Hi! We’re Nicole and Prax. Join our weekly conversations as we share inspiring lessons, stories and mindsets to help you free-up time and space to live a happier, healthier and more productive life 🌱 We try to to motivate, inspire and minsan maging funny 🤪 Connect with us! IG: http://instagram.com/nicoleandprax FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/goodmorningnicoleprax Get Productivity Tips on our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/nicoleandprax Join our community on FB Group: https://www.facebook. ...
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1 Unlocking Your Hidden Genius: How to Harness Your Innate Talents with Betsy Wills & Alex Ellison | Ep. 289 32:08
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Why Does Publishing Take So Darn Long? With Special Guest Agent Stefanie Molina 46:31
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedHave you ever wondered why Publishing seems to take so much longer than any other industry? We posed this question to agent Stefanie Molina, Ladderbird Literary--and discuss what it means for agents, editors, and - most of all - writers. Want to talk about your work with Stefanie? Schedule a time here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/stefanie-molina We discuss: Current Trends in Publishing (00:03:57) What Makes A work “Fresh”? (00:05:01) The Importance of BIPOC Voices in Literature (00:06:32) Communication Challenges in Publishing (00:08:33) Literary Agents of Change (00:10:52) Advice for Writers in the Querying Process (00:15:48) Agents’ Constant Thoughts on Clients (00:28:56) Hope for Industry Change (00:39:31) Scholarship Opportunities (00:44:47)…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 How To Make Your Work More Addictive: Pacing, Structure & Symmetry with Agent Liv Ivanov 21:18
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so happy to welcome Liv Ivanov, agent at Creative Media Agency, to the podcast! In this episode, we talk about making your work more addictive (we can all dream of the "I read it in one sitting" agent response!) through: *Effective pacing *Structure *Tension *Symmetry *The MICE Quotient And more! Liv shares her insights on avoiding excessive exposition, the balance between tension and pacing, and the importance of character development. She also highlights techniques like reverse outlining and reading aloud to improve manuscripts. We also learn what Liv would like to have in her inbox. Meet Liv here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/liv-ivanov…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 How To Make Your Work More Commercial with Agent Alyssa Jennette (Stonesong Literary) 15:38
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedHow do you make your work more commercial--and why is commercial the trend right now? Join agent Alyssa Jennette (Stonesong Literary) as we talk about: 1) Why is commercial trending right now? 2) What can ALL genres (including literary) do to appeal to readers in this moment? 3) Why you should focus revision efforts on stakes, character, payoff and more to make your commercial and literary works more 4) Why literary and upmarket writers don't need to panic. This is part of a larger podcast episode (15 minutes) coming soon. Meet Alyssa here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/alyssa-jennette Video clip of this episode here: https://youtu.be/F8wl9mwyc9k?si=Tg-lfxW2dBC6CpxR Learn more at https://manuscriptacademy.com/…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 The Formula For Successful Books with Editor Ivan Taurisano 44:52
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIs there a formula for success? What do you do when "A new twist on something familiar" starts to feel overly simplistic? Enter editor Ivan Taurisano, editor at Abrams, who works from the opposite direction of most editors: he can think of a concept that's marketable, then put together the team to make it happen. We discuss: ***Collaborating with Licensing Partners: Ivan works closely with major brands like Disney, Netflix, and others to create books that resonate with current market trends. ***Data-Driven Decision Making: Unlike traditional editors who wait for manuscripts, Ivan actively seeks out market trends and creates content that meets those demands. ***Monitoring Bestseller Lists: Checking Amazon and New York Times bestseller lists to identify common themes and outliers. ***Examining BISAC Codes: Understanding how books are categorized to spot market trends. ***Creating Engaging and Humorous Content: Books should be fun and engaging for children, encouraging a love of reading. ***Finding the Sweet Spot: Balancing humor and content that resonates with children while being appropriate for parents. Ivan Taurisano was born in Rome, Italy, and moved to the United States almost ten years ago to pursue a children’s book publishing career. The guiding principle of his work is that a child whose life is changed by a book will always be a step closer to becoming an adult who will change the world. Ivan’s all-time favorite book is James and the Giant Peach, and his best friend is a chihuahua named Bilbo. Ivan has a BA in English and Creative Writing, an MA in Children’s Literature, and an MFA in Writing for Children. He started his career at Sourcebooks as an Editorial Assistant, then moved on to become an Assistant Editor. His responsibilities included developing children’s board books, picture books, and graphic novels, as well as acquiring board books and picture books. Ivan has worked with many successful series and brands, including How to Catch, Little Heroes Big Hearts, Sesame Street, Disney, Tokidoki, and Pokémon. Currently, Ivan lives in New York and works at Abrams as an Associate Editor on the Children’s Entertainment Publishing and Content Development team. In this role, he focuses novelty books, board books, graphic novels, and select MG and YA titles. He is especially interested in stories with a strong commercial hook, crave-able content, compelling characters, and series potential. Board books and picture books: Ivan is interested in children’s board books and picture books that are kid-centric, interactive, character-driven, and have series potential. He enjoys titles with a strong hook, fun read-alouds, great rhymes, bold and playful imaginative stories, books that break the fourth wall and invite reader participation, as well as seasonal stories such as Christmas and Halloween. MG: Ivan is interested in plot-driven, action-packed adventures with a strong commercial hook, compelling characters, magic, quests/competitions, and high stakes. YA: Ivan prefers strong commercial hooks, well-plotted, character-driven, atmospheric stories, and series potential. He loves fantasy, magic, and quests/competitions. He likes unique, morally grey characters, memorable villains, and propulsive, cinematic writing. Ivan is not the best fit for nonfiction, retellings, historical fiction, biographies, and novels in verse. *** Schedule a meeting with Ivan here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/ivan-taurisano…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 The Art of Feedback: What To Take, What To Ignore & How To Know The Difference 36:45
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe love Bonnie Jo Pierson. Not only is she a Manuscript Academy alum and a published author, she’s a member of a 20-person writing group—and an expert on knowing what feedback to take, what to ignore, and how to tell the difference. After 17 years of writing, her novel is ready—and we talk about keeping work fresh, learning and growing as a person, and remaining emotionally open to your work and your life. Bonnie Jo is the author of What Happens in Idaho, July 24, 2024. Gifted with a short attention span, Bonnie Jo Pierson wants to experience and do as much as she can. Using the great powers of YouTube she’s taught herself how to knit, crochet, paint with oils, acrylics, and watercolors, coach volleyball, play the piano and cello, ride a motorcycle, renovate a house, sing, sew, raise livestock, bake, and most importantly how to write. With a degree in biology, she’s a lover of all things science, especially in the microscopic world. She and her Navy veteran husband have four children and spent several years bouncing around to various locations in the United States. Now she’s made her home in small-town Idaho, where she’s attempting to resurrect her great-grandparents one hundred year-old farm. You can email her at bonniejopierson@gmail.com or you can find her on: instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbonniejopierson/ goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23922408-bonnie-jo-pierson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonniejopiersonauthor twitter: https://twitter.com/BonnieJo_author tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bonniejo_author?lang=en…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Live Recorded: Mystery Editor Consultation with Macmillan Editor Christina Lopez 49:54
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedToday is a special live recording of the Manuscript Academy podcast! In front of Manuscript Academy members, Jessica and Julie are joined by faculty member and Macmillan editor Christina Lopez in another installment of our Mystery Agent/Editor segment. Listen in as Christina critiques writer Karissa Riffel’s YA horror query and first page, and answers all your questions. Want to apply for next Mystery Agent/Editor Consutlation? Sign up here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/submissions Learn more about membership here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/membership Want to meet with Christina? Sign up here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/christina-lopez…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Your Book Is Not For Everyone (Thank Goodness!): Author Positioning with Norton Editor Emma Peters 39:05
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedHave you ever been tempted to say "My book is for everyone"? We get it! It sounds like the perfect way to convince an agent your book is a slam dunk bestseller--right? Wrong. Realistically, no book is for everyone--and this is a great thing. We're happy to join Emma Peters, editor at W.W. Norton, to discuss: *Why you need to define your audience--and pitch an agent on this reader *How specificity in your book description is your friend *What is a “build a book” and why do agents work on them? *Balancing professionalism, enthusiasm & marketing *How to use your friends as a focus group Emma is available for query consultations. Meet with her at: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/emma-peters…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Metaphor, Math, Editing, & How You Can Get Your Message to Your Reader Effectively 38:09
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so excited to welcome math teacher Ben Orlin to the podcast! Ben Orlin is a math teacher who can't draw. His book Math with Bad Drawings (2018) has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide, and has since been followed by Change is the Only Constant (2019), Math Games with Bad Drawings (2022), and most recently, Math for English Majors (Sept 2024). His work has appeared in The Atlantic, Popular Science, Slate, Vox, and The Los Angeles Times; he himself has appeared in the lines to ice cream stores everywhere. BBC star and leading mathematician Hannah Fry once described him as "terribly bad at drawing" before kindly adding “he’s also fantastically clever and charming.” We discuss: * How to position your proposal as an expert in your subject, for an audience who is not as well-versed * Using metaphor to connect and create new meaning * The ways agents seek out nonfiction clients * How to incorporate math in your querying and editing process Learn more about Ben and his new book here: https://mathwithbaddrawings.com…
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1 Messy Characters, Building Tension & How Agents Should Advocate For Your Work with Agent Nour Sallam 32:31
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so happy to welcome Nour Sallam, agent at P.S. Literary, to the podcast! We discuss: *How agents should advocate for clients from signing to offers to contracts to publication and beyond *Why messy characters and their interiority are often the one thing missing from your work *Why we should experience empathy for your villain *Opportunities to build tension, pulling the reader (or agent!) into your story Meet with Nour here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/nour-sallam See a clip of this episode here: https://youtu.be/xBbNAb0d5sM?si=8NLlvwhX3X04p5vB Transcript and timestamps here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-nour-sallam Nour Sallam is an associate literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency representing adult fiction and nonfiction. Nour has previously worked in editing, podcasting, communications, and journalism. She got her start at the University of British Columbia where she studied English Literature and Political Science. She then got her publishing certificate at Toronto Metropolitan University. As an Arab woman and an immigrant, she loves books of any genre that amplify joy and connection, or feature complex and nuanced histories, power dynamics, or underrepresented narratives. Nour is seeking commercial and upmarket fiction titles as well as select literary fiction, edgy psychological thrillers, mysteries, and light horror. In fiction, she gravitates towards voicey characters that are haunted by something: a secret, a past, a fear— or an actual haunting! She’s actively seeking character-driven stories featuring women in power, unhinged women, and stories of female rage. She also has a soft spot for unreliable narrators, family sagas with dysfunctional families, protagonists in their 20s-30s navigating adulthood, protagonists on the cusp of major life changes, and stories that focus on friendship dynamics. She is also drawn to stories that explore the diverse experiences of underrepresented groups and challenge our understanding of diasporic experiences and/or cultures. Bonus points if these stories are also fun and celebrate joy. For nonfiction, Nour welcomes fresh and accessible perspectives on big ideas or industry deep dives as well as personal narratives on pop culture, art, and nature. She appreciates books that offer incisive commentary on culture, socio-economic structures, corporate underbellies, health and wellness, and lifestyle. Her taste in non-fiction gravitates towards books that generally challenge what we know or explain what we might not know.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Genres, Tropes, Trends, and Finding Your Agent Fit with Agent Erica Bauman 44:36
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so pleased to welcome agent Erica Bauman from Aevitas Creative Management to the podcast! We discuss: *How to make your work more atmospheric *Where to place emphasis when writing between genres *Balancing keeping the reader in their heads vs. their senses *When the genre of our world gets closer to dystopia, how does the dystopian genre change? *Why do agents ask for exactly your metatags—and then say no? Meet with Erica here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/erica-bauman Erica Bauman is a literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management and represents a wide variety of authors across middle grade, young adult, and upmarket adult fiction, including acclaimed YA author Maria Ingrande Mora, New York Times Bestseller Kayla Cottingham, and Lambda Literary Fellow Naseem Jamnia. Erica is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and has worked in the publishing industry since 2012. Prior to Aevitas, she worked at Spectrum Literary Agency. Based in New York, Erica is most interested in commercial novels that feature an exciting premise and lyrical, atmospheric writing; imaginative, genre-blending tales; speculative worlds filled with haunting, quietly wondrous magic; fresh retellings of mythology, ballet, opera, and classic literature; sharply funny rom-coms; graphic novels for all ages; fearless storytellers that tackle big ideas and contemporary issues; and working with and supporting marginalized authors and stories that represent the wide range of humanity.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Querying, Middle School, And How Mistakes + Embarrassment Often Lead To Book Deals 47:46
