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In this engaging season finale, Beth and Lisa address common writing and publishing challenges, offering practical advice for aspiring authors. From navigating illustration decisions to overcoming the hurdles of low book sales, they provide actionable insights with humor and honesty.

Key Discussion Points

1. Illustration Questions for Authors:

• Clarified that non-illustrator authors do not need to provide illustrations for their books; publishers manage that process.
• Shared insights into the collaboration between authors and illustrators, including how unexpected details can enhance a book.

1. Author Jail and Sales Pressure:

• Discussed the harsh realities of publishing, including the industry’s focus on first-month sales and its impact on future opportunities.
• Explained strategies for recovering from disappointing sales, such as using pseudonyms, switching genres, or trying self-publishing.
• Encouraged writers to stay resilient and explore new opportunities despite setbacks.

1. Upcoming Initiatives:

• Announced a new recurring event: Ask Beth and Lisa Live on Facebook, launching December 10th.
• Teased exciting content for Season 4, including interviews with agents and editors, set to begin January 6th.

Conclusion

Beth and Lisa wrapped up Season 3 with gratitude and excitement for the future, emphasizing their commitment to providing valuable content for writers. They encouraged listeners to join their Facebook group and submit questions for upcoming episodes.

Mentioned Links

• Ask Beth and Lisa Live Event (Dec 10): Join the private Facebook group.
• Podcast Website: writerswithwrinkles.net.

Note: Don’t miss the Season 4 premiere on January 6th, featuring an exclusive agent interview!

 

 

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In this impromptu episode (guest couldn't make it last minute!!), Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid dive into the challenges of finishing a novel, with Lisa candidly sharing her ongoing struggles with her book's last chapter. The hosts discuss strategies to avoid rushed endings and ways to reignite enthusiasm during the final stages of writing.

Guest Bio
No guest this week—Beth and Lisa take center stage with an unscripted and authentic conversation.

Key Discussion Points

The Perils of the Last Chapter
Lisa describes her repeated attempts to finalize her book's ending and the temptation to keep adding chapters. Beth recalls her experience writing her first book, where she wrote the last chapter first, a strategy she recommends for some writers.

Avoiding Rushed Endings
The hosts highlight how rushed endings can diminish a reader’s experience, using personal and external examples.

Tips for pacing include stepping back from the manuscript and revisiting earlier sections to fill gaps.

Rebuilding Enthusiasm
Taking breaks from writing and seeking feedback from critique partners are emphasized as ways to maintain motivation.

Positive critique experiences can serve as a catalyst to complete drafts.

Writer's Emotional Investment
Lisa shares her struggles with critique and reviews, reinforcing the emotional journey of authorship.

Both hosts agree that writers often seek external validation but should balance it with self-confidence.

Conclusion
Beth and Lisa encourage writers to approach their final chapters with patience and intentionality, offering practical advice to keep the creative spark alive. Whether it’s taking a break or tackling the ending with a fresh perspective, the hosts remind listeners that perseverance leads to rewarding results.

Mentioned Links

• Writers With Wrinkles Podcast Notes and Blog
• Submit questions for the upcoming "Ask Beth and Lisa" episode via the podcast website.

Listeners, join us for the next episode on December 9th, and send in your questions!

 

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In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid tackle the harsh realities of getting "orphaned" in publishing and offer practical tips for authors to navigate setbacks when their editors leave mid-project. They discuss proactive steps authors can take to protect their work, advocate for themselves, and manage expectations in an unpredictable industry.

Key Discussion Points

• What It Means to be Orphaned: Beth and Lisa explain how "orphaning" happens in publishing—when an acquiring editor leaves the publisher, leaving the author without a primary advocate.
• The Realities of Publishing: Both hosts emphasize the frequent disconnect between authors' expectations and the business-focused decisions of publishers. They highlight the importance of managing realistic expectations, as publishers can only do so much for each title.
• Navigating Challenges: Advice on recognizing red flags, such as slow response times or lack of feedback, and leveraging support from literary agents to push back and secure necessary attention for one's work.
• The Value of Self-Advocacy: Tips on self-promotion and assertiveness in the publishing process, encouraging authors to view their book as a product that they need to actively support.
• Considering Alternatives: For authors who feel unsupported, self-publishing is explored as a viable option, especially when traditional publishing fails to provide adequate resources or guidance.

