The writing and publishing journey can be beautiful--and involve stress and anxiety! In this special podcast crossover episode, Book Friends Forever + the You, Me, and the Writing Journey podcast, Alvina Ling, Grace Lin, and Danielle Render Turmaud discuss factors contributing to stress and anxiety in the industry, how it can manifest, and ways to navigate it.

Book Friends Forever Podcast

Website: https://bookfriendsforever.com/

Alvina Ling is VP and Editor-in-Chief at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (a division of Hachette Book Group) where she has worked since 1999. She edits children's books for all ages, from picture books to young adult. She has edited such books as A Big Mooncake For Little Star by Grace Lin; Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown; Dave the Potter by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier; Where the Mountain Meetsthe Moon by Grace Lin, The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer, The Candymakers by Wendy Mass, Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, and The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. She Tweets with the handle @planetalvina and is on Instagram @alvinaling.

Grace Lin, a NY Times bestselling author/ illustrator, won the Newbery Honor for Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and her most recent picture book, A Big Mooncake for Little Star, was awarded the Caldecott Honor. Grace is an occasional commentator for New England Public Radio and videoessayist for PBS NewsHour (here & here), as well as the speaker of the popular TEDx talk, The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf. She is on Facebook here and isinstagram and tweets with the handle @pacylin.

You, Me, and the Writing Journey Podcast

(X, Instagram, and BlueSky): @YMWJPodcast

Podcast Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm/you-me-the-writing-journey-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD (Host/Author/Therapist):

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD, is a kidlit author (represented by Amy Nielsen with The Purcell Agency), trauma therapist,published academic author, Expert Blog Author for Psychology Today, experienced professor, international presenter/speaker, Kidlit Firefly Published Author Coordinator, host of the You, Me & the Writing Journey podcast, and host of several kidlit events/contests. Danielle’s picture book, THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR MARCHING, is slated for publication in 2029 with Familius. 

X, BlueSky, and Instagram: @Drenderturmaud

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

One of the most challenging (and distressing) aspects of thepublishing journey is ghosting—especially if it is from an agent or editor who has signed us. In this episode, Agent/Author Jenna Satterthwaite talks about the negative impacts about ghosting and ways to advocate for ourselves amidst it.

You, Me, and the Writing Journey

(X, Instagram, and BlueSky): @YMWJPodcast

Podcast Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm/you-me-the-writing-journey-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jenna Satterthwaite (Agent/Author)

Jenna Satterthwaite is a literary agent with Storm Literary,as well as the author of four thrillers with HarperCollins and Sourcebooks. She lives in Chicago with her husband and three kids, and writes a weekly Substack about all things publishing with thousands of subscribers.

https://jennasatterthwaite.substack.com/

Instagram: @jenna.satterthwaite.author

X and Bluesky: @jennaschmenna

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD (Host/Author/Therapist):

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD, is a kidlit author (represented by Amy Nielsen with The Purcell Agency), trauma therapist, published academic author, Expert Blog Author for Psychology Today, experienced professor, international presenter/speaker, host of the #YouDeservepIt writer pitch event, Kidlit Firefly Published Author Coordinator, host of the You, Me & the Writing Journey podcast, and host of several kidlit events/contests. Danielle’s picture book, THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR MARCHING, is slated for publication in 2029 with Familius. 

X, BlueSky, and Instagram: @Drenderturmaud

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you are interested in contributing to a special YMWJ Podcast Encouragement Episode, email Danielle at [email protected]

In the competitive publishing industry where deals move slowly and trends move fast, it can be easy to push ourselves to produce quickly. But producing at a rate that is not tailored to our needs can lead to burnout. In this episode, multi-published author S.Z. Estavillo discusses the importance of avoiding burnout.

You, Me, and the Writing Journey

(X, Instagram, and BlueSky): @YMWJPodcast

Podcast Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm/you-me-the-writing-journey-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

S.Z. Estavillo (Author)

As a BIPOC thriller author, she previously parted amicablywith her agent and, three months later, secured an eight-book deal with Oliver-Heber Books—now boasting 24,000 downloads in its first year and a BookRaid bestseller ranking in the thriller category. The Serpent Woman (Book 2) reached #1 on Amazon and topped all three of its categories. Her background spans literary agencies and TV studios, where she contributed to greenlit screenplays that became Lifetime movies. She holds a Master’s in Television, Radio, and Film, has taught author branding workshops (L.A. Writer’s Conference, North Texas RWA), and maintains a 100K+ social media following.