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedDebut author Kristy Jackson joins Julie and Jessica to talk about her new middle grade book, MORTIFIED, now out in bookstores everywhere! From embarrassing middle school moments to querying hiccups, Kristy talks about her 20+ year-long writing journey, how she found the right agent for her, and how perseverance made all the different to achieving her publishing dreams. Learn more about Kristy here: https://www.kristyjackson.ca/…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Preparing For Your International Bestseller: Liv Constantine on Crafting Unputdownable Characters 46:53
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn the first installment of the Manuscript Academy Book Club, we have Liv Constantine, the pen name for internationally bestselling sister duo Lynne and Valerie Constantine! Joined by Jessica, Julie, and the Manuscript Academy community, Valerie and Lynne answer your questions about how to collaborate and edit as a team, how to get the best results when querying, and how to keep your work fresh when writing multiple books in the same genre. **Please note that there are spoilers for The Last Mrs. Parrish as noted verbally in the episode.** 01:00 Meet the Authors: Liv Constantine 01:19 The Journey to Success 03:26 Collaborative Writing Process 12:09 Crafting Unputdownable Thrillers 16:47 Pitching and Querying Tips 19:39 The Impact of Reese's Book Club 25:31 Character Development and POV Shifts 26:04 Crafting Intricate Plot Details 27:33 Collaborating as Sisters 31:15 Balancing Writing and Marketing 34:58 Navigating the Publishing Industry 36:59 Advice for Aspiring Writers 38:40 Creating Realistic Psychopath Characters 42:54 Final Thoughts and Reflections Learn more at https://livconstantine.com/…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Finding Your Voice: On the Page, In Your Life with Agent Katharine Sands + Jessica Doyle-Mekkes 57:43
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedYou’ve heard of the all-important voice—but how do you make it more vivid, both on the page—and in your life? Enter Jessica Doyle-Mekkes, an author, voice coach, and eloquent speaker on how your voice in your life and your voice on the page are linked, vitally important—and within your control to improve. Listen along for what helps your voice come out as you intend—whether singing, public speaking, or reading your character aloud to an audience on your book tour. We also discuss: ***Do agents share projects with each other? Yes! In fact, this book happened in part because agent Jessica (Sinsheimer) saw author Jesica (Doyle-Mekkes) and just had a feeling she’d be a good fit for Katharine. ***Learning to write a book proposal from the ground up—and, in one case, overnight ***What makes an ideal client? What do agents look for? ***How much platform do you *really* need? There are two kinds of platform—here’s how to leverage both, and how Jessica builds hers (and you can too) ***How you can start preparing NOW for your readings on your future book tour Find I'm Speaking: Every Woman's Guide to Finding Your Voice and Using It Fearlessly wherever books are sold. Meet with Katharine here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/katharine-sands…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Hollywood Versus New York: Publishing, Film, Options, Etiquette + What Makes A Hook? 44:42
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are thrilled to introduce our very own Julie Kingsley's debut novel! It's called The Space Between You and Me and came out this week! "That summer, I finally grew into myself. The problem? I grew too fast. And fruit that grows too fast often bursts in the sunshine." With her agent Lane Heymont (Tobias Literary Agency), we discuss: *What happens if you have film interest before book interest *How Hollywood runs on FOMO (fear of missing out) *How Julie got a sensitivity read with her film interest *When book agents send your work to Hollywood *When agents announce your book and why *What “film interest” looks like after your book is announced *Leveraging Hollywood pettiness to increase odds of an option *How the etiquette of Hollywood is vastly different from NY Publishing *The “secret sauce” for being fought over *What is a hook? *Planning your Easter Eggs Learn more about Julie's book here: https://www.juliekingsley.com/ Learn more about Lane here: https://thetobiasagency.com/lane-heymont…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Emotional Range, Sensory Details, And Pitching Works On Difficult Topics 52:40
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedContent Warning: This podcast discusses suicide, grief, and loss. Pam O'Hara's beautiful writing captivated our expert audience during a recent Manuscript Academy panel, so much so that it was picked for our 2024 MSWL Agent Choice Awards. Pam joins Jessica and Julie to speak about her stunning memoir about love, loss, and losing a loved one by suicide. We discuss everything from platform, to crafting your voice, to how to position a serious and sad topic for your audience, and more. Agents and editors, this one is in need of representation, if you're listening and like what you hear. We know we did. Learn more about Pam here: https://pamelaohara.com…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Live Recorded: Query Class with Agent Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon 1:13:04
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWatch the free video version, slides and all (and get a coupon for our workshop!) at https://manuscriptacademy.com/emmy Join our Three-Day Keep An Agent Reading Workshop, May 28-30, here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/product/keep-an-agent-reading-workshop TIMESTAMPS: Essential Elements of a Query Letter (00:03:07) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon covers the essential elements of a query letter, including the metadata paragraph, summary, and bio. Query Letter Writing Tips (00:06:06) Insights into the query letter writing process, including addressing the agent, book title, and genre. Metadata Paragraph and Summary (00:09:18) Detailed explanation of the metadata paragraph and summary in a query letter, including the importance of personalization and book comps. Writing Style in Summary (00:21:12) Discussion on mirroring the writing style of the summary paragraph with the manuscript's tone and voice. Summary of Writing Style and Content (00:22:12) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon discusses the essential elements of a query letter and the importance of introducing main characters and conflict in the summary paragraph. Publishing Bio and Relevant Credentials (00:23:51) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon explains the significance of including prior publications, accolades, training, and relevant professional credentials in the publishing bio. Essential Elements of the First Page (00:26:54) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon highlights the significance of the first page in capturing the reader's interest and emphasizes the need to meet the main character, introduce the central organizing feature, and outline what helps and hurts the character. Crafting a Compelling First Page (00:33:44) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon provides insights on writing the first page, including the importance of starting with action, introducing the main character, and establishing the central organizing feature. Synopsis vs. Summary (00:41:18) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon differentiates between the synopsis and the summary, emphasizing the need for a bulleted list of plot points in the synopsis, including the ending, and avoiding a writerly tone. Crafting a Synopsis (00:43:24) Advice on crafting a clear and informative synopsis, particularly helpful for pantsers. Including Trigger Warnings (00:44:52) The importance of including trigger warnings in query letters and writing samples, and how to effectively incorporate them. Bio in Query Letter (00:47:34) What to include in the bio section of a query letter, including personal experiences and writing goals. Prologue vs. Chapter One (00:49:22) The debate over whether to use a prologue or the first chapter as the writing sample, and the impact on the query process. Querying Across Genres (00:53:07) Advice for writers querying across multiple genres and how to communicate long-term career plans to agents. Expressing Multiple Genres (00:56:54) Guidance on how to best express, showcase, or explain a book that spans multiple genres in a query letter. Lived Experience in Query (00:59:56) The significance of mentioning own voices or lived experiences in the first paragraph of a query letter. Commercial, Upmarket, and Literary (01:01:36) A breakdown of the distinctions between commercial, upmarket, and literary writing styles and tones. Literary vs. Commercial (01:02:23) Discussion of literary and commercial books, with examples and explanations of each category. Responsible Representation of Disabled and Chronically Ill People (01:05:07) Insights into the progress and challenges of representation in publishing, encouragement to include nuanced representation in writing. Query Consultation Prize Winners (01:09:00) Announcement of three winners for a query consultation prize with Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon. Upcoming Workshop and Ticket Drawing (01:10:24) Details about a three-day workshop and the drawing of three tickets for the workshop, including instructions for winners.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Mini Lesson: What Author Elizabeth Holden Did Right In Her Query & First Page 22:56
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are honored that author Elizabeth (Liz) Holden, author of the forthcoming YA novel Mighty Millie Novak, allowed us to go through her work as a teaching tool for you--what each element accomplishes, WHY it works, and how you can do the same in your own query and first page. If you'd like to follow along visually, head to our YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/@manuscriptacademy, or the podcast episode page, https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-elizabeth-holden, for the captioned video, transcript, and more. And be sure to check out our other episode, The Roller Derby of Querying, in our feed. TIMESTAMPS: Elements of a Successful Query (00:05:25) Analysis of the query's opening, use of comps, and character introduction. Navigating Conflict and Tension (00:07:17) Discussion on building conflict and tension in the query and its impact. Character Growth and Story Arcs (00:10:47) Explanation of character growth and the importance of story arcs in the query. Personal Experience and Bio (00:12:13) Analysis of the author's personal experiences and bio presented in the query. Flexibility and Professionalism (00:13:31) Discussion on the author's flexibility and professionalism demonstrated in the query. Setting High Stakes (00:16:10) Analysis of the opening line and setting high stakes in the first page of the story. Mighty Millie's Dream (00:17:50) Mighty Millie's aspirations and determination in roller derby are highlighted, setting the stage for the story's conflict and potential growth. Coach Ann's Challenge (00:18:39) Mighty Millie's desire to prove herself and her ambition to be recognized as a formidable competitor in roller derby are showcased. A Disastrous Setback (00:19:29) A dramatic turn of events leads to Mighty Millie's setback, creating tension and raising the stakes for her roller derby aspirations. The Power Dynamics (00:21:04) The discussion revolves around the protagonist's power dynamics, her aspirations, and the fluctuations in her journey, setting the tone for the story's development. Book Launch and Roller Derby (00:22:20) Elizabeth Holden discusses her upcoming book launch and the roller derby theme, adding an exciting real-life connection to the story. Learn more about Liz here: https://elizabeth-holden.com/…
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1 The Roller Derby of Querying: How Author Elizabeth Holden Found Her Agent 51:14
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedView our in-depth video of what Liz did right in her query letter and first page here: https://www.youtube.com/@manuscriptacademy Meet Elizabeth Holden, Physics professor, travel entrepreneur, and author of Mighty Millie Novak, a YA novel coming out from Flux Publishing in August. https://www.elizabeth-holden.com/ Liz is also the travel coordinator for our 2025 Manuscript Academy Retreat, which we're calling Enchanted Summer. Early Bird ends May 24. https://www.leapinghound.com/enchanted2025.html Transcript + video at https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-elizabeth-holden Timestamps: 00:02:03 - Writing Journey (00:02:03) Elizabeth Holden shares her writing journey, including querying experiences and the ups and downs of her writing career. 00:09:50 - Book Offer and Celebrations (00:09:50) Elizabeth recounts the experience of receiving a book offer and the challenges she faced due to being sick at the time. 00:12:11 - Viral Twitter Experience (00:12:11) Elizabeth shares the story of her viral Twitter experience related to the representation of queer characters in her novel and the subsequent impact on her querying process. 00:16:09 - Managing Multiple Offers (00:16:09) Elizabeth discusses the process of managing multiple offers from literary agents and making a decision about representation. Querying and First Page Feedback (00:21:46) Discussion and feedback on the query letter and the first page of the novel. Character and Conflict Introduction (00:27:33) The introduction of the main character and the presentation of internal and external conflicts. Advice on Writing Process (00:33:05) Flexibility in mindset and recognizing when to take lateral steps in the writing process. Leaping Hound Travel (00:37:13) Starting a travel company during the pandemic, focusing on niche topics and small group tours in Europe and Mexico. Lake Bled Writing Retreat 2025 (00:41:09) Announcement of a writing retreat and vacation in Lake Bled, Slovenia, with details about the location and activities. Enchanted Summer (00:44:44) Discussion about the magical and inspiring environment of Lake Bled, Slovenia, and the benefits of stepping away to focus on writing.…
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1 Finding Your Perfect Agent Fit with Agent Ismita Hussain and Author Jessica Guerrieri 46:38
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedPlease note: This episode contains mentions of alcoholism, recovery, and sobriety. We are so happy to welcome author Jessica Guerrieri and agent Ismita Hussain (Great Dog Literary) to the podcast. They're a great example of what to look for in an author-agent relationship--they're creative, collaborative, supportive, and successful (Jessica's debut book club fiction, Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea, comes out 2025 with HarperCollins). We also discuss re-querying, facing rejection, and the healing power of storytelling and personal narrative. Meet with Ismita here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/ismita-hussain Find the transcript and show notes here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-ismita-hussain-jessica-guerrieri 00:44 Introducing Jessica Guerrieri 00:54 Ismita Hussain's Journey from Healthcare to Literary Agent 01:55 Jessica Guerrieri's Writing Journey and Sobriety 03:04 The Power of Perseverance: Jessica Guerrieri's Path to Publication 04:18 The Editorial Process: From Query to Preempt 06:58 Understanding the Preempt and the Publishing Process 10:50 Revising with Resilience: Jessica Guerrieri's Approach to Feedback 17:13 Building Trust and Thickening Skin in the Publishing World 21:31 Looking Ahead: Plans After the Book Deal 22:02 Embarking on a Unique Memoir Journey 22:13 Exploring Motherhood and Recovery 22:48 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 27:02 The Role of Fiction and Nonfiction in Recovery 29:42 The Importance of Representation in Literature 39:57 The Value of Specificity in Storytelling 43:15 The Memoir Market and Connecting with Agents…
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1 Tuesday, May 7, 8:30pm ET: Free Query Workshop With Agent Emmy Nordstrom Higdon 43:21
