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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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April 14, 2025

Writing Origin Stories! Do you have one?

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 w...

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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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March 3, 2025

Cracking the Code: Middle Grade & YA Publishing Secrets with managing…

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.

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Feb. 17, 2025

Breaking Out of the Writing Rut: Micro Goals, Fresh Eyes & Creative H…

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 …

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Feb. 3, 2025

From Query to Publication: Agent Adria Goetz on Perfecting Your Pitch…

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 chal...

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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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Jan. 6, 2025

Cracking the Publishing Code: Expert Tips from Editor Ivan Taurisano

This episode provides actionable advice for aspiring authors to refine their submissions and navigate publishing with confidence. Ivan Taurisano's insights, grounded in industry expertise, offer a roadmap for writers seeking to make an impact in children’s literature.

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Dec. 23, 2024

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

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 ...

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Dec. 9, 2024

What happens when you land in author jail? Season 3 Finale: Ask Beth …

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 o...

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Nov. 25, 2024

A Slightly Unhinged Conversation about Endings that Stick & Avoiding …

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 la...

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Nov. 11, 2024

You're an 'Orphaned' Author. Now What?

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,…

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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. 28, 2024

Query like a Pro: Agent Amy Nielsen Tells Us How

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...

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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. 30, 2024

Behind the Scenes with Literary Agent Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong

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 w...

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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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Sept. 16, 2024

Ask Beth & Lisa: How to Juggle Multiple Writing Projects...Or Not?

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 m...

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Sept. 2, 2024

Navigating the Publishing World: Insights from Agent and Author Ann R…

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 writin...

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Aug. 19, 2024

Ask Beth & Lisa: Surviving the Query Trenches

Send us a Text Message. 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, ...

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Aug. 5, 2024

Insider Insights with Disney Hyperion Editor Rachel Stark

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary 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 ...

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July 22, 2024

Marketing Magic: Authentic Strategies for Children's Book Success wit…

Send us a Text Message. (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...

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July 15, 2024

Write Shorter Books? Here's the scoop on that...

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary Beth and Lisa discuss their summer activities and insights from the ALA conference, emphasizing the need for shorter middle-grade books and adaptability in writing. They also announce c...

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