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For her encore episode, Lisa chose our interview with Brian Selznick—author and illustrator of some of the most innovative and emotionally powerful books in contemporary publishing. In this conversation, Brian reflects on creative process, patience, and trusting your reader. It was definitely a season four highlight! 

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Lisa’s Encore Pick: Brian Selznick

For her encore episode, Lisa chose our interview with Brian Selznick—author and illustrator of some of the most innovative and emotionally powerful books in contemporary publishing. In this conversation, Brian reflects on creative process, patience, and trusting your reader. It was definitely a season four hightlight! 

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Beth’s Encore Pick: Adria Goetz

For her encore episode, Beth chose our interview with Adria Goetz, Senior Literary Agent at KT Literary. This conversation gets into the real mechanics of querying—what agents actually notice, where writers tend to go wrong, and how to communicate clearly and professionally in a crowded submission landscape. Adria is refreshingly direct about industry realities while remaining deeply encouraging, making this episode especially useful for writers who want practical guidance without false promises. If you’re querying now—or plan to in the future—this is one of those episodes worth bookmarking.

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In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa talk with Mari Kesselring about the realities of today’s publishing landscape—from the misunderstood world of book packagers to navigating an author career after a disappointing debut. Aspiring authors will gain insight into how publishers make acquisition decisions, current trends shaping 2026, and practical strategies to stay resilient in a challenging industry.

Guest Bio
Mari Kesselring is the Publishing Manager of Driven, an imprint at Penguin Random House. With nearly 20 years of experience acquiring, editing, and developing books for readers of all ages, she has worked in both traditional publishing and book packaging. Mari has edited several award-winning titles, including Surrender Your Sons by Adam Sass and Before We Were Blue by E.J. Schwartz. She has served on the board of the Minnesota Book Publishers Roundtable and as a judge for the Minnesota Book Awards.

Key Discussion Points
• What book packagers are and how authors can find work-for-hire opportunities
• How the Driven imprint identifies trends and produces fast-turnaround books
• A candid look at the “Publishing Has a Gambling Problem” conversation
• How editors evaluate authors whose previous books had low sales
• Smart questions to ask before signing your first book deal
• Why middle grade remains a challenging category—and what needs to change
• 2026 publishing trend predictions, including romantasy, cozy escapism, gothic romance, and the rise of “New Adult”
• The increasing importance of chapter books as reading levels shift
• The Penguin Hotline and how readers can request personalized book recommendations

Conclusion
This episode reminds writers that publishing is both art and business, and the most sustainable careers are built on clarity, communication, and adaptability. Whether you’re querying your first book or recovering from a tough debut, Mari’s insights offer practical guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

Mentions
Rage Pages guided journal
We Will Prescribe You a Cat
Penguin Hotline: penguinhotline.com

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In this bonus episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa critique the first page of a new upper middle grade fantasy novel, Kiki Won’t Be Goddess of the Underworld. If you’re an MG author looking for feedback on opening pages, strong character voice, or how to start your novel in the right place, this episode delivers clear, practical writing advice you can apply immediately.

Beth and Lisa read the full first page aloud and break down what works, what needs tightening, and how to improve pacing and clarity. They discuss why this submission has such a strong middle grade voice, how to avoid confusing world-building when mixing mythology, and what every MG writer should consider when crafting a compelling first chapter. Their critique highlights common pitfalls—like starting the story too early or overloading the reader with details—and offers smart strategies to create tension and hook readers fast.

What listeners will learn:
• How to craft a strong MG narrative voice
• How to clarify world-building in a fantasy opening
• How to identify where your story truly begins
• How to balance detail, pacing, and stakes in the first chapter
• Why breadcrumbing tension keeps young readers engaged
• What emotional dynamics resonate most with middle grade readers

This episode is perfect for writers revising their first pages, querying a middle grade fantasy manuscript, or trying to understand what grabs literary agents and young readers from page one. Beth and Lisa’s feedback will help you sharpen your opening, strengthen your story structure, and build a clearer path into your world.

