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

Key Discussion Points:

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

Conclusion:

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

Mentioned Links:

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

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

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

Key Discussion Points

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

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

Mentioned Links

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

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

Key Discussion Points:

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

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

Mentioned Links:

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

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

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

Key Discussion Points

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

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

To Send Us A Question

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

Mentioned Links

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

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

Guest Bio:

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

Key Discussion Points:

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

Conclusion:

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

Mentioned Links:

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

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In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid introduce a new segment called "Ask Beth & Lisa." They jump right into the challenges of surviving the query trenches, offering practical advice on managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with seeking literary representation.

Key Discussion Points

• Coping Strategies for Querying: Beth and Lisa share their contrasting approaches to dealing with the long waiting periods in the query process. Beth suggests immediately starting a new project to stay productive, while Lisa advocates for taking a break to decompress.
• Understanding Personal Writing Processes: Both hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing and embracing individual writing processes, whether it’s jumping into a new project or taking time off.
• Realistic Expectations: They discuss the current slow pace of the publishing industry, encouraging listeners to set realistic expectations about the timeline for responses from agents.
• Admin Work During Downtime: The episode suggests focusing on administrative tasks like building your platform, researching agents, and catching up on podcast episodes during the waiting period.
• New Segment Introduction: The episode introduces the “Ask Beth and Lisa” segment, which will be featured monthly to answer listener questions anonymously.

Conclusion
Beth and Lisa provide a mix of humor and practical advice for writers navigating the challenging and often slow query process. Listeners are encouraged to use downtime productively and to participate in the new "Ask Beth and Lisa" segment by submitting their own questions.

Mentioned Links

• Writers with Wrinkles website: writerswithwrinkles.net
• Beth McMullen’s Substack newsletter: bethmcmullenbooks.substack.com

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In this episode, Beth and Lisa chat with Rachel Stark, an editor at Disney Hyperion, discussing the state of middle grade and graphic novels, and providing insights into the publishing industry's inner workings. They also delve into how authors can craft compelling submissions and navigate the complexities of book acquisitions.

Guest Bio

Rachel Stark is an experienced editor at Disney Hyperion, known for editing award-winning books like Simon Sort of Says. They have also worked on launching Disney Hyperion's Kugali Ink imprint, which focuses on graphic novels by African creators. As a senior mentor with the Representation Matters Mentorship Program, Rachel aids people of color in gaining a foothold in the publishing industry.

Key Discussion Points

• Middle Grade and Graphic Novels: The conversation explores the growing demand for graphic novels and the fluctuating state of the middle-grade market, highlighting how these genres are impacted by current publishing trends​​ .
• Publishing Insights: Rachel explains the intricacies of the book acquisition process, including the role of profit and loss statements, marketing, and the strategic discussions that determine whether a book gets published .
• Crafting Effective Submissions: Rachel emphasizes the importance of a strong, concise pitch and identifying unique elements in a book that can make it stand out. They also discuss how to effectively communicate a book's potential to various stakeholders within a publishing house​​ .

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a message of resilience for authors, stressing the importance of continuously writing and evolving one's craft. Rachel provides encouragement by noting that despite market challenges, there is always a place for well-crafted and meaningful stories .

Links Mentioned

• Visit the Writers With Wrinkles blog for more information about Rachel Stark and this episode.
• Cheryl Klein's Mystery Maps
• Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch, by Codie Crowley

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(PLEASE NOTE: All comments and opinions in this podcast are strictly Alonzo's own.)

In this episode, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmidt interview Alonzo Fuller, a marketing specialist for children's books at Andrews McMeel Publishing. They discuss marketing strategies, advice for introverted authors, and the importance of authenticity in book promotion.

Guest Bio: Alonzo Fuller is a marketing specialist at Andrews McMeel Publishing, focusing on children's books. With experience in sports, entertainment, and automotive industries, Alonzo brings a wealth of knowledge to the field of book marketing. Currently residing in Kansas City, Missouri, he is passionate about helping authors connect with their audience.

Key Discussion Points:

• Marketing for Children's Books: Alonzo shares his experiences and strategies in marketing children's books, emphasizing the importance of engaging content and authentic connections with readers.
• Advice for Introverted Authors: Practical tips for authors who struggle with self-promotion, including asking for help, staying true to their voice, and leveraging their networks.
• Importance of Authenticity: The discussion highlights how authenticity in marketing efforts can build stronger connections with readers and contribute to long-term success.
• Social Media and Content: While social media presence is beneficial, Alonzo stresses that the quality of the content remains the most crucial factor in engaging readers.
• Common Marketing Mistakes: Alonzo points out that many authors lose sight of their original objectives and focus too much on sales, which can detract from the quality of their content.

Conclusion: The episode concludes with Alonzo encouraging authors to stay authentic, seek help when needed, and maintain a clear focus on their objectives. His insights into the marketing landscape offer valuable guidance for authors at all stages of their careers.

Mentioned Links:

• Buy Hart & Souls
• Lisa Schmid's interview with Carly West
• Andrews McMeel Publishing: Official Website

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