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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

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