X: @szestavillo

IG, TikTok, Threads: @szestavillo.author

BlueSky: @szestavilloauthor.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/sonyozofiaestavillo/

Sign up for my newsletter:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/KzSplXZ/szestavillonewsletter?fbclid=PARlRTSANv2EdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp4ng4LvVyPEdSLW29FpjJbkw-t9TLivKsVQbvK8E-etZ35gDhMlqfHtYKmPw_aem_LpIkeAQvq5N4VIUOscPHdw

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD (Host/Author/Therapist):

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD, is a kidlit author(represented by Amy Nielsen with The Purcell Agency), trauma therapist, published academic author, Expert Blog Author for Psychology Today, experienced professor, international presenter/speaker, Kidlit Firefly Published Author Coordinator, host of the You, Me & the Writing Journey podcast, and host of several kidlit events/contests. Danielle’s picture book, THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR MARCHING, is slated for publication in 2029 with Familius. 

X, BlueSky, and Instagram: @Drenderturmaud

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Self-publishing is a meaningful path to publication--and one that is full of many challenging moments! In this episode, K.T. Carlisle (Author) discusses the self-publishing path and how to champion ourselves in our publishing journey, no matter what our route looks like.

You, Me, and the Writing Journey

(X, Instagram, and BlueSky): @YMWJPodcast

Podcast Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm/you-me-the-writing-journey-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

K.T. Carlisle (Author)

K.T. Carlisle is a multi-genre indie author best known forher bestselling YA novel, I KNOW WHAT I SAW. An author, editor, and former agent-in-training, Carlisle is also a strong advocate for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, donating all royalties earned from her latest book, INTUITION, toward the organization that helped save her life. She is also the host of #IndiePit, an online pitch event dedicated to helping indie authors reach new readers, pitch to small presses, and find editors, beta readers, and critique partners to assist with their publishing journey. 

X: @KT_Carlisle

Website: www.ktcarlisle.com AND www.ktaeditorial.com 

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD (Host/Author/Therapist):

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD, is a kidlit author (represented by Amy Nielsen with The Purcell Agency), trauma therapist,published academic author, Expert Blog Author for Psychology Today, experienced professor, international presenter/speaker, Kidlit Firefly Published AuthorCoordinator, host of the You, Me & the Writing Journey podcast, and host of several kidlit events/contests. Danielle’s picture book, THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR MARCHING, is slated for publication in 2029 with Familius. 

X, BlueSky, and Instagram: @Drenderturmaud

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The publishing journey can feel like a massive roller coaster, especially when querying agents! In this episode, Caroline J. Trussell (Author) discusses her journey through querying, and what it means to ride the challenging roller coaster of querying, even with a background in agenting.

You, Me, and the Writing Journey

(X, Instagram, and BlueSky): @YMWJPodcast

Podcast Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm/you-me-the-writing-journey-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Caroline J. Trussell (Author & Freelance Editor)

Caroline J. Trussell is a published author, editor, and creative writing MFA candidate at Butler University. Her speculative fantasy series is making waves with ENHANCED and LIBERATED through Fire and Ice YA. As a queer, neurodivergent, and disabled writer, she hopes to inspire others by exploring mental health and chronic illness throughher work. 

Twitter, IG, TikTok: @carolinejtrulithttps://www.authorcarolinejtrussell.com/

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD (Host/Author/Therapist):

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD, is a kidlit author (representedby Amy Nielsen with The Purcell Agency), trauma therapist, published academic author, Expert Blog Author for Psychology Today, experienced professor, international presenter/speaker, Critique Coach for the Picture Book Author Academy, Kidlit Firefly Published Author Coordinator, host of the You, Me & the Writing Journey podcast, and host of several kidlit events/contests. Danielle’s picture book, THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR MARCHING, is slated for publication in 2029 with Familius. 

