiction across all categories, and fiction picture books, and middle grade. She has a particular interest in pop culture tie-ins, and platform driven stories in nonfiction. She is especially on the lookout for voice-driven middle grade with unforgettable characters, a friendship story at its core...2022-02-2052 min

The Manuscript AcademyHigh Stakes in Quiet Stories, Fresh Takes on Dead Genres, and How Agencies Share ManuscriptsHigh stakes in quiet stories, fresh takes on dead genres, and how agencies share manuscripts We talk with agent Shannon Snow about how she’d love to bring dystopias and other “dead” genres back (even if, according to Jessica, dystopia couldn’t die fast enough), how agencies decide to take on projects (and share genres between themselves), and how to make your “quiet” story appeal to agents and editors. Shannon Snow worked in finance and marketing for 18 years before turning to her childhood first love… books and writers. She started her publishing career in 2018 and then joined Creative Media Agency, Inc. in 2020, f...2021-03-1045 min

The Manuscript AcademyInciting Incidents, Writing Between Genres, and Newer Agents with Haley Casey, Creative Media AgencyWe are so happy to welcome Haley Casey to the podcast! Haley Casey graduated from The University of Kansas in 2015 with a BA in creative writing, and that fall, she attended the Denver Publishing Institute. She began her full-time career at Ogden Publications, where she was an editor for four years. There she worked with a variety of authors across multiple magazines, wrote over a dozen articles, edited audio for podcasts, and even styled cover photos—anything to add some creativity to her days. In 2020, she interned at Metamorphosis Literary Agency and Creative Media Agency, Inc. before stepping into her ro...2021-02-0955 min

The Manuscript AcademyAnnouncements! Last Call for Submissions + What The Hook Class + Kat Vellos on Building CommunityHey friends, we have a really exciting week, it’s September, and school is in session—so we thought we’d give you announcements just like when your vice principal would get on the PA each morning and say goooooo sports! So here’s what’s happening this week: Tonight, September 21, 2020, at 8 pm Eastern is the official deadline for our 100th podcast episode. As many of you know, on Thursday, September 24, at 8 pm Eastern, we’re all getting together in one giant Zoom for a panel of expert help and Q&A. Tickets are free, but you need to nominate a friend (or...2020-09-2101 min

The Manuscript AcademyBuilding Creative Community with Author and Speaker Kat VellosWatch the live recording of this event here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/kat Are you tired of Zoom happy hours? Missing real, creative, spontaneous connection? Us too. Author Kat Vellos is here to help! Kat says: Welcome, friend! If you know anything about me, you know that I’d rather be greeting you with a giant bear hug… in a cozy room full of artsy conversation-provoking installations…with a table of cheese-based snacks in the corner. Instead, we meet here, in this small box made of metal, glass and touchscreens. Because COVID. If you’re here because you want to build bridges...2020-09-191h 12

The Manuscript AcademyJoin Us! 100th Podcast Recording PartyView our promo video + learn more here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-100 It’s been such an amazing journey speaking with agents, editors, authors, and publishing professionals about the things that mean the most to them-–life, work, creativity, and community. To celebrate our 100th episode, we wanted to do something new, special, interactive, and fun. Thursday, September 24, 8:00pm Eastern, we are launching a brand new live-recording series. Agents Kayla Lightner, Saba Sulaiman, Fiona Kenshole and producer Marilyn Atlas will be our panel of experts, and give feedback on YOUR work. The event is FREE but requires some homework (about 10 minutes). View...2020-09-1501 min

The Manuscript AcademyRevise & Resubmits, Editorial Notes + Finding The Hook of Your Book with Agent Jessica WattersonWe are so happy to bring you this episode with Jessica Watterson, agent at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. We talk about plotting, tension, and exercises for making sure that each chapter moves your work forward. We also discuss revise and resubmits (and what agents look for in requested changes), how agents write pitch letters (and sometimes test them on their families), and whether agents go on editorial power trips (not…usually, but we’ll expand on that). Then, we move on to the rare occasions when agents give notes in rejection letters, how agents process responses on the projects they...2020-09-1045 min

The FarmcastBest and Worst: Tailgating ActivitiesWe talk about the best and worst tailgating activities. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe! If you enjoyed this video, make sure to spread the good word about The Farmcast Check out the podcast on these platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3dzqqnc Apple: apple.co/3dG3RgU YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL-Mswl_fkAqWxhAq2lJ-Xw SoundCloud: @the-farm-podcast Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @TheFarmCastPod Today, we talk about Dion Sanders siging with Barstool Sports, Damian Lillard beef with Skip Bayless, and Halo getting delayed. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe! If you enjoyed this video, make sure to spread...2020-09-0254 min

The Manuscript AcademyWriting A Manuscript That Gets And Keeps Everyone’s Attention with Agent Linda CamachoWe talk with Linda Camacho, agent at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency, about your character’s desire line—how it’s useful for both clarity and storytelling—and the deeper wish behind the ostensible goal. (For example: Ralphie in A Christmas Story wants a BB gun, but what he *really* wants is to be perceived as an adult.) We also discuss how to work with plotters, pantsers and plantsers—and how, no matter what you’re writing, you can keep a reader’s attention. Linda Camacho graduated from Cornell with a B.S. in Communication and has held various positions at Penguin Random...2020-08-2840 min

The FarmcastWorst Video Games We've Ever PlayedThe Worst Video Games We've Ever Played. No Doc today, so we talkabout GAMING Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe! If you enjoyed this video, make sure to spread the good word about The Farmcast Check out the podcast on these platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3dzqqnc Apple: apple.co/3dG3RgU YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL-Mswl_fkAqWxhAq2lJ-Xw SoundCloud: @the-farm-podcast Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @TheFarmCastPod Today, we talk about Dion Sanders siging with Barstool Sports, Damian Lillard beef with Skip Bayless, and Halo getting delayed. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe! If you enjoyed this...2020-08-2744 min

