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mswlacademy द्वारा प्रदान की गई सामग्री. एपिसोड, ग्राफिक्स और पॉडकास्ट विवरण सहित सभी पॉडकास्ट सामग्री mswlacademy या उनके पॉडकास्ट प्लेटफ़ॉर्म पार्टनर द्वारा सीधे अपलोड और प्रदान की जाती है। यदि आपको लगता है कि कोई आपकी अनुमति के बिना आपके कॉपीराइट किए गए कार्य का उपयोग कर रहा है, तो आप यहां बताई गई प्रक्रिया का पालन कर सकते हैं https://hi.player.fm/legal।
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Genres, Tropes, Trends, and Finding Your Agent Fit with Agent Erica Bauman
Manage episode 430918844 series 2488892
mswlacademy द्वारा प्रदान की गई सामग्री. एपिसोड, ग्राफिक्स और पॉडकास्ट विवरण सहित सभी पॉडकास्ट सामग्री mswlacademy या उनके पॉडकास्ट प्लेटफ़ॉर्म पार्टनर द्वारा सीधे अपलोड और प्रदान की जाती है। यदि आपको लगता है कि कोई आपकी अनुमति के बिना आपके कॉपीराइट किए गए कार्य का उपयोग कर रहा है, तो आप यहां बताई गई प्रक्रिया का पालन कर सकते हैं https://hi.player.fm/legal।
We are so pleased to welcome agent Erica Bauman from Aevitas Creative Management to the podcast! We discuss: *How to make your work more atmospheric *Where to place emphasis when writing between genres *Balancing keeping the reader in their heads vs. their senses *When the genre of our world gets closer to dystopia, how does the dystopian genre change? *Why do agents ask for exactly your metatags—and then say no? Meet with Erica here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/erica-bauman Erica Bauman is a literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management and represents a wide variety of authors across middle grade, young adult, and upmarket adult fiction, including acclaimed YA author Maria Ingrande Mora, New York Times Bestseller Kayla Cottingham, and Lambda Literary Fellow Naseem Jamnia. Erica is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and has worked in the publishing industry since 2012. Prior to Aevitas, she worked at Spectrum Literary Agency. Based in New York, Erica is most interested in commercial novels that feature an exciting premise and lyrical, atmospheric writing; imaginative, genre-blending tales; speculative worlds filled with haunting, quietly wondrous magic; fresh retellings of mythology, ballet, opera, and classic literature; sharply funny rom-coms; graphic novels for all ages; fearless storytellers that tackle big ideas and contemporary issues; and working with and supporting marginalized authors and stories that represent the wide range of humanity.
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255 एपिसोडस
Manage episode 430918844 series 2488892
mswlacademy द्वारा प्रदान की गई सामग्री. एपिसोड, ग्राफिक्स और पॉडकास्ट विवरण सहित सभी पॉडकास्ट सामग्री mswlacademy या उनके पॉडकास्ट प्लेटफ़ॉर्म पार्टनर द्वारा सीधे अपलोड और प्रदान की जाती है। यदि आपको लगता है कि कोई आपकी अनुमति के बिना आपके कॉपीराइट किए गए कार्य का उपयोग कर रहा है, तो आप यहां बताई गई प्रक्रिया का पालन कर सकते हैं https://hi.player.fm/legal।
We are so pleased to welcome agent Erica Bauman from Aevitas Creative Management to the podcast! We discuss: *How to make your work more atmospheric *Where to place emphasis when writing between genres *Balancing keeping the reader in their heads vs. their senses *When the genre of our world gets closer to dystopia, how does the dystopian genre change? *Why do agents ask for exactly your metatags—and then say no? Meet with Erica here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/erica-bauman Erica Bauman is a literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management and represents a wide variety of authors across middle grade, young adult, and upmarket adult fiction, including acclaimed YA author Maria Ingrande Mora, New York Times Bestseller Kayla Cottingham, and Lambda Literary Fellow Naseem Jamnia. Erica is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and has worked in the publishing industry since 2012. Prior to Aevitas, she worked at Spectrum Literary Agency. Based in New York, Erica is most interested in commercial novels that feature an exciting premise and lyrical, atmospheric writing; imaginative, genre-blending tales; speculative worlds filled with haunting, quietly wondrous magic; fresh retellings of mythology, ballet, opera, and classic literature; sharply funny rom-coms; graphic novels for all ages; fearless storytellers that tackle big ideas and contemporary issues; and working with and supporting marginalized authors and stories that represent the wide range of humanity.
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255 एपिसोडस
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×1 Why Does Publishing Take So Darn Long? With Special Guest Agent Stefanie Molina 46:31
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46:31Have you ever wondered why Publishing seems to take so much longer than any other industry? We posed this question to agent Stefanie Molina, Ladderbird Literary--and discuss what it means for agents, editors, and - most of all - writers. Want to talk about your work with Stefanie? Schedule a time here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/stefanie-molina We discuss: Current Trends in Publishing (00:03:57) What Makes A work “Fresh”? (00:05:01) The Importance of BIPOC Voices in Literature (00:06:32) Communication Challenges in Publishing (00:08:33) Literary Agents of Change (00:10:52) Advice for Writers in the Querying Process (00:15:48) Agents’ Constant Thoughts on Clients (00:28:56) Hope for Industry Change (00:39:31) Scholarship Opportunities (00:44:47)…
1 How To Make Your Work More Addictive: Pacing, Structure & Symmetry with Agent Liv Ivanov 21:18
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21:18We are so happy to welcome Liv Ivanov, agent at Creative Media Agency, to the podcast! In this episode, we talk about making your work more addictive (we can all dream of the "I read it in one sitting" agent response!) through: *Effective pacing *Structure *Tension *Symmetry *The MICE Quotient And more! Liv shares her insights on avoiding excessive exposition, the balance between tension and pacing, and the importance of character development. She also highlights techniques like reverse outlining and reading aloud to improve manuscripts. We also learn what Liv would like to have in her inbox. Meet Liv here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/liv-ivanov…
1 How To Make Your Work More Commercial with Agent Alyssa Jennette (Stonesong Literary) 15:38
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15:38How do you make your work more commercial--and why is commercial the trend right now? Join agent Alyssa Jennette (Stonesong Literary) as we talk about: 1) Why is commercial trending right now? 2) What can ALL genres (including literary) do to appeal to readers in this moment? 3) Why you should focus revision efforts on stakes, character, payoff and more to make your commercial and literary works more 4) Why literary and upmarket writers don't need to panic. This is part of a larger podcast episode (15 minutes) coming soon. Meet Alyssa here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/alyssa-jennette Video clip of this episode here: https://youtu.be/F8wl9mwyc9k?si=Tg-lfxW2dBC6CpxR Learn more at https://manuscriptacademy.com/…
1 The Formula For Successful Books with Editor Ivan Taurisano 44:52
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44:52Is there a formula for success? What do you do when "A new twist on something familiar" starts to feel overly simplistic? Enter editor Ivan Taurisano, editor at Abrams, who works from the opposite direction of most editors: he can think of a concept that's marketable, then put together the team to make it happen. We discuss: ***Collaborating with Licensing Partners: Ivan works closely with major brands like Disney, Netflix, and others to create books that resonate with current market trends. ***Data-Driven Decision Making: Unlike traditional editors who wait for manuscripts, Ivan actively seeks out market trends and creates content that meets those demands. ***Monitoring Bestseller Lists: Checking Amazon and New York Times bestseller lists to identify common themes and outliers. ***Examining BISAC Codes: Understanding how books are categorized to spot market trends. ***Creating Engaging and Humorous Content: Books should be fun and engaging for children, encouraging a love of reading. ***Finding the Sweet Spot: Balancing humor and content that resonates with children while being appropriate for parents. Ivan Taurisano was born in Rome, Italy, and moved to the United States almost ten years ago to pursue a children’s book publishing career. The guiding principle of his work is that a child whose life is changed by a book will always be a step closer to becoming an adult who will change the world. Ivan’s all-time favorite book is James and the Giant Peach, and his best friend is a chihuahua named Bilbo. Ivan has a BA in English and Creative Writing, an MA in Children’s Literature, and an MFA in Writing for Children. He started his career at Sourcebooks as an Editorial Assistant, then moved on to become an Assistant Editor. His responsibilities included developing children’s board books, picture books, and graphic novels, as well as acquiring board books and picture books. Ivan has worked with many successful series and brands, including How to Catch, Little Heroes Big Hearts, Sesame Street, Disney, Tokidoki, and Pokémon. Currently, Ivan lives in New York and works at Abrams as an Associate Editor on the Children’s Entertainment Publishing and Content Development team. In this role, he focuses novelty books, board books, graphic novels, and select MG and YA titles. He is especially interested in stories with a strong commercial hook, crave-able content, compelling characters, and series potential. Board books and picture books: Ivan is interested in children’s board books and picture books that are kid-centric, interactive, character-driven, and have series potential. He enjoys titles with a strong hook, fun read-alouds, great rhymes, bold and playful imaginative stories, books that break the fourth wall and invite reader participation, as well as seasonal stories such as Christmas and Halloween. MG: Ivan is interested in plot-driven, action-packed adventures with a strong commercial hook, compelling characters, magic, quests/competitions, and high stakes. YA: Ivan prefers strong commercial hooks, well-plotted, character-driven, atmospheric stories, and series potential. He loves fantasy, magic, and quests/competitions. He likes unique, morally grey characters, memorable villains, and propulsive, cinematic writing. Ivan is not the best fit for nonfiction, retellings, historical fiction, biographies, and novels in verse. *** Schedule a meeting with Ivan here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/ivan-taurisano…
1 The Art of Feedback: What To Take, What To Ignore & How To Know The Difference 36:45
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36:45We love Bonnie Jo Pierson. Not only is she a Manuscript Academy alum and a published author, she’s a member of a 20-person writing group—and an expert on knowing what feedback to take, what to ignore, and how to tell the difference. After 17 years of writing, her novel is ready—and we talk about keeping work fresh, learning and growing as a person, and remaining emotionally open to your work and your life. Bonnie Jo is the author of What Happens in Idaho, July 24, 2024. Gifted with a short attention span, Bonnie Jo Pierson wants to experience and do as much as she can. Using the great powers of YouTube she’s taught herself how to knit, crochet, paint with oils, acrylics, and watercolors, coach volleyball, play the piano and cello, ride a motorcycle, renovate a house, sing, sew, raise livestock, bake, and most importantly how to write. With a degree in biology, she’s a lover of all things science, especially in the microscopic world. She and her Navy veteran husband have four children and spent several years bouncing around to various locations in the United States. Now she’s made her home in small-town Idaho, where she’s attempting to resurrect her great-grandparents one hundred year-old farm. You can email her at bonniejopierson@gmail.com or you can find her on: instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbonniejopierson/ goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23922408-bonnie-jo-pierson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonniejopiersonauthor twitter: https://twitter.com/BonnieJo_author tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bonniejo_author?lang=en…
1 Live Recorded: Mystery Editor Consultation with Macmillan Editor Christina Lopez 49:54
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49:54Today is a special live recording of the Manuscript Academy podcast! In front of Manuscript Academy members, Jessica and Julie are joined by faculty member and Macmillan editor Christina Lopez in another installment of our Mystery Agent/Editor segment. Listen in as Christina critiques writer Karissa Riffel’s YA horror query and first page, and answers all your questions. Want to apply for next Mystery Agent/Editor Consutlation? Sign up here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/submissions Learn more about membership here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/membership Want to meet with Christina? Sign up here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/christina-lopez…
1 Your Book Is Not For Everyone (Thank Goodness!): Author Positioning with Norton Editor Emma Peters 39:05
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39:05Have you ever been tempted to say "My book is for everyone"? We get it! It sounds like the perfect way to convince an agent your book is a slam dunk bestseller--right? Wrong. Realistically, no book is for everyone--and this is a great thing. We're happy to join Emma Peters, editor at W.W. Norton, to discuss: *Why you need to define your audience--and pitch an agent on this reader *How specificity in your book description is your friend *What is a “build a book” and why do agents work on them? *Balancing professionalism, enthusiasm & marketing *How to use your friends as a focus group Emma is available for query consultations. Meet with her at: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/emma-peters…
1 Metaphor, Math, Editing, & How You Can Get Your Message to Your Reader Effectively 38:09
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38:09We are so excited to welcome math teacher Ben Orlin to the podcast! Ben Orlin is a math teacher who can't draw. His book Math with Bad Drawings (2018) has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide, and has since been followed by Change is the Only Constant (2019), Math Games with Bad Drawings (2022), and most recently, Math for English Majors (Sept 2024). His work has appeared in The Atlantic, Popular Science, Slate, Vox, and The Los Angeles Times; he himself has appeared in the lines to ice cream stores everywhere. BBC star and leading mathematician Hannah Fry once described him as "terribly bad at drawing" before kindly adding “he’s also fantastically clever and charming.” We discuss: * How to position your proposal as an expert in your subject, for an audience who is not as well-versed * Using metaphor to connect and create new meaning * The ways agents seek out nonfiction clients * How to incorporate math in your querying and editing process Learn more about Ben and his new book here: https://mathwithbaddrawings.com…
1 Messy Characters, Building Tension & How Agents Should Advocate For Your Work with Agent Nour Sallam 32:31
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32:31We are so happy to welcome Nour Sallam, agent at P.S. Literary, to the podcast! We discuss: *How agents should advocate for clients from signing to offers to contracts to publication and beyond *Why messy characters and their interiority are often the one thing missing from your work *Why we should experience empathy for your villain *Opportunities to build tension, pulling the reader (or agent!) into your story Meet with Nour here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/nour-sallam See a clip of this episode here: https://youtu.be/xBbNAb0d5sM?si=8NLlvwhX3X04p5vB Transcript and timestamps here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-nour-sallam Nour Sallam is an associate literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency representing adult fiction and nonfiction. Nour has previously worked in editing, podcasting, communications, and journalism. She got her start at the University of British Columbia where she studied English Literature and Political Science. She then got her publishing certificate at Toronto Metropolitan University. As an Arab woman and an immigrant, she loves books of any genre that amplify joy and connection, or feature complex and nuanced histories, power dynamics, or underrepresented narratives. Nour is seeking commercial and upmarket fiction titles as well as select literary fiction, edgy psychological thrillers, mysteries, and light horror. In fiction, she gravitates towards voicey characters that are haunted by something: a secret, a past, a fear— or an actual haunting! She’s actively seeking character-driven stories featuring women in power, unhinged women, and stories of female rage. She also has a soft spot for unreliable narrators, family sagas with dysfunctional families, protagonists in their 20s-30s navigating adulthood, protagonists on the cusp of major life changes, and stories that focus on friendship dynamics. She is also drawn to stories that explore the diverse experiences of underrepresented groups and challenge our understanding of diasporic experiences and/or cultures. Bonus points if these stories are also fun and celebrate joy. For nonfiction, Nour welcomes fresh and accessible perspectives on big ideas or industry deep dives as well as personal narratives on pop culture, art, and nature. She appreciates books that offer incisive commentary on culture, socio-economic structures, corporate underbellies, health and wellness, and lifestyle. Her taste in non-fiction gravitates towards books that generally challenge what we know or explain what we might not know.…
1 Genres, Tropes, Trends, and Finding Your Agent Fit with Agent Erica Bauman 44:36
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44:36We are so pleased to welcome agent Erica Bauman from Aevitas Creative Management to the podcast! We discuss: *How to make your work more atmospheric *Where to place emphasis when writing between genres *Balancing keeping the reader in their heads vs. their senses *When the genre of our world gets closer to dystopia, how does the dystopian genre change? *Why do agents ask for exactly your metatags—and then say no? Meet with Erica here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/erica-bauman Erica Bauman is a literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management and represents a wide variety of authors across middle grade, young adult, and upmarket adult fiction, including acclaimed YA author Maria Ingrande Mora, New York Times Bestseller Kayla Cottingham, and Lambda Literary Fellow Naseem Jamnia. Erica is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and has worked in the publishing industry since 2012. Prior to Aevitas, she worked at Spectrum Literary Agency. Based in New York, Erica is most interested in commercial novels that feature an exciting premise and lyrical, atmospheric writing; imaginative, genre-blending tales; speculative worlds filled with haunting, quietly wondrous magic; fresh retellings of mythology, ballet, opera, and classic literature; sharply funny rom-coms; graphic novels for all ages; fearless storytellers that tackle big ideas and contemporary issues; and working with and supporting marginalized authors and stories that represent the wide range of humanity.…
1 Querying, Middle School, And How Mistakes + Embarrassment Often Lead To Book Deals 47:46
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47:46Debut author Kristy Jackson joins Julie and Jessica to talk about her new middle grade book, MORTIFIED, now out in bookstores everywhere! From embarrassing middle school moments to querying hiccups, Kristy talks about her 20+ year-long writing journey, how she found the right agent for her, and how perseverance made all the different to achieving her publishing dreams. Learn more about Kristy here: https://www.kristyjackson.ca/…
1 Preparing For Your International Bestseller: Liv Constantine on Crafting Unputdownable Characters 46:53
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46:53In the first installment of the Manuscript Academy Book Club, we have Liv Constantine, the pen name for internationally bestselling sister duo Lynne and Valerie Constantine! Joined by Jessica, Julie, and the Manuscript Academy community, Valerie and Lynne answer your questions about how to collaborate and edit as a team, how to get the best results when querying, and how to keep your work fresh when writing multiple books in the same genre. **Please note that there are spoilers for The Last Mrs. Parrish as noted verbally in the episode.** 01:00 Meet the Authors: Liv Constantine 01:19 The Journey to Success 03:26 Collaborative Writing Process 12:09 Crafting Unputdownable Thrillers 16:47 Pitching and Querying Tips 19:39 The Impact of Reese's Book Club 25:31 Character Development and POV Shifts 26:04 Crafting Intricate Plot Details 27:33 Collaborating as Sisters 31:15 Balancing Writing and Marketing 34:58 Navigating the Publishing Industry 36:59 Advice for Aspiring Writers 38:40 Creating Realistic Psychopath Characters 42:54 Final Thoughts and Reflections Learn more at https://livconstantine.com/…
1 Finding Your Voice: On the Page, In Your Life with Agent Katharine Sands + Jessica Doyle-Mekkes 57:43
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57:43You’ve heard of the all-important voice—but how do you make it more vivid, both on the page—and in your life? Enter Jessica Doyle-Mekkes, an author, voice coach, and eloquent speaker on how your voice in your life and your voice on the page are linked, vitally important—and within your control to improve. Listen along for what helps your voice come out as you intend—whether singing, public speaking, or reading your character aloud to an audience on your book tour. We also discuss: ***Do agents share projects with each other? Yes! In fact, this book happened in part because agent Jessica (Sinsheimer) saw author Jesica (Doyle-Mekkes) and just had a feeling she’d be a good fit for Katharine. ***Learning to write a book proposal from the ground up—and, in one case, overnight ***What makes an ideal client? What do agents look for? ***How much platform do you *really* need? There are two kinds of platform—here’s how to leverage both, and how Jessica builds hers (and you can too) ***How you can start preparing NOW for your readings on your future book tour Find I'm Speaking: Every Woman's Guide to Finding Your Voice and Using It Fearlessly wherever books are sold. Meet with Katharine here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/katharine-sands…
1 Hollywood Versus New York: Publishing, Film, Options, Etiquette + What Makes A Hook? 44:42
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44:42We are thrilled to introduce our very own Julie Kingsley's debut novel! It's called The Space Between You and Me and came out this week! "That summer, I finally grew into myself. The problem? I grew too fast. And fruit that grows too fast often bursts in the sunshine." With her agent Lane Heymont (Tobias Literary Agency), we discuss: *What happens if you have film interest before book interest *How Hollywood runs on FOMO (fear of missing out) *How Julie got a sensitivity read with her film interest *When book agents send your work to Hollywood *When agents announce your book and why *What “film interest” looks like after your book is announced *Leveraging Hollywood pettiness to increase odds of an option *How the etiquette of Hollywood is vastly different from NY Publishing *The “secret sauce” for being fought over *What is a hook? *Planning your Easter Eggs Learn more about Julie's book here: https://www.juliekingsley.com/ Learn more about Lane here: https://thetobiasagency.com/lane-heymont…
1 Emotional Range, Sensory Details, And Pitching Works On Difficult Topics 52:40
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52:40Content Warning: This podcast discusses suicide, grief, and loss. Pam O'Hara's beautiful writing captivated our expert audience during a recent Manuscript Academy panel, so much so that it was picked for our 2024 MSWL Agent Choice Awards. Pam joins Jessica and Julie to speak about her stunning memoir about love, loss, and losing a loved one by suicide. We discuss everything from platform, to crafting your voice, to how to position a serious and sad topic for your audience, and more. Agents and editors, this one is in need of representation, if you're listening and like what you hear. We know we did. Learn more about Pam here: https://pamelaohara.com…
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1 Live Recorded: Query Class with Agent Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon 1:13:04
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1:13:04Watch the free video version, slides and all (and get a coupon for our workshop!) at https://manuscriptacademy.com/emmy Join our Three-Day Keep An Agent Reading Workshop, May 28-30, here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/product/keep-an-agent-reading-workshop TIMESTAMPS: Essential Elements of a Query Letter (00:03:07) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon covers the essential elements of a query letter, including the metadata paragraph, summary, and bio. Query Letter Writing Tips (00:06:06) Insights into the query letter writing process, including addressing the agent, book title, and genre. Metadata Paragraph and Summary (00:09:18) Detailed explanation of the metadata paragraph and summary in a query letter, including the importance of personalization and book comps. Writing Style in Summary (00:21:12) Discussion on mirroring the writing style of the summary paragraph with the manuscript's tone and voice. Summary of Writing Style and Content (00:22:12) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon discusses the essential elements of a query letter and the importance of introducing main characters and conflict in the summary paragraph. Publishing Bio and Relevant Credentials (00:23:51) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon explains the significance of including prior publications, accolades, training, and relevant professional credentials in the publishing bio. Essential Elements of the First Page (00:26:54) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon highlights the significance of the first page in capturing the reader's interest and emphasizes the need to meet the main character, introduce the central organizing feature, and outline what helps and hurts the character. Crafting a Compelling First Page (00:33:44) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon provides insights on writing the first page, including the importance of starting with action, introducing the main character, and establishing the central organizing feature. Synopsis vs. Summary (00:41:18) Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon differentiates between the synopsis and the summary, emphasizing the need for a bulleted list of plot points in the synopsis, including the ending, and avoiding a writerly tone. Crafting a Synopsis (00:43:24) Advice on crafting a clear and informative synopsis, particularly helpful for pantsers. Including Trigger Warnings (00:44:52) The importance of including trigger warnings in query letters and writing samples, and how to effectively incorporate them. Bio in Query Letter (00:47:34) What to include in the bio section of a query letter, including personal experiences and writing goals. Prologue vs. Chapter One (00:49:22) The debate over whether to use a prologue or the first chapter as the writing sample, and the impact on the query process. Querying Across Genres (00:53:07) Advice for writers querying across multiple genres and how to communicate long-term career plans to agents. Expressing Multiple Genres (00:56:54) Guidance on how to best express, showcase, or explain a book that spans multiple genres in a query letter. Lived Experience in Query (00:59:56) The significance of mentioning own voices or lived experiences in the first paragraph of a query letter. Commercial, Upmarket, and Literary (01:01:36) A breakdown of the distinctions between commercial, upmarket, and literary writing styles and tones. Literary vs. Commercial (01:02:23) Discussion of literary and commercial books, with examples and explanations of each category. Responsible Representation of Disabled and Chronically Ill People (01:05:07) Insights into the progress and challenges of representation in publishing, encouragement to include nuanced representation in writing. Query Consultation Prize Winners (01:09:00) Announcement of three winners for a query consultation prize with Dr. Emmy Nordstrom Higdon. Upcoming Workshop and Ticket Drawing (01:10:24) Details about a three-day workshop and the drawing of three tickets for the workshop, including instructions for winners.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Mini Lesson: What Author Elizabeth Holden Did Right In Her Query & First Page 22:56
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22:56We are honored that author Elizabeth (Liz) Holden, author of the forthcoming YA novel Mighty Millie Novak, allowed us to go through her work as a teaching tool for you--what each element accomplishes, WHY it works, and how you can do the same in your own query and first page. If you'd like to follow along visually, head to our YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/@manuscriptacademy, or the podcast episode page, https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-elizabeth-holden, for the captioned video, transcript, and more. And be sure to check out our other episode, The Roller Derby of Querying, in our feed. TIMESTAMPS: Elements of a Successful Query (00:05:25) Analysis of the query's opening, use of comps, and character introduction. Navigating Conflict and Tension (00:07:17) Discussion on building conflict and tension in the query and its impact. Character Growth and Story Arcs (00:10:47) Explanation of character growth and the importance of story arcs in the query. Personal Experience and Bio (00