Explore every episode of the podcast Writers With Wrinkles
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writer’s Block Isn’t One Thing: How to Get Unstuck Fast | 19 Oct 2026 | 00:40:54 | |
Forcing yourself to "just write every day" can make writer's block worse. Author Sylvia Liu shares the sideways fixes that actually get you unstuck. Writer's block isn't one problem. It's too many ideas, no ideas, a muddy middle, a deadline that's choking you, or a world that feels too loud to write in. Use the wrong fix and you stay stuck for months. Sylvia is a former environmental attorney turned middle grade and dystopian sci-fi author, and her toolkit covers all of those. Lisa got unstuck on her own manuscript live, mid-recording. In this episode:
Resources and mentions:
If you're stuck on chapter three, or stuck in your life, hit play. You may walk away with the one tool that gets you writing again. More on our blog at writerswithwrinkles.net. Looking to self publish? Let's chat. Writers With Wrinkles Press now open! Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| How a Thriller Writer Wrote a Cozy Mystery in Four Weeks | 09 Oct 2026 | 00:27:24 | |
What do you do when the story you can't stop thinking about doesn't fit the genre you're known for? Thriller author Dina Marie (Dina Santorelli) took a ghost, a Salem mansion, and a big risk, and ended up with a paranormal cozy mystery series. She started with zero readers, and her first draft took four weeks. The cost of not knowing how she did it is another year of sitting on an idea that won't leave you alone. Hit play to hear what she learned, and why one very popular ghost is about to get a lot more page time. In this episode:
Books mentioned:
Find Dina's books: https://www.dinamariebooks.com/ More about this episode and the blog: writerswithwrinkles.net This is the first Confetti Club, our new segment celebrating authors and their brand-new books. Hit play, follow the show, and grab a little confetti. Then tell us which ghost story of ours creeped you out most. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Podcast to Book to Press: Our Big Napa Announcement | 07 Oct 2026 | 00:04:54 | |
We're back in Napa, where the Writers With Wrinkles podcast was born five years ago, with a new book and a new self-publishing press for writers. Every self-published author we've talked to says the same thing: it was a lot more complicated than they expected. We spent the last year learning why, and we want your manuscript to get out of the drawer with fewer surprises along the way. Hit play, then visit writerswithwrinklespress.com to send your questions or book a call with us. In this episode
Links and next steps
Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Want to Write a Graphic Novel? A First Second Editor Explains | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:48:16 | |
Your graphic novel isn't a novel. It's a screenplay, and editors can tell from page one whether you know the difference. First Second Books editor Ivan Taurisano explains how to write and submit a graphic novel script that gets read. Kids ages 8 to 12 head straight for the graphic novel shelf, and prose writers are trying to follow them there. But Ivan says a submission that misses the format doesn't just earn a "not for me." It can earn a "don't send me your next one." Here's what he wants you to know before you write a single panel. In this episode:
Ivan's manuscript wishlist:
Ivan's inbox (ivan.taurisano@firstsecondbooks.com) is open to agented and unagented creators, and he gives feedback when he passes. Books and resources mentioned:
Hit play, then grab a graphic novel for the age group you want to write for. Follow Writers With Wrinkles so you don't miss our next Ask Beth and Lisa episode, and send us your questions! Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| 150+ Episodes of Publishing Advice, Now in One Book | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:26:08 | |
We just turned 150+ episodes of hard-won publishing wisdom into one book — and it's finally here. Write, Revise, Publish: Essential Lessons from the Writers With Wrinkles Podcast is up for pre-order now, and today Beth and Lisa are pulling back the curtain on why they wrote it, what's inside, and how it can save you from making the same missteps they did. If you've ever finished a podcast episode thinking "that's such a good tip" — and then completely forgotten it by the next day — this book is the fix. Beth and Lisa gathered the best insight from over five years and 150+ conversations with agents, editors, and authors, organized it by where you are in your process (first draft through published book), and added end-of-chapter worksheets so you can actually use it, not just read it. Plus: they're launching a brand-new segment called the Confetti Club, where debut and new-release authors get the mic to pitch their own books — no interview pressure, just celebration. In this episode:
Pre-order Write, Revise, Publish on Amazon now — it releases in ebook and paperback on October 6th. And if you've got a book coming out in the next 30 days, keep an eye out: the Confetti Club wants to celebrate you too. Hit play, and let's dive in. And if you love the show, a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts takes two minutes and helps us keep ironing out the wrinkles every week. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Why Middle Grade Books Got Too Long For Kids To Read | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:43:24 | |
Harry Potter didn't just create a fantasy phenomenon — according to one Big Five editor, it quietly helped break middle grade publishing. Every book that tried to chase that success got longer, older, and harder for actual kids to read, and now imprints are shutting down because of it. In this encore episode, literary agent, bestselling children's author, and founder of At-Home Author Vicki Weber breaks down what's really happening in publishing right now — the layoffs, the imprint closures, and why "everybody's throwing spaghetti at the wall." Then she gets tactical: her #1 piece of advice for authors in the query trenches (hint: it's not "wait for The One agent"), how to read between the lines of an agent's wishlist, and why chasing a "dream agent" is quietly sabotaging your confidence. In this episode:
We had a new guest lined up for this week, but a family emergency meant we had to reschedule — so we're bringing back one of our favorite conversations instead. Find Vicki's Substack and more show links in the notes at writerswithwrinkles.net. Hit play and let's get to it! Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| An Acquiring Editor Reveals What She's Buying Right Now | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:29:53 | |