The FarmcastNFL Player's We're Excited For In 2020We talk about the NFL players who we're most excited to see this season. From Daniel Jones to Allen Lazard. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe! If you enjoyed this video, make sure to spread the good word about The Farmcast Check out the podcast on these platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3dzqqnc Apple: apple.co/3dG3RgU YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL-Mswl_fkAqWxhAq2lJ-Xw SoundCloud: @the-farm-podcast Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @TheFarmCastPod Today, we talk about Dion Sanders siging with Barstool Sports, Damian Lillard beef with Skip Bayless, and Halo getting delayed. Make sure to like, comment...2020-08-2547 min

The Manuscript AcademyWriters House Agent Allie Levick and Bestselling Author Cameron Kelly RosenblumJOIN US Tuesday, August 11, 8pm Eastern for a FREE event with Cameron. Sign up here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/cam New in our series with literary agents and debut authors, we chat with Writer’s House agent Allie Levick, and her client Cameron Kelly Rosenblum, author of the Kirkus starred young adult novel, The Stepping Off Place. This novel is described by Booklist as, “Beautifully written examination not only of the sadness of grief, but the uncertainty it can bestow upon everything, from your relationship to others to the relationship with yourself.” Allie and Cameron’s professional relationship is the star of this...2020-08-0738 min

The Manuscript AcademyBrontë’s Mistress with author-agent team Finola Austin and Danielle Egan-MillerWe’re so pleased to welcome our first-ever historical fiction writer to the Manuscript Academy Podcast. Finola Austin is the author of Brontë’s Mistress, a story that Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter, calls “A beautifully written, highly seductive debut…The chemistry between Branwell and Lydia positively crackles on the page." Joining Finola is her agent Danielle Egan-Miller, president of Brown & Miller Literary Associates. A mighty team, they will chat about the unusual circumstances behind “The Call," Finola’s massive attention to detail, tips on submission, and more. We’ll discuss how books can create a sense...2020-08-0451 min

The Manuscript AcademyImprov For Writers with Agent Gordon Warnock and Author Jorjeana MarieIn this special episode, we talk with agent Gordon Warnock and author Jorjeana Marie about how to reignite your creativity, learn to trust yourself, and stay inspired along the way. We learn how they met (in the slush pile!), why people are pressured to choose just one creative passion (and what you should do about it), and (perhaps most important) how to bring back the joy of creation to your work. Jorjeana Marie is a storyteller. Whether it’s as a writer for Disney’s “Mickey and the Roadster Racers”, as a voice actress enacting all the roles in the “New Nancy...2020-07-3150 min

The Manuscript AcademyHow To Write Children's Books That Surprise and Delight with Agent Fiona KensholeWe are so pleased to welcome Fiona Kenshole, senior agent at Transatlantic Agency, to discuss all things children’s books. If you’re writing picture books, early readers, chapter books or middle grade, this episode is for you. We talk about how children’s publishing is different from adult publishing, the elements each age group needs, building tension, creating voice, and writing about power and autonomy as seen from a child’s perspective. We also talk about image notes (and why they’re so controversial—plus a great story from Fiona on this), how even NYT bestselling authors do extensive edits, and...2020-07-2342 min

The Manuscript AcademyFirst Page Action (vs. Peak Action), Characters, Comps and High Concept Works with Kristy HunterWe talk about how two agents can have completely different comps for the same book (and both can be correct), how high concept works have their own stealth press packet (you've probably unwittingly taken part in their marketing), and tips for writers pitching in the pandemic (hint: it's not as bad as you think). We also talk about starting in action (versus peak action), how YA needs two layers (your unique concept + typical teen emotional life), and how we can create a strong character from tiny details on your very first page. Plus, the errors you can come back from...2020-07-1946 min

The Manuscript AcademyWorldbuilding, Tension, and A Healthy Editorial Relationship with Lani Forbes and Samantha WeksteinThis week we speak with author and teacher Lani Forbes about her YA fantasy novel, The Seventh Sun, and her agent, Samantha Wekstein at Thompson Literary Agency. Samantha represents a wide range of authors from picture books up through adult. We talk about how they knew they were the right fit--how they work together on edits--and how Samantha actually stayed up all night to read this book by the offer deadline. (#Dedication.) Then the main part of the episode—worldbuilding! 9:48: How Lani approaches worldbuilding 14:03: Common worldbuilding problems Samantha sees in her submission pile 14:56: How to get the reader into your wo...2020-06-2949 min

The Manuscript AcademyAllyship, Resources, and Talented Authors To Support Right NowBlack Lives Matter. A note from Jessica: Here at The Manuscript Academy, we're all about real, authentic conversations that accomplish something important. Here are some resources to help you get started on becoming a better ally--how to support your friends, have difficult conversations with your relatives, and learn more about the cultural moment happening right now. (It's our hope that history books will remember this as the moment it all, finally, got better.) This is all a long, ongoing process, and as you'll hear, we are still on our own journeys. We're doing our best, and sharing what we've learned...2020-06-2036 min

The Manuscript AcademyLive Agent Q&A: Queries, Secret Agent Meetings, and Advice for Graphic Novels & Picture BooksIn this very special episode—our first live-streamed Q&A—we talk about agent Alyssa Jennette's unusual entry to publishing, the tips she has for writers, and her answers, in the moment, to your most burning publishing questions. We cover her requirements for queries, whether agents have secret meetings, when agents fire clients, advice for graphic novelists and picture book writers, and much, much more. Want to join us for the next live recording? Or view this as a video? Head to ManuscriptAcademy.com/Facebook 22:10 What Alyssa looks for in a query 24:35 and 25:50 The author she took on even though he m...2020-06-1653 min

The Manuscript AcademyComp Titles, Platform, and How To Do Your Research with Simon & Schuster Editor Hannah RobinsonThis week’s episode is all about comparative and competitive titles—what they are, how they work, and the most common writer mistakes. We talk about the books that are off-limits for comps, how to figure out if a book you’re considering is the right size (based off of information that is easily searchable), and how comps are just like the human “algorithms” you use every day to help your friends read, learn, and cook. We also talk about non-traditional (and more accessible!) definitions of platform, how editors pitch your books to their teams, and what you can do now to imp...2020-06-1137 min