Links & Resources
Submit your First Pages: writerswithwrinkles.net
Upcoming guest episode (Dec. 8): Mari Kesselring, Publishing Manager

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Don’t miss future episodes of the podcast! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Submit questions for Ask Beth & Lisa at writerswithwrinkles.net or follow them on Instagram @writerswithwrinkles.

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In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, Beth and Lisa discuss one of the most active conversations happening among writers: the growing concern about how the publishing industry treats debut and midlist authors. They share personal experiences, hard-won insights, and reflections from the larger writing community. The result is an honest, validating look at how traditional publishing functions today—and what writers can do to protect themselves.

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT
• When Saying “No” to a Book Deal Is the Right Choice
Lisa shares the full story behind a recent offer, why she passed, and what writers should consider before signing anything.

• Debut Pressure and the “Bad Track” Problem
How unrealistic expectations are shaping careers and why many authors feel set up to fail.

• The Industry-Wide Debate About Publishing’s Risk Model
A deeper look at the ongoing discussion about whether the system prioritizes gambles over careers.

• Orphaned Books, Vanishing Support, and Internal Realities
Beth and Lisa unpack how books lose champions and what that means for authors.

• The Rise of Indie, Hybrid, and Small Press Publishing
Why alternative publishing paths are more viable—and more respected—than ever.

• What Might Fix the System (If Anything)
A candid conversation about realistic change and what authors can control right now.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR WRITERS
• Trust your instincts—if a deal feels wrong, walking away is valid and healthy.
• Debut performance follows you, even when the outcome is out of your control.
• Many great writers are shifting into indie and hybrid spaces for more agency.
• A long-term writing career rarely looks linear, and that’s okay.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
• Recent industry essays and think pieces addressing systemic publishing issues
• Ongoing discussions across social media and the writing community
• Indie and hybrid publishing options for midlist authors

CONNECT + BONUS MATERIAL
• Please leave a review—it truly helps!
• Subscribe to the Writers With Wrinkles newsletter: WritersWithWrinkles.net
• Check out new bonus episodes, including first-pages critiques and craft extras.

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In this bonus episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa talk with Adam Rosenbaum about how he blends laugh-out-loud comedy with emotionally meaningful storytelling. Writers will learn how humor lowers a reader’s defenses, why kids crave funny books, and how to handle heavy topics without overwhelming young readers.

Guest Bio

Adam Rosenbaum is the author of The Ghost Rules and the upcoming illustrated series Lawson History Stumbling Through Time (Sourcebooks, 2027). A former sawmill operator and draftsman, he now writes heartfelt, funny middle grade fiction in Nashville, where he lives with his family.
Instagram: @rosenbaumwrites

Key Discussion Points

• Why humor helps kids engage with challenging themes
• How Amblin-era storytelling shaped Adam’s voice
• Writing comedy without talking down to readers
• Letting humor open space for grief, empathy, and emotional truth
• “Backpack books”: the titles kids reread and carry everywhere
• Handling heavy topics with care and clarity
• Adam’s upcoming time-travel adventure series

Conclusion

Adam reminds writers that humor isn’t a lesser art—it’s a bridge. When paired with heart and honesty, it helps kids navigate big feelings while keeping them invested in the story.

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Episode Summary
In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa talk with Alison Romig, Associate Editor at Delacorte Press, about middle grade and YA fiction. Aspiring authors will gain insight into what editors look for in first pages, how to use comps effectively when pitching, and how to navigate the ever-evolving publishing landscape—especially in middle grade.