Conclusion

Beth and Lisa underscore that authors must take an active role in their publishing journey, stay realistic about industry limitations, and advocate persistently for their work. By understanding the industry’s constraints, authors can better navigate challenges and even consider alternative publishing routes if traditional paths fall short.

Wellness Thru Reading
Greetings and salutations book lovers. Welcome to Wellness Thru Reading. A podcast...

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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa chat with teenage literacy advocate and podcast host, E-Train, who founded E-Train Talks Inc. to combat "book deserts" and promote literacy among underrepresented communities. E-Train discusses his journey into reading advocacy, the books that inspire young readers, and the importance of diverse representation in middle-grade literature.

Guest Bio:
E-Train is a teenage literacy advocate, reading ambassador, and founder of E-Train Talks Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy and access to books for kids in underprivileged areas. He also hosts the E-Train Talks podcast, where he interviews authors and discusses books, aiming to spread “book joy” and support young readers.

Key Discussion Points:

• Origin Story: E-Train shares how his love of books began with family reading time, virtual library book clubs, and a 4th-grade book review project. This passion grew into a broader mission to bring books to underserved communities.
• Current Projects: E-Train is excited about speaking at the California School Library Association Conference, discussing how books can shape kids’ empathy and character.
• Trends in KidLit: E-Train highlights popular genres among young readers, including fantasy, realistic fiction, and mythology. He notes the importance of relevant themes, like social media's impact on friendships and modern bullying dynamics.
• Challenges in Middle-Grade Reading: The influence of adults in book selections can sometimes miss the mark on what truly resonates with kids. E-Train suggests that children often want more books with themes they can relate to, like friendships, crushes, and complex social interactions.
• Book Discovery: He discusses how kids find books, from school libraries to e-readers, emphasizing that teachers, librarians, and independent bookstores play crucial roles.

Conclusion:
E-Train inspires listeners to value literacy as a tool for social change and empathy building. His advocacy efforts are a call to action for aspiring authors to create books that authentically represent young readers’ lives.

Links Mentioned:

• E-Train Talks Inc.
• California School Library Association Conference
• Bookshop.org for supporting indie bookstores and finding middle-grade books.

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Episode Summary: In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa chat with Amy Nielsen, a literary agent at Purcell Agency and a published author, about her experiences with both. Amy shares invaluable tips for querying, editing, and how to handle the ups and downs of the publishing industry.

Guest Bio: Amy Nielsen is a literary agent with Purcell Agency, specializing in young adult and picture books. A former youth librarian with nearly two decades of experience, Amy penned her debut novel, Worth It, while working at her library’s circulation desk. In addition to being an author, she is a freelance editor and a passionate advocate for helping writers polish their submissions.

Key Discussion Points:

• Amy’s journey from librarian to literary agent and author.
• How fictionalizing personal trauma when writing can create emotional distance and help the project.
• Essential do’s and don’ts of querying: research agents, follow submission guidelines, and treat rejections as passes.
• The significance of building a writing community and being a good literary citizen.
• Amy's editing process and her belief in the value of delivering polished work to agents and editors.
• Amy's free resources for self-editing, including developmental and line-editing guides available on her website.

Conclusion: Amy emphasizes perseverance in the querying process and the importance of building a support system within the writing community. She also highlights the role of agents as collaborators and champions for their authors' work. For those looking to improve their submissions, her editing resources are a must-see.

Mentioned Links:

• Editing resources: Amy's website (self-editing, developmental, and line-editing guides available)
• Twitter for updates on Amy’s query status: Amy Nielsen Twitter
• Manuscript wish list

Wellness Thru Reading
Greetings and salutations book lovers. Welcome to Wellness Thru Reading. A podcast...

