Breaking Up Your Agent

Episodes

You're an 'Orphaned' Author. Now What?
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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Empowering Young Readers: A Conversation with Literacy Advocate E-Train
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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Query like a Pro: Agent Amy Nielsen Tells Us How
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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Beta Readers, Book Comps and Barley's Cupcake Crisis
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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Behind the Scenes with Literary Agent Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong
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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What is going ON in the Middle Grade Market??
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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Ask Beth & Lisa: How to Juggle Multiple Writing Projects...Or Not?
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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Navigating the Publishing World: Insights from Agent and Author Ann Rose
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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Ask Beth & Lisa: Surviving the Query Trenches
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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Insider Insights with Disney Hyperion Editor Rachel Stark
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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Marketing Magic: Authentic Strategies for Children's Book Success with Alonzo Fuller
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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Write Shorter Books? Here's the scoop on that...
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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Behind the Book: Insider Tips from Editor Hannah Kimber on Crafting Standout Submissions
July 8, 2024

Behind the Book: Insider Tips from Editor Hannah Kimber on Crafting S…

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: Hannah Kimber, associate editor at Andrews McMeel Publishing, shares insights on making book submissions stand out and the detailed acquisitions process. She emphasizes the importance ...

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ENCORE EPISODE: Library Joy and Inclusivity: Mychal Threets on the Transformative Power of Libraries
July 1, 2024

ENCORE EPISODE: Library Joy and Inclusivity: Mychal Threets on the Tr…

Send us a Text Message. Mychal Threets is a librarian currently collaborating with PBS Kids. He's known for his viral videos highlighting library joy. At the time of this recording he was the Supervising Librarian for Solano ...

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ENCORE EPISODE: Queen of the Beach Read,  Author Hannah McKinnon
June 24, 2024

ENCORE EPISODE: Queen of the Beach Read, Author Hannah McKinnon

Send us a Text Message. Hannah McKinnon is an award-winning author of eight women's fiction and beach read novels with Simon & Schuster. Her notable titles include The Summer Club , (July 23rd), Message in the Sand , The View...

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ENCORE EDITION! Insider Secrets to Getting Your Book Published, with editor Erinn Pascal
June 17, 2024

ENCORE EDITION! Insider Secrets to Getting Your Book Published, with …

Send us a Text Message. ENCORE EDITION! (One of our favs from season 2!) Erinn Pascal is the Senior Editor for Kids Books and Licensing at Andrews McMeel Universal. She has previously held editorial positions at Scholastic, D...

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ENCORE: Insider Insights with Editor Sarah Schonfeld
June 10, 2024

ENCORE: Insider Insights with Editor Sarah Schonfeld

Send us a Text Message. ENCORE EDITION! (PLEASE NOTE: All comments and opinions in this podcast are strictly Sara's own.) In the latest episode of Writers with Wrinkles, we're thrilled to host Sara Schonfeld , an editor at H...

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The 31 Day Build Your Author Platform Challenge is NOW!
June 3, 2024

The 31 Day Build Your Author Platform Challenge is NOW!

Send us a Text Message. Key Discussion Points: 1. Summer Slump in Writing: Beth and Lisa discuss how summer activities can lead to a writing slump and share personal experiences and tips for overcoming it. 2. Character Develo...

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Must Listen Advice from TV Writer and Middle Grade author Joshua Pruett
May 27, 2024

Must Listen Advice from TV Writer and Middle Grade author Joshua Prue…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we welcome Joshua Pruett, a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, and Emmy Award winner. Pruett has written for both Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Doctor Who . He is curre...

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Middle Grade Magic! Co Host Lisa Schmid Goes Deep with new novel Hart & Souls
May 20, 2024

Middle Grade Magic! Co Host Lisa Schmid Goes Deep with new novel Hart…

Send us a Text Message. This episode features co-host Lisa Schmid discussing her upcoming middle-grade novel "Hart & Souls." The focus is on the challenges of writing a second novel, known as the sophomore slump, and the uniq...

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Voices in the Dark: Elevating Women in Horror with author Lindy Ryan
May 13, 2024

Voices in the Dark: Elevating Women in Horror with author Lindy Ryan

Send us a Text Message. Lindy Ryan, anthologist and horror author, discusses her debut horror novel Bless Your Heart , which explores themes of family, loss, and confronting monsters. She also discusses the intricacies of bri...

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The 31-Day Build Your Author Platform Challenge! (We swear it will be fun!)
May 6, 2024

The 31-Day Build Your Author Platform Challenge! (We swear it will be…

Hosts : Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid Theme : The 31-Day Platform Challenge For : Aspiring authors looking for practical advice on building and enhancing their author platform. Key Discussion Points : Overview of the 31-Day C...

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Perseverance and Possibilities with author Bitsy Kemper
April 29, 2024

Perseverance and Possibilities with author Bitsy Kemper

In this episode, we interview Bitsy Kemper, a prolific author of children's books and a passionate advocate for authors navigating the publishing industry. The theme of this episode revolves around the resilience required in ...

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Respect Your Secondary Characters! Here's why and how.
April 22, 2024

Respect Your Secondary Characters! Here's why and how.

Hosts: - Beth McMullen - Lisa Schmid Theme: The importance of secondary characters in storytelling. Key Discussion Points: - Secondary characters add depth, complexity, and enrich the narrative. - They contribute to the world...

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