The Manuscript AcademyAcquisitions, "The Numbers," and How Editors Make Them Work, with Macmillan Editor Rachel DiebelIn this episode, Macmillan editor Rachel Diebel walks us through how acquisitions work at Macmillan, why the numbers aren’t always the determining factor (and what “the numbers” means), and submission guidelines (and what you should think if you are on submission for months). We also discuss imprints within imprints, publishing in quarantine, and her least favorite thing about the industry. Rachel is an editor at Feiwel & Friends (an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group), acquiring middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. Broadly, across all categories, she is always looking for commercial fiction with a unique voice, a great ho...2020-05-2928 min

The Manuscript AcademyMarathon, Not A Sprint: How Author Molly McCaffery Signed With Agent John CusickIn this uplifting, inspiring episode, we talk about how Molly McCaffery received more than 100 rejections, shelved more than three books–-and then landed top agent John Cusick. We talk about her journey, how she learned to successfully pivot, and the querying tips you can only learn after sending out that much work and spending that much time in the query trenches. We also talk about how to put your reader first (one of the top things John looks in a client), what Molly thinks about MFA’s versus conferences, and perhaps the best advice of all: Find your community, and win...2020-05-1834 min

The Manuscript AcademyVoice In A Manuscript with Agent Stephanie WinterWe are so happy to bring you this conversation with Stephanie Winter, an agent at P.S. Literary. We talk about how agents read differently than most book buyers, the logistics of selling a series, and what word counts scare us (and what we do about it). Plus, how rejection is kind of like a video game, what agents are *really* thinking during live pitch meetings—and how we envision a “be an agent for a day” program. And, perhaps most exciting, Stephanie discusses what makes great for voice in a Manuscript. You can learn more about her class, which is May...2020-05-0643 min

The Manuscript AcademyAgent Lauren Spieller on Book Scouting, Building Tension, and What You Really Need to SucceedWe talk with writer-turned-agent Lauren Spieller about publishing in quarantine, long-term industry hope, and what this means for you (and your book) right now. We also discuss book scouting, selling books abroad, and whether writers should move to New York (NO!). We discuss what you actually need for a successful writing career, how Lauren had a brilliant idea for getting into the industry, and what she would change about publishing if she could. Also, much to Julie’s amusement, we grapple with possible definitions for “high concept.” If any of you come up with a high concept description for high concep...2020-04-1634 min

The Manuscript AcademySubjectivity In Publishing (And Why It's Good For Your Book) With Agent Kayla LightnerWe talk with Kayla Lightner, agent at Ayesha Pande Literary, about how agents are trained to go through their inboxes—the role of subjectivity—and the benefits of a very specific #MSWL. We discuss the energy of querying—how that’s conveyed to new publishing hires—and what this means for you, your work, and your chances in publishing. Comps, also, come up as useful not only to your pitch, but also as an editorial tool to convey specific direction. And we talk about why people in publishing are discouraged from writing, themselves. We also talk about literary scouts, and what they...2020-04-1447 min

The Manuscript AcademySales, Production, and Husband and Wife Macmillan Editors Kate Meltzer and Brian GeffenWelcome to a #MSWL podcast first--a married publishing couple describing literary life, work, and how to make the most of both. We discuss what they'd love to see in their inboxes (and how their tastes vary), the crazy coincidences of their love story (they both went to Paris, worked at Scholastic, and lived in the same town before meeting), and how they both started their careers as the unsung heroes of the publishing world, in sales and production. Naturally, we talk about how these departments can affect your book's advance, distribution, look, feel, and much more. We also talk about...2020-04-0947 min

The Manuscript AcademyHow To Pitch When Publishing Is In Quarantine with Agent Amy Elizabeth BishopWe talk about how to submit during quarantine (Should you? Is publishing shut down? Is it really going as well as everyone says?), the importance of platform (and how selling nonfiction is different), and the emotional toll of rejections (and how agents feel about them). We also talk about how to make your writing seem effortless, what NYC life is like for new agents (hint: lots of bagels) and Amy’s new pitch panel, March 31. Learn more about that here: http://live.manuscriptacademy.com/amy/ Book a meeting or written critique with Amy here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/amy-bishop Find her on...2020-03-2731 min

The Manuscript AcademyMFA's, Community & Identity with Editor Vivian LeeWe are so pleased to speak with writer and editor Vivian Lee about the importance of literary community, what it was like for her to work in publishing at Little A/Amazon, and how our industry has changed over the past decade. We also discuss California Pizza Kitchen, fusion cuisine, and the immigrant experience--finding the perfect Mother's Day present for the mother who traveled 7,000 miles for you--and how Vivian's writing and editing processes start with specific ideas and images and branch out to address the larger questions, both in the piece and in life. Vivian Lee is a writer and...2020-03-2531 min

The Manuscript AcademyStand-up Comedy, Agenting, and Rage Push-Ups with Agent Barbara PoelleWe speak with agent, author, and stand-up comedian (yes, really!) Barbara Poelle about the Venn diagram of editorial needs, not swearing before 10 a.m., and how breaking all the rules worked out spectacularly well for one of her clients. Barbara’s new book, Funny You Should Ask: Mostly Serious Answers to Mostly Serious Questions About the Book Publishing Industry, is half love letter and half guidebook for the publishing industry. What to Submit to Barbara: Barbara is looking for high octane thrillers, edgy mysteries, literary and upmarket fiction and YA. You can find her on twitter at @bpoelle.2020-03-1224 min

The Manuscript AcademyTom Lutz, Professor, Writer & Founder of The Los Angeles Review of BooksWe are so happy to talk with Tom Lutz. By day, he teaches creative writing at the University of California in Riverside and manages the LA Review of Books, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting writing about literature, culture and the arts. By night, he’s a rocker in bar bands. In between, he’s on a quest to visit every country in the world: 135 down, only 60 to go. This vagabond has dovetailed his wanderlust and passion for writing into seven nonfiction books—some on travel, one on the history of slackers, another on the history of tears. His first crime novel...2020-03-0536 min

