Send us a text Episode Summary: In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles , literary agent and author Joyce Sweeney joins Beth and Lisa to explore the challenges and opportunities in today’s publishing landscape. With decades of experience, Joyce shares invaluable advice for writers on market trends, querying, agent relationships, and staying resilient in a tough industry. Guest Bio: Joyce Sweeney is the Director of KidLit at The Seymour Agency, where they’ve worked as a literary agent for five y...
Jul 21, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Send us a text 🎙️ Episode Summary: In this bonus episode, Beth McMullen switches roles from co-host to guest to explore how to write compelling action and adventure for middle grade readers. Originally recorded for Sara Gentry's KidLit Summer Camp , this conversation is packed with practical tips and emotional insight for writers crafting page-turning stories for kids. 👩💼 Guest Bio: Beth McMullen is the author of ten traditionally published novels, including the Mrs. Smith's Spy School for G...
Jul 14, 2025•22 min
Send us a text In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, the hosts dive into the complex topic of using artificial intelligence as a writing tool. They share personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and ethical considerations for writers navigating AI in the creative process. Key Discussion Points: Recent Highlights: Beth and Lisa reference two previous episodes with editor Joel Brigham and encourage listeners to grab the accompanying cheat sheets at writerswithwrinkles.net by signing up for the new...
Jul 07, 2025•33 min
Send us a text In this information-packed episode, editor Joel Brigham returns to dive deep into the art of revision, breaking down the essential steps writers must take to polish their manuscripts. From identifying critical story beats to understanding character agency and narrative pacing, Joel offers a masterclass in transforming a draft into a submission-ready novel. Guest Bio: Joel Brigham is a professional editor, former NBA journalist, and passionate advocate for emerging authors. With ov...
Jun 23, 2025•58 min
Send us a text Beth and Lisa are joined by editor and author Joel Brigham to discuss the messy, magical process of drafting. Joel shares practical advice to help writers overcome perfectionism and keep their momentum through the challenging early stages of a manuscript. Guest Bio: Joel Brigham is a seasoned developmental editor and founder of Brigham Editorial. With over 21 years of experience as an English teacher, Joel also mentors authors through RevPit, an online writing community focused on...
Jun 09, 2025•54 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Send us a text Episode Summary: In this engaging Ask B&L episode, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid tackle two of the most commonly asked questions from aspiring authors: what is voice in writing and how do you navigate the editorial process? With personal anecdotes, practical advice, and a whole lot of writerly camaraderie, Beth and Lisa break down complex concepts with clarity and humor. Key Discussion Points: Catching Up: Beth shares travel stories from Copenhagen and Amsterdam, including a m...
May 26, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Send us a text In this encore edition, Beth and Lisa chat with Ivan Taurisano, Associate Editor at Abrams, who specializes in children's literature and intellectual properties. Ivan shares insider tips on creating standout submissions, navigating the acquisition process, and the evolving trends in middle-grade publishing. Guest Bio Ivan Taurisano is an Associate Editor at Abrams, specializing in children's licenses and intellectual property. His work includes novelty books, board books, graphic ...
May 12, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Send us a text Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode, Beth and Lisa welcome bestselling author and illustrator Brian Selznick to discuss his latest YA novel Run Away With Me . Brian shares how personal history, queer identity, and the haunting beauty of an empty Rome during the pandemic shaped this deeply moving love story. Guest Bio: Brian Selznick is the Caldecott Medal-winning author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret , which became Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning film Hugo . His innovative...
May 05, 2025•51 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Send us a text Beth and Lisa sit down with Carey Blankenship-Kramer, literary agent and author of Ghost Scout's Honor , to talk all things publishing—from crafting irresistible query letters to the harsh realities of publishing economics. Carey shares heartfelt insights on the future of middle grade, the evolving horror genre, and what truly makes her heart sing when reading submissions. Guest Bio: Carey Blankenship-Kramer is a literary agent and author whose debut novel Ghost Scout's Honor (Sch...
Apr 28, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Send us a text 🎙️ Episode Summary: In this special "Ask Beth & Lisa" episode of Writers With Wrinkles , Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid explore the emotional challenges of the current creative climate and share their personal writing origin stories to inspire struggling writers. With humor, heart, and a dash of wine, they offer a candid look at what first ignited their passion to write and how to reconnect with that spark during tough times. 🔑 Key Discussion Points: Mental health in writing:...
Apr 14, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Send us a text Episode Summary: In this candid "Ask B&L" episode, Beth and Lisa answer a listener question about agent transparency, diving into the red flags of a rocky publishing relationship. They also unpack book coaching, revising habits, and finding sanity as a writer in uncertain times. Guest Bio: No guest this episode – just your favorite duo, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, authors and co-hosts of Writers With Wrinkles . Key Discussion Points: The value of disconnecting : Beth shares...
Mar 31, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Send us a text PLEASE NOTE: this episode was orignally meant to drop on March 31st but we moved it up so listeners can take advantage of The Little Press's upcoming pitch party. Listen to the full episode for details. Episode Summary In this episode, Beth and Lisa chat with Michele McAvoy, award-winning children’s book author, publisher, and founder of The Little Press. Michele shares her journey from self-published author to small press publisher, offering insight into the publishing industry, ...