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so grateful to Emmy Nordstrom Higdon, agent at Westwood Creative Associates, who has offered to teach a free workshop for you all about the elements of querying—interest, emphasis, tension—that keep a busy agent reading in 2024. Get your free ticket (or replay ticket!) here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/emmy The event is Tuesday, May 7, 8:30pm ET—and comes with a replay, in case you can’t make it live. This workshop is appropriate for all experience levels—whether it’s your first query or your 100th draft, come for the 101 basics, the checklists, the how-to’s—and leave with a real understanding of how you can use these skills to give an agent a 360 “I can’t wait to read more” reading experience. Emmy (they/them) represents across age categories + genres, specializing in identity-driven works. They work in both fiction and non-fiction, from PB to adult, including commercial, upmarket, book club & literary. They specialize in contemporary books grounded in reality, with and without speculative elements. Mystery, thriller, suspense, romance, romcom, women’s fiction, LGBTQ2S+, magical realism, fabulism, horror, graphic, narrative non-fiction, true crime, religion + spirituality, humanities + science.…
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1 Writing Fantasy That Mirrors Our World With (Manuscript) Academy Award Winner Ali McLafferty 47:08
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are thrilled to introduce Ali McLafferty, author, teacher, and most recent winner of the as-yet-untitled (Manuscript) Academy Awards. Ali was nominated by agent Melissa Edwards (Stonesong Literary) for this gorgeous fantasy novel that brings up a lot of issues in our world as well. We discuss how she polished her query, how many drafts she did of her first page--and what she learned along the way. Learn more about Ali at https://www.alimclafferty.com/. Full transcript at https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-ali-mclafferty TIMESTAMPS: Feedback on Ali's query letter and first page (00:10:09) Julie and Jessica provide feedback on Ali query letter and first page, discussing its strengths and areas for improvement. Ali's revision process for the query letter (00:15:24) Ali discusses her process of revising the query letter, including feedback from friends and an editor, and the changes she made. The query letter (00:20:22) Discussion on the effectiveness of the query letter's opening and structure, focusing on the emotional impact and the feedback received. First page of the manuscript (00:21:44) Analysis and feedback on the opening page of the manuscript, highlighting its grounding effect and the portrayal of the character and setting. Writing process and first draft (00:24:04) Discussion about the unique experience of the book's creation, the absence of significant revisions, and the influence of personal connection and understanding of the material on the first draft. Genre and target audience (00:35:28) Challenges in defining the genre and target audience for the book, particularly in conveying the blend of fantasy and imagined scientific systems, and the potential for pitching to adult audiences. Rejection and perseverance (00:34:15) Acknowledgment of the emotional impact of rejections and the importance of perseverance, as well as the advice on finding rewards in the process and maintaining determination. Pitching and query letter adjustments (00:38:05) Consideration of pitching the book as adult fantasy and the potential adjustments for the query letter to cater to an adult audience without compromising the narrative drive. Author's website and future queries (00:39:25) Advice for Writers (00:41:49) Ali shares her advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the joy of writing and the importance of perseverance. Touching Moments (00:44:03) Ali recounts a touching moment when her husband was moved by a part of her first book, emphasizing the impact of writing on loved ones.…
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1 Details, Focus and Visual Storytelling To Bring Any Genre To Life with Editor Melissa Warten Vogan 44:23
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe love this creativity-packed episode with Melissa Vogan (née Melissa Warten), former editor at Macmillan, current editor at Epic For Kids. We discuss: *“Just enough” art notes - and how they’re useful for every genre *How you can guide the focus of your reader through sensory language *How to get to the heart of your story *How to disagree with an editor or agent's feedback *How to create your first visual work after writing only text-based projects And much more! Transcript and timestamps here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-melissa-vogan Book a consultation with Melissa here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/melissa-warten Melissa Vogan (Warten) is an editor at Epic for Kids, the leading digital reading platform for children, where she works on IP comics development projects for readers ages 12 and under, including the smash hit series Cat Ninja. Prior to Epic, she spent more than five years on the editorial team at Farrar Straus Giroux Books working on picture books, middle grade, young adult, and select nonfiction and graphic novel projects. Her notable editorial work includes the popular Cat Ninja and Bright Family franchises, New York Times bestselling titles We Hunt the Flame and We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal, and award-winning titles by Maurene Goo, Barbara O’Connor, Sarah Allen, Hanif Abdurraqib, Tegan and Sara Quin, and Tillie Walden. Melissa is a graduate of Boston College and the Columbia Publishing Course. Find her on Twitter: @melissa_warten…
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1 Good, Better, Best, Agented! Julia Alexandra and Agent Ellen Goff on Plot, Character & World 47:54
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedYou may remember Julia Alexandra from our episode in the fall when we went over three query versions with her (good, better, best): Well, she now has an agent! Ellen Goff (HG Literary) joins us with Julia to discuss balancing plot, character, and world--if your fantasy novel will hold up without your fantasy elements, which we're now calling "The Goff Test"--and how you can optimize your queries for your most likely success. Julia now not only has an agent but a book deal as well! Listen to her earlier episode here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-julia-alexandra Learn more about Ellen here: https://www.hgliterary.com/ellen…
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1 Learning Advanced Point of View, Romantic Tension & Betrayal From A New Body-Swapping Novel 51:29
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIf you've ever had trouble with point of view in your work, wait until you hear the advanced logistical world author Nia Davenport had to navigate for her new novel, Out of Body, which she pitches as Freaky Friday meets Get Out. Not only does she have best friends, crushes, confused parents, and a villain on the loose--but she weaves it all into a story of identity, personal growth, and becoming an adult in a world where adults can't be trusted. This is a great work to study if you're struggling in any of these areas--plus, it's FUN. It's a new twist on something familiar, that formula so many in publishing love. Full transcript here: http://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-nia-davenport Learn more about Nia here: https://www.nedavenport.com TIMESTAMPS: **Character development and world-building (00:03:29)** Nia explains how she visualizes her character's journey and the unfolding of the plot like watching a movie. **Creating mystery in the opening chapter (00:06:12)** Nia discusses the decision to keep the first chapter mysterious and how it sets the tone for the story. **Maintaining character voice in different bodies (00:07:39)** Nia talks about the challenge of maintaining the character's voice regardless of the body she is in. **Nia's publishing journey (00:10:25)** Nia shares her journey from teaching to becoming a writer and the process of finding her agent, Caitie Flum. **Advice for aspiring writers (00:17:54)** Nia advises writers to breathe, take it slow, and keep perfecting their craft, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. **Developing character relationships (00:19:18)** Nia explains the power dynamic and genuine friendship between the characters Megan and Elsie. **Magic and Technology in the Story (00:22:54)** Nia discusses the use of magic and technology in her book, playing with the reader's perception. **Empathy and Societal Conversations (00:27:22)** Nia discusses the current generation's ability to have conversations about socio-emotional health and empathy. **Tension and Gaslighting (00:34:20)** Nia discusses the theme of gaslighting and the decision to leave the protagonist feeling isolated for a significant portion of the book. **Testing Safety and Vulnerability (00:36:33)** The protagonist's actions to test the safety of the people around her and the vulnerability of teenagers. **Identity, Race, and Kindness (00:39:09)** Nia talks about the theme of identity, race, and the importance of choosing kindness and compassion. **Writing Difficult Subjects (00:41:18)** Nia advises writers to write what they love and are passionate about, rather than trying to fit into trends. **Inclusivity in Publishing (00:43:33)** Nia encourages writers to find a supportive writing community and emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in traditional publishing.…
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1 Success Stories: Aime Alley Card, Agent Leticia Gomez And One Olympic Team That Changed Everything 49:03
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedTennessee, 1960. One extraordinary team of women--and the first all-Black women’s track team--found glory at the Olympic games in Rome. Here in America, their success was "an impossible dream come true." Now, author Aime Alley Card tells us her personal connection to the team, how she did her astonishing amount of research, and how she found agent Leticia Gomez to represent the work, now available from Lyons Press: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-tigerbelles-the-american-team-that-changed-the-face-of-women-s-sports-aime-alley-card/18574403?ean=9781493073887 Learn more about Aime here: https://www.aimecard.com Learn more about Leticia here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/leticia-gomez Episode transcript here: http://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-leticia-gomez-aime-alley-card…
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1 What Editors Look For: Fresh Takes On Familiar Stories with Harper Editor Sara Schonfeld 45:29
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJoin our interactive Says/Does Activity + view transcript here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/sara-schonfeld We discuss editing with love and patience, acquiring in the age of book bans (let's just say Florida doesn't get to choose what the rest of the country reads), how to make your book feel "fresh"--and why so many editors ask for "a new twist on something familiar." Book a meeting with Sara here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/sara-schonfeld Timestamps: **Sara's Journey into Publishing (00:00:40)** Sara shares her accidental entry into publishing and the influence of her professors. **What Editors Look for in Manuscripts (00:03:37)** Sara discusses her preference for manuscripts and the importance of compelling writing. **Creating Compelling First Pages (00:04:58)** The challenges and advice for authors in creating engaging first pages. **Balancing Worldbuilding and Character Development in Fantasy (00:06:54)** Sara's perspective on worldbuilding and character-driven fantasy stories. **Freshness in Writing (00:12:14)** Sara discusses the concept of freshness in writing and the balance between familiarity and authenticity. **Revising and Streamlining Writing (00:15:32)** Sara's tips for effective revision and streamlining of storytelling elements. **Interconnectedness in storytelling (00:24:19)** Julie and Sara discuss the interconnectedness of different elements in a story and how changes affect the overall narrative. **Flexibility in story revision (00:25:13)** Sara emphasizes the importance of being flexible during story revision and trying out different approaches. **The "says/does" outline (00:26:15)** Sara explains the "says/does" outline as a helpful tool for authors to reflect on their writing and ensure effective communication of the story. **Reading recommendations (00:30:41)** Sara shares her current reading list and recommends a book she finds relatable. **Creativity and self-doubt (00:34:25)** Sara discusses the challenges of maintaining creativity and self-belief in a competitive publishing industry. **Humor in storytelling (00:37:00)** Sara discusses the refreshing humor in "Murder on a School Night" and the importance of originality in storytelling. **Book Banning and Publishing (00:38:50)** Discussion on book banning, including the pushback faced and examples of flagged content, and the importance of not letting it influence acquisitions. **Reading and Writing with Love (00:43:25)** The significance of reading as a writer, advice to read with joy and love, and the act of writing as an invitation to share one's experience and heart. **Where to Find Sara Online (00:44:39)** Sara's online presence, including her Twitter handle, website, and involvement with the Manuscript Academy. Sara Schonfeld is an editor at HarperCollins Children’s, working on picture books, middle grade, and teen. After starting her publishing career at Penguin Random House, she joined HarperCollins in 2019. She lives in New York City, and spends most of her time reading, kickboxing, baking, or generally pretending she’s in a Nora Ephron film. As an author and an editor, she approaches each project with curiosity. Her goal is to ask the questions that get an author inspired and help them uncover the heart of their story—whatever feeling inspired them to put words to paper, and whatever feeling they hope readers take away from the final book.…
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1 Research, Marketing & Successful Small Press Publishing with Author JB Harris 54:03
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSometimes publishing your novel takes an unexpected route. In today's episode, Jessica and Julie speak with author JB Harris to discuss how she pivoted when agents told her the manuscript she'd been working on for 11 years would be hard to break out during COVID. We cover querying, finding the right small traditional publisher, and how to market yourself as a published author without an agent. Transcript here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-jb-harris Learn more about JB here: https://www.jbharrisbooks.com/historical-fiction TIMESTAMPS: Researching historical details (00:07:40) JB Harris talks about her research process and how she incorporated historical details into her novel to create a sense of time and place. Real-life inspiration (00:10:57) JB Harris shares the personal story behind her novel and how she discovered a family mystery that inspired the book. Navigating writing about real people (00:13:41) JB Harris discusses the transition from non-fiction to fiction and offers advice on navigating the sensitivities of writing about real people. The marketing plan (00:20:41) JB Harris talks about her unique marketing plan, including guerrilla marketing and reaching out to bookstores. Publishing without an agent (00:21:03) JB Harris explains her decision to publish without an agent and the challenges she faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Crafting emails and bookstore visits (00:24:35) JB Harris discusses her approach to contacting bookstores and the tactics she uses to promote her book. Targeted marketing and meta tags (00:29:29) The hosts discuss the use of meta tags and targeted marketing to reach specific audiences for JB Harris's book. Navigating small press publishing (00:33:50) JB Harris provides advice for authors considering publishing with a small press, emphasizing the importance of research and contract review. The pressure of setting books in different time periods (00:40:38) Authors discuss the saturation of historical fiction around World War II and the excitement of exploring lesser-known historical periods. Perseverance and growth as a writer (00:44:30) The importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and personal growth in the journey of becoming a successful writer.…
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1 How To Build Romantic Tension In Any Genre with Author Lynn Painter 58:18