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In episode 37 of Writers With Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid answer listener questions about writing, with a focus on the differences between beta readers and critique partners, how to find critique partners, and advice on book comps for queries. Lisa also offers a PSA on dogs eating too many cupcakes.

Key Discussion Points:

• Beta Readers vs. Critique Partners:
  Beth and Lisa explain that beta readers provide general reader feedback, focusing on how engaging a manuscript is, while critique partners offer more technical, writer-focused critiques. Beta readers are typically not writers, while critique partners should be.
• How to Find Critique Partners:
  They discuss several avenues for finding critique partners, including professional organizations like SCBWI, Facebook groups, and writing communities. They stress the importance of finding the right fit and being open to change if the partnership isn’t productive.
• Book Comps in Queries:
  The hosts advise on how to select appropriate comparative titles for book pitches, emphasizing that comps should be from within the last two years to reflect current market trends. They suggest using older favorites as a starting point for finding more recent comps.
• Barley the Dog & the Box of Cupcakes:
  Lisa recounts how her dog, Barley, ate a box of chocolate cupcakes, prompting her to call a pet poison hotline, which offers critical advice to pet owners in similar situations.

Conclusion:

The episode provides actionable advice for aspiring writers, helping them understand the critical role beta readers and critique partners play in the manuscript development process. Beth and Lisa emphasize the importance of feedback in refining a book and navigating the publishing landscape. They also prepare listeners for the next episode, featuring literary agent Amy Nielsen.

Mentioned Links:

• SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)
• Mystery Writers of America 
• Pet Poison Helpline

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In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid chat with Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong, literary agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Cathie discusses her journey in the publishing world, offering insightful tips on querying, writing from the heart, and maintaining professionalism on social media.

Guest Bio
Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a literary agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, author, and book lover. She began her writing career in 2014 with her debut historical fiction, The Edge of Nowhere, and later published the YA novel Roam, which addresses homelessness. With nearly a decade of experience as a literary agent, she’s passionate about championing fresh voices in publishing.

Key Discussion Points

1. Querying Best Practices – Cathie emphasizes the importance of being ready before querying, having critique partners, and researching agents thoroughly. She also highlights the need to follow submission guidelines precisely.
2. Writing from the Heart vs. Writing for the Market – Cathie discusses the balance between writing something personal and being aware of market trends, encouraging authors to merge the two.
3. Social Media and Professionalism – Cathie explains how social media presence can impact an author’s chances with an agent, stressing the importance of kindness and professionalism online.
4. What Cathie Looks for in Submissions – She seeks manuscripts that evoke emotion, stating that she loves stories that make her laugh and cry. Writing quality and chemistry with the manuscript are crucial.

Conclusion
Cathie offers invaluable advice to aspiring authors, stressing the importance of genuine, heartfelt writing, while also recognizing market needs. She highlights the significance of professionalism, both in submissions and online presence, for a successful literary career.

Mentioned Links

• Follow Cathie on Twitter for submission tips
• Cathie's manuscript wish list
• Podcast website: WritersWithWrinkles.net

Wellness Thru Reading
Greetings and salutations book lovers. Welcome to Wellness Thru Reading. A podcast...

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In this episode, Beth and Lisa take a look at the challenges facing middle-grade publishing, from declining sales to changes in bookstore stocking strategies, that seem to be all anyone can talk about! They share insights on how aspiring authors can adapt to the shifting landscape and stand out in a saturated market.

