Encore Episode: Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez Tells You What You Need to Know

Episode Summary
In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid sit down with literary agent Kaitlyn Sanchez to discuss the intricacies of the publishing industry. Kaitlyn shares practical advice on querying agents, crafting compelling manuscripts, and navigating the ever-changing trends in children's publishing.

Guest Bio
Kaitlyn Sanchez is a literary agent at Bradford Literary Agency, a middle school math teacher, and the co-creator of popular kidlit contests like the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, Kidlit Zombie Week, and Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy. Kaitlyn is passionate about connecting authors with the right publishing opportunities, particularly in children's literature, and is a champion of diverse, inclusive stories.

Key Discussion Points

1. Navigating Picture Book Trends
   Kaitlyn highlighted key shifts in the picture book market, particularly the increased demand for diverse stories where all children can see themselves represented. While humor is highly sought after, the post-COVID landscape remains competitive, with publishers being more selective due to fluctuating sales. Aspiring authors should focus on originality and consider market demands when crafting their stories.

2. Advice for Aspiring Authors
   Kaitlyn emphasized the importance of preparation before querying agents. Writers should have at least three to four polished manuscripts to demonstrate consistency and creativity. She stressed that persistence is critical, as finding the right match with an agent or editor often involves significant rejection, which she prefers to call "passes."

3. The Value of Free Contests
   Kaitlyn shared her passion for writing contests, including her own co-creations, the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy. These opportunities encourage writers to experiment, push creative boundaries, and often lead to unexpected breakthroughs. She also praised Storystorm, a contest designed to spark fresh ideas throughout January.

4. Building Relationships with Editors
   As a newer agent, Kaitlyn explained how she navigated the publishing landscape by thoroughly researching imprints and directly connecting with editors. By building relationships and understanding their preferences, Kaitlyn ensures each manuscript lands with someone who will champion it.

5. Alternative Submission Strategies
   Kaitlyn offered a less conventional yet practical approach: authors can query agents and submit directly to publishers simultaneously. For some, securing a publisher first may pave the way to finding an agent, increasing overall chances of success.

Conclusion and Takeaways
Kaitlyn Sanchez’s insights provide a roadmap for aspiring writers eager to break into the children's publishing world. Her emphasis on persistence, preparation, and relationship-building serves as a reminder that success requires patience and resilience. Writing contests, diverse storytelling, and understanding market trends are essential tools in an author’s toolkit. Most importantly, Kaitlyn's advice to "keep trying until you find the right fit" reinforces the idea that every “pass” brings writers closer to the right opportunity.

Mentioned Links

• Learn more about Kaitlyn Sanchez at Bradford Literary.
• Explore writing contests: Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy.
• Visit the podcast website: writerswithwrinkles.net.