Mar 17, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Send us a text In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles , Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk with Meg Gaertner, managing editor of fiction at North Star Editions. Meg shares insights into middle grade and young adult publishing, the acquisitions process, and trends shaping the industry. Guest Bio Meg Gaertner is the managing editor of fiction at North Star Editions, acquiring titles for the Jolly Fish Press and Flux imprints. She is passionate about publishing books that expand perspectives, inc...
Mar 03, 2025•35 min
Send us a text In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, the hosts tackle a common writer struggle: getting out of a creative rut. They share personal experiences, actionable strategies, and insights from working with critique partners and beta readers to reignite motivation and improve writing. Key Discussion Points Recognizing a Writing Rut: How to identify when you’re stuck in autopilot and losing creative energy. Micro Goals for Progress: Beth shares her strategy of setting small, achievable goal...
Feb 17, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Send us a text In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles , we welcome Adria Goetz, a Senior Literary Agent at KT Literary, to discuss the dos and don’ts of querying, how to stand out in a crowded submission pile, and navigating industry challenges like editor transitions. Aspiring authors will gain valuable insights into crafting compelling pitches, building resilience, and staying attuned to market trends. Guest Bio Adria Goetz is a Senior Literary Agent and Illustration Coordinator at KT Litera...
Feb 03, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Send us a text In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, the hosts tackle listener questions about navigating the challenges of writing and publishing, including understanding agent rejections and crafting strong hooks. They also discuss personal writing goals and the importance of building supportive writer communities. Key Discussion Points New Year's Writing Resolutions : Beth aims to quit Amazon shopping and regain control over external influences. Lisa focuses on rediscovering joy in writing aft...
Jan 20, 2025•24 min
Send us a text **Please Note: Guest Adria Gaetz episode will drop on February 3rd, not January 20th.** In the premier episode of Season 4, Beth and Lisa chat with Ivan Taurisano, Associate Editor at Abrams, who specializes in children's literature and intellectual properties. Ivan shares insider tips on creating standout submissions, navigating the acquisition process, and the evolving trends in middle-grade publishing. Guest Bio Ivan Taurisano is an Associate Editor at Abrams, specializing in c...
Jan 06, 2025•37 min
Send us a text Episode Summary: Beth and Lisa chat with Kaitlyn Sanchez, literary agent at Bradford Literary and co-creator of kidlit contests, about navigating the publishing industry. Kaitlyn shares actionable insights for aspiring authors on trends, querying agents, and creating standout manuscripts. Guest Bio: Kaitlyn Sanchez is a literary agent at Bradford Literary, middle school math teacher, and co-creator of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, Kidlit Zombie Week, and the Kidlit Fall Writing...
Dec 23, 2024•34 min
Send us a text In this engaging season finale, Beth and Lisa address common writing and publishing challenges, offering practical advice for aspiring authors. From navigating illustration decisions to overcoming the hurdles of low book sales, they provide actionable insights with humor and honesty. Key Discussion Points Illustration Questions for Authors : Clarified that non-illustrator authors do not need to provide illustrations for their books; publishers manage that process. Shared insights ...
Dec 09, 2024•28 min
Send us a text In this impromptu episode (guest couldn't make it last minute!!), Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid dive into the challenges of finishing a novel, with Lisa candidly sharing her ongoing struggles with her book's last chapter. The hosts discuss strategies to avoid rushed endings and ways to reignite enthusiasm during the final stages of writing. Guest Bio No guest this week—Beth and Lisa take center stage with an unscripted and authentic conversation. Key Discussion Points The Perils o...
Nov 25, 2024•18 min•Season 3Ep. 39
Send us a text In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles , Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid tackle the harsh realities of getting "orphaned" in publishing and offer practical tips for authors to navigate setbacks when their editors leave mid-project. They discuss proactive steps authors can take to protect their work, advocate for themselves, and manage expectations in an unpredictable industry. Key Discussion Points What It Means to be Orphaned : Beth and Lisa explain how "orphaning" happens in pub...
Nov 11, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Send us a text Episode Summary: In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles , Beth and Lisa chat with teenage literacy advocate and podcast host, E-Train, who founded E-Train Talks Inc. to combat "book deserts" and promote literacy among underrepresented communities. E-Train discusses his journey into reading advocacy, the books that inspire young readers, and the importance of diverse representation in middle-grade literature. Guest Bio: E-Train is a teenage literacy advocate, reading ambassador, ...
Nov 04, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 37
Send us a text Episode Summary: In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles , Beth and Lisa chat with Amy Nielsen, a literary agent at Purcell Agency and a published author, about her experiences with both. Amy shares invaluable tips for querying, editing, and how to handle the ups and downs of the publishing industry. Guest Bio: Amy Nielsen is a literary agent with Purcell Agency, specializing in young adult and picture books. A former youth librarian with nearly two decades of experience, Amy pen...
Oct 28, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 36
Send us a text 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 ma...
Oct 14, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 35
Send us a text 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 d...
Sep 30, 2024•33 min
Send us a text 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...
Sep 20, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 35
Send us a text 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 Handling Multiple Writing Projects : Beth and Lisa tackle a listener's question about managing various writing ideas, from picture books to novels and screenplays. Be...
Sep 16, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Send us a text 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,...
Sep 02, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 33
Send us a text 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....
Aug 19, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 32
Send us a text 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 o...
Aug 05, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 31