Key Discussion Points:

• Viral Tweet and Industry Impact: Lisa’s tweet about authors leaving middle grade went viral, sparking widespread conversation and worry among aspiring authors. (00:46)
• Middle-Grade Sales Decline: Middle-grade sales dropped by 1.8 million books in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023, largely due to shifting reading habits and increased screen time among young readers. (03:02)
• Bookstore Stocking Changes: Barnes & Noble's reduction in middle-grade hardcover stocking and Ingram’s cutback on backlist titles have limited book visibility and availability. (09:53)
• Adapting as a Writer: Lisa offers actionable advice, including writing shorter middle-grade books (35,000 words), crafting a hook in the first chapter, and keeping chapters short to cater to modern attention spans. (19:16)
• The Importance of Listening to Industry Trends: Writers should pay attention to feedback from agents and editors to craft pitches that align with what the market demands. (21:15)

Beth and Lisa encourage aspiring middle-grade authors to be strategic in their approach by writing shorter, punchier books that capture attention quickly. Despite the market challenges, they emphasize that there are still opportunities for success if authors remain adaptable and smart in their storytelling.

Mentioned Links:

• Beth’s Substack on middle-grade trends (free)
• Previous episode with agent Anne Rose
• Writers with Wrinkles website

Next Episode:
On September 30th, tune in for a conversation with literary agent Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Wellness Thru Reading
Greetings and salutations book lovers. Welcome to Wellness Thru Reading. A podcast...

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In this listener Q&A episode of Writers with Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid answer a question about juggling multiple writing projects and staying focused. They share personal approaches to managing ideas and offer advice on how to prioritize projects for aspiring authors.

Key Discussion Points

1. Handling Multiple Writing Projects: Beth and Lisa tackle a listener's question about managing various writing ideas, from picture books to novels and screenplays.
2. Beth's Approach: Beth often starts several projects and lets the most compelling one "choose her" over time. She encourages finishing at least one project to have something ready for submission.
3. Lisa's Approach: Lisa prefers to focus on a single project until it’s completed, emphasizing the importance of staying on task and submitting work consistently.
4. Managing Genre Switching: They discuss the challenges of working across different genres (e.g., picture books, novels, screenplays) and the importance of mastering the specific skills required for each.
5. Building Community: Beth and Lisa highlight the importance of not “pulling up the ladder” once you’ve achieved success, encouraging writers to lift others up as they advance in their careers.

This episode dives into the challenges of managing multiple writing ideas and staying focused. Whether you’re a multitasker like Beth or laser-focused like Lisa, the key takeaway is the importance of finishing projects and supporting fellow writers.

To Send Us A Question

• Visit this page on our website
• scroll back to the top of these notes and use the 'Send Us a Text' link

Mentioned Links

• Beth McMullen's Substack for her Accountability Group
• Lisa Schmid’s book Hart & Souls available at bookstores and libraries.

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In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa welcome literary agent and author Ann Rose to discuss the state of the publishing industry, what makes a debut novel stand out, and how to balance writing for the heart and the market.

Guest Bio:

Ann Rose is a literary agent at Tobias Literary Agency and an author of young adult novels under the pen name A.M. Rose. With a passion for storytelling, she champions books with strong voices and unique concepts. Ann's latest book, The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean, is set to release on September 17th.

Key Discussion Points:

• Publishing Market Changes: Ann discusses how shifts in how Barnes & Noble stocks books have impacted the middle grade and YA markets.
• Oversaturation in Publishing: The importance of distinguishing a debut novel in a crowded market and the role of reading debut works in your genre.
• Horror Genre’s Rise: Ann highlights the growing popularity of horror as a genre, particularly for its ability to address complex issues in a non-didactic way.
• Balancing Heart and Market: Ann shares insights on writing from the heart while ensuring your story stands out in the current market.
• What Agents Look For: Ann explains what catches her eye in submissions, including strong voice, innovative concepts, and stories that offer a fresh take on familiar tropes.

Conclusion:

Ann Rose provides actionable advice for aspiring authors on how to navigate the competitive publishing landscape, emphasizing the importance of a unique voice and understanding market trends.

Mentioned Links:

• Ann Rose’s book, The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean, Releases September 17th (link placeholder).
• The Tobias Literary Agency: www.thetobiasagency.com.

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