Shipping & HandlingNice :)In this episode, recorded back in *coughcough* November, Bridget and Jen do an all-questions-all-the-time deep dive into our Tumblr inbox. Among other things we discuss sex in YA, the relative value of an MFA, and disclosure of advances. This episode is so outdated that the RWA is barely an organization anymore and one of the agents mentioned is no longer agenting! Like the podcast? You can support us through a donation on ko-fi, by subscribing to us on iTunes, or by leaving a review! Discussed in this episode: Leigh Bardugo - The Ninth Ho...2020-02-2740 min

The Manuscript Academy#TenQueries with Literary Agent Stephanie WinterJoin us for a look inside a literary agent's inbox! Listen as she decides, in the moment, what to request, what to reject, and why. Stephanie Winter is an associate agent at P.S. Literary. She first joined the agency as an intern before becoming the agency’s relations assistant. Stephanie is a dedicated bookseller who holds a B.A. from the University of Toronto in English Literature and a M.A. in English: Issues in Modern Culture from University College London. Her experiences of living and traveling in and around Europe have left her eagerly devouring upmarket, fantasy, and no...2020-02-2416 min

Florida Writer PodcastKaitlyn Johnson--Literary AgentAfter receiving a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College, Kaitlyn refused to leave the concept of nightly homework behind. As well as being an associate agent for Corvisiero Literary Agency, she is also a freelance editor at her own company, K. Johnson Editorial, and has worked as a copyeditor for academic publisher codeMantra, a YA editor for Accent Press, and a Conference Assistant for GrubStreet, Boston. She has written various articles for Writer's Digest and has had a flash fiction story published in the anthology A Box of Stars Beneath the Bed. For #mswl lis...2020-02-2316 min

The Florida Writer PodcastKaitlyn Johnson--Literary AgentAfter receiving a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College, Kaitlyn refused to leave the concept of nightly homework behind. As well as being an associate agent for Corvisiero Literary Agency, she is also a freelance editor at her own company, K. Johnson Editorial, and has worked as a copyeditor for academic publisher codeMantra, a YA editor for Accent Press, and a Conference Assistant for GrubStreet, Boston. She has written various articles for Writer's Digest and has had a flash fiction story published in the anthology A Box of Stars Beneath the Bed. For #mswl lis...2020-02-2316 min

The Manuscript AcademyProcrastination, Deadlines & The Editorial Process with #1 NYT Bestselling Author Melissa de la CruzWe are so excited to welcome internationally bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz to our podcast! Melissa is incredibly successful--she's written more than 50 books, and sold more than 8 million copies. But her path to publication was anything but easy. It took four agents and many "almost but not quite" responses to sell her first book. There are lunches she thought would turn into offers, and years of working at her day job and hoping for the best. Now, Melissa is at the top of her game--and has been known to write entire books in two weeks! But here’s the st...2020-02-0539 min

Write Or Die PodcastS2E13: Agent Quressa Robinson & All Her Inbox SecretsClaribel and Kat discuss current events including conversations around American Dirt. They also interview Literary Agent Quressa Robinson about her path to becoming an agent, what she thinks the industry should do to provide support to POC, and her MSWL! Follow Quressa: Twitter | Website Mentions: https://blog.leeandlow.com/2020/01/28/2019diversitybaselinesurvey/ Original ‘American Dirt’ review by Myriam Gurba NPR interview about American Dirt ‘American Dirt’ Isn’t Just Bad — Its Best Parts Are Cribbed From Latino Writers by David J Schmidt (Huffington Post) Cummin’s Non-Mexican Crap by David...2020-02-031h 00

The Manuscript AcademyThe First Three Chapters with Simon & Schuster Editor Hannah VanVelsWe talk with editor-turned-agent Hannah VanVels about how to keep an agent reading, what to put in your first three chapters, and why publishing takes so long (and sometimes even the pieces we’re *most excited about* have to wait). Plus, we discuss her current wishlist, unusual rom com mash-ups, and the different tactics used by editors vs. agents when reading submissions. We also talk about nudging authors (can we have your manuscript, say, now?), the border between editing and over-editing (something Hannah is passionate about) and reading in odd places (and risking minor injury) to get it done sooner. Thi...2020-01-2216 min

The Manuscript AcademyPublicists, DIY Book Publicity + Tips for Introverts with Dana Kaye PublicityWe loved talking with Dana Kaye, a publicist who not only does amazing work for her clients, but who comes up with creative ways to help more writers--and their books--succeed. How do you know if it's worth hiring a publicist? And, if you can't, what can you do on your own? Dana breaks these questions into concrete steps to determine whether you'll get a return on investment--and what you can do for yourself and your work along the way. Contrary to the image of the shiny, terrifying, shoulder pad-wielding publicist, Dana is delightfully approachable, fun, and heart-forward. She also discusses sp...2020-01-1549 min

The Manuscript AcademyWriting This Decade: A Pep Talk From JulieHappy New Year! Julie's checking to see how you are all doing and to talk to you about resolutions for 2020. Maybe if you are on Twitter or any form of social media, you’ve noticed people chatting about all of their successes and book deals coming out. To those people, we're so incredibly proud of you. Here's a pep talk for everyone in the query trenches, hoping to make this decade the best writing years yet. Learn more about our podcast here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast 2020-01-0604 min

The Manuscript AcademyHoliday Party 2019! LIVE-Recorded Workshop And Happy HourThis is a very special episode—our LIVE-recorded Holiday Party & Write-In 2019! Book Coach Anna Conathan joins us for an evening of prizes, surprises, writing prompts Q&A, trivia and more! Please note that this episode includes some adult language and themes—so don’t listen in public without earbuds. If you’d like to join our next event live, join our mailing list at ManuscriptAcademy.com/subscribe. You can view the live-recorded VIDEO version of this (with the text chat!) at https://manuscriptacademy.com/holidayparty2019 Need a gift for the critique partner who has everything--or maybe for you? Instant download certific...2019-12-191h 29