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe’ve never seen a romantic comedy like this one! Happily Never After breaks ALL* the rom com rules, while still maintaining tension, interest, narrative arcs, and everything you need in a satisfying read. Learn the rules our favorite way—by watching Lynn breaks them, succeed, and tell you how she did it. Whatever your genre, a romantic element adds emotional range, a break from anything difficult in your narrative, and something we can understand—even if the rest of your story could never happen on Earth. Learn more about Lynn and Happily Never After at https://lynnpainter.com. Transcript here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-lynn-painter Timestamps Modern Rom-Com Trends (00:00:33) Discussion about the modern and timely aspects of Lynn Painter's rom-com book and the trend in rom-coms. Lynn Painter's Writing Journey (00:01:14) Lynn shares her 15-year writing journey, including switching to young adult (YA) and contemporary romance, and finally finding success during the pandemic. Understanding Option Clause (00:02:39) Lynn explains the option clause in book contracts and how it impacted her writing process. The Long Game of Writing (00:04:17) Discussion about the 15-year journey and the importance of continuous writing and learning in the process. Challenges of Querying (00:08:18) Lynn shares her experience with querying, the importance of a unique story, and the challenges of finding an agent. Writing within Romance Genre (00:10:51) Exploration of how to make contemporary romance stand out within the genre's constraints and the significance of adding urgency and uniqueness to the story. The Genesis of "Happily Never After" (00:12:03) Lynn discusses the origin of her book's idea and how it evolved into "Happily Never After." Dual Point of View in Romance (00:16:44) Lynn explains her preference for dual point of view in writing romance and how it helps to show what makes the other person attractive. Maintaining Tension (00:24:45) Lynn shares her struggle with pacing and the use of tension in romance novels. Revealing Subtext (00:25:39) The discussion on maintaining tension and revealing just enough information in the romance genre. Micro Moments (00:35:51) The joy of incorporating small details to enhance the story and character dynamics. Rom Com Genre Advice (00:38:12) Lynn advises aspiring rom com writers to focus on incorporating humor and visualizing their stories as rom com movies. The importance of writing what you love (00:39:26) Advice on finding joy in writing, aligning with personal traits, and avoiding mismatched genres. The role of critique partners and writing support (00:46:29) Discussion of the author's experience with a supportive writing group and the impact of having trusted critique partners. Empowerment in expressing personal desires in romance (00:54:02) Exploration of a character's empowerment in expressing personal desires in a romantic context. Advice for writers (00:57:27) The importance of setting aside regular time to write and its impact on the author's writing journey. *Ok, there are probably some we forgot about that she doesn’t break, but it’s definitely an outside of the box read in the very best way.…
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1 Red And Green Flags When Querying Agents with Agent Emmy Nordstrom Higdon 1:13:28
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are thrilled to welcome Emmy Nordstrom Higdon, agent at Westwood Creative Associates, to talk with us about the red and green flags when querying agents--how you can show (mostly) green flags, recognize agent red flags, and give yourself the best odds of a positive, productive working relationship. Learn more about Emmy and book a consultation here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/emmy-nordstrom-higdon Transcript at: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-emmy-nordstrom-higdon-agent-red-flags Timestamps: **Emmy's #MSWL (00:00:35)** Emmy discusses their soft opening to queries, their genre preferences, and the type of writing they're looking for this year. **Top Reasons For Rejection (00:07:07)** The challenges faced by authors in querying, including the lack of research and the competitive nature of the process. **Query Letter Length and Precision (00:13:31)** Emmy and the hosts discuss the ideal length and precision of query letters to capture an agent's interest. **Query Letter and Comps (00:19:50)** Importance of query letter personalization and clever comp selections. **Agency Agreement and Communication Style (00:28:54)** Discussion on agency agreements and the importance of effective communication style between authors and agents. **Online Presence Expectations (00:34:03)** The significance of an author's online presence and the issue of leveraging agents during the query process. **Editorial Style As A Red Or Green Flag (00:38:38)** Agents and authors discussing editorial changes and flexibility, green flag indicators. **Honest Communication (00:40:21)** Importance of honest communication in the author-agent relationship and the manifestation process for finding the right fit. **Author-Agent Questions (00:42:32)** The significance of authors asking targeted, specific questions, and the red flag of excessive or generic queries. **Agent's Questions and Interest (00:43:26)** The importance of agents asking relevant questions and showing interest in an author's goals, with red flag indicators. **Author Vulnerability (00:46:42)** The value of authors expressing fears and concerns, and the agent's response as a green or red flag indicator. **Unrealistic Promises (00:49:13)** Discussion on agents making unrealistic promises and the red flag it presents for authors. **Decision Timeframe (00:49:59)** The reasonable timeframe for authors to make a decision when receiving an offer from an agent. **Nudge Process (00:55:20)** The nudge process, its impact on agents, and the balance between author's anxiety and clear communication. **The timestamp's title (time it starts)** short description, with max 20 words, of what is covered in this topic. **Agent's Response Time and Prioritization (00:57:11)** Discussion about agents' response time and prioritization of manuscripts based on genre and offers. **Communication and Politeness with Agents (00:58:15)** Advice on maintaining friendly and polite communication with agents and understanding their workload and time constraints. **Editorial Expectations and Red Flags (00:59:52)** Exploring editorial expectations, red flags related to agent's editorial approach, and the importance of aligning expectations. **Expectations and Realistic Publishing Goals (01:02:07)** Discussion on setting realistic publishing goals, understanding audience expectations, and potential red flags. **Agent-Author Relationship and Expectations (01:06:02)** Managing expectations, dealing with rejection, and ensuring the agent's support during challenging situations. **Agent-Author Communication and Feedback (01:08:15)** Advice on maintaining open communication, avoiding scarcity mentality, and addressing concerns with agents in a constructive manner. **Understanding Agents' Logic and Communication (01:12:13)** Importance of understanding agents' reasoning and maintaining open communication for a successful author-agent relationship.…
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1 Writing Dialogue That Brings Complicated Characters To Life with Author Karen Outen 50:24
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedEven our podcast editor describes author Karen Outen as "a breath of fresh air." After twenty years of work, her book, Dixon Descending, features two brothers with a seemingly impossible goal: To be the first Black American men to summit Everest. We discuss how Karen learned to write realistic dialogue that jumps off the page, her publishing journey of more than 20 years, and how to pitch complicated ideas--and know when they're ready to send to agents. Karen Outen’s fiction has appeared in Glimmer Train, The North American Review, Essence, and elsewhere. She is a 2018 recipient of the Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers Award and has been a fellow at both the Institute for the Humanities at the University of Michigan and the Pew Fellowships in the Arts. She received an MFA from the University of Michigan. She lives in Maryland. Transcript here: http://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-karen-outen The journey to Everest (00:00:43) Karen discusses the audacious journey of Dixon and Nate to summit Mount Everest, the challenges they face, and the consequences of their actions. The fascination with Mount Everest (00:02:15) Karen and the unnamed guest discuss the allure of writing about Mount Everest and the unique experience of researching and writing about mountain climbing. The concept of "second-tier fun" (00:04:29) The guests delve into the concept of "second-tier fun," discussing the challenges and rewards of writing and mountain climbing, and the enjoyment found in retrospect. The mountain as a living force (00:05:39) Karen and the hosts explore the idea of Mount Everest as an embodied force, discussing the climbers' relationship with the mountain and its impact on their experiences. Karen's publishing journey (00:07:10) Karen shares her long journey to publishing her novel, including the challenges, rejections, and the support she received from the writing community. The importance of writer friends (00:10:04) The discussion revolves around the significance of having a supportive community of writer friends and the impact of their encouragement and guidance. Finding inspiration for the book (00:11:17) Karen reads the opening page of "Dixon Descending" and discusses the process of refining the first page and the structure of the novel. The journey of character development (00:13:24) Karen shares her process of discovering the central theme of the book and the challenges of structuring the narrative to balance the present and the past. Exploring consequences and character stakes (00:16:17) The conversation focuses on the development of character stakes, the consequences faced by Dixon, and the complexities of his relationships and responsibilities. The dynamics of dialogue (00:22:36) The discussion centers on the distinct and vivid dialogue in the book, and Karen shares insights and tips on writing compelling dialogue. Revision Process (00:31:28) Insights into the author's revision process, including techniques and the role of feedback from readers. Bravery in Publishing (00:34:30) The author's perseverance and challenges faced in the publishing journey. Pitching Complicated Work (00:46:18) Tips for summarizing complex stories and knowing when a manuscript is ready for submission. Efficiency and Core of the Story (00:47:24) Understanding the efficiency of storytelling and presenting the core of the narrative.…
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1 Personal, Political, Published: Finding Agents For Important, Sensitive Topics with Annie Cardi 1:05:07
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedCONTENT WARNING: Mentions of abortion, grooming, assault. Annie Cardi's new book, Red, is a very modern take on The Scarlet Letter. Today, Annie joins Jessica and Julie to discuss the importance of tough topics in YA novels, how to create "quiet" books that pack a punch, and writing advice for new authors. Transcript here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-annie-cardi We discuss: Teaching teens relationship red flags Fiction as a safe space for difficult conversations The power of supportive community Being a good literary citizen Finding the right agent for you-even if it means making tough choices Annie Cardi is the author of young adult novels. Her first book, The Chance You Won’t Return, received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, and was named a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year for 2015. She has an MFA from Emerson College, and she currently lives with her family and dog in the Boston area. Learn more about Annie here: https://www.anniecardi.com/about Timestamps: Annie Cardi's writing process and journey to finding an agent (00:01:07) Differences between first and second book publication (00:03:59) Reading of the first page and foreshadowing (00:07:30) Character development and relationships (00:13:26) Navigating sensitive topics in the publishing industry (00:16:01) Creating tension and emotional range in the story (00:18:13) Creating a quiet book with commercial appeal (00:22:55) Content warnings and their importance (00:27:26) Using storytelling to educate about manipulation and red flags (00:32:05) Navigating agent relationships (00:48:46) Community support (00:52:16) Being a good literary citizen (00:57:57)…
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1 Building Character, Enhancing POV, and Principles of (E)motion with Author Sara Read 40:32
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedA smart, poignant novel perfect for fans of Lessons in Chemistry “An incredible STEMinist read.”—The Honey Pop Transcript, timestamps and video clips here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-sara-read Join Julie and Jessica as they talk to the fabulous Sara Read, the author of the recent book Principles of (E)motion. Trust us when we say it'll make you swoon--and get excited for math like you've never thought possible. We discuss Sara's fascinating leapfrog writing approach, finding an agent, and making characters see each other in rich, dynamic ways. Before she started writing fiction, Sara got a degree in Women’s Studies from U.C. Santa Cruz. She tried the nine-to-five life for about a nanosecond before moving to rural Virginia to become a flute-maker’s apprentice and traditional fiddle player. Some years and two babies later, she returned to school for a Masters in Nursing. A cancer survivor herself, she now has the privilege of caring for cancer patients as a nurse. JOHANNA PORTER IS NOT SORRY, released in March 2023, was her debut novel. Her latest novel, PRINCIPLES OF (E)MOTION comes out January 2024. Sara's short stories have been featured in The Missouri Review, Beloit Fiction Journal, and Zone 3 Press, and she has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She is represented by Laura Bradford of Bradford Literary Agency. Sara is co-host of #MomsWritersClub, a Twitter/X community and YouTube channel. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband, two teens, a terrier, and three snarky cats.…
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1 Rejection Interpretation, Pivots & Annual Submission Strategy Workshop (January 23-25) 11:01
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJoin our workshop here! https://manuscriptacademy.com/product/three-day-submission-strategy-workshop Are you a writer thinking about querying? Or have you already queried, and you're worried that a rejection you received means you should pivot, edit for months, or--worst of all--give up? This is for you. Listen in on how we'll interpret rejections, help you do your research, workshop with you, support you, and invite an agent panel to go over your work. Whether you're ready to query now or sometime in the next year, this is a great way to train your brain to overcome negativity bias, see your process objectively--and make the best decisions for you, this book, and your whole writing career.…
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1 "Good Enough" Versus Fit: Executive Editor Erica Finkel On Improving Your Odds Of Yes 49:40
