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Join Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid  as they welcome Andrew Auseon, a talented author and video game writer. Dive into Andrew's  journey across the realms of video games and kids books, exploring the creative synergy between these two worlds.

Spellbinders Series: Discover the magic behind Andrew Auseon's middle-grade series, starting with Spellbinders: The Not So Chosen One and the upcoming sequel Spellbinders: Break the Game. Follow Ben's adventures as he navigates personal challenges and a fantastical world where he's seen as a prophesied hero.

Video Games & Books: Examine the role video games play in storytelling and socialization, particularly for middle-grade audiences. Learn about the evolution of video game narratives and their impact on kinds of storytelling.

Creative Process: Andrew shares insights into the differences and similarities of writing for video games vs. novels, emphasizing the importance of pacing, thematic exploration, and character development.

Career Journey: From debut author and a respected name in video game narrative design, Andrew offers advice for aspiring creators, highlighting the importance of storytelling skills across media and the value of collaboration.

Getting Involved in Game Writing: Tips for aspiring game writers on immersing themselves in the gaming industry, developing a strong portfolio, and understanding the technicalities of game development. Whether you're interested in narrative design in video games or crafting stories for books, Andrew's journey is a testament to the power of storytelling across different mediums. Dive deep into the worlds you wish to create and continuously refine your craft.

Listen Now: Don't miss this episode's insights into video game storytelling and creating compelling narratives.

Remember: Visit the podcast website at writerswithwrinkles.net for more about Andrew Auseon and to support and share about the show. 

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This week we dived deep into the picture book publishing process. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey, stuck in the middle, or just looking for that extra nudge, we've covered everything you need to know to navigate this challenging yet rewarding path.

Our Picture Book Journey: We share the latest on Cat's Rule and the unagented submission process. Despite the silence from publishers, we're just at the beginning!

Dealing with Submissions: We talked about the frustration of unresponsive publishers. Yet, there's hope in platforms like Entangled Publishing's Little Lark, which allows authors to track their submission's progress. It's a game-changer in maintaining sanity during the waiting game.

Joining SCBWI: If you haven't already, joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a must. It's been a beacon of support, resources, and community for both of us. From critique partners to craft agents, SCBWI offers everything you need to grow in the kid lit world.

Craft Development Resources: We also highlighted invaluable resources for honing your craft, such as the Highlights Foundation, the Writing Barn, and the Children's Book Academy. These platforms offer workshops, classes, and webinars that are accessible virtually, making them perfect for any schedule and budget.

Feedback is Gold: Embrace feedback on your work. It's the cornerstone of growth. Sharing your work, even when it's scary, opens the door to invaluable insights that can transform your writing.

Contests and Pitch Parties: Don't overlook contests and Twitter pitch parties like #PBPitch. They're fantastic opportunities to gain visibility, feedback, and even catch the eye of agents and publishers. Plus, winning or being shortlisted in contests can be a significant boost to your author bio.

Querying Resources: When you're ready to query, resources like Sylvia Liu's Advanced Tips for Querying Agents and the monster list of picture book agents by Heather Ayris Burnell are indispensable.

Final Thoughts: Putting yourself out there is essential. Whether it's joining SCBWI, submitting to contests, or querying agents, each step you take brings you closer to your dream of publishing a picture book.

Remember, we're in this together, cheering each other on every step of the way. So, dive into the resources we've shared, embrace the journey, and keep writing. Your story deserves to be told, and the world is waiting to hear it.

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In the latest episode of Writers With Wrinkles, join hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid as they talk with  Kaitlyn Sanchez, a figure who has rapidly become a beacon in the world of children's literature. Kaitlyn, a literary agent at Bradford Literary, shares her unique story that transitions from a passion for mathematics to a growing influence in children's book publishing.

Listeners will be treated to an in-depth conversation that delves into the competitive landscape of picture book publishing, highlighting key trends and the increasing demand for stories that reflect our diverse society. Kaitlyn's insights into what makes a manuscript stand out in a crowded market are invaluable for aspiring authors.

Moreover, this episode sheds light on the importance of resilience in the face of industry rejection. Kaitlyn's approach to viewing rejections as mere "passes" and her emphasis on the significance of the right fit between an author and an agent provides a fresh perspective on the publishing journey.

Additionally, Kaitlyn discusses her eclectic taste in literature and its advantage in the dynamic world of book publishing, challenging the conventional wisdom of sticking to a specific writing "brand."