The Manuscript AcademyFirst Page Podcast with Anna Conathan PLUS Holiday Party!We are so pleased to invite Anna Conathan, of Anna Conathan Coaching, to the podcast. She's one of our special guests for the 2019 Holiday Party! Get on the list--it's free, fun, available on any smart device. Get yourself on the list (and enter our raffle) here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/rsvp Need a gift for the critique partner who has everything--or maybe for you? Instant download certificates for membership, classes, critiques, consultations and more available at ManuscriptAcademy.com/gift. Gifts start at $25. Anna Conathan Coaching works with humans looking to move ancient obstacles, improve communication in challenging relationships, begin exciting new...2019-12-1017 min

The Manuscript AcademyPitchWars, Agenting, and Both Sides of the Desk with Heather CashmanYou likely know Heather Cashman as Brenda Drake's partner in PitchWars. Now an agent at Storm Literary, she brings us wisdom from both sides of the desk--what rejections really mean, what it feels like to send them, and how you should interpret them. Plus, we talk about what it's like to be a new agent, the rejections agents face, and so much more. You can learn more about Heather at heathercashman.com. Included with this episode is an invite to our e-Holiday party, December 16, 8:30pm EDT. Head to ManuscriptAcademy.com/RSVP to get on the list. You can also add...2019-11-2630 min

The Manuscript AcademyKensington Editor Norma Perez-Hernandez on First Paragraphs, Rom Coms, and Ideas for PublishingWe love Norma Perez-Hernandez (editor at Kensington Publishing Corp) for her warmth and humor, and the way she makes publishing approachable, thoughtful and kind. You'll hear how much she cares for her authors, the enormous number of things she does each day, and her ideas on how we can move the industry forward. We also talk about how genres change--how rom coms simply could not work when she started in publishing but are thriving now--and what this means for trends in the industry. We're sure you'll love Norma just as much as we do. Norma Perez-Hernandez is editor at Kensington P...2019-10-1833 min

The Manuscript AcademyOur Live-Recorded Write-In WorkshopEver wish you could carry around a writing class in your pocket? One with special agent and editor guests, a rad* theme, and way too much coffee? Now you can. Our Write-In Workshop from last week (you can still see the full replay here, if you'd like the video too: https://manuscriptacademy.com/back-to-school-write-in) features all the ways thinking about your character in school--plus the resulting conflicts, social hierarchies, friends and crushes--can give you a deeper understanding of that person on the page. We've left in pauses so you can follow along. Grab your favorite school supplies, maybe your earbuds or...2019-10-101h 22

The Manuscript AcademyIt's MSWL Day! Here's Your Guide to Searching, Connecting + Finding Your MatchWelcome to the #MSWL Day Guide! We speak with KK Hendin and Jessica Sinsheimer about the beginnings of MSWL, how best to search the feeds (and find your agent and editor matches), what to do with that information, and how to improve your chances by showing your work. Search techniques are at about 6:15, and reference ManuscriptWishList.com/search. Need help? Tweet us @KKHendin and @Jsinsheim and @MSWLMA View our new season of live workshops + special events panels, classes and more at ManuscriptAcademy.com/live. Our FREE Write-In Workshop is Monday, September 30, 8:30pm EDT. Want to ask an agent for feedback...2019-09-2425 min

The Manuscript Academy60: #TenQueries With Agent Caitlin McDonaldOne of our newest faculty members, agent Caitlin McDonald, was kind enough to give us a guided tour of her query inbox. Like #TenQueries on Twitter, this is an honest look at what agents actually receive, what works, what doesn't, and why. Caitlin McDonald is an agent at Donald Maass Literary Agency, where she represents adult and young adult fantasy and science fiction as well as select nonfiction titles. She has worked with numerous award-winning and bestselling authors, created high-profile nonfiction proposals, and been a contracts manager. Caitlin seeks to elevate diverse voices and is always looking for new ways...2019-09-2422 min

Truer WordsLauren SpiellerLauren is the author of two YA novels, YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE LEFT and SHE’S THE WORST, and an associate literary agent at TriadaUS. Her website is LaurenSpieller.com and she can be found on Twitter: @laurenspieller and Instagram: @laurenspieller. Mentioned in this Episode: Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Forever 35 podcast episode with Gretchen Rubin Gretchen Rubin Co-Star Astrology App Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything exhibit at the...2019-09-091h 24

The Manuscript Academy59: Back-to-School Pep Talk for WritersJulie Kingsley loves back to school so much, she forced Jessica Sinsheimer to let her jump on top of her soapbox and talk all things writing. Join Julie for this short and concise podcast discussing good writing practice, practical goal setting tips, and more. ** September Special** Julie will be open this month for ten-minute sessions for the low price of $25. This is perfect for people who are new to the Manuscript Academy process, or those who’d just like a regular writer to look at work before you meet with our expert faculty. Meetings go live Wednessday, September 11 for members, an...2019-09-0512 min

The Manuscript Academy58: From Agent To Editor: Molly Cusick, Editor at SourcebooksWe talk with Molly Cusick (formerly Molly Jaffa) about her transition from agent to editor, what editorial meetings REALLY look like, and why many publishing rules are made to be broken. As Molly says, love can appear when you least expect it—and this applies to books as well as relationships. We also discuss Coney Island, historical NYC, and how she met her literary husband. (It’s very New York.) You can meet with Molly (and book a written critique) here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/molly-cusick Books she mentioned: Side Effects May Vary and Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy Red, White, and Royal...2019-08-2127 min

The Manuscript Academy57: Live Recorded: Why Does Publishing Take So Long?Last week, we joined Melissa Warten, editor at Macmillan, LIVE to discuss publishing timelines, your questions about the industry, and your first pages--all in a helpful, fun panel. While the first pages are just for ticketholders, you can listen in on the Q&A portion of the event here, where Melissa explains just what publishers are doing while you wait...and wait...and wait. You can hear Melissa's first podcast episode, a live meeting with an author--and book a meeting with Melissa--here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/melissa-warten And you can learn more about our live events (past and future!) here: https...2019-08-0632 min