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe're thrilled to welcome Abrams editor Erica Finkel to the podcast to discuss editorial board meetings, the top reasons writers get rejected--and how "fit" means far more than you'd think. Book a meeting with Erica here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/erica-finkel Erica Finkel (she/her) is an Executive Editor for Amulet Books and Abrams Books for Young Readers. Before starting at Abrams in 2010, she was, among other things, an English teacher in France, a theater-camp counselor, and an ice-cream scooper. Erica focuses primarily on chapter books and middle-grade novels and is honored to work with many bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators, including Andrea Beaty, David Roberts, Mac Barnett, Tom Angleberger, and Ellen Potter. Some books she’s edited that are particularly dear to her include Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher, Game Changer by Tommy Greenwald, The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz, Once Upon an Eid edited by S. K. Ali and Aisha Saeed, Fraidyzoo by Thyra Heder, and a picture-book biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (her hero) by Jonah Winter. When she gets the chance to read a non-Abrams book, she particularly enjoys the work of Gary D. Schmidt, Maggie Stiefvater, Kristin Cashore, and Rainbow Rowell. Her favorite genres are contemporary realistic, fantasy, and magical realism, and she is not the best fit for thrillers or nonfiction. Check out her work here: https://www.pinterest.com/ericafinkel/books-ive-edited/ Transcript: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-erica-finkel Timestamps: Erica Finkel's background (00:00:42) Erica Finkel, an executive editor at Abrams Books for Young Readers and Amulet Books, discusses her role and experience in the publishing industry. Career in publishing (00:02:55) Erica Finkel shares her journey into publishing, from internships to her current role, highlighting the value of education and personal growth. Editorial autonomy and collaboration (00:08:02) Exploration of the balance between an editor's individual taste and the imprint's identity, discussing the collaborative process of shaping a list. Book acquisition and fit for the list (00:09:35) Insight into the importance of a book's similarity and difference within the imprint's list, considering marketing, sales, and readers' perspectives. Editorial decision-making process (00:13:37) Erica Finkel shares the challenges of evaluating and selecting manuscripts, highlighting the emotional and practical aspects of the decision-making process. Advice for writers (00:18:05) Erica Finkel's advice for writers, emphasizing the value of industry education, extensive reading, and understanding market demands. The vision (00:21:20) The risk and reward of seeing the potential in a manuscript despite potential rejection. Understanding the child reader (00:21:36) Considering comprehension, readability, and authenticity in children's literature. Avoiding stereotypes in children's literature (00:22:22) Emphasizing the need for nuance and authenticity in portraying childhood experiences. Editorial and acquisitions meetings (00:29:32) Insight into the casual and collaborative nature of editorial and acquisitions meetings. Pub board decision-making (00:31:18) The process of evaluating and deciding on book acquisitions involving multiple departments. Book success and in-house support (00:35:29) The importance of in-house support in setting a book up for success. The role of Twitter in book promotion (00:39:12) Discussion of the impact of social media and conflicts in the book industry. Overcoming writers' fears (00:40:15) Addressing common fears of writers and dispelling misconceptions about the publishing process. Tips for querying agents (00:44:01) Advice for writers on targeting junior agents and personalizing query letters. Making queries compelling (00:46:03) Insight into what agents can do to make their queries stand out and be more likely to be read by editors.…
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1 Seventh Annual Holiday Party with Kaitlyn Sanchez, Linda Camacho, Kiana Nguyen & Stephanie Winter 1:05:42
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are thrilled to welcome you to the replay of our SEVENTH (woo hoo!) Annual Holiday Party. In this event, writers nominated writers for feedback from our agent panel. Each agent chose a nominator-nominee pair to come up, read their work, and receive support and feedback in front of our audience. Our agents are: Kaitlyn Sanchez, Bradford Literary Linda Camacho, Gallt & Zacker Literary Kiana Nguyen, Donald Maass Literary Stephanie Winter, P.S. Literary Transcript here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-seventh-annual-holiday-party The Holiday Party (00:00:33) The hosts express their gratitude and excitement for the attendees and share their appreciation for the writing community. Success from a Story Prompt Contest (00:03:02) A writer shares their success story after winning a story prompt contest at a previous holiday party and how it led to the publication of their book. Introducing the Agents (00:04:11) The agents introduce themselves, share their experiences, and express their excitement to be part of the writing community. Discussion about Fibonacci Sequence Picture Book with Kaitlyn Sanchez (00:13:06) Agents discuss the uniqueness and potential of a picture book about the Fibonacci sequence, praising the storytelling and offering feedback on the story and query. Feedback on a YA Contemporary query and first page with agent Linda Camacho (00:22:57) Agents discuss the strengths of Heather's query and first page, including the strong voice, vivid imagery, and emotional connection, while also providing suggestions for improvement. Discussion on an Adult Thriller query with Kiana Nguyen (00:34:41) The thriller query and opening pages (00:42:49) Kiana discusses the importance of clarity in query packages and provides feedback on the opening pages of a thriller manuscript. Discussion of a memoir with Stephanie Winter (00:48:30) Agents discuss the potential and unique elements of Paige's memoir, including the post-9/11 setting and the protagonist's experiences in Italy. Agent Q&A (00:53:34) An author expresses their hope to query in 2024, and agents offer encouragement and advice. Agents discuss trends in science fiction and fantasy (01:02:21) Agents mention the increasing interest in cozy fantasy and the potential for cozy sci-fi, as well as the importance of having a social media following for fiction authors. The importance of imprint and editors (01:03:08) Agents discuss their approach to submitting projects to specific imprints and editors based on the story and market fit. Considering imprints and editors for submissions (01:03:36) Agents share their thoughts on how they consider specific imprints and editors when thinking about where to submit a project. Gratitude and appreciation for the writing community (01:04:28) The hosts express their gratitude for the support and community within the writing community and how it has been a positive experience.…
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1 December Announcements: Classes, Mystery Agent + Our FREE Holiday Party 6:46
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe can’t wait—what an exciting month! December 5, 8:30pm ET: Our You Belong Here class with Nancy Tandon and Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo: https://manuscriptacademy.com/you-belong-here December 6, 1pm ET: For Members, we have our Mystery Agent consultation with Jenissa Graham. Apply to be on the next one here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/mystery-agent December 6, 3pm ET: Meetings go live for Members December 8, 3pm ET: Meetings go live for non-members December 12, 8:30pm ET: Member workshop with Anna Conathan December 18, 8:30pm ET: Holiday party—FREE and open to all! Register here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/rsvp Questions? Drop us a line at https://manuscriptacademy.com/contact…
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1 Live Q&A + Collaborative Query Consultations With Editor Jonathan Baker 58:18
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedQuery writing is a craft in and of itself and so often, even the experts disagree on the best approach (hint: that just means there are number of ways to write an amazing query!). Today we're joined by the very talented, multi-hyphenate writer, coach, and former copy editor, reader, bookseller, and more, Jonathan Baker, who answers your rapid-fire querying questions. Learn more athttps://manuscriptacademy.com/collaborative-query-consultation…
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1 How To Talk To Your Family About Writing: A Holiday Pep Talk (Replay) 10:56
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThis pep talk was inspired by that extremely uncomfortable phenomenon of going home for the holidays, only to be grilled by your relatives. It was made with the generous contributions of writers just like you. We hope this will give you some cheer when your family asks, "Soooo--are you still writing?" "Are you a New York Times bestseller yet?" "How much money do you make?" Explaining the writing life to your family can be hard, especially during the holidays. So when they start asking you why you don't have a movie deal yet/how many copies your book has sold/why you don't just hit Upload and become a bestseller, pop in your earbuds, crank up this podcast, and remind yourself you're not alone. Please note: there is some (very justified, we think) swearing in this podcast. To make your season a little brighter, we asked writers to tell us what works--and doesn't work--when discussing the writing life with your family. How do you keep the kids occupied? What do you say to those awkward questions? And how--with all the holiday craziness--do you find time for your work? We are thrilled to have the following contributors (in order of appearance, after the names montage). Find them on Twitter and thank them for being awesome! 2:24 Brandon Hoang @BrandonHoang_ 2:50 Ted Fox @TheTedFox 2:56 Tiffany Meuret @TMeuretBooks 3:03 Bethany Telles @BethanyTelles 2:26 Denise Mealy @DCCMealy 3:50 Writer from Texas 4:04 Caitlin O'Connell @Caitlin_Renata 4:10 Heather Smith @SmithWriter 4:20 Eileen 4:30 Pam Barney @lifewithBarns 4:38 Caitlin O'Connell @Caitlin_Renata 4:43 Mehr Lee @mehr_lee 4:50 Heather Smith @SmithWriter 4:59 Mehr Lee @mehr_lee 5:24 Kelly Schluterman @kmschluterman1 5:43 Writer from Texas 5:51 Lara Ruth Ziobro @lararuthz 6:06 Sharon Chriscoe @schriscoe_ 6:17 Ozma Bryant @ozma_bryant 6:33 Caroline @Keep_Tha_Faith 7:02 Marcela Ferreira @mlmfd 7:25 Jessica Kapp @JessKapp 7:58 Bethany Telles @BethanyTelles 8:10 Jessica Kapp @JessKapp 8:35 Kelly Schluterman @kmschluterman1 8:47 Pam Barney @lifewithBarns 9:04 Mehr Lee @mehr_lee 9:21 Caroline @Keep_Tha_Faith 10:09 Writer from Texas 10:29 Ozma Bryant @ozma_bryant 11:06 Sharon Chriscoe @schriscoe_…
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1 MSWL Live Agent Panel with T.S Ferguson, Kelly Van Sant, Jenissa Graham + Claire Harris 1:04:59
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn October, we wrapped up the month with a deliciously spooky Halloween #MSWL panel. Join us for a live panel recording with agents T.S Ferguson, Kelly Van Sant, Jenissa Graham, and Claire Harris as they take us through their creepy wishlists and fun bookish activities. But even if you’re writing serious nonfiction, or in a completely other genre, this is a great view into what agents love within genres—and how agenting, in general, works. With Q&A, trivia, live #MSWL and a class on dialogue, this is a fun event we’re thrilled to share. Want YOUR genre to be the theme for our next panel? Vote here!manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live Prefer to watch the video version? Check it out here! manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live-sff Today’s episode includes (in order of appearance): *T.S. Ferguson, agent at Azantian Literary, with a Flash Fiction Showcase *Jenissa Graham, agent at Bookends Literary, with a query critique *Kelly Van Sant, agent at KT a Literary Agency, with a craft class on Tension & Stakes *Claire Harris, agent at PS Literary, with an example of a query that worked for her--and the author whose book is coming out this year. Today’s event was filmed in front of our Manuscript Academy members. Want to be there live next time? Join us! Learn more here: manuscriptacademy.com/membership…
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1 You Belong Here: Middle Grade Voice, Success Via Community, & The Rule of 100 with Nancy Tandon 59:44
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJoin us December 5 for Nancy’s class, You Belong Here (meant to alleviate the “walking with your cafeteria tray toward the popular kids’ table” feeling of pitching agents): https://manuscriptacademy.com/you-belong-here After an exceptionally rocky entry to publishing—including a *five year* delay—Nancy Tandon is a well-regarded Middle Grade writer who manages to make her voice (and mystery!) age appropriate, her worlds intriguing—and the plot lines *just* advanced enough that readers of all ages can be surprised and delighted. Nancy Tandon is a children’s book author who loves sharing all kinds of stories. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, a speech-language pathologist, and an adjunct professor of Phonetics and Child Language Development, all of which helped plant seeds for stories about awesome kids doing brave things. Her debut middle grade novel, The Way I Say It (Charlesbridge, 2022) was an American Booksellers Association Indies Introduce and Indies Next pick as well as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. She is also the author of The Ghost of Spruce Point, forthcoming from Aladdin/Simon & Schuster (2022). Born and raised in Michigan, Nancy now lives with her family in Connecticut. Learn more about her at https://nancytandon.com/.…
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1 The Rejections That Hurt Most: Author-Agent Empathy, Revision & Rejection As Protection 41:54
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so happy to welcome Monica Rodriguez, agent at Context Literary, to the podcast! Not only is Monica Jessica’s Agency colleague in charge of Brand Management (and helping writers promote their work), she’s also an agent with expertise in branding, marketing, and helping creatives refine their ideas. Plus, she’s an agented writer on submission, so she has empathy for both sides of the desk. We talk about which rejections to ignore, when to incorporate edits, the author-agent empathy gap, and whether rejections for clients or her own writing hurt more (you may be surprised). We also love a happy story of how she celebrated the recent sale of one of her books, and how she plans to do the same in the future. Want to meet with Monica? Book a time here! manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/monica-rodriguez…
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1 Starting Soon! Unputdownable: Write A Book Agents Can't Stop Thinking About 3:20
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedStarting today (we promise you're not too late!), join us for a Three-Day Workshop: Unputdownable: Write A Book Agents Can't Stop Thinking About. It's three classes, daily forums, a thriving workshop community, live Q&A and a first pages feedback panel. This workshop includes: *Class: Banner Days - have the reader looking forward and backward, imagining how characters and situations will interact–giving surprise, delight and grounding *Class: Truth as Structure - strategically decide, from the narrator to the reader to the main character to the antagonist, who knows what when *Class: Proactivity & Misbehavior - keep your characters active, sympathetic, imperfect, at a crossroads–and full of agency *Daily Workshopping with your new best writer friends (seriously! You are all so lovely) *Live Q&A *Live Feedback Panel ***Please note that everything can be done on your schedule.*** All materials will be up until November 27, and you have the same odds of feedback whether you attend live or send your work and watch the replay. Hope you can join us! FREE Workshop preview here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/your-emotional-stakes Get your Unputdownable Three-Day Workshop ticket ($49) here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/product/unputdownable-three-day-workshop…
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1 Finding Your Agent, Political Fiction, Hopeful Dystopias & The Chaperone with M Hendrix 1:00:57
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJoin us in a lively conversation with debut author M Hendrix, whose book The Chaperone came out this year with Sourcebooks! From finding an agent and pitching your book during the pandemic, finding hope in dystopian novels, and making YA fun for teens to read, we cover this and more! M Hendrix (she/her) is the author of The Chaperone, published by Sourcebooks Fire on June 6, 2023. M earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Indiana University before studying literature and creative writing in graduate school, receiving her master’s degree from Miami University and her doctorate from the University of Cincinnati, where she was a Taft Fellow. She has been nominated five times for the Pushcart Prize and was shortlisted for the Aesthetica creative writing award. She has also served on the SCBWI Midsouth conference committee. She is represented by John Cusick of Folio Literary. Her work has appeared in Newsweek, Aesthetica, The Independent, USA Today, The Vestal Review, Psychology Today, The Satirist, Nzuri, The Haven, Letters to Dead Authors, Medium, 2nd & Church, Word Salad, Quirk, Cairn, Gravity Hill, the Louisville Courier-Journal, the Bowling Green Daily News, and more. She is the author of two previous books: a memoir and a collection of stories. The Chaperone is her first published novel. Born in Baltimore and raised in New Jersey, M has lived in twelve states, visited all of the lower 48, and now resides in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with her husband, New York Times bestselling suspense novelist David Bell. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has bestowed on her its highest honor, that of Kentucky Colonel. When M isn’t reading or writing, she’s on the move—running, biking, swimming, hiking, and kayaking—and loves to compete in local triathlons. To learn more about M, go to mhendrixwrites.com.…