Most rejected picture book and middle grade manuscripts aren't turned down because they're bad — they're turned down because an editor has already seen five just like them. Susan Marston, the new editorial director of Albatros Books' US expansion (and former 25-year editorial director of the Junior Library Guild), joins us to lay out exactly what's landing on her acquisitions list right now — and what's already been done to death. We talk about why Albatros — the largest publisher in the Czech Republic — is betting big on the American market, what makes a manuscript feel "irresistible" to an editor who's read literally thousands of submissions, and why she thinks the industry needs way more funny books, shorter word counts, and readers who aren't just "a boy and a girl who are best friends." Susan also gets specific about the exact gaps she's trying to fill: mysteries that go beyond the Sherlock-and-sidekick formula, horror-lite for middle grade, memoir, magical realism, and chapter books that actually try something new. If you write for kids, this is the episode where an active acquiring editor tells you, out loud, what she wants to see land in her inbox. In this episode:
Submissions: Albatros Books is actively acquiring picture books and chapter books from North American authors. Submission guidelines are on their website — send yours to submissions@albatrosbooks.com. Hit play, grab a pencil, and get ready to take notes — then head to writerswithwrinkles.net for the full breakdown and links mentioned in this episode. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| AI Stole Our Books. Now We're the Suspects | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:42:15 | |
AI companies are shredding rare books to train their models—and now authors are the ones being told to prove they didn't use AI to write their own. Beth and Lisa unpack the double standard rocking publishing right now. From a debut novelist's multi million dollar book deal getting pulled over AI suspicion, to writers being told to reinsert typos and kill their em dashes just to "prove" they're human, the burden of proof has landed on exactly the wrong people. Beth and Lisa dig into who gets accused (and who conveniently doesn't), why the "nudge theory" behind blue recycling bins explains what's really happening here, and why voting with your dollars might be the only leverage writers have left. Plus: the AI-sounding conference invite that had Lisa convinced she was being scammed — until it wasn't. Here is the content Lisa references: 1) Any AI use can never be completely “safe” but using for research, brainstorming, etc. can be acceptable. Usage for critiquing, improving prose or pacing, generating drafts is NOT. AI generated text is NOT copyrightable. 2) When using AI, stick to paid plans or walled gardens. Read the terms of use carefully re: training, storage of your prompts, input text, etc. 3) Avoid inputting your manuscript. Use prompts instead. 4) Cross-check all output for accuracy (false answers, hallucinations, poor nuance). 5) Keep all evidence of your process whether original or AI-involved. Okay. Now hit play, then tell us: has AI made you paranoid about your own writing voice? Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| The 4 First-Page Mistakes That Get You Rejected Fast, with editor Joel Brigham | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:54:46 | |
Your opening pages have about 30 seconds to keep a literary agent reading — and most manuscripts lose that fight before the first paragraph ends. Developmental editor Joel Brigham returns to unpack exactly what makes an agent stop reading (and what makes them keep going): the four ingredients — tension, suspense, mystery, and unfairness — that hook a reader in the first few pages. He breaks down why agents almost universally reject prologues, the two-highlighter trick for catching your own info-dumps before an agent does, and where your inciting incident actually needs to land depending on your genre — it's earlier than most writers think. If you've ever gotten a same-day rejection and wondered why, or you're prepping pages for a conference critique or your next query batch, this is the fix-it guide for those first ten pages. Hit play — then check the chapter markers below to jump straight to the section you need. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| 10 Years of Rejection, 40 Books Later (Corrected Audio!) | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:45:06 | |
Note: If you downloaded this episode before 8/3 and experienced audio issues, please delete the download and hit re-download to grab the clean audio file! Wendelin Van Draanen spent 10 years collecting rejections before anyone said yes to her Sammy Keyes mystery series — she just kept writing the next one anyway. Now, 40 books and 30 years later, she's still with the same editor who finally did. If you've ever wondered whether to keep pitching a project nobody wants yet, or whether staying loyal to one editor for decades is a mistake in an industry that rewards jumping ship — this conversation is the counter-argument. Wendelin also gets candid about the moment Rob Reiner called to option Flipped, what it actually takes to hand your book to Hollywood without losing your mind, and the book-festival disaster that had two authors comparing notes on the exact same nightmare bookstore. Ghosted, Wendelin's new romantasy, is up for pre-order now ahead of its October 6th release. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Tired of Waiting 2 Years to Publish? Go Hybrid | 26 Jul 2026 | 00:23:54 | |
You could finish four books this year and only ever get to publish one of them. That's the traditional publishing timeline in a nutshell — and it's why more authors are quietly going hybrid: keeping one foot in a trad deal and self-publishing everything else on their own schedule, without waiting on anyone's calendar. In this episode, Beth and Lisa break down what a hybrid author actually is (not to be confused with a hybrid publisher — totally different thing), why it's suddenly everywhere in publishing conversations, and the different ways real authors are structuring it: splitting genres between trad and self-pub, keeping e-book/audio rights on a trad print deal, reissuing backlist titles that reverted back to them. They also get into the real tradeoffs — creative control and faster cash flow vs. running two jobs at once (author and small business owner) — plus a few authors doing it well right now, like Rebecca Thorne. Also in this episode: a shoutout to listener and author Kate McCarrell Moore's new release, Walter and Benny: Good Guys, Nature Spies, and a preview of next episode's guest, bestselling author Wendelin Van Draanen. Hit play, and if you're new here, follow the show — new episodes every week. Find more at writerswithwrinkles.net. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Why Bestselling Author Jason June Shares Every Book Advance He's Ever Gotten | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:54:33 | |
New York Times bestselling author Jason June (Out of the Blue, Jay's Gay Agenda) returns to Writers With Wrinkles for a wide-ranging conversation covering his growing acting career, the current state of the publishing industry, and his upcoming adult rom-com Santa and Krampus' Cozy Killer Christmas, out fall 2027. Jason is refreshingly candid — about book advances, about the anxiety running through publishing right now, and about finding joy in the work when the business side gets hard. Guest Highlights • How years of writing fiction sharpened Jason's instincts for character and story on set • The "greater sense of unease" in publishing right now — AI concerns, slow timelines, and authors questioning why traditional publishing can't move faster • Self-publishing's rising role, the discovery gap it still faces, and why hybrid careers are becoming more common • The Dungeon Crawler Carl story as a case study in trusting your own artistic vision • Why Jason publicly shares his advances and royalties through The Ventorship — and the argument that most of that "secrecy" is self-imposed • Publishing as a side hustle: debut culture, shrinking advances, and the myth of the "cushy" author life • The MER Principle (Beth's term): find the niche community obsessed with your book's specific hook, not a general audience • The premise behind Santa and Krampus' Cozy Killer Christmas — a "dark cozy" where Krampus only kills the people who'd otherwise doom humanity • Jason's advice to aspiring authors: chase the joy, and aim to be "prolific, not perfect" Key Takeaway Have a marketing tip that's worked for you? Beth and Lisa want to hear it. • Beth: beth@writerswithwrinkles.net • Lisa: lisa@writerswithwrinkles.net • Join The Waiting Room, our Facebook community for writers • Website: writerswithwrinkles.net Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Back in the Query Trenches: Author Lisa Frenkel Riddiough on Losing an Agent and Starting Over | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:38:36 | |
Episode Summary In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid welcome back returning guest Lisa Frenkel Riddiough to discuss her brand-new picture book, Furious Turtle (Disney Hyperion), book two in the Forest School of Big Feelings series. The conversation quickly moves into the heart of the episode: Lisa's experience losing her longtime literary agent to retirement and having to re-enter the query trenches after years of being represented. Lisa walks through how her second querying experience differed from her first — a small, curated list built mostly on personal referrals, a calmer and more strategic mindset, and the ability to separate emotional attachment from business decision-making. She also shares the exact query letter that landed her new agent, breaking down why it worked so well, including her formula for picture book pitches (title + word count + comps, story gist, and the twist/ending). The episode wraps with candid advice for writers who've lost an agent — take stock of the career you've already built — and Lisa's biggest publishing lesson: it's okay to make mistakes.
Lisa Frenkel Riddiough writes board books, picture books, and middle grade novels using wordplay, humor, rhyme, and whimsy. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University. More at lisariddiough.com. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| How to Publish Nonfiction: Agent Alia Hanna Habib's Guide (summer encore series!) | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:37:55 | |
Beth and Lisa welcome literary agent and debut author Alia Hanna Habib, whose book Take It From Me is a practical behind-the-scenes guide to getting a nonfiction book published. Alia represents acclaimed writers including Clint Smith and Nicole Hannah-Jones, was named one of New York Magazine's most powerful New Yorkers you've never heard of, and writes the Substack newsletter Delivery and Acceptance. WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE TO BE A WRITER (WHEN YOU'RE ALSO AN AGENT) Alia shares what it was like to experience the writer's side of publishing for the first time — the anxiety of waiting for feedback, the obsessive inbox-checking, and the hard-won empathy for her own clients. Her takeaway: before you hit send on that panicked email to your agent, ask yourself — am I sending this because I need an answer, or to soothe my own anxiety? If it's the latter, wait. HOW THE BOOK CAME TO BE The idea came during an afternoon nap. Alia was expanding a writing workshop for Stanford academics and realized there was no practical guide specifically about nonfiction publishing. She texted her colleague and friend Meredith Pafel Simonoff two paragraphs — and had a proposal within weeks. Writing the book took two years, complicated by divorce, loss, and the realities of doing it alongside a full-time career. THE NONFICTION LANDSCAPE RIGHT NOW We're in an escapist moment. Romantasy, cozy mysteries, and rom-coms are dominating. In nonfiction, what's working is practical books that make your life better or give you hope. Alia also sees a coming wave of tech-critical books skeptical of our online lives. Her agenting philosophy: if something fascinates her, it'll fascinate readers. She doesn't chase headlines — nonfiction timelines are two-plus years, and you can't predict the news. CRAFT: WRITING A WINNING NONFICTION PROPOSAL The biggest mistake Alia sees is what she calls "death by PowerPoint" — leading with marketing bullet points instead of writing. Publishers are readers first. Her advice:
WHAT ALIA IS LOOKING FOR RIGHT NOW Books that provide guidance or reframe someone's life, historical true crime, and narrative nonfiction with a strong storytelling engine. Current projects include a Regency-era true crime story and My Jane Austen Breakup Album — a literary memoir about a man who lost his partner and his home and spent a year couch-surfing with his collected Jane Austen, reading her for romantic advice while navigating the gay dating scene in Manhattan. FIND ALIA Substack: Delivery and Acceptance Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Literary Agent Ann Rose: What Your First Chapter Needs | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:31:16 | |
Literary agent Ann Rose (Marsal Lyon Literary Agency) returns to Writers With Wrinkles for a candid, funny, and reassuring conversation with Beth and Lisa about the current state of publishing—and how writers can keep going anyway. Ann is also the author of The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean and A Hexcellent Chance to Fall in Love. The episode opens with a frank look at an industry in flux. Ann and the hosts dig into why publishers have grown so risk-averse, why "branded" and name-recognition titles are crowding out fresh voices, and why debut authors and previously published writers alike are finding the trenches tougher than ever. They also tackle the hard truth that marketing has largely shifted onto authors' shoulders—and that, post-Twitter, no one has cracked the code on selling books online. From there, the conversation turns practical and hopeful. Ann shares exactly what hooks her in a first chapter, what makes her stop reading, and how to push past the "messy middle" of a draft. If you're querying, pivoting genres, or rebuilding after a book that didn't sell, this one's for you. In this episode:
Whether you're a debut writer, a seasoned author starting over, or somewhere in the messy middle, Ann's message is one to hold onto: control what you can—your writing—and don't be afraid to get gritty. Learn more about Ann and find the full blog at writerswithwrinkles.net. Next time: an Ask Beth and Lisa episode—send us your questions! Until then, happy reading, writing, and listening. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| How to Revise Your Novel: Developmental Editor Joel Brigham's Checklist (encore episode!) | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:54:23 | |
In this re-released conversation, developmental editor Joel Brigham returns to talk all things revision: how to approach your first editing pass, the most common pitfalls he sees in drafts, and how to know when a manuscript is truly ready to query. A great refresher as you set your summer writing goals. (Note: a recording glitch cut the original intro, which Beth explains at the top.) What you'll learn in this episode Joel revises in phases, and phase one is always structure. He looks for the "tent pole" story beats: the inciting incident, the midpoint turn, and the all-hope-is-lost moment, and checks whether they fall where reader expectations and pacing demand. He explains why pantsers tend to have the beats but in the wrong places, and how genre and age level dictate placement (the inciting incident around 8–12% for YA and adult, the romance meet-cute by the end of chapter one). He then walks through a practical self-editing checklist writers can use before paying a professional:
The episode digs into developing narrative voice, which Joel calls the hardest thing to teach. His advice: read widely, mimic authors you admire until your own voice emerges, write in different mediums, be authentic, seek feedback, and read your work aloud. He shares his own path from imitating Dave Barry and John Green to finding his own style. On story structure red flags, Joel offers a memorable test borrowed from South Park's Trey Parker and Matt Stone: strong stories connect scenes with "but" or "therefore," not "and then." A string of "and thens" signals missing consequences and a passive protagonist. He also tackles the saggy middle and rushed endings, with concrete fixes for each: introduce a new obstacle, separate inseparable characters, drop a backstory reveal, add a ticking clock, or shift the power dynamic to revive a sagging midpoint. For endings, make your all-hope-is-lost moment dark enough that you're forced to pace the resolution, and think of act three as its own four-chapter arc. He closes with hard-won advice on polishing: focus on one element at a time, get other eyes on your pages, learn to weigh feedback wisely, rest between revision phases, and above all, be right, not fast. Don't impose artificial deadlines or query before a manuscript is ready. As Joel reminds listeners, finishing a draft already puts you in rare company, and persistence is what eventually turns into success. Resources & links Learn more about Joel and find episode notes at writerswithwrinkles.net. Happy reading, writing, and listening! Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Stop Making Videos Nobody Watches — Here's a Way to Actually Sell Books | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:24:54 | |
Hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid cut through the noise of book marketing advice to spotlight what genuinely moves books: word of mouth. Nearly half of readers (47–48%) choose books based on personal recommendations — outperforming social media, platforms, and AI discovery tools combined. Beth and Lisa share three low-cost, actionable strategies to spark that word of mouth before and after your launch. 3 Strategies to Spark Word of Mouth
• Recruit 20–30 trusted readers (writers, friends, community members) and give them an advance copy — digital or print • Provide a short, clear list of 3 specific asks: post on social media, share with friends, leave a review • One voice becomes 25 — and those 25 can each reach 10 more, creating exponential amplification with minimal effort from you 2. Engage Bookstagrammers & BookTok Creators — Early • Identify creators who read books in your genre months before your launch — not the week of • Comment, share, and engage with their content authentically to build a genuine relationship first • Pay it forward with fellow authors — share their books freely, and don't be afraid to ask directly when your book drops 3. Attend Local Book Festivals • Book festivals are abundant, often within driving distance, and free to apply for as an author — no flights or hotel rooms required • Having a new or recent release significantly improves your chances of acceptance; apply before your launch • In-person connection creates lasting amplifiers — readers who meet you, enjoy your book, and tell 10 friends Key Takeaway: Stop spending hours on content nobody sees. Invest that time in real relationships — book groups, communities, and fellow authors. Marketing doesn't have to be expensive or high-tech to work. Have a marketing tip that's worked for you? Beth and Lisa want to hear it. • Beth: beth@writerswithwrinkles.net • Lisa: lisa@writerswithwrinkles.net Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Back by Popular Demand: Words on the Page with editor Joel Brigham | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:57:29 | |
Joel Brigham runs Brigham Editorial (developmental edits, manuscript critiques, query help), teaches high school English in Illinois, and is an editor for RevPit — a community that gives away free developmental edits each spring. REVPIT • Free developmental editing contest — editors (not authors) mentor selected writers through full drafts • Applications open April, winners announced early May; ~14–15 editors participate • Year-round mini-event: 10 Queries — public feedback on first 5 pages + query letters THE FIRST DRAFT • One goal: words on the page. Momentum beats perfection — always • Psychology backs this up: Goal Gradient Effect, Zeigarnik Effect, and Commitment Principle all support just keeping going • Comparing your messy first draft to your last polished book is a trap — every published book started the same way 5 DRAFTING HINDRANCES • Starting slow — avoid waking-up scenes, mirror descriptions, dream openers. Try dropping into the middle of something (*in medias res*) • Perfectionism — editing as you go wastes time on scenes that may not survive. Grammar is the last step • Weak character foundation — know their goal, fear, flaw, and wound as early as possible • No tension — even “everyday life” chapters before the inciting incident need friction, stakes, or a ticking clock • Info dumping — no backstory or flashbacks in chapters 1–2. Backstory is a breadcrumb, not a full loaf FOR DISCOVERY / PANTSER WRITERS • Check in every 15–20k words — assess without forcing rigid plot beats • By 20k: your character should have a clear want and be on the book’s core journey • Made a change mid-draft? Drop a note and keep writing forward as if it’s always been that way — don’t stop to rewrite LINKS Joel’s services: brighameditorial.com • RevPit: reviseresub.com • Show notes: writerswithwrinkles.net Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Stop Querying Wrong: Agent Nikki Carrero Breaks It Down | 25 May 2026 | 00:52:23 | |
Beth and Lisa talk with literary agent Nikki Carrero, from The Rights Factory, to break down the querying process from the agent’s side — what gets you noticed, what gets a pass, and how to make the most of The Call. Highlights • Nikki runs monthly pitch parties on Threads — currently her only open submission path since she’s closed to general queries. • Biggest query red flags: word count outside genre norms, miscategorized genre, and sending to agents who don’t rep your category. • Personalization? Just use her name. “Dear Agent” won’t auto-reject you, but do double-check pronouns. • Multiple passes don’t always mean bad writing — it may be wrong agents, weak hook, or pacing issues in the opening pages. • Nikki is an editorial agent: developmental notes, line edits, and reader reactions all in the margins. • Watch your social media. Agents notice public venting in the query trenches — keep it in private group chats. Questions to Ask on The Call (with prospective agent!) • How editorial are you, and what does your revision process look like? • Will I see the pitch letter and submission list? • What happens if the book doesn’t sell — do you stay with me? • Always ask for a boilerplate contract before signing. Nikki’s Parting Advice Patience and persistence. Self-publishing is not a fallback. Keep writing new books — voice and craft develop over time, and the writers who stick with it are the ones who break through. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| How to Write Better Stakes & Tension in Your Novel (and some Taylor Swift!) | 11 May 2026 | 00:39:08 | |
We tackle a publishing debate, draw writing wisdom from Taylor Swift, and dig into one of the most common craft problems in fiction — weak stakes and missing tension. Plus a community book shout-out. THE HARDBACK DEBATE Beth shares a Guardian article arguing hardbacks are outdated — too expensive, they kill buzz before the paperback drops, and lead with the least accessible format. Beth and Lisa push back: libraries and schools depend on durable formats, sprayed-edge editions have made hardcovers a Gen Z collector's item, and paperbacks consistently outsell. Lisa made hardcover a deal-breaker when negotiating Heart and Souls to protect library access. Read the article here. TAYLOR SWIFT AS A WRITING TEACHER Swift is a master of show-don't-tell — capturing massive emotion in a single precise phrase without ever stating it outright. Beth recommends the New York Times in-depth interview on her songwriting process as required reading for any fiction writer. CRAFT DEEP DIVE: STAKES, TENSION & CONSEQUENCES Every story lives or dies on what is at risk. There are always two levels and you need both — external stakes (plot consequences) and internal stakes (identity, belief, sense of self). They must be connected or the story falls flat. Beth's "So What?" Stress Test — apply to any scene or chapter:
The Index Card Method: Write one sentence per chapter, lay the cards out, and ask what the stakes are in each. Any blank card is a dead zone — and dead zones lose readers. COMMUNITY BOOK SHOUT-OUT Double Crossed by Rebecca Barone — out April 28th. Middle grade narrative nonfiction about Operation Bodyguard, the Allied WWII mission to fool the Nazis about the true location of D-Day. Reads like a spy thriller. Every word is true. Buy it here. Join The Waiting Room, our private Facebook community for writers, to connect with authors like Rebecca and get your upcoming release featured in a future shout-out. NEXT EPISODE: Agent Nikki Carrero from The Rights Factory joins us May 25th! Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| We Read Your First Pages So You Don't Have To Guess | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:23:28 | |
First Page Feedback: Charlotte's Hunt for Glory Beth and Lisa critique the opening page of a middle grade fantasy submission and pull out craft lessons for any writer working on those critical first pages.
Charlotte's Hunt for Glory follows 12-year-old Charlotte through a morning routine steeped in grief for her late grandmother and sibling envy — anchored by a rich exploration of hair as identity. What's Working
What to Work On
Next episode: Ask Beth and Lisa — send in your questions! Writers with Wrinkles is hosted by Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Rolling With It (And Then Not) | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:32:16 | |
The One Where Nobody Ordered the Books | Beth McMullen & Lisa Schmid Lisa Schmid shares a cautionary tale from the Sacramento Book Festival, where a series of logistical failures turned what should have been an exciting milestone — her first book festival — into a comedy of errors. A week before the event she discovered the bookseller had never ordered any books, resulting in last-minute scrambling, one copy secured, and Lisa packing 20 of her own into her son’s little blue racing-sticker suitcase. She then had to park seven blocks away and roll it through the crowds just to get in the door. The takeaway from both hosts: never assume logistics are handled — confirm book orders, ask who’s responsible for what, and follow up all the way through. Beth admitted she’s largely stopped accepting event invitations after too many similar experiences. On a positive note, Lisa previews an upcoming signing at Old Haunts Bookshop in Granite Bay — a model of how it should be done. Next week: guest Kolby Sharp, booked as a “palate cleanse” and described as a breath of fresh air for book lovers.
Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Publishing Is Changing Fast! Literary Agent Vicki Weber on What's Working Now | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:44:21 | |
Imprint closures, layoffs, and reorganizations are rattling the publishing world. Literary agent and At-Home Author founder Vicki Weber joins Beth and Lisa for a candid conversation about what’s driving these changes—and what writers can do about it. From the surprising role Harry Potter played in the decline of middle grade to building an audience before you have a book deal, Vicki delivers practical strategies for navigating today’s shifting landscape.
• The wave of imprint closures (Roaring Brook, Dial) and editorial cuts at Simon & Schuster • How Harry Potter’s escalating length contributed to middle grade’s long-term decline • Why acquisitions are harder than ever—and why an editor loving your book is just the beginning • The industry push toward commercial fiction and what that means for querying writers • Vicki’s #1 querying tip: write another book and build a portfolio • Reading between the lines of agent wishlists to craft standout queries • Self-publishing vs. traditional: rising standards and honest pros/cons • Overcoming bad sales track with pen names, pivots, and reframing your story • Building an email list pre-publication with free stories, newsletter swaps, and cheap ads • Vicki’s wishlist: adult psychological horror, horror-tinged thrillers, genre mashups with social commentary Loved this episode? Subscribe wherever you listen, visit writerswithwrinkles.net, and send your questions for the next Ask Beth & Lisa episode. Until next time—happy reading, writing, and listening! Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| What The Heck Is Going On With Publishing? | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:42:10 | |
Beth and Lisa discuss the 2026 publishing landscape. From the end of prestige imprints like Dial Books to the flood of AI content, they explore why the industry feels increasingly "disposable" and "noisy." Key Discussion Points
Tips for Authors
Next Guest: Author and 5th-grade teacher Colby Sharp joins the show on April 27th. Connect with Us
Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Life After the Breakup: Navigating the Publishing World After Parting Ways with Your Agent, with Amy Trueblood | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:32:24 | |
Hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid welcome award-winning author Amy Trueblood to discuss a transition many writers face but few discuss: life after parting ways with a literary agent. Amy shares her journey of being on her fourth agent, offering a refreshing look at why changing representation is a natural part of a long-term career. About the Guest Amy Trueblood is the author of the acclaimed YA historical novels Nothing But Sky and Across a Broken Shore. Writing as Amy True, she also authored the speculative romance series Clearly Charmed. Key Discussion Points
Actionable Advice
Links Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Why Indie Authors Are Winning the Business Game (and new First Pages!) | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:34:51 | |
In this episode, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk about a recent publishing controversy sparked on Threads regarding the "legitimacy" of indie authors. They break down the evolving landscape of self-publishing, comparing the financial and creative realities of "indie" versus traditional publishing. Later, they critique the opening pages of a middle-grade mystery titled The Ravenspur Mystery, offering actionable advice on voice, world-building, and establishing character motivation. Key Discussion Points The hosts react to a social media thread where an agent reportedly claimed indie writers are not "legit" authors.
Creative Control & Traditional Pitfalls
First Pages Critique: The Ravenspur Mystery The hosts review the opening of a middle-grade mystery, praising its "old-school Nancy Drew" feel.
Mentions & Resources
Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| The Nuts and Bolts of Writing MG & YA Mysteries, with Fleur Bradley | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:35:38 | |
In this episode, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid welcome back author and literacy advocate Fleur Bradley. The discussion centers on the importance of mysteries in keeping kids reading, the structural "nuts and bolts" of writing for middle grade (MG) versus young adult (YA) audiences, and the release of Bradley’s new craft book designed to help writers navigate the genre. Get A Clue is available for preorder right now! Releases April 7th. Key Discussion Points Addressing the Literacy "Drop-off"
Crafting the MG and YA Mystery
Defining the Crime by Age Category
Practical Advice for Aspiring Authors
Key Takeaways
Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Book People are the Best People! (and other truths) | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:33:13 | |
Episode Summary In this Season 5 bonus episode, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid clear out their "insanely long" laundry list of burning topics. The duo discusses the restorative power of community, starting with Lisa’s wildly successful brewery book swap on Reading Street. They dive into how simple, low-lift events can be the perfect antidote to a dark news cycle and offer tips on how you can start your own. The conversation moves into the digital space, covering the shift from Twitter to Threads and Blue Sky for monthly Kidlit chats. Finally, Beth and Lisa get serious about industry safety, offering a "buyer beware" guide to writing conferences and professional classes. They share advice on how to vet organizers, protect your investment, and ensure the event aligns with your specific writing goals. Key Topics Covered
Resources & Links
Coming Up Next Week Don’t miss our conversation with author Fleur Bradley, who returns to the show to discuss her brand-new writing craft book focused on the art of Middle Grade mystery! Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| First Pages!!! (yes we're excited) | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:29:32 | |
In this session, Beth and Lisa critique the opening of "Beyond the Moon," a middle-grade contemporary manuscript. The discussion focuses on refining the "hook," establishing a consistent tone, and leveraging character relationships to engage readers immediately. Key Critique Points
Writing Takeaways
The Waiting Room - private writers Facebook group Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| You’re Not a Real Author Until You Get Scam Emails | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:27:48 | |
Is your inbox is bursting with slop from bots and scammers? In this "Ask Beth & Lisa" episode, we tackle the explosion of predatory emails—from fake "Silent Book Clubs" to fraudulent Amazon publishing offers—aimed at unsuspecting writers. We discuss why these emails are a weird sign of visibility, how we use the "48-hour rule" to vet opportunities, and why staying connected to the writing community is your best defense. We also go behind the scenes of our high-octane Threads Kidlit Chat and share a sneak peek into why secondary characters often steal the spotlight from your protagonist.
Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid are authors and co-hosts of the Writers with Wrinkles podcast. With years of experience in the kidlit world and the broader publishing industry, they created this show to pull back the curtain on the writing life—wrinkles and all. When they aren't recording, you can find them hosting live community chats on Threads or mentoring writers in their private Facebook group. Resources Mentioned in this Episode
Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Navigating Non-Fiction Publishing with Literary Agent Alia Hanna Habib | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:38:54 | |
Episode Summary What does it actually take to get a non-fiction book published in today's market? In this episode, literary agent and author Alia Hanna Habib pulls back the curtain on the publishing industry. Alia shares insights from her new book, Take It From Me, a practical guide for writers looking to navigate the complex journey from idea to bookshelf. Whether you are a debut author or a seasoned writer, this conversation explores the essential elements of a successful non-fiction proposal, the evolving role of a literary agent, and how to stay resilient in a competitive market. Key Takeaways & Timestamps
About the Guest: Alia Hanna Habib Alia Hanna Habib is a veteran literary agent and the author of Take It From Me: A Practical, Behind-the-Scenes Guide to Getting a Non-Fiction Book Published. Named one of New York Magazine's "most powerful New Yorkers you’ve never heard of," she represents leading voices in journalism, history, and literature. She also writes the popular Substack newsletter, Delivery and Acceptance. Resources Mentioned in this Episode
Connect with Us
Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| What Literary Agents Look for in Kidlit Submissions, with Erin Casey Westin | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:36:56 | |
Note: For the most up-to-date information on Erin’s submission status, interests, and availability, visit https://erincaseywestin.com. Episode Summary In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk with Erin Casey Westin, associate agent at Galt & Zacker Literary Agency, about the current kidlit market and how agents evaluate queries and manuscripts. Aspiring authors will gain insight into writing stronger query letters, understanding agent decision-making, and knowing when a manuscript is truly ready to submit. Guest Bio Erin Casey Westin is an associate agent at Galt & Zacker Literary Agency, where she represents children’s literature. She is especially drawn to projects with strong voice, vivid worldbuilding, and authentic, thoughtful representation. Erin is passionate about stories that allow every child to see themselves reflected on the page. She is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Key Discussion Points
Conclusion This episode reminds writers that strong queries and manuscripts are built on clarity, specificity, and patience. Erin Casey Westin offers a transparent look at how agents read, evaluate, and decide—helping authors approach querying with more confidence and intention. Links & Resources
🎧 Subscribe & Connect Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Submit questions for “Ask Beth and Lisa” at writerswithwrinkles.net, or connect with us on Instagram @writerswithwrinkles. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Season Finale Bonus: First Pages Cozy Fantasy | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:26:56 | |
In this bonus season-finale episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid reflect on the end of the season, share a behind-the-scenes podcasting mishap, and dive into a First Pages critique of a cozy fantasy submission, The Village Mage. Along the way, they discuss why first pages are so hard to get right, how too much backstory can stall momentum, and what cozy fantasy readers expect from the very first paragraph. What We Cover in This Episode A Season Wrap-Up
Behind the Scenes of Podcasting
First Pages Critique: The Village Mage
First Page Takeaways for Writers
A Common Revision Reality
Key Writing Advice from Beth & Lisa
What’s Coming Next
Have first pages you’d like feedback on? Visit the Writers With Wrinkles website and submit your opening pages for a chance to be featured in a future episode. Thank you for listening, sharing, and sticking with us this season. We’ll see you in the new year—until then, happy reading, writing, and listening. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Ask Beth & Lisa: Query Letters (with Deborah Crossland) | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:36:08 | |
Query letters make even experienced writers panic—and for good reason. In this special Ask Beth & Lisa episode, we’re joined by author and educator Deborah Crossland for a deep, practical conversation about how to write a strong, effective query letter as we head into the 2026 querying season. Deborah breaks down what query letters are actually for, what agents want to see (and don’t), and how writers can avoid the most common—and most damaging—mistakes. This episode is packed with actionable advice, mindset shifts, and real-world examples from the querying trenches. About Our Guest Deborah Crossland teaches English and mythology at a community college and writes myth-based contemporary YA novels with a feminist lens. Her novel The Quiet Part Out Loud was published in 2023, with the paperback released in 2024. She lives in Northern California and is passionate about making education accessible to all. Key Topics & Takeaways What a Query Letter Is (and Isn’t)
The Anatomy of a Strong Query
External Stakes Matter More Than You Think
Pitch vs. Synopsis
How to Personalize Without Being Cringey
Query Etiquette (and Red Flags)
Author Bios for Debut Writers
Series Talk: Less Is More
Length & Clarity
Hooks, Loglines, and Netflix Thinking
Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| ENCORE: Lisa's favorite Season 4 episode is Brian Selznick | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:51:56 | |
For her encore episode, Lisa chose our interview with Brian Selznick—author and illustrator of some of the most innovative and emotionally powerful books in contemporary publishing. In this conversation, Brian reflects on creative process, patience, and trusting your reader. It was definitely a season four highlight!
Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| ENCORE: Beth's favorite Season 4 episode is Adria Goetz | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:42:20 | |
Beth’s Encore Pick: Adria Goetz For her encore episode, Beth chose our interview with Adria Goetz, Senior Literary Agent at KT Literary. This conversation gets into the real mechanics of querying—what agents actually notice, where writers tend to go wrong, and how to communicate clearly and professionally in a crowded submission landscape. Adria is refreshingly direct about industry realities while remaining deeply encouraging, making this episode especially useful for writers who want practical guidance without false promises. If you’re querying now—or plan to in the future—this is one of those episodes worth bookmarking. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Inside Publishing with Mari Kesselring: What Writers Really Need to Know | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:40:29 | |
Guest Bio Key Discussion Points Conclusion Mentions 🎧 Subscribe & Connect Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| BONUS: First Pages: How to Hook Readers Fast in MG Fantasy | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:34:18 | |
In this bonus episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa critique the first page of a new upper middle grade fantasy novel, Kiki Won’t Be Goddess of the Underworld. If you’re an MG author looking for feedback on opening pages, strong character voice, or how to start your novel in the right place, this episode delivers clear, practical writing advice you can apply immediately. Beth and Lisa read the full first page aloud and break down what works, what needs tightening, and how to improve pacing and clarity. They discuss why this submission has such a strong middle grade voice, how to avoid confusing world-building when mixing mythology, and what every MG writer should consider when crafting a compelling first chapter. Their critique highlights common pitfalls—like starting the story too early or overloading the reader with details—and offers smart strategies to create tension and hook readers fast. What listeners will learn: This episode is perfect for writers revising their first pages, querying a middle grade fantasy manuscript, or trying to understand what grabs literary agents and young readers from page one. Beth and Lisa’s feedback will help you sharpen your opening, strengthen your story structure, and build a clearer path into your world. Links & Resources Subscribe & Connect Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Inside Publishing’s High-Stakes Reality: What Writers Need to Know | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:36:25 | |
In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, Beth and Lisa discuss one of the most active conversations happening among writers: the growing concern about how the publishing industry treats debut and midlist authors. They share personal experiences, hard-won insights, and reflections from the larger writing community. The result is an honest, validating look at how traditional publishing functions today—and what writers can do to protect themselves. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT • Debut Pressure and the “Bad Track” Problem • The Industry-Wide Debate About Publishing’s Risk Model • Orphaned Books, Vanishing Support, and Internal Realities • The Rise of Indie, Hybrid, and Small Press Publishing • What Might Fix the System (If Anything) KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR WRITERS RESOURCES MENTIONED CONNECT + BONUS MATERIAL Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| BONUS: How to Write Funny Books With Heart: Adam Rosenbaum on Middle Grade Craft | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:46:19 | |
In this bonus episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa talk with Adam Rosenbaum about how he blends laugh-out-loud comedy with emotionally meaningful storytelling. Writers will learn how humor lowers a reader’s defenses, why kids crave funny books, and how to handle heavy topics without overwhelming young readers. Guest Bio Adam Rosenbaum is the author of The Ghost Rules and the upcoming illustrated series Lawson History Stumbling Through Time (Sourcebooks, 2027). A former sawmill operator and draftsman, he now writes heartfelt, funny middle grade fiction in Nashville, where he lives with his family. Key Discussion Points
Conclusion Adam reminds writers that humor isn’t a lesser art—it’s a bridge. When paired with heart and honesty, it helps kids navigate big feelings while keeping them invested in the story. 🎧 Subscribe & Connect Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| What Editors Really Look For, with Alison Romig: First Pages, Comps, and Connecting with Readers | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:42:00 | |
Episode Summary Guest Bio Key Discussion Points
Conclusion This episode reminds writers that a strong editorial partnership is built on trust, open communication, and shared creative vision. Whether you’re writing middle grade, YA, or exploring new genres, Alison’s insights demystify the submission process and empower authors to craft stories that truly connect with readers—and maybe even give them a good scare. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Nail Your First Page: Real Critiques from Publishing Pros | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:34:44 | |
Want to watch the video? Click here. Episode Summary Guest Bio Key Discussion Points Conclusion Links & Resources Subscribe & Connect Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| How to Build a Lasting Author-Agent Relationship, with Agent Leslie Zampetti | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:45:27 | |
In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa welcome literary agent Leslie Zampetti for an honest and insightful conversation about what makes a successful author-agent relationship. From red flags to communication tips, aspiring authors will gain clarity on how to choose the right agent and navigate the business side of publishing. Guest Bio Leslie Zampetti is a literary agent with Open Book Literary, representing fiction and select nonfiction for children and adults. She champions underrepresented voices, especially disabled writers, and brings deep experience as a former librarian and writer. Connect with Leslie on Instagram and Twitter @LiteraryLeslieZ or visit www.openbooklit.com. Key Discussion Points
Conclusion This episode is packed with actionable advice for writers navigating the intimidating world of literary representation. Leslie Zampetti pulls back the curtain on the agenting process, giving listeners a real-world look at what agents value, how decisions are made, and how writers can position themselves for long-term success. Whether you're querying your first book or considering a genre shift, this conversation will leave you empowered and informed. Links & Resources
🎧 Subscribe & Connect Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Trademark Trouble? Copyright Pitfalls? Ask Beth & Lisa! | 29 Sep 2025 | 00:33:16 | |
In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid share updates on their current writing projects and dive into hot publishing topics: copyright oversight, AI-related lawsuits, and the rules of using brand names in fiction. They also unveil details for their new First Page Feedback segment and tease an upcoming Writers With Wrinkles retreat. Guest Bio Key Discussion Points
Conclusion Please rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to help spread the word! Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Finding the Right Fit: Agent-Author Relationships with Sheyla Knigge | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:35:14 | |
In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid sit down with literary agent Sheyla Knigge of Highline Literary Collective to talk about the art of building strong author-agent relationships. Sheyla shares her journey into publishing, her approach to championing authors, and the key questions every writer should ask before signing with an agent. Guest Bio: Key Discussion Points:
Conclusion: Mentioned Links: Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| The One About Taylor Swift (and some other stuff, too) | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:34:46 | |
Beth and Lisa react in real-time to Taylor Swift’s engagement, connecting it to creativity, storytelling, and the writing life. They also dive into lessons on “first pages,” share a cautionary tale from a tough SCBWI conference, and tease details of their upcoming Writers With Wrinkles retreat. Guest Bio Key Discussion Points
Conclusion Mentioned Links
Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Self-Publishing Success: Lessons, Creative Freedom & Midlife Magic with Barb Hopkins & Kelly Garcia | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:49:51 | |
In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, we dive into the world of self-publishing adult fiction. Authors Barb Hopkins and Kelly Garcia share how they turned frustration with traditional publishing into indie success, building their paranormal mystery series Chronicles of a Cursed Midlife from the ground up while navigating the challenges of co-authoring and marketing. Guest Bios:
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Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Ask B&L: Book Coaching? What even is that? | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:36:22 | |
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Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| Navigating KidLit and Publishing Realities with Agent Joyce Sweeney | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:35:40 | |
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Ready to turn your manuscript into a published book? Writers With Wrinkles Press handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution, and you keep 100% of your royalties. Visit WritersWithWrinklesPress.com and write CONFETTI on your submission to get $500 off your publishing package. Your book. Your moment. Let's make it a celebration. Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||
| BONUS: How to Write Action That Kids Can’t Put Down (an interview with author & book coach Beth McMullen) | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:21:47 | |
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Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! | |||