The Manuscript Academy56: Live Meeting: Macmillan Editor Melissa Warten and Author Brooke UrbanMacmillan editor Melissa Warten joins extremely brave and awesome writer Brooke Urban to go over her first page on the air. With a focus on the line between mysterious and vague (when are you giving your reader enough information? When are you giving them so much that it takes away all narrative tension?), the 25-word descriptions that can ground your reader, and why (most) everyone hates prologues, we go over universal lessons of keeping an agent reading. Please see below to follow along with Brooke's page. To view Melissa's live event on Monday, July 29, 8:30pm EDT, please visit ManuscriptAcademy.com...2019-07-1125 min

The Manuscript Academy56: Research, Historical Novels, and Helen Gurley Brown with Park Avenue Summer Author Renee RosenWe spoke with Renee Rosen, author of Park Avenue Summer from Penguin Random House, about her process, her amazing research, and what she wishes writers could know about what it's like after book six. Pitched as Mad Men meets The Devil Wears Prada, the story features a young woman who, just after arriving in NYC from her small hometown, secures a position working for the inimitable Helen Gurley Brown at Cosmopolitan. Renee shares insights from her many years as a published author--the winding road she took, the reviews she received, and the things she learned along the way. We're particularly...2019-07-0327 min

The Manuscript Academy55: Pep Talk: Persistence, Surprises, and Getting Un-StuckThis week, Academy co-Founder Julie Kingsley, who's taught writing for more than 20 years, brings you a pep talk on how to keep going--and get un-stuck. This episode includes encouragement, exercises--and a special surprise for you if you keep listening. We also have a FREE write-in coming up June 24--join us at https://manuscriptacademy.com/rsvp. And a LIVE query workshop with Katharine Sands, agent and creator of Pitch To Page (one of our most popular classes) July 1. See: https://manuscriptacademy.com/pitch-to-page To use your coupon in this episode, go to https://manuscriptacademy.com/get-started and click Live Consultation.2019-06-1816 min

The Manuscript Academy54: Graphic Novels with Stephanie Guerdan at HarperIf you've ever wondered why graphic novels are doing so well, this episode is for you. We talked with editor Stephanie Guerdan at HarperCollins about cosplay, Comic Con, and what it really takes to join the industry (the answer may surprise you). Lest you worry that the whole episode is serious, we also chat about tattoos, comics, marine biology, and why no one in publishing can do math.2019-06-1342 min

The Manuscript Academy53: Live Pitches, Thrillers, And A Large Emotional and Aesthetic RangeWe spoke with Jess Dallow, agent at Brower Literary & Management, about live pitch sessions from the agent side of the desk. We cover when to book them, when you're most likely to get a yes, and how to make them go as well as they possibly can--for you and the agent. (Agents do, after all, want and need to find work they love.) We also talk thrillers, criminal profiling, serial killers, child psychopaths, Sweet Valley High, and how a lot of publishing is an Elizabeth but wants to be a Jessica. We also cover when it’s okay to respond to...2019-05-2938 min

The Manuscript Academy52: A Real Live Consultation with Agent Danielle ChiottiEver wonder what happens when you meet with an agent? Two very generous people--Danielle Chiotti, agent, and Kayla King, writer--let us listen in on their consultation. In this episode, Danielle reacts to Kayla's page in the moment, asks for clarification, and comes up with solutions on the spot to make Kayla's page (even) stronger. Want to see Danielle's LIVE first pages panel on May 14, 8:30pm EDT? Send your page and a question ahead for a chance of live feedback from Danielle, Jessica and Julie--or send it ahead and watch the digital replay on your phone, tablet or laptop. https://manuscriptacademy...2019-05-0619 min

The Manuscript Academy51: Structure, Characters + Narrative Beats with agent Hannah FergesenHannah Fergesen of KT Literary joins us to talk about how she moved from film to publishing (and what makes the two industries different and the same), how R&Rs can turn to offers (and vice versa), and why just because we like a project doesn't mean we can take it on. Naturally, we talk about Buffy (it was inevitable), Hannah's fascination with darker works, and why sometimes younger editors take on riskier projects. We also talk about structure—how to make sure that your characters motivate action, why this can be so difficult, and how to make sure your ch...2019-04-1036 min

The Manuscript Academy50: Our LIVE 50th Episode Extravaganza with Fiona KensholeThe wonderful Fiona Kenshole, Senior Agent and Partner at Transatlantic Literary Agency, kindly joined us for a grand experiment--a live recording of this podcast, plus a first pages panel. You'll hear us (try to) pop champagne (you guys, you have no idea what a miracle this is), discuss what works for Fiona, what she sees on our side of the desk--and why everything takes SO long in our industry. Plus we talk first pages, and what makes them work--and how Fiona chooses her clients. Want to see the full (hour and a half!) live-recorded video? Head to http://manuscriptacademy.com...2019-04-0933 min

The Manuscript Academy49: Simon & Schuster Editors Liz Kossnar and Krista VitolaKrista Vitola and Liz Kossnar, two wonderful--and very different--editors from Simon & Schuster, joined us to talk about how to have a good relationship with your editor, how to read the signs that someone might be into your type of book--and what they'd love to invent (including, among other things, their own podcast--we'll keep you updated!). These hilarious, insightful ladies have two very distinct styles, which is a great illustration of how personality plays a role in the publishing process. You can find Liz at https://twitter.com/liz_adventures and https://www.instagram.com/zuhbeth. You can find Krista at...2019-03-1248 min

The Manuscript AcademyPicture Books and Adults Talking Kidlit With Editor Aneeka Kalia at Viking/Penguin Random HouseWhat's better than a bunch of adults talking about kidlit? This episode, we learn about the hilarious inner workings of Very Serious Adult Meetings about picture books, what's working in the children's literature world, and why we think #Kidding is just as important as #Adulting. Plus, we touch on soccer, Bend It Like Beckham, representation in publishing, spontaneous dance parties, and how Aneeka defied all advice and ended up in the publishing industry. Once you listen to this episode, you'll be so glad she did. Aneeka is an editor at Viking Children’s Books (Penguin Random House). She works on Pi...2019-02-1935 min