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1 Second Books, Second Agents, & Second Chance Hotel: Live Q&A with Author Sierra Godfrey 52:38
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are thrilled to welcome Sierra Godfrey, author of The Second Chance Hotel and A Very Typical Family, to the Member Lounge. Sierra, along with Mike Chen, built the first ManuscriptWishList.com, and her work as an author is charming, funny, romantic—and set on the gorgeous fictional Greek island of Asteri. There, her main character accidentally marries a handsome traveler—and, together, they accidentally inherit a hotel. What follows is a fun, escapist, sophisticated story of finding yourself even when it means giving up everything you’ve known. So we invited her for a Q&A with our members. Learn more about our Member Lounge here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/member-lounge We talk about: *Finding a second agent *Why the agent offer call is likely to only show you a small percentage of an agent’s thoughts on your book *Whether they “pre pitch” before you’re even working together *Is everything in Publishing really harder than it ever was? *How a story on the radio while sitting in traffic inspired the story *How to write likable, but significantly flawed, characters *How do you spot a red flag in an agent? Sierra says: Hello! I am the author of A Very Typical Family (Sourcebooks 2022) and The Second Chance Hotel (September 12, 2023) also from Sourcebooks. I am extremely flattered that you have come to see who I am! I was born in Santa Cruz, California (which is where A Very Typical Family is set!) and have lived in many places, including Santorini, Greece, when I was a kid. By day I’m a technical writer and have also been a graphic designer ad a credentialed sports writer covering Spanish football for several online sports sites. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area with my husband and two sons, as well as a lot of animals that include a dog, two cats, and a turtle, which seems like a lot, and is.…
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1 Nonfiction With Voice, Subrights & Anti-AI Clauses with Agent Dani Segelbaum 46:02
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so happy to welcome Dani Segelbaum, Vice President, Literary Agent, and Subsidiary Rights Director at Carol Mann Agency. We discuss how the best nonfiction is an experience, how it relates to platform and the real world, how sub rights tie in—and why it’s so much easier to get Anti-AI clauses in contracts for books abroad. Dani Segelbaum joined the Carol Mann Agency in 2021 as a literary agent and subrights manager. She is interested in both fiction and non-fiction. Dani is seeking non-fiction titles with an emphasis on politics, women’s issues, popular culture, and current events. Dani also loves memoir, narrative non-fiction, lifestyle, and cookbooks. In fiction, she is looking for literary and upmarket adult fiction including debut, historical, rom-coms, and women’s fiction. In both fiction and non-fiction, Dani hopes to work with authors from diverse backgrounds to tell stories that are important to them. She loves compelling narrators and is drawn to writing that is voice-driven, highly transporting, and features unique perspectives and marginalized voices. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Dani is a graduate of Boston University’s College of Communication where she studied journalism and political science. She has been a voracious reader for as long as she can remember. Dani began her publishing career as an editorial assistant at HarperCollins Publishers, focusing primarily on highly designed non-fiction titles. Dani spends her free time walking her Aussiedoodle named Dottie and trying new restaurants. Her guilty pleasures include cookbooks (seriously, she has way too many), reading the newspaper in the middle of the night, and baking dozens of delicious baked goods for friends and family (she does use the cookbooks).…
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1 Three Query Drafts: Good, Better, AMAZING with Author Julia Alexandra 47:57
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJoin us for a deep dive into query revisions with YA fantasy writer, Julia! Julia and Jessica have spent the last few months in revisions, taking a good query and transforming it into an amazing one. Today we share all the insights learned from this process, how to be resilient, receive feedback, and make your pitch pop. Julia's bio: I am a graduate student in mental health counseling with a tendency to scribble plot points in the margins of my school notes. I am a member of SCBWI, Manuscript Academy, and I live with my twin sister in Orlando, Florida. When I’m not writing, you can find me on local weekend adventures and adding to my growing wall of bookish fanart. Draft one (with Jessica's notes): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q6SToxSTa4Cgr_talxIEdWdJ9Tx87B19/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109573504283059747627&rtpof=true&sd=true Draft three (with Jessica's notes): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-PL-la1mUNcZvs-JekTa6YY_JPcv2A2U/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109573504283059747627&rtpof=true&sd=true…
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1 Perseverance & Positivity With Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez, Bradford Literary 44:38
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe love Kaitlyn! She’s so happy, perceptive, kind, and talented—AND a literary agent who’s created community for her writers, a strong sales track record, and a team of authors—all while being a full-time math teacher, educating young minds. Book a meeting with her here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/kaitlyn-sanchez Kaitlyn Sanchez (she/her) joined Bradford Literary in 2022 with two years of agenting experience under her belt. Kaitlyn is the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week as well as creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest. As a mom, wife, and middle school math teacher, Kaitlyn enjoys playing soccer, binge-watching TV shows, and, of course, reading, especially when she’s all cozied up with her husband and daughter reading together. Kaitlyn is an editorial agent and always works with her clients to make sure we’re putting out their best work. She’s highly communicative and invested in every aspect of helping her clients have a strong and happy career. Kaitlyn is looking for children’s books (picture books through YA) in all categories, including graphic novels, nonfiction, and illustration. She is incredibly eclectic in her tastes, with a great affinity for emotional stories as well as funny stories. Kaitlyn is always looking for diversity in all forms, including but not limited to BIPOC, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+. Kaitlyn loves working with artists, so she’s always on the lookout for great illustrators, author-illustrators, and graphic novelists. Note: Kaitlyn generally leans PG and PG-13 for most submissions, though some intensity here and there is fine.…
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1 Plotting for Pantsers, Synopsis Success, & Answering YOUR Questions with Agent Taj McCoy 43:24
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedDo you have a book that's "No plot, just vibes"? We're here to support you! Join agent Taj McCoy to discuss how to feel good from Draft One to Done. We talk about how subconscious themes, sensory details, and putting new twists on familiar tropes can bring your work to life. We love how Taj talks about starting with the layers you know best first so that you have the motivation to continue--and start from a strong, confident place. Plus: When do agents read your synopsis? (Hint: We disagree!) We also talk about how to make your first page sing for contests, even when word count requirements vary and you want to end with a line of your choice--and then answer YOUR questions from Twitter. Want to meet with Taj? Head to https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/taj-mccoy. Oakland-born law grad, Taj McCoy, is committed to writing stories championing Black and biracial women of color, plus-sized protagonists, Black love, Black joy, and characters with a strong sense of sisterhood and familial bonds. Taj started writing as a small child, enjoying the success of her first publications in elementary school. Since then, her dream has always been to become a professional writer. As a law student, she attempted her first novels and joined the Twitter writing community. Though Taj has spent more than ten years working in higher education administration, she continued to pursue her goal and ultimately finished her first novel in 2018, securing her agent in 2019. Her Adult Fiction is published through Mira/HQN. Taj trained as an agent under Fuse Literary, having previously served as Pitch Wars mentor and co-program manager for Diverse Voices, Inc.’s DVdebut program before joining Rees Literary Agency in 2022. Taj aims to widen the entryway for marginalized authors into the publishing industry and to normalize Black joy, fat joy, celebrations of culture, and love without limitations. She represents Adult Fiction (contemporary, romance, romcoms, women’s fiction, mystery/thriller), Adult Non-Fiction (memoirs, narratives, cookbooks, satire, empowerment), Children’s Fiction (MG and YA contemporary, mystery, romance, thriller, fantasy), Children’s Non-Fiction (historical narratives, picture books). When she’s not writing or agenting, Taj may be on Twitter boosting other marginalized writers, trying to zen out in yoga, sharing recipes on her website, binge-watching her favorite reality tv, or cooking private supper club meals for close friends. Catch her producing and co-hosting the Fat Like Me Podcast, which celebrates body diversity in publishing and entertainment, or watch her join forces with several writer friends on Sundays for the Better Than Brunch video podcast.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Pitching Fiction On Proposal, Changing Endings & Bestselling Books After 10 Years On Submission 1:02:37
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedContent warning: brief mentions of fictional sexual assault off the page throughout the episode. We are so happy to talk with bestselling author Cameron Kelly Rosenblum, author of The Stepping Off Place and, now, The Sharp Edge of Silence. After ten years on submission, Cameron can now sell fiction without even writing the whole book—making deals off of proposal. We hope this happens for all of you! Cameron Kelly Rosenblum is the author of The Stepping Off Place, named a Kirkus Best Book of 2020 and a Top 10 YA Dealing with Mental Health. Her second novel, The Sharp Edge of Silence, releases 4/11/23 in the US and UK. Her books have been translated into Polish, Russian, Hebrew, and German. Cameron has been a teacher and a children's librarian. She lives on the Maine coast with her family. Learn more about her here: https://www.cameronrosenblum.com/…
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1 Hopeful Rejections, 20 Years on Submission & Accountability To Your Dreams 1:03:44
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJoin us as we take a trip down memory lane with Corey Finkle, the author of picture books, Your Future is Bright and Pop's Perfect Present. From finding your writing community, the power of small but meaningful interactions at conferences and conventions, and seeing the value of every draft, we explore how Corey went from persevering writer to successful published author. Corey Finkle says: I wrote my first book as a senior project, spent ten years tinkering with and pitching it, and finally put it aside after I realized it wasn’t actually very good at all. These days, I would never let anyone read it (though, if asked, I MIGHT let them look at some of the lyrics for the musical adaptation I wrote*). I sold my first book, YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT, almost 20 years to the day after completing that senior project. My second book, POP’S PERFECT PRESENT, came out almost exactly two years after that. Both books are with Holt/Macmillan. When not working on my next book, I spend my time writing business-y words for companies, spending time with my wife and two kids, or collecting t-shirts from unusual or lesser-known sports teams. *Yes, I really did that.…
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1 Writers On Strike: Lessons From WGA For Book Authors with Derek Santos Olson 57:37
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThe more we hear about the Writer’s Guild of America West, the more we wonder why book authors don’t have something similar. Did you know that members of The Writer’s Guild of America receive health insurance (good health insurance!), among many other benefits—all for 1.5% of the member’s yearly profits? Plus, there’s education on the (complicated!) issues, the proposed Anti-AI clause, and an infrastructure to keep writers healthy and happy and writing their best work. We also talk about the magic synergy of the writer’s room, fun stories from behind the scenes, and how to prepare for your first writing job in Hollywood. Derek Santos Olson is a screenwriter who has worked in both film and TV. He wrote on the final two seasons of NBC/DirecTV’s FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS and was nominated for WGA Awards for both seasons. His other TV credits include ABC’s THE UNUSUALS and CBS’ HAWAII FIVE-O. In film, he has sold original pitches and has done rewrite assignments in a variety of genres. He attended Yale University and has enjoyed teaching or tutoring in one capacity or another since shortly after his graduation.…
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1 Bestselling Author Ashley Audrain on Fear, Expectation & Writing Hard Things 27:54
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedToday we have the delightful Ashley Audrain, author of The Push, as we discuss her new book, The Whispers. From the many faces of motherhood, getting inspiration from your neighborhood, pantsing, editing, and creating suspense, we get into what it took to send this book out into the world! ASHLEY AUDRAIN’S debut novel, The Push, was a New York Times, Sunday Times (London), and number-one international bestseller, and a Good Morning America Book Club pick. It has sold in more than forty territories, and a limited television series is currently in development. Audrain previously worked as the publicity director of Penguin Books Canada, and prior to that she worked in public relations. She lives in Toronto, where she and her partner are raising their two young children. Learn more at https://ashleyaudrain.com/.…
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1 Literary Agents of Change: Daniele Hunter and The AALA's New Initiative 34:37