This episode is not just a narrative of success; it's a treasure trove of advice, inspiration, and a testament to the power of perseverance and personal growth in the literary world. Whether you're an established author, an aspiring writer, or a book lover, this episode promises to offer a unique blend of inspiration and practical guidance.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most dynamic figures in children's literature today. Tune in to this episode of Writers With Wrinkles for a journey through the literary landscape with Kaitlyn Sanchez.

Find Kaitlyn

Website: https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/

Twitter: @KaitlynLeann17

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaitlynLeann17

To follow her clients on social media: https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/literary-clients/

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Mastering the Art of the Synopsis Season 3, Episode 5

Hello, aspiring authors! It's Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, your trusty navigators on the sea of publishing. In our latest episode,we dive deep into a territory that even the bravest writers often fear to tread—the dreaded synopsis.

Crafting a compelling synopsis is no less than an art. It's often the first window into your work for agents, publishers, and readers. So how do you distill the essence of your novel into a single page or two? Here's the wisdom we shared in this episode:

1. Length and Format
Your synopsis should be concise—about one to two pages, single-spaced. This isn't the place for your narrative to sprawl. Think of it as the elevator pitch of your manuscript.

2. Clarity and Focus
Cut through the clutter. Your synopsis should be a clear, focused narrative that distills your story to its essence. Skip the industry jargon and complex language; simplicity is key.

3. The Whole Story
This isn't a teaser like a back-cover blurb; a synopsis must reveal the entire plot, including how things wrap up. Leaving the ending a mystery in a synopsis is a cardinal sin.

4. Main Characters
Introduce us to your protagonists. Give us a glimpse of their desires, conflicts, and motivations. We should know who they are and what's at stake for them.

5. Key Plot Points
Walk us through the milestones of your story. From the inciting incident to the climax and resolution, make sure we understand the journey.

6. Emotional and Thematic Arcs
How do your characters grow? What are the broader themes or messages? These elements should be woven into your synopsis to give it depth.

7. Unique Selling Points
Does your book offer something out of the ordinary? Highlight the aspects that make your story stand out.

8. Style and Tone
Your synopsis should be a reflection of your book's voice. If your novel is humorous, let that humor sparkle in the synopsis too.

9. Proofread and Edit
Your synopsis is a reflection of your writing skills. Make sure it's polished to perfection—no typos, no grammatical errors, just clear and engaging writing.

10. Tailor to Your Audience
Are you sending this to an agent or publisher? Tailor your synopsis to fit their submission guidelines and preferences. This shows professionalism and attention to detail.

Remember, a synopsis is more than just a summary—it's your chance to showcase your storytelling prowess and hook your reader.

 
A Sparkling New Website
Visit our brand new, sparkly website at WritersWithWrinkles.net 

Up Next
Stay tuned for our next episode featuring agent Kaitlyn Sanchez. Our agent episodes are always a hit, and we're excited for you to join the conversation.

Until our next literary rendezvous—happy reading, writing, and listening!

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In this episode, Beth and Lisa welcome Ben Fox, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Shepherd.com, an innovative platform aiming to revolutionize online book discoverability. As avid readers and critics of Goodreads, the hosts delve into Shepherd.com's unique approach to connecting readers with books through curated lists and positive recommendations.

 Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Shepherd.com: Ben explains how Shepherd.com introduces curiosity and serendipity into the online book-finding experience, mirroring the feel of browsing in a local bookstore.

 2. The Concept of Positive Recommendations: Unlike Goodreads, Shepherd.com focuses exclusively on positive book recommendations, avoiding review bombing and negativity.

 3. Leveraging Shepherd.com for Emerging Authors: Ben outlines how authors can use Shepherd.com to gain visibility and connect with their target audience by sharing their favorite books related to their writing themes.

 4. The Role of Shepherd.com in the Publishing Ecosystem: Discussion on how Shepherd.com serves as a tool for authors and readers, fostering a community of book lovers and providing an alternative to traditional book discovery methods.

 5. Challenges Faced by New Authors: Ben talks about the challenges in the publishing industry, emphasizing the importance of staying optimistic and persistent.

 6. Future Developments: Sneak peek into 'Book DNA', an upcoming project by Shepherd.com aimed at enhancing book discovery based on reader preferences and book characteristics.