The Manuscript AcademyAgent-Author Team Eric Smith + Mike Chen: When NOT to Give UpWe are so excited to congratulate author Mike Chen and agent Eric Smith on the release of the beautiful, moving novel HERE AND NOW AND THEN with Harlequin MIRA. Mike has been our friend for years and even built the version of ManuscriptWishList.com that you see now. Eric Smith is an agent at P.S. Literary, and a faculty member with us at the Academy. Today on the podcast, we talk editing, long submission times, when to give up—and when you really, really shouldn’t. Eric and Mike have a dynamic we love—they’re a great example of what ca...2019-01-2937 min

My Messy MuseEpisode 8- Twitter for Kidlit TalentIn this Episode Michele discusses how to use Twitter to grow your kidlit network and socialize with other kidlit talent and fans. Whether you're just starting out or a veteran in the kidlit industry, you will learn something from this Episode. Twitter is a proverbial playground for kidlit talent, take a listen to learn how to get in the game and play. Remember to also join the My Messy Muse private Facebook community to interact and mingle with other kidlit fans like you as well as be eligible for exclusive giveaways like autographed books every month! www...2019-01-1856 min

The Manuscript Academy46: #TenQueries with Samantha Wekstein, Writers HouseSamantha Wekstein, agent at Writers House, was generous enough to join us for a #TenQueries episode. We chat with her about how she got into publishing (she worked with Jessica first!), some amazing things she's created along the way--and how this shapes what she looks for. Then we asked her to go through her queries inbox, choose ten at random--and tell us what they are, why they work, what they can do better--and what this means for you at home. You can book a meeting with Samantha at https://manuscriptacademy.com/10-minutes-with-an-expert and find her online at https://twitter.com...2018-12-0535 min

Good Witches, Bad BitchesShe Discovered White Dwarfs in the Night SkyIntro - 13:25 | Deanna and Hannah discuss 2017 trending hashtag, #thanksfortyping, why it's problematic, and the controversy in credit for female typists with ambiguous acknowledgements.13:25 - 39:00 | Person of the week: Williamina Fleming, and find themselves exploring the gender segregation of Ivy League schools that is very much in more recent history than you would have imagined.The extract (heh) by Sue Nelson can be found in the women in STEM anthology, A Passion For Science: Tales of Discovery and Invention, found here: https://findingada.com/shop/Hannah's Agent Pinterest, which includes images for Young Minerva...2018-11-1700 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 45: Stephanie Stein from HarperCollins Children's/HarperTeenWe talk with Stephanie Stein at HarperCollins about California and New York publishing, a typical day in the life of a Big Five editor, and what it takes to impress a publishing person (in books and TV, theater, and otherwise). Stephanie is an absolute editorial rock star--literally every person who receives a critique from her is thrilled, so we talk about her process, and how it is similar and different from her day-to-day editing. She also tells the story of the magical day she (almost literally) ran into Shaq on the way to her very first full time publishing interview. ...2018-10-1841 min