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJoin us as we speak with Daniele Hunter, Junior Agent at McIntosh & Otis, AALA member, and AALA DEI committee and Literary Agents of Change member! Becoming a literary agent is not for the faint of heart. As a passion-led industry that puts up many financial barriers to entry (unpaid internships, sky-high NYC rents, and earnings for many young workers well below a livable wage), publishing has historically been an industry that hires the most privileged. Today we talk about the fundamental need for diversity in publishing and what the AALA is doing to help mitigate those barriers. Learn more about the benefit auction here: https://literaryagentsofchange.org/auction https://twitter.com/litagtsofchange https://www.instagram.com/literaryagentsofchange/ Daniele Hunter (she/her) is a queer, chronically ill, disabled junior agent in the children's department at McIntosh & Otis. She started at McIntosh & Otis in 2016 as an intern and has been there ever since! She has a BA in English with concentrations in Literary Criticism, Poetry, and Creative Writing from Drew University. Prior to agenting, she held various odd jobs in the publishing industry, from proofreading to teaching and working on literary journals. She's also a member of the American Association of Literary Agents and is on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, and co-directs their fellowship program through Literary Agents of Change. In her spare time, she reads way too quickly, sings opera, and puts her ambidexterity to good use as a knitter. She lives in New Jersey with her spouse and their cat.…
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1 Ordinary Time, Extraordinary Time: How Expectations, Power Dynamics & Assumptions Propel Your Reader 11:40
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJoin our Three-Day Workshop, Making & Breaking Status Quo with Anne Elliott, June 13-15, 2023. Tickets are $49 and include daily classes, daily workshops, a live Q&A, and first pages panel--all with replays, on-demand access, and 30 days to view. This podcast episode is a workshop preview for the three days together. Get your ticket here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/product/making-and-breaking-status-quo What you do with the "ordinary" in your story--and how you break it--creates the extraordinary reading experience. You've heard that agents want characters with power and agency (it's some of our top-requested keywords on #MSWL!), but how do you give them power or--even better--teach them to take it? How do you bring a quiet character the courage to speak up? How do you show the ripple effects when they finally do? What hidden consequences come with taking risks, seeking safety, and finding intimacy between your characters? All of these questions make for compelling fiction that explores that human elements AI just can't touch. There so are many things we love about Anne. Her ability to zero in on fiction in a way that feels like an MFA in your computer is among our favorites. Hope you can join us. Anne Elliott is the author of The Artstars: Stories (Indiana University Press) and The Beginning of the End of the Beginning (Ploughshares Solos). Her short fiction can be found in Story, A Public Space, Crab Orchard Review, Witness, Hobart, Bellevue Literary Review, Fifth Wednesday Journal, and elsewhere. Elliott is a veteran of the New York spoken word circuit, with stage credits including The Whitney Museum, Lincoln Center, PS122, and Woodstock ’94. Her fiction has been awarded support from The Story Foundation, Vermont Studio Center, The Normal School, Table 4 Writer’s Foundation, and The Bridport Prize. She holds an MFA in fiction writing from Warren Wilson College, and lives in Portland, Maine. Learn more at http://www.anneelliottstories.com.…
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1 Penguin Random House Senior Executive Editor Sara Sargent on How Editors Choose Books 57:11
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are thrilled to welcome Sara Sargent, Senior Executive Editor at Random House Books for Young Readers, to the podcast. In our cozy member lounge format (rather like a neighborhood potluck, we think, that happens to feature publishing experts), we asked her questions about how editors choose books, how writers get book deals without agents, and the inner workings of a publishing house—and what this means for you when you pitch your book. Want to try out our new “leave a voicemail” feature (in beta)? Check it out here. We can’t wait to hear from you: https://www.podpage.com/the-manuscript-academy/ You can book a meeting with Sara here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/sara-sargent Sara Sargent is a Senior Executive Editor at Random House Books for Young Readers. She has previously held positions at HarperCollins Children’s Books, Simon & Schuster, New York Magazine, and Meet the Press. Sara has worked with New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling authors such as #1 New York Times bestselling authors Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, plus TV star Daymond John, celeb power couple Ciara and Russell Wilson, Olympians Laurie Hernandez and Karen Chen, TV personality Ainsley Earhardt, YouTube star StacyPlays, and fiction writers Abbi Glines, Rosamund Hodge, and Lisa Maxwell. Sara has also worked with internationally bestselling author and actress Lily Collins; National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti; and social media influencers Laci Green, Matthew Espinosa, Baby Ariel, and Arden Rose. Sara received her Master of Science in journalism from Northwestern University. She lives in Brooklyn. Sara is looking for picture books that serve a true purpose—perhaps the perfect bedtime, holiday, potty-training, other-growth-moment story. She loves funny stories with great rhythm and cadence. And she especially loves stories about both identities and childhood experiences that are under-explored and under-served in the current market.…
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1 Making & Breaking Status Quo with Anne Elliott 12:45
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedAnne Elliott is back for her second three-day event! Join us June 13-15 for daily classes, workshops, exercises, Q&A, a live feedback panel, and a supportive writer community as we learn about making and breaking the status quo in your work. Get your ticket here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/anne-workshop ($0 members | $49 nonmembers). What makes this day different from all other days? This course will explore that question from several angles. A break in status quo is often the occasion for story—or the vital climax. How and why do we establish the ordinary for our characters, and how can the ordinary be broken open to reveal new depths of personality, relationships, motivations, and worlds? Through concrete and unpacked examples and exercises, we will add a few key tools to the craft toolbox. This course can be completed on your schedule. Everything will be up for 30 days, replays are available for all events, and your odds of feedback are the same whether you attend live or watch the replay. Anne Elliott is the author of The Artstars: Stories (Indiana University Press) and The Beginning of the End of the Beginning (Ploughshares Solos). Her short fiction can be found in Story, A Public Space, Crab Orchard Review, Witness, Hobart, Bellevue Literary Review, Fifth Wednesday Journal, and elsewhere. Elliott is a veteran of the New York spoken word circuit, with stage credits including The Whitney Museum, Lincoln Center, PS122, and Woodstock ’94. Her fiction has been awarded support from The Story Foundation, Vermont Studio Center, The Normal School, Table 4 Writer’s Foundation, and The Bridport Prize. She holds an MFA in fiction writing from Warren Wilson College, and lives in Portland, Maine. Learn more at http://www.anneelliottstories.com.…
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1 Industry News, Client Insight & How To Be More Human In the Age of AI with Agent Alyssa Jennette 48:36
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedFriends! We have the wonderful Alyssa Jennette of Stonesong Literary Agency joining us today as we tackle the current highlights and worrying dark sides of publishing. Today we chat about the varied approaches to agenting, story creation and AI, how much we need writers, the beautiful moments in publishing and more! Alyssa Jennette joined Stonesong Literary in June 2015 after interning at Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. She graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in Illustration. As a result, she has unique insight and expertise when it comes to design-heavy or illustrated works. Alyssa is a very editorial agent; she finds a lot of joy in shaping stories alongside the author and delights in building long-term partnerships. Alyssa represents children’s and adult fiction and picture books, and has dabbled in humor and pop culture nonfiction. She is especially drawn to diverse voices, ensemble casts, and thorough world-building, plus any book with a format that is specific to the story and gives it its own context. Learn more about Alyssa here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/alyssa-jennette…
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1 Learning From Rejection: A Success Story with Agent-Author Pair Jessie Latimer and Kristen Terrette 47:03
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so excited to welcome the delightful author-agent pair Jessie Latimer and Kristen Terrette, Martin Literary Management. We talk about genre-blending, the power of referrals, editing, and learning from your rejections, as well as Jessie's exciting new submission (her YA protagonist dives into her favorite book to help rewrite the villain's ending!). You can learn more about Kristen here: https://www.martinlit.com and on her website: https://kristenterrette.com. And you can find Jessie on Instagram and TikTok @picnicswithpaperbacks, and on Twitter @_JessieLatimer.…
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1 #MSWL Live Agent Panel: Caitlin McDonald, Samantha Wekstein, Thao Le & Taj McCoy 1:00:43
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThe votes are in! Science Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative & Supernatural won—and we’ve built this panel to that theme. But even if you’re writing serious nonfiction, or in a completely other genre, this is a great view into what agents love within genres—and how agenting, in general, works. With Q&A, trivia, live #MSWL and a class on dialogue, this is a fun event we’re thrilled to share. Want YOUR genre to be the theme for our next panel? Vote here!https://manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live Prefer to watch the video version? Check it out here! https://manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live-sff Today’s episode includes (in order of appearance): *Caitlin McDonald, agent at Donald Maass Literary, with a SF/F Trivia Quiz *Samantha Wekstein, agent at Thompson Liteary, with a query critique *Thao Le, agent at Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency, with a visual #MSWL (check the video version!) presentation *Taj McCoy, agent at Rees Literary, with a class (slides in the video version!) on dialogue Today’s event was filmed in front of our Manuscript Academy members. Want to be there live next time? Join us! Learn more here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/membership…
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1 “This Is What I Love About Agenting”—How Adriann Ranta-Zurhellen Found Joslin Brorsen 29:50
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so happy to welcome happy author-agent pair Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Folio Literary Management, and author Joslin Brorsen, who created a magical written world specifically for her son. We love hearing how they found each other—how Joslin’s work fits right into Adriann’s #MSWL—and their tips for how to find a happy creative partnership. You can learn more about Adriann, and book a meeting with her (starting May 4, 2023) here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/adriann-ranta-zurhellen And you can find Joslin on Instagram @joslinbrorsen…
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1 Bestselling Author Lauren DeStefano on Why You Shouldn’t Aim For A 100 Percent Publication Rate 42:31
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedStarting Tuesday, April 11 (but on your schedule + available for 30 days!): Three Day Workshop: Think Like An Editor, with daily classes, daily interactive workshops (optional homework + exercises), live Q&A and live, interactive feedback panel. Learn more + get your ticket here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/product/think-like-an-editor Get a free class replay, Your Path to Publication, with Shirin here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/your-path-to-publication We are so excited to get to talk with Lauren DeStefano! Not only have we been fans for more than a decade, but she is just so darn cool in person. We talk about power dynamics, having characters live in different genres (the women of her story are living in a thriller; the men think they’re in a romance), and how she still takes creative risks—and why no writer should aim for a 100 percent publication rate. Find her on Instagram @laurendestefano.…
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1 How To Be A Good Literary Citizen In A Time of Books Bans with Tonya Todd 28:42
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedStarting Tuesday, April 11, join our Three-Day Workshop: Think Like An Editor to learn, through classes, workshopping, Q&A and a live panel to be your own best editor–and focus on changing the elements of your work that can get you published, rejected, or an R&R. Learn more here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/product/think-like-an-editor * The world is a lot right now--politically and otherwise. Here at the Manuscript Academy, we started thinking about what it means to be a good literary citizen in a time of book bans–and what you can do both for you and for the writers who come after you. We’re pleased to welcome Tonya Todd to the podcast. She is a Las Vegas-based writer and actress who will be teaching Crafting Diverse Characters for Inclusive Literature at the Atlanta Writers Conference in May. Tonya has short stories in Vegas Writes: Love in the Dunes, Tales from the Silver State IV, and Authors Portraits LV. Her non-fiction is featured in NPR's Desert Companion. Learn more about here at http://www.mstonyatodd.com/ and on Twitter at @MsTonyaTodd…
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1 Random Writer Pep Talks: Pivoting, Publishing, Success & Timing 47:50
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe absolutely loved making this episode! We started randomly calling (opted in) writers for pep talks—and the result is an inspiring, uplifting, life-affirming episode that shows the brilliance of our writing community while also soothing some common stressors. We discuss: * When do I need to pivot? * Am I too old to write a debut? * What makes a writer go from unpublished to successful? And much more. Many thanks to our authors for being part of our episode.…
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1 FREE Event Thursday: Your Path To Publication with Shirin Yim Leos and Lisa Manterfield | 8:30pm ET 1:59
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJoin Shirin Yim Leos and Lisa Manterfield for an evening all about choosing YOUR best path to publication. We’ll cover big five, still-big, university, small, self, hybrid, and more—and the rewards and frustrations of each. We’ll look at how your goals, your personality, and your book’s genre can help decide which option is most likely to bring you personal satisfaction. Get your free ticket here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/your-path-to-publication Invite a friend + enter to win a query consultation the faculty agent or editor of your choice here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/invite-a-friend Shirin Yim Leos has coached writers who have secured multibook deals from Big Five publishers, and film and television options from major entertainment companies. She is the author of twenty-one children’s books, a developmental editor, and a former publisher. Leos also leads writing retreats and teaches writing and publishing for universities and conferences internationally. She’s taught at NSW Writers’ Center in Australia, the AFCC in Singapore, the Writing Salons in San Francisco and Berkeley, eight American universities, writing conferences such as the Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference, Write On The Sound, the Michigan Writing Workshop, the San Diego Writing Workshop, the Australian Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators National Conference, and the Book Passage Children’s Writers and Illustrators Conference. She also speaks for the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Over the past decade, Lisa Manterfield has self-published four novels, two works of non-fiction, and five non-fiction ebooks, and coached many other authors to self-publishing success. Through her blog and podcast, she has created an online community of more than 6,000 members worldwide. Her work has been published in Los Angeles Times, Psychology Today, Huffington Post, and The Saturday Evening Post.…