- Visit Shepherd.com to discover new books and authors.

- Support Writers with Wrinkles by subscribing, following, and recommending the podcast.

- Tune in on January 29th for a special top five deep dive episode.

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 In Season 3, Episode 3, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, the co-hosts of Writers with Wrinkles, continue their Big Picture series. They delve into the process of writing and trying to sell a picture book, sharing their journey in real-time with listeners. The episode covers a variety of topics, including the challenges of the book publishing process, the importance of organization in querying, and practical advice on pitch preparation and manuscript submission.

 Key Highlights:

1. Revise. Revise. Revise: Lisa shares what work they’ve done to get the manuscript to where it’s as good as they can make it. 

 2. Querying Experience: Lisa shares her experiences with querying, emphasizing the need for organization and how untracked submissions can lead to awkward situations.

 3. Emotional Aspects of Publishing: Beth talks about the emotional side of waiting for feedback and the strategy of distancing oneself from the process.

 4. The Pitch for Cat's Rule: The hosts reveal the summary of their picture book, Cat's Rule, focusing on themes of friendship, acceptance, humor, and its appeal to both children and parents.

 5. Crafting a Pitch Email: Beth outlines the structure of a pitch email, including author backgrounds, market positioning, and adherence to submission guidelines.

 6. Research and Preparation: The episode stresses the importance of researching publishers, choosing appropriate comps (comparative titles), and understanding the market. Bitsy Kemper’s wonderful publishers list is discussed.

 7. Role of Illustrations in Picture Books: Lisa and Beth discuss how illustrations complement the text in picture books and the balance between text and art notes, and provide a trick for how to see the balance.

 8. Advice on Pitching and Querying: The co-hosts provide practical tips on preparing pitches and understanding the nuances of the query process.

 9. Collaboration and Motivation: The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about their collaborative dynamics and upcoming projects, including a website launch.

 

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Season 3  launches with Kathleen Schmidt, an accomplished vet in the book publishing world. This episode, rich with insights from Kathleen's extensive background as a publicist, literary agent, acquisitions editor, and ghostwriter, is a must-listen for authors navigating the complexities of publishing. Our discussion, full of practical advice and industry secrets, is perfect for those searching for content on authorship, publishing success, and marketing strategies.

Key Discussions:

1. Kathleen Schmidt Public Relations: Kathleen explains her firm's specialized services, focusing on customized PR campaigns, branding, marketing, and consultancy tailored to authors and publishing entities.
2. Insider View of Book Publishing: Schmidt provides an honest look at the publishing industry, addressing the challenges authors face in traditional publishing and the dynamic shifts happening self-publishing. This is a 'lift the curtain' and demystify episode!
3. Effective Social Media Strategies: Offering expert advice on social media usage for book promotion, Kathleen emphasizes the importance of engagement and audience targeting. Understand the importance of identifying what your audience is doing when they're not reading books. Also, things that are not worth your time or effort.
4. The Impact of Substack: The episode discusses Kathleen's successful venture, "Publishing Confidential," highlighting its role in offering fresh, industry-specific perspectives. Substack is taking over various industries and is worth checking out.
5. Forecasting Publishing Trends: Schmidt shares her insights on future trends, including the potential shift away from the dominance of the big five publishers and the rise of self-publishing.

About Kathleen Schmidt

Kathleen is a well-respected voice in book publishing with in-depth experience in all aspects of the industry, including as a publicist, literary agent, acquisitions editor, and ghostwriter. Her career encompasses 30 years of creating and directing strategic global media, marketing, and branding campaigns for politicians, A-List celebrities, athletes, and high-profile personalities. 

 She has worked on 50 New York Times bestsellers, and her clients have appeared in top-tier national print, broadcast, and radio outlets such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, Vogue, Elle, Financial Times, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Sirius XM. Kathleen founded Kathleen Schmidt Public Relations and the Substack Publishing Confidential. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two teenagers, and two Boston Terriers. 

Social Links and Website

Instagram
Publishing Confidential
TikTok
LinkedIn
KMS Public Relations

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Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of Young Adult (YA) publishing with literary agent and author, Eric Smith. In this must-listen for aspiring authors and YA enthusiasts, Eric sheds light on why horror is making a big comeback and what genres are currently dominating the YA scene. Whether you're grappling with how to make your manuscript stand out or seeking insights into the latest market trends, this episode is a treasure trove of advice.