The Manuscript AcademyFirst Pages Podcast: Something Beautiful by Jasmine RasmussenJoin Jessica and Julie for a First Pages podcast featuring this page by Jasmine Rasmussen. Please feel free to follow along with the page (below) while we read and analyze the text for what works, and for what could be added to make it stronger. Love (Chapter 1) We stop at a grocery store on the way out of town, the one with a gas station and next to the Dollar Tree me and Ava shopped at last week. I type in Mom’s rewards number on my pump, pretending it doesn’t bother me when her name is welcomed on the...2018-10-0917 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 43: Great First Lines with Agent John CusickWe speak with agent John M. Cusick of Folio Literary Management about great first lines, what they can do for your work--and how they can make a good first impression that will stick with your reader, whether in a bookstore or in the slush pile. John's class is available (with our full library of classes) at ManuscriptAcademy.com. You can find him online at JohnMCusick.com, or at https://twitter.com/johnmcusick 2018-09-1224 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 42: Literary LibationsGrab your favorite drink, maybe a nice pot of hot oolong tea, or a dry martini with a twist. If you’re in the autumn mood, pour a nice glass of fresh-squeezed cider or a hot toddy complete with a cinnamon stick. No matter the choice, you’ll enjoy today’s podcast about drinks and books, writing and relationships. Agent Andrea Somberg of the Harvey Klinger Literary Agency and her fabulous client Amira K. Makansi join us to discuss Literary Libations: What to Drink with What You Read. We’ll chat about how Andrea and Amira met (a quick story!), their wo...2018-09-0521 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 41: #TenQueries with Agent Roseanne WellsAgent Roseanne Wells of The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency goes through her query inbox, narrating for us both what's in there and what writers can learn from these works. We discuss everything from picture books to adult sci fi, tropes (for queries and in books) that work and are best avoided, and personalization that reads as such--and how we can tell if it's a simple cut and paste to all the agents on your list. We also talk about what works for illustrators, and styles in query sentences that set you apart in a bad way. We have a...2018-08-1516 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 40: Jennifer Thermes: Finding Your Creative VoiceJulie talks with award-winning author-illustrator Jennifer Thermes about the relationship between text, images, and the picture book process--why it takes so many hours to find your creative voice--and how focusing on the long game is what will get you through the ups and downs of publishing. JENNIFER THERMES is a children’s book author, illustrator, and map illustrator. She graduated from Parsons School of Design with a degree in Communication Design. Her books have received a Kirkus starred review, been included in several Bank Street College lists, and been recognized in 3×3 Magazine’s Children’s Illustration Annual. A Horn Book Magazin...2018-08-0118 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 39: Editors, Query Mistakes, and The Best Cookies EverWe talk with agent Whitney Ross at the Irene Goodman Literary Agency about why she never says she *doesn't* want something in her inbox, the different levels of editors and why they matter--why you don't need a master's to work in publishing. Then we veer into delicious territory, talking about the best chocolate chip cookies, how to hide the taste of cake mix, and Whitney's husband's winemaking abilities. We also talk about television reboots, including Jessica's favorite, Daria. We discuss common query mistakes, what they mean for you--and Whitney's best tips for maximizing your success. Whitney says: You HAVE to...2018-07-1640 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 38: Most Likely to Survive The Zombie Apocalypse: Jen Gunnels at Tor/MacmillanPlease note: This episode contains adult language, but because Jen uses it so artfully, we couldn't stand to bleep it out. If you're listening around children, you may wish to grab some headphones and/or prepare your explanations for what those words mean. Jessica Sinsheimer went into the Tor/Macmillan offices to speak with the intrepid editor Jen Gunnels. We talk about why she never sends an editorial letter without a phone call, why authors need to trust their teams--and how writers can sometimes put too much of themselves into the work. Jen also talks about how some writers assume...2018-07-0255 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 37: The Literary Life with Lilly DancygerWe spoke with Lilly Dancyger, writer, editor of Narratively, and creator of Memoir Monday, a weekly newsletter and monthly reading series co-curated by Narratively, Catapult, Granta, Guernica, The Rumpus, Longreads and Tin House. She has bylines all over town, a great sense of where to find the best fun in NYC (hint: it involves tens of thousands of people dressed up as sea creatures), and an anthology of women's anger called BURN IT DOWN coming out with Seal Press in 2019. If you've ever wondered what the literary life is like in NYC, Lilly is living it--and we love her reflections...2018-06-2243 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 36: #TenQueries with Agent Kelly Van SantJoin Kelly Van Sant, literary agent at Red Sofa Literary, to analyze ten random queries in her inbox. Along the way, learn how she decides when to say yes, when to say no, and when to decide later--how common it is that people don't even get her name right--and why a query doesn't have to be perfect (but does have to be great) to get a yes. You can book time to go over YOUR query at http://manuscriptacademy.com/kelly-van-sant/. Kelly Van Sant has a decade of experience in the publishing industry. She cut her teeth in New York...2018-06-1227 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 35: Author Hanna AlkafWe speak with the amazing Hanna Alkaf, author of THE WEIGHT OF OUR SKY, (Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster, 2019), about multiple offers--managing your writing career and writing friendships when you don't live in the United States--and the amazing story of her role in Malaysia's most recent election. We left this talk feeling so hopeful for the world--and trust you will, too. You can follow Hanna here: https://twitter.com/yesitshanna or visit her site here: https://hannaalkaf.com/. Here's the article Hanna mentioned about what to ask an agent during an offer call: https://dystelblogarchive.wordpress.com/2016/01/26/jim-suggests-questions-to-ask-a-prospective-agent/2018-06-0748 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 34: #TenQueries with JessicaWe join Jessica to talk #TenQueries in her inbox, and what we can learn from them--and from submissions in general. In addition to common mistakes and inbox trends, you'll learn why you shouldn't overestimate your competition--and why all of Jessica's interns end up feeling better about their own writing after reading queries. (Hint: If you're doing ANY research, you're in the top 50%. This podcast counts as research! Feel good about yourself.)2018-05-1629 min

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 33: The Least Cynical People In PublishingSo Jessica threw a party. For interns--sixty of them, recommended by agents and editors. With a small recorder and a lot of luck, she asked them YOUR questions from the Facebook group--most of them fitting into one of three categories: 1) What advice do you have for interns? 2) What advice do you have for writers? 3) How would you change the industry, if you had all the money and power in the world? We love their answers, and talk about what it means to be the least cynical people in publishing today--and what it means for the future of the industry.2018-05-0820 min

The Manuscript AcademyAgents, Lawyers, and Book Contracts: With Agent And Lawyer Melissa EdwardsMelissa Edwards (agent at Stonesong Literary, former lawyer, and founder of MLE Consulting) joins us to talk contracts, specialties, and what happens when another kind of lawyer attempts to negotiate a publishing contract. You'll learn the worst clause she's ever seen (it's so bad you guys), what will stay the same pretty much no matter what--and why these rights matter. You'll also learn about why you don't HAVE to have an agent to get a good deal--and how Melissa's new venture, MLE Consulting, can make sure no one has to sign a bad contract again. See https://www.melissaedwardsesq.com/. ...2018-04-1626 min

Print Run PodcastEpisode 52—MSWL, Manuscript Academy, and Where We Go From HereAfter a quick recap of the National Book Award winners, this week’s episode features a detailed and passionate interview with one of the co-founders of MSWL and Manuscript Academy, literary agent Jessica Sinsheimer. We talk to Jessica about revenue dynamics in the industry, and how technology holds the capability to increase access to publishing for both writers and industry professionals. Jessica is one of the smartest people working in our field and we really think you’ll like what she has to say. Join us!2017-11-211h 01

The Manuscript AcademyEpisode 24: Pitch Sessions: Tips from Melissa EdwardsFor the first in this series (all about live meetings!), we talk with agent Melissa Edwards at Stonesong about live pitches, e-consultations, and what works—and doesn’t—in each. What makes a writer successful in these meetings? How do they best get answers that move their work forward? And what’s the difference between pitch and summary—and what blend helps you the most? (And yes, that super long, awkward pause is on purpose. Form matching content. You'll see.) Learn all this--and more--with Melissa, You can follow her on Twitter at @MelissaLaurenE, and book a meeting with her at http://www...2017-11-1409 min

Geek ConfidentialGC #26: Book Recommendations and Iron FistOn this week's Geek Confidential podcast Luke Kerr and Dan Pearce are joined by Harlequin assistant editor Carly Silver. The trio reveals their favorite and current must-read sci-fi and fantasy books. Carly's Recommendations: Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi Court of Five Series by Kate Elliott Tortall series by Tamora Pierce Dan's Recommendations: American Gods by Neil Gaiman Drown by Juno Diaz The Brief, Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz ...2017-03-231h 09