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1 Quick Q&A: Personalizing Your Queries With #MSWL, Publishers Marketplace & More 3:14
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe had a great question during one of our Manuscript Academy Welcome Tours: How do you personalize a query if you don't know the date of an agent's #MSWL? Is it still relevant? Will you look silly for bringing up something older? Or are they still relevant for years? Here's how to navigate without a date stamp--and still look well-researched, smart, and like the kind of writer an agent would love to work with.…
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1 Giveaway! Win A Free Ticket To Thursday's Panel with Senior Editor Stephanie Stein (HarperCollins) 0:44
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe cannot wait for Thursday's panel with Harper Collins senior editor, Stephanie Stein. If you haven't met her yet, she has kind thoughtful, fun, and she'll give you great feedback on your queries and pages. Enter to win one of five giveaway tickets at https://manuscriptacademy.com/enter. We'll draw the winners randomly Wednesday, March 15th at 1:00 PM Eastern. To learn more about Thursday's panel, head to http://manuscriptacademy.com/stephanie-panel. Everything begins LIVE Thursday, March 16, at 8:30 PM Eastern. Hope to see you there.…
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1 Live Q&A with Penguin Random House Editor & Bestselling Author Jill Santopolo 36:29
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so happy to welcome Jill Santopolo, a New York Times bestselling author *and* editor and publisher at Philomel/Penguin Random House. We talk about what it feels like to pitch your book when you’re already in the industry, how to find experts on exactly what you need to know for your world building and historical accuracy, and how to keep tension when half your story is set in the past. We loved this time with Jill, and hope you will too. This was recorded in front of our Member Lounge, https://manuscriptacademy.com/member-lounge. Many thanks to Kristin Kurian at Penguin for helping us set this up. Jill Santopolo is the internationally best-selling author of Stars in an Italian Sky, Everything After, More Than Words and theThe Light We Lost, which was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick and has been optioned for film. Her books have been translated into more than 35 languages and have been named to the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Apple, and Indie Bound bestseller lists. She is also the author of the Alec Flint Mysteries, the Sparkle Spa series, and the Follow Your Heart books. Jill holds a BA in English Literature from Columbia University, an MFA in Writing for Children from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a certificate in Intellectual Property Law from NYU. She is the publisher of Philomel, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, where she edits many critically-acclaimed, award-winning, and best-selling books including She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, Girling Up by Mayim Bialik, Calling All Minds by Temple Grandin, Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Rafael Lopez, and Superheroes Are Everywhere by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and Mechal Roe. Jill has worked as a thesis advisor at The New School in their MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults and was on the faculty of the Columbia Publishing Course. She was also an adjunct professor at McDaniel College, where she helped develop the curriculum for their certificate program in Writing for Children. Jill has traveled all over the U.S.—and to Canada and Europe—to speak about writing and storytelling. She lives in Washington, DC and New York with her husband and daughter.…
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1 #MSWL's 10th Anniversary, From Tumblr to Sustainable, Miraculous Site: How It All Happened, Part 2 39:31
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIf you’ve been following along at home, you know that ManuscriptWIshist.com version 4.0 just launched. And while it’s new, and shiny, and lovely, it’s ten years in the making. This is the miraculous-feeling story about how we got from Tumblr to Wordpress blog to site where agents and editors can login and make their own updates—the only way we’d still exist, because doing everything manually quickly became impossible. We’ll hear from Mike Chen and Sierra Godfrey, now multi-published authors, who (we know! We can’t believe it either) saw Jessica’s sad “Does anyone know how to fix websites?” tweet, and generously offered to help. They made the site beautiful, sustainable, scalable, and—frankly—possible, going forward. We also hear from Caitlin O’Connell, now an editor at Marvel, about her days running the backend of the site when it was still run almost entirely by humans. You may have thought it was tech, but it was Caitlin—with her delightful kindness and willingness to help writers, agents, and editors alike—who made all version 2.0 possible. Plus, we talk about the MSWL party with 90 agents and editors, and how it felt to be in that room with the people dreaming loudly on the internet. Mike Chen is the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Brotherhood, Here and Now and Then, Light Years From Home, and other novels. He has covered geek culture for sites such as Nerdist, Tor.com, and StarTrek.com, and in a different life, covered the NHL. A member of SFWA, Mike lives in the Bay Area with his wife, daughter, and many rescue animals. Follow him on Twitter to see pictures of his corgi: @mikechenwriter Sierra Godfrey is the author of A Very Typical Family and The Second Chance Hotel (Sourcebooks). She was born in Santa Cruz, California and has lived many places, including Santorini, Greece. She loves hiking, watching soothing British farmland shows, and thinking of stories about messy families. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family, which includes a dog, two cats, and a turtle, all of which seemed like a good idea at the time. Find her at sierragodfrey.com or @sierragodfrey on Twitter and Instagram. Caitlin O’Connell is an Associate Editor at Marvel and writer from northern New Jersey. She specializes in YA and children’s literature, but has a great love of all stories that are well told and inviting. When not writing or reading, Caitlin can usually be found drinking tea under a pile of cats or hand-sewing historical costumes for fun. You can follow her on Twitter @Caitlin_Renata or, to learn more about her writing and editing, visit caitlinroconnell.com.…
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1 #MSWL Live: Agents on What They Wish They Had In Their Inboxes 57:33
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe had the best time with this panel! Many thanks to our amazing agent panelists. Vote for YOUR genre for the next #MSWL panel! https://manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live These events will turn into video clips for ManuscriptWishList.com profile, and podcasts for everyone to enjoy. They're recorded in front of our Manuscript Academy (http://manuscriptacademy.com/) members. In order of appearance: Bibi Lewis, doing a query critique: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/bibi-lewis/ Emmy Nordstrom-Higdon, doing a lesson on passive voice: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/emmy-nordstrom-higdon/ Kiana Nguyen, with a writing prompt + contest: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/kiana-nguyen/ Anjanette Barr, with a query critique: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/anjanette-barr/…
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1 #MSWL’s 10th Anniversary: How It All Happened with KK Hendin 40:10
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedFor MSWL’s 10th anniversary (we know! We can’t believe it either!) we’ve invited KK Hendin, co-founder, who made us legit within four minutes of the first tweet. ***The next MSWL day is February 16, on Twitter *and* on your favorite platforms*** We talk about how we went from Tumblr to a real life site to a site where agents and editors could update their own wishes (Jessica and KK were updating them manually before that), the stories we’ve heard of how it’s impacted writing life, and the amazing, serendipitous coincidences that made it all possible. Please note that, as of Monday, ManuscriptWishList.com will go into version 4.0! Check out the site for a list of upcoming updates (rolling out slowly over the next few weeks).…
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1 Join Our Call-In Episode! Writer Pep Talks, Advice, And What We'd Do If We Had A Bus 2:47
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSign up for a free pep talk here! https://manuscriptacademy.com/pep-talk Have you ever had a publishing question you couldn't answer with Google? Or maybe you're just stressed out and wondering if it's time to pivot, panic, or be patient? What if you could have a conversation with a person instead of finding more conflicting advice online? Well, now you can. Last week, Julie and I tried an experiment. For months, we’ve had our friend Mary, our Minister of Writing Happiness, make random calls to our members to pep them up, talk about their writing, and just generally make them feel better. The world is hard! (Seems even harder than usual the past few years.) And Mary’s voice is like sunshine on the phone. But last week, we took Mary's call list, and started calling writers out of the blue. This was great fun for us (and we’re amazed how many of you picked up!). You’re all working on such interesting things, and it’s great to hear your voices. It was so much fun, we thought "Hey, maybe we should do this on purpose." We also noticed many of you are going through the same things—but felt alone in your creative process. It was wonderful for us to be able to offer advice, consolation, and reasons to be hopeful. So, if you’d like a pep talk meets advice call, want to help your fellow writers, and you’re free this Thursday, 2pm-4pm ET, opt in for a call that will turn into a podcast. We’ll record, heavily edit, promise to cut anything you don’t want in there (just let us know), anonymize partially or fully if you wish (“This is Joe from North Dakota, and I just got the worst rejection…” or even just “I’m a writer, and I got the worst rejection”) and turn it into a 30-minute podcast episode. The result, we hope, will be a window into writing life, how you’re not alone in your feelings—and why you and our writing community should feel hopeful. Until we find a way for all of you to meet—we think most of you would be friends!—this is a great way to connect. Interested? Fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch with as many of you as we can: https://manuscriptacademy.com/pep-talk We look forward to talking with you soon! All best, Jessica & Julie…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 How To Build Rapport With Agents: How Joshua Roots Found Agent Renee Fountain 35:28
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedHow To Build Rapport With Agents: How Jonathan Roots Found Agent Renee Fountain Twenty years ago at his local pub, author Joshua Roots had been talking for months about his writing ideas—but doing nothing about them. A friend finally turned to him and said, “Oh my goodness, shut up and write something already.” Thus began the adventure he calls “How To Dumb Luck Your Way Through A Writing Career.“ He wrote steampunk, cozy mysteries, YA fantasy—and, most recently, a nonfiction work about bees. He was “hide under the desk” terrified of bees when he started. Finding the right fit for his agent wasn’t going to be easy. But as Renee Fountain put it, he threw a dart, it landed on her—and the rest is history. Much of having an agent is a conversation—how you talk about your work, inspire each other, plan to drink mai tais on the beach once your shared project sells. Every author-agent relationship is different. This one involves weekly status updates with charts. There’s no one right way to get an agent. Our hope is that, once you hear this conversation, it’ll expand your idea of what this creative partnership can be—and what you can ask for in yours. You can learn more about Renee at https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/renee-fountain Josh is at https://joshuajroots.com/. @cobramisfit on Twitter, or ask him where to find his Irish pub, and he’ll bring you honey. Transcript of this episode available at…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 How To Get An Agent’s Attention From The First Page (Mystery Agent Consultation) 49:39
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWelcome to our latest Mystery Agent episode. We asked you, our lovely writers, to send in your query and first page—and asked a wonderful literary agent to choose a lucky writer for a critique. What follows is the joy-filled, insightful consultation and conversation between them. There are wonderful lessons in this episode about pitching, character development, and more. In this episode, listen as Larissa Melo Pienkowski (Jill Grinberg Literary Management) helps author Justine McDaniel with small changes that may make all the difference. (And yes, we like her so much, we're already placing bets on her publishing success.) With a focus on first page, pitching, character, and the nuances of this age group, Larissa and Justine work together to bring this submission packet to the next level. Want to apply for our next Mystery Agent critique? Join our mailing list at https://manuscriptacademy.com/subscribe to be the first to know how. Want to meet with Larissa to go over YOUR query or pages? Head to https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/larissa-melo-pienkowski.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 How To Promote Your Work, Help Writers, And Stay Genuine 37:06
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThis episode is all about to get the best return on your time investment, boost your book sales, excel at Instagram—and connect with your audience in ways you never knew possible. Join our Three-Day Submission Strategy Workshop here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/product/submission-strategy-workshop Sarah Blair is an author of sexy, snarky, supernatural fiction. She graduated from the University of Tennessee where she earned her B.A. in Creative Writing, summa cum laude. As an enthusiastic fan of The X-Files, she began her writing career penning fan fiction. Now she is the author of three books in the adult urban fantasy series, Tides of Darkness. When she’s not writing, she is a host and showrunner for The X-Cast: An X-Files Podcast. Find her at Sarahlblair.com and https://www.instagram.com/author.sarah.blair/ Some of Sarah’s favorite accounts to follow: https://www.instagram.com/mixtusmedia/ https://www.instagram.com/theunkarenkaren/ https://www.instagram.com/romantically_inclined/ https://www.instagram.com/the.author.apothecary/…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Holiday Novels, Food Writing, And Tips For Faster First Drafts 32:42
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe are so happy to welcome author Amy E. Reichert to the podcast! She has a number of beautiful novels (all featuring wonderful food writing), her latest being Once Upon a December, a holiday romance featuring a magical Christmas market, a steamy romance, and—of course—gorgeous holiday treats. We also talk about food writing and best how to make it work (what book isn’t better with gorgeous food?), world building in (mostly) contemporary settings, and what special elements you need if you want your holiday work to be successful. Amy E. Reichert, author of six novels, loves to write stories that end well with characters you’d invite to dinner. A wife, mom, amateur chef, Fix-It Mistress, a volunteer baby snuggler, and cider enthusiast, she earned her MA in English Literature and serves on her library’s board of directors. She's a member of Tall Poppy Writers. She is the author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, Luck, Love & Lemon Pie, The Simplicity of Cider, and The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go, and more. Learn more about her here: https://www.amyereichert.com/…
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