Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. Even our podcast editor describes author Karen Outen as “a breath of fresh air.” After twenty years of work, her book, Dixon Descending, features two brothers with a seemingly impossible goal: To be the first Black American men to summit Everest. We discuss how Karen learned to write … Read more
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. CONTENT WARNING: Mentions of abortion, grooming, assault. Annie Cardi’s new book, Red, is a very modern take on The Scarlet Letter. Today, Annie joins Jessica and Julie to discuss the importance of tough topics in YA novels, how to create “quiet” books that pack a punch, and writing advice … Read more
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. A smart, poignant novel perfect for fans of Lessons in Chemistry“An incredible STEMinist read.”—The Honey Pop Transcript, timestamps and video clips here: manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-sara-read Join Julie and Jessica as they talk to the fabulous Sara Read, the author of the recent book Principles of (E)motion. Trust us when we say … Read more
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. We’re thrilled to welcome Abrams editor Erica Finkel to the podcast to discuss editorial board meetings, the top reasons writers get rejected–and how “fit” means far more than you’d think. Book a meeting with Erica here: manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/erica-finkel Erica Finkel (she/her) is an Executive Editor for Amulet Books and Abrams … Read more
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. Query writing is a craft in and of itself and so often, even the experts disagree on the best approach (hint: that just means there are number of ways to write an amazing query!). Today we’re joined by the very talented, multi-hyphenate writer, coach, and former copy editor, … Read more
mswlacademy · MSWL October Panel 1 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. In October, we wrapped up the month with a deliciously spooky Halloween #MSWL panel. Join us for a live panel recording with agents T.S Ferguson, Kelly Van Sant, Jenissa Graham, and Claire Harris as they take us through their creepy wishlists and fun bookish … Read more
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. The votes are in! Science Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative & Supernatural won—and we’ve built this panel to that theme. But even if you’re writing serious nonfiction, or in a completely other genre, this is a great view into what agents love within genres—and how agenting, in general, works. With … Read more
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. Join us December 5 for Nancy’s class, You Belong Here (meant to alleviate the “walking with your cafeteria tray toward the popular kids’ table” feeling of pitching agents): manuscriptacademy.com/you-belong-here After an exceptionally rocky entry to publishing—including a *five year* delay—Nancy Tandon is a well-regarded Middle Grade writer who manages … Read more
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. We are so happy to welcome Monica Rodriguez, agent at Context Literary, to the podcast! Not only is Monica Jessica’s Agency colleague in charge of Brand Management (and helping writers promote their work), she’s also an agent with expertise in branding, marketing, and helping creatives refine their ideas. … Read more
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. Join us in a lively conversation with debut author M Hendrix, whose book The Chaperone came out this year with Sourcebooks! From finding an agent and pitching your book during the pandemic, finding hope in dystopian novels, and making YA fun for teens to read, we cover this … Read more