X, BlueSky, and Instagram: @Drenderturmaud

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The possibilities of our creativity are endless, but our creativewell is not endless. In this episode, Sophie Schmidt (Harper Collins Editor/Author) talks about what it means to honor our creative capacities—and care for ourselves in the process.

You, Me, and the Writing Journey

(X, Instagram, and BlueSky): @YMWJPodcast

Podcast Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm/you-me-the-writing-journey-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sophie Schmidt (Harper Collins Editor/Author)

Sophie got her start curating (read: making up) newsarticles for her neighborhood and selling them to said neighbors at a premium. She never stopped writing (or editing for that matter), which led her to a degree in Professional Writing, a publishing internship in Dublin, Ireland, and now a job at a Big 5 publisher. She is also the author of the forthcoming 96 FACTS ABOUT ROLE MODEL. When not playing with imagination (hers and other creators’), she can be found petting her cats, playing D&D, and hunting for the best boba in NYC.

IG: @mindofabookdragon

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD (Host/Author/Therapist):

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD, is a kidlit author(represented by Amy Nielsen with The Purcell Agency), trauma therapist, published academic author, Expert Blog Author for Psychology Today, experienced professor, international presenter/speaker, Critique Coach for the Picture BookAuthor Academy, Mighty Kidlit Published Author Coordinator, host of the You, Me & the Writing Journey podcast, and host of several kidlit events/contests. Danielle’s picture book, THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR MARCHING, is slated for publication in 2029 with Familius. 

X, BlueSky, and Instagram: @Drenderturmaud

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Passes are abundant in the publishing journey. But what if they could be energizing instead of defeating? In this episode, Kate McKean (Author/Agent) discusses what it means to be energized by the passes instead of defeated by them, and how she does this in her own journey.

You, Me, and the Writing Journey

(X, Instagram, and BlueSky): @YMWJPodcast

Podcast Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm/you-me-the-writing-journey-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Kate McKean (Agent/Author)

Kate McKean is a literary agent at the Howard MorhaimLiterary Agency in Brooklyn, New York. She earned her MA in fiction writing at the University of Southern Mississippi. Her work has appeared in Poets & Writers, Electric Literature, Catapult, and her first book, Write Through It: An Insider’s Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life is available from Simon Element. Sourcebooks will publish her picture book Pay Attention to Me in May, 2026. She writes the Agents & Books newsletter at agentsandbooks.com. You can find her at all the places online as well as katemckean.com.

Kate’s newsletter can be found at agentsandbooks.com.

Listeners can find me there or at katemckean.com and @kate_mckean on various platforms

Interview On Feeling Energized by Rejection: https://thecreativeindependent.com/people/author-and-literary-agent-kate-mckean-on-feeling-energized-by-rejection/

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD (Host/Author/Therapist):

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD, is a kidlit author (represented by Amy Nielsen with The Purcell Agency), trauma therapist,published academic author, Expert Blog Author for Psychology Today, experienced professor, international presenter/speaker, Critique Coach for the Picture BookAuthor Academy, Mighty Kidlit Published Author Coordinator, host of the You, Me & the Writing Journey podcast, and host of several kidlit events/contests. Danielle’s picture book, THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR MARCHING, is slated for publication in 2029 with Familius. 

X, BlueSky, and Instagram: @Drenderturmaud

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In the publishing industry, it can be easy for creators and industry professionals alike to struggle with life balance. Instead of publishing being a part of our life, we can get pulled into it become our life. In this special pre-season episode, Ivan Taurisano (Macmillan – First Second Editor) and DanielleRender Turmaud (YMWJ Host) discuss ways to allow publishing to be a part of our life, instead of consuming it.