Guest Bio
Alison Romig is an associate editor at Delacorte Press, where she edits middle grade and young adult fiction. Since joining Delacorte in 2019, she’s worked with New York Times bestselling authors Lindsay Curry and Catherine Quinn, among others. A lifelong fan of horror, she lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Key Discussion Points

• How horror became Alison’s lifelong reading passion—and why the genre is having a major moment
• What makes a first line or first page irresistible to editors
• The hidden power of accurate comps in query letters and what they reveal about your audience
• Common mistakes in submissions (and why most novels start in the wrong place)
• Balancing multiple POVs and keeping the story cohesive
• The editor–author relationship: collaboration vs. prescription in editorial feedback
• How sales track and market “weirdness” factor into acquisitions—especially for middle grade authors
• Alison’s top wishlist item: horror romance, from chilling to cozy

Conclusion

This episode reminds writers that a strong editorial partnership is built on trust, open communication, and shared creative vision. Whether you’re writing middle grade, YA, or exploring new genres, Alison’s insights demystify the submission process and empower authors to craft stories that truly connect with readers—and maybe even give them a good scare.

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Want to watch the video? Click here.

Episode Summary
In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa dive into first-page critiques, offering real-time feedback on listener-submitted rom-com and middle grade openings. Aspiring authors will gain insight into what makes a first page hook an editor—and what doesn’t.

Guest Bio
No guest this week—just your favorite co-hosts offering expert feedback, writerly wisdom, and a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process.

Key Discussion Points
• Why first pages matter more than ever in today’s publishing landscape
• Rom-Com critique: Bohemian Girl in Ruins – balancing snark and heart, setting tone, and why emotional vulnerability matters
• Craft insights: Using voice, internal conflict, and pacing to create immediate reader engagement
• Middle Grade critique: Liam Calloway and the Cosmic Conspiracy – voice authenticity, anchoring in-scene emotion, and hooking readers fast
• Red flags in opening pages—over-describing, passive language, and missing stakes
• Foreshadowing, genre expectations, and how to revise for connection, not just cleverness
• Sneak peek into Beth and Lisa’s video podcast debut and future live retreat plans

Conclusion
This episode reminds writers that capturing attention on page one is both art and strategy. Whether you're polishing a rom-com or drafting a middle grade novel, grounding your character, tightening the prose, and creating emotional stakes are key to making your manuscript stand out.

Links & Resources
• Submit your first page: https://writerswithwrinkles.net
• Instagram: @writerswithwrinkles

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Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Submit questions for “Ask Beth and Lisa” or sign up for our newsletter at writerswithwrinkles.net and join us on Instagram @writerswithwrinkles.

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In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa welcome literary agent Leslie Zampetti for an honest and insightful conversation about what makes a successful author-agent relationship. From red flags to communication tips, aspiring authors will gain clarity on how to choose the right agent and navigate the business side of publishing.

Guest Bio

Leslie Zampetti is a literary agent with Open Book Literary, representing fiction and select nonfiction for children and adults. She champions underrepresented voices, especially disabled writers, and brings deep experience as a former librarian and writer. Connect with Leslie on Instagram and Twitter @LiteraryLeslieZ or visit www.openbooklit.com.

Key Discussion Points

• What agents look for in long-term author relationships
• Red flags and green flags when evaluating literary agents
• What authors should ask before signing with an agent
• How to handle communication breakdowns or ethical concerns
• Why pivoting genres (like from middle grade to cozy mystery) can reignite creativity
• How to know if your manuscript is ready to query
• The value of writing community and peer feedback
• The emotional and professional impact of publishing delays and burnout

Conclusion

This episode is packed with actionable advice for writers navigating the intimidating world of literary representation. Leslie Zampetti pulls back the curtain on the agenting process, giving listeners a real-world look at what agents value, how decisions are made, and how writers can position themselves for long-term success. Whether you're querying your first book or considering a genre shift, this conversation will leave you empowered and informed.

Links & Resources

• Leslie’s website: www.openbooklit.com
• Instagram/Twitter: @LiteraryLeslieZ
• Leslie’s Query Submission Link: QueryTracker - Leslie Zampetti
• Mentioned Resources:
  • Association of American Literary Agents (AALA)
  • Kate Allen Fox – Scratching the Surface
  • Apples & Honey Press

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Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen.
Submit your questions for “Ask Beth and Lisa” at writerswithwrinkles.net or follow us on Instagram @writerswithwrinkles.

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