Dive into topics like crafting compelling YA romcoms, navigating the crowded YA market, and understanding what literary agents look for in new submissions. Eric also shares his unique perspective on balancing heartfelt storytelling with market demands, offering invaluable tips for budding authors. Plus, get a sneak peek into his upcoming YA romcom, "With or Without You," set against the backdrop of a family food truck rivalry and reality TV drama.

Key takeaways include:
- The resurgence of horror in YA literature.
- Strategies for making your YA manuscript stand out.
- The importance of character development and voice in storytelling.
- Insights into the current trends and future directions of the YA market.

Perfect for writers, literary agents, YA fans, and anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes of the book industry. Don't miss Eric Smith's expert guidance on how to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of YA fiction.

Chapter Breakdown

1. **Introduction to Eric Smith and YA Trends** (Start - 00:45)
   - A warm introduction to the episode and a brief overview of Eric Smith's background in the YA publishing industry.

2. **The Rise of Horror in YA Literature** (00:45 - 01:40)
   - Eric discusses the increasing popularity of horror in young adult fiction and its appeal to today's readers.

3. **Current State of the YA Market** (01:40 - 02:31)
   - An exploration of what's selling in the YA market and how authors can stand out in a crowded field.

4. **Behind 'With or Without You': A YA Romcom** (02:31 - 03:47)
   - Eric shares insights into his upcoming YA romcom, including its unique premise and the inspiration behind it.

5. **Crafting Stories That Resonate: Tips for Aspiring Authors** (03:47 - 04:26)
   - Practical advice for writers on creating narratives that captivate both readers and agents.

6. **Balancing Heart and Market Demands** (04:26 - 05:15)
   - Discussion on how to blend heartfelt storytelling with the commercial aspects necessary for market success.

7. **Navigating the YA Publishing Landscape** (05:15 - 06:24)
   - Eric provides his perspective on the current challenges and opportunities in YA publishing.

8. **The Agent's View: Selecting and Representing Authors** (06:24 - 07:34)
   - Insights into the decision-making process of a literary agent when considering new clients.

9. **The Power of Character and Voice in YA** (07:34 - 09:10)
   - Emphasizing the importance of developing strong characters and a unique voice in young adult literature.

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In this encore episode of "Writers with Wrinkles," hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk to Leslie Zampetti, a seasoned literary agent and founder of Open Book Literary. Leslie shares her unique perspectives on the publishing industry, emphasizing underrepresented voices and providing invaluable tips for aspiring authors. Dive into an discussion on querying, submission strategies, and the post-COVID publishing landscape.

Key Takeaways:
- Importance of professionalism and research in querying
- Impact of COVID on the publishing industry and how it's adapting
- Tips for writers to effectively navigate the agent querying process
- Understanding the dynamics between authors, agents, and editors
- Current trends and demands in various literary genres

Mentioned Resources:
- Open Book Literary Agency
- Leslie Zampetti's submission guidelines

Support the Show:
Support Writers With Wrinkles - become a subscriber
Support the show: make a one time donation!
Email: [email protected]
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for more!

Faith Over Breakfast
Pastors from two creative communities, Andy Littleton and Eric Cepin, discuss the...

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In our season finale, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid take a stroll down memory lane, sharing laughs, insights, and valuable lessons from the year 2023. Join us for a quick journey through our favorite episodes, guest highlights, and the wisdom we've gathered along the way. Perfect for aspiring authors, seasoned writers, and literary enthusiasts alike, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice.

Mentioned in This Episode:
- "Writing Spooky Middle Grade Fiction" episode
- Guest appearances: Jennifer March-Soloway, Kathleen Schmidt, Leslie Zampetti, Elizabeth Eulberg, Eric Smith
- Topics: Querying agents, publishing processes, handling reviews, collaborating in the literary industry

- Join our conversation on Threads at @WritersWithWrinkles

Special Year End Thanks:
A heartfelt thank you to all our guests and listeners  for making this season so fun. Your support, feedback, and engagement have been the backbone of our journey.

Upcoming:
Stay tuned for Season 3, kicking off on January 8th with marketing expert Kathleen Schmidt, and more exciting guests and topics to come!

Support the Show:
If you enjoy "Writers with Wrinkles," please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners!

Support Writers With Wrinkles - become a subscriber
Support the show: make a one time donation!
Email: [email protected]
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for more!

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