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Book Marketing Episodes

April 28, 2025

Writing Scary, Querying Smart: Insider Tips with Agent & Author Carey…

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 …

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March 31, 2025

If It Feels Not Normal, It’s Probably Not: Ask Beth & Lisa

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.

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March 17, 2025

Breaking Barriers in Publishing: Michele McAvoy on Small Press Succes…

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, small press ad…

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Jan. 20, 2025

Resilience, Rejections, and Rediscovering Joy in Writing

In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, the hosts dive into the complexities of writing and publishing, addressing listener questions about rejections, crafting commercial hooks, and setting meaningful goals. They also highlight the importance of community and share exciting plans for the podcast’s future.

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Nov. 4, 2024

Empowering Young Readers: A Conversation with Literacy Advocate E-Tra…

n 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 …

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Oct. 14, 2024

Beta Readers, Book Comps and Barley's Cupcake Crisis

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 eat…

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Sept. 20, 2024

What is going ON in the Middle Grade Market??

n 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…

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Jan. 8, 2024

Empowering Authors: Insights from Book Publishing and Marketing Exper…

Season 3 launches with Kathleen Schmidt , an accomplished vet in the book publishing world. This episode, rich with insights from Kathleen's extensive background as a publicist, literary agent, acquisitions editor, and ghost...

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