You, Me, and the Writing Journey

(X, Instagram, and BlueSky): @YMWJPodcast

Podcast Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm/you-me-the-writing-journey-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ivan Taurisano (Macmillan- First Second Editor)

Ivan Taurisano is an Associate Editor at First Second Books, where he’s on the lookout for commercial, laugh-out-loud stories with quirky characters that make kids fall in love with reading. He holds an MA in Children’s Literature and an MFA in Writing for Children, and worked across every corner of children’s publishing—from board books and picture books to middle grade and graphic novels. Originally from Rome, Ivan moved to the United States to chase his dream of becoming achildren’s book editor. Along the way, he’s had the joy of collaborating with beloved brands and series, including How to Catch, Sesame Street, Disney, Marvel, tokidoki, and Pokémon. Ivan believes that a child whose life is changed by a book will grow up to be an adult who will change the world.

IG: @ivantaurisano

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-taurisano-61b5641a8/

MSWL: https://manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/ivan-taurisano/

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD (Host/Author/Therapist):

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD is an agented kidlitauthor, trauma therapist, experienced professor, internationalpresenter/speaker, Critique Coach with the Picture Book Author Academy, Mighty Kidlit Leader, co-host for several kidlit contests/events, and the host of You, Me, and the Writing Journey, Take Your Kid to Publishing Day kidlit event, and the #YouDeservepIt Pitch event.

X, BlueSky, and Instagram: @Drenderturmaud

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The past few months in the publishing industry have been ROUGH. From imprint and publisher closures, to dozens of editors being let go, agents resigning, longer wait times and silence for creators who are querying/on submission, and more, many in the writing community are feeling discouraged. Because of this, we are releasing two very special Season 4 episodes early (before the full Season 4 release) in hopes that they will encourage you! In this first pre-release episode, Jon Seymour (Publisher with Tielmour Press) and Host Danielle Render Turmaud, discuss the realities and challenges that publishers face.

You, Me, and the Writing Journey

(X, Instagram, and BlueSky): @YMWJPodcast

Podcast Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm/you-me-the-writing-journey-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jon Seymour (Publisher of Tielmour Press)

Instagram and BlueSky: @TielmourPress

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

Website: ⁠https://www.tielmourpress.com/

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD (Host/Author/Therapist):

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD is an agented kidlit author, trauma therapist, experienced professor, international presenter/speaker, Critique Coach with the Picture Book Author Academy, Mighty Kidlit Leader, co-host for several kidlit contests/events, and the host of You, Me, and the Writing Journey, Take Your Kid to Publishing Day kidlit event, and the #YouDeservepIt Pitch event.

X, BlueSky, and Instagram: @Drenderturmaud

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“Rejection,” a word that often is heard/said throughout the writing community. But what if we changed the language of “rejection” to “pass”? And moved towards a cultural understanding of what the passes truly are, a “not now" or a “not for me,” instead of a personal rejection of ourselves/our work? In this episode, Vicky Weber (Agent/Author) and Danielle Render Turmaud (Author/Therapist/Host) explore the benefits of creators and industry professionals shifting the language we use around passes.

You, Me, and the Writing Journey

(X, Instagram, and BlueSky): @YMWJPodcast

Podcast Website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm/you-me-the-writing-journey-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Vicky Weber (Agent/Author)

Vicky Weber is a literary agent, bestselling children’s bookauthor, and publishing industry expert with years of experience helping authors navigate both traditional and self-publishing. As the founder of At Home Author, she has guided countless writers through the process of crafting, publishing, and marketing successful books. With a background in education, Vicky is passionate about breaking down complex industry concepts into actionable steps. Whether securing book deals for her clients or sharing insights on the ever-evolving publishing market, she is dedicated to helping authors turn their creative dreams into reality.

My MSWL: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/vicky-weber/

Follow me on social media: @vickyweberbooks

My blog: www.athomeauthor.com 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AtHomeAuthor

Try my PB coaching program free for 7 days: https://www.allthingspicturebooks.com/free-trial-ppb 

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD (Host/Author/Therapist):

Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD is an agented kidlit author,trauma therapist, experienced professor, international presenter/speaker, Critique Coach with the Picture Book Author Academy, Mighty Kidlit Leader, and the host of You, Me, and the Writing Journey, Take Your Kid to Publishing Day kidlit event, and the #YouDeservepIt Pitch event.

X, BlueSky, and Instagram: @Drenderturmaud

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-render-turm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