You can find more about this topic and the risks and rewards of genre hopping in our article EPISODE 99 DEEP DIVE: Genre Hopping Risks and Gains

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by special guest Eric Smith, an award-winning literary agent and young adult author. The discussion delves into the concept of genre-hopping and age category shifting among authors. Eric Smith emphasizes that an author’s unique voice can transcend genres and categories, encouraging writers to explore different writing styles. The episode also covers important aspects like the risks and rewards of genre-hopping, the importance of passion in writing, and how to prepare for transitioning into new literary spaces. Special highlights include Eric’s personal experiences with genre transitions and comprehensive advice for authors considering a shift in their writing career.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers00:30 Introducing Eric Smith02:02 Genre Hopping and Career Impact04:05 Why Writers Switch Genres06:38 Challenges and Misconceptions11:40 Voice and Genre Crossover17:29 Navigating Genre Jumping as an Author17:49 Reassurance for Authors Exploring New Genres18:20 Risks and Rewards of Genre Hopping19:31 Publisher Expectations and Author Branding21:35 The Role of Pen Names in Genre Hopping25:13 Lessons Learned from Genre Hopping28:18 Advice for Aspiring Genre Hoppers31:50 Eric Smith’s Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Find Eric at EricSmithRocks.com or NeighborhoodLiterary.com.

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the critical steps and considerations for authors who receive a book offer. They emphasize the importance of celebrating the offer, taking time to review the contract, and asking the right questions. The hosts share personal experiences with book contracts and highlight key issues such as negotiation timelines, advances, subsidiary rights, and the impact of AI on publishing. They provide actionable advice for both agented and un-agented authors, stressing the necessity of seeking legal assistance when reviewing contracts to ensure a fair and beneficial agreement.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers00:45 Celebrating Your Book Offer01:26 Questions to Ask When You Get an Offer02:45 Negotiating Your Contract09:22 Understanding Advances14:28 Royalty Rates and Payments19:35 Rights and Contract Clauses22:09 Understanding Subsidiary Rights23:26 Negotiating Contract Terms27:15 Marketing and Production Considerations30:04 Cover Design and Illustrations34:24 AI Clauses and Legal Considerations36:48 Final Thoughts and Advice

To see the DEEP DIVE article on this episode, go here!

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by Jenna Satterthwaite, a literary agent and author. The discussion revolves around Jenna’s journey in publishing, her experiences writing in multiple genres, and her insights on market trends. Jenna shares practical tips for aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of understanding genre expectations and staying true to one’s voice. Key topics include balancing thriller and romance elements, the impact of market trends, and the creative process behind developing compelling stories.00:00 Introduction to Way-word Writers00:32 Meet Jenna Satterthwaite01:52 Jenna’s Writing Journey03:56 Balancing Genres: Thrillers and Romance04:55 The Creative Process and Market Constraints08:03 Themes and Common Threads in Jenna’s Work11:25 Challenges of Writing Romance and Thrillers22:59 Commercial vs. Literary Fiction26:01 Understanding Literary Prose and Market Trends26:39 Staying Aware of Market Trends Without Losing Your Voice27:48 The Secret Money Code in Publishing28:49 Gathering Information Without Breaking the Bank30:46 Navigating Genre Trends and Market Challenges35:37 The Creative Process: From Concept to Execution45:00 Balancing Multiple Genres and Reader Expectations49:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more info on Jenna Satterthwaite, you can find out more about her on her website at JennaSatterthwaite.com.

To read the deep dive article that corresponds with this week’s podcast, find it here:

EPISODE 97 DEEP DIVE: The Architecture of Genre-Blending

For a coordinating worksheet, go here:

Genre Blending Worksheet

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, Heather Cashman, Stephanie B​e​arce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer sit down with acclaimed author and editor Debra Halverson to discuss the nuances of revising a manuscript from the first draft to the final product. They explore the often overlooked layers of revision, the default settings writers fall into, and how to inject new life into characters and settings. Halverson shares practical tips on maintaining the heart of the story, dealing with conflicting feedback, and adapting to the ever-changing market trends. The conversation offers valuable insights and actionable advice for both novice and seasoned writers.00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers00:34 Meet Debra Halverson02:01 The Hidden Layers of Revision05:15 Transformative Revision Techniques12:46 Common Writing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them20:12 Maintaining the Heart of Your Story22:00 Humanizing Historical Characters24:24 Balancing Emotional Distance in Revisions27:28 Navigating Feedback and Critique32:34 Adapting to Market Trends40:04 Overcoming Overwhelm in Revisions41:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

F​ind out more about Deborah Halverson HERE!

To read a deeper dive article about editing, go to the EPISODE 96 DEEP DIVE: Beyond Surface Revision: The Architecture of Transformative Editing.

To read more about voice, see our DEEP DIVE: Expanding on the Essence of Voice post HERE!

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman and author and writing coach Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the nuances of ‘voice’ in writing with special guest Kortney Nash, an assistant editor at Godwin Books. Kortney shares insights from her experience in the publishing industry, highlighting the importance of a unique voice in author submissions, pitfalls writers often fall into, and actionable tips for developing strong narrative and character voices. Additionally, the conversation covers industry trends and the evolving expectations of young readers in a post-pandemic world.00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers00:32 Meet Kortney Nash: Assistant Editor at Godwin Books02:30 The Importance of Voice in Acquisitions04:38 Evaluating Authenticity in Voice06:11 Finding Your Unique Voice11:45 Authorial Voice vs. Character Voice19:08 Recommended Reads for Unique Voices22:59 The Power of an Engaging Narrative23:28 Building a Strong Narrative Voice25:42 Developing Character Voices28:53 Voice in Different Formats and Genres38:42 Trends and Shifts in Kid Lit40:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find out more about Kortney Nash HERE!

Check out her picture book Tell Me About Juneteenth HERE!

This episode has a post that shares an interview with Donna Mork Reed as well as the resources that we mention on the podcast. You can find that here:

EPISODE 94: Unlocking the Power of Libraries for Writers with Author & Librarian Donna Mork Reed

​In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman and Stephanie Bearce delve into the multitude of resources that libraries offer to writers. They discuss how libraries are invaluable for research, borrowing books, and utilizing various online platforms like Libby and Hoopla. They also highlight lesser-known resources such as professional databases, WorldCat, and various subscriptions available for free through the library. The episode emphasizes the importance of leveraging the expertise of librarians and accessing a variety of educational classes, workshops, and unique lending items that libraries offer.

00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers

00:38 The Power of Libraries for Writers

01:30 Exploring Library Resources

02:50 Digital and Audiobook Platforms

04:36 Research Databases and Tools

12:42 Unique Library Offerings

17:19 Classes and Workshops at Libraries

19:31 The Value of Librarians

24:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

Find out more about Author and Librarian Donna Mork Reed HERE!

In this episode of Way-WordWriters, senior literary agent Heather Cashman and authors Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the challenges writers face when life disrupts their plans. They explore strategies to keep writing amidst such disruptions, including adjusting goals, shifting creative outlets, and leveraging technology. The episode underscores the importance of taking things one step at a time, reevaluating priorities, and seeking support from the writing community to stay motivated and productive.

00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers

00:33 The Reality of Writing Plans

01:28 Adapting to Life Changes

03:07 The Importance of Pausing and Reevaluating

04:46 Finding Balance and Prioritizing

07:33 Maintaining Creativity and Motivation

10:32 Overcoming Creative Blocks

13:58 Leveraging Technology and Community Support

18:24 Ideas and Encouragement

32:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For worksheets that will help you navigate life changes and how to keep writing, see this EPISODE 93 DEEP DIVE post here!

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support the Way-Word Writers mission consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Trailblazer offers worksheets and deep dive posts, and our Summit Club features ongoing workshops.

For a deeper dive into creating a win-win scenario for you and your beta readers, see the EPISODE 92 DEEP DIVE article here!

In this episode of ‘Way-Word Writers,’ hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome guest Cherie Postill to discuss training beta readers and selling more books. Cherie, author of How to Train a Beta Reader and Sell More Books, shares her insights on the importance of beta readers, the process of creating and using a beta reader toolkit, and how to collect valuable feedback. She also explains how to recruit the right beta readers, the significance of their feedback, how to address conflicting feedback, and her unique approach to nurturing a community of knowledgeable and engaged beta readers. Cherie’s practical advice aims to help writers refine their manuscripts based on actionable insights and ensure that their books resonate with their target audience.

00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers

00:59 Meet Cherie Postill: Author and Speaker

03:08 Cherie’s Writing Journey

04:14 The Importance of Beta Readers

13:06 Training Your Beta Readers

13:45 Building Your Beta Reader Toolkit

14:33 Gathering and Utilizing Feedback

18:53 Incentives for Beta Readers

20:12 Finding Your First Beta Readers

22:53 Setting Beta Reader Expectations

24:02 Critique Partners vs. Beta Readers

25:28 Handling Conflicting Feedback

27:48 Stages of Beta Reading

29:47 The Importance of Genre-Specific Feedback

33:33 Finding and Qualifying Beta Readers

35:48 The Role of Beta Readers in Crafting a Story

38:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

​Find out more about Cherie Postill HERE!

O​rder your copy of How To Train A Beta Reader and Sell More Books by Cherie Postill HERE!

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer sit down with Sara Schonfeld, a senior editor at Harper Collins, to discuss the parallels between publishing and dating. Sara delves into her process of finding ‘the one’ manuscript, what she looks for in submissions, and how she balances personal taste with market demands. She shares her proudest moments, handling rejection, and offers insight and advice for both aspiring and established authors. This engaging conversation is filled with humor, relatable anecdotes, and practical tips for navigating the publishing world.

00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers

00:31 Introducing Sara Schonfeld from Harper Collins

01:07 The Publishing Meet Cute

03:12 What Editors Look For in Submissions

08:32 Handling Rejections and Ghosting

10:58 The Editing Process and Author Calls

18:46 Dealing with Breakups and Cancellations

20:04 Silver Medalist Syndrome

21:01 Rejection in the Publishing Industry

21:18 Breakup Rituals and Sad Playlists

22:13 Dating and Book Comparisons

22:53 Balancing Personal Taste and Market Pressures

28:37 Proudest Author Relationships

31:00 Lightning Dating Round

33:08 Advice for Authors and the Future of Publishing

34:41 Conclusion and Farewell

F​ind out more about Sara Schonfeld here!

For a deeper dive into first pages and how to make an editor or agent fall in love, see our Episode 91 Deep Dive post here!

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, delve into the intricacies of the acquisitions process in book publishing. They discuss the steps involved, the role of editors, and the potential outcomes when a manuscript goes to acquisitions. The hosts share their personal experiences, tips on how to manage the waiting period, and provide practical advice on what authors should and shouldn’t do during this critical phase of their publishing journey.

00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers

00:32 Celebrating Acquisitions

01:29 Understanding the Acquisitions Process

06:59 The Role of Editors in Acquisitions

12:47 Handling Rejections and Moving Forward

19:46 The Importance of R&R in Manuscripts

20:35 Handling Revisions and Rejections Professionally

22:30 The Waiting Game in Acquisitions

25:57 Navigating the Acquisitions Process

32:33 Market Trends and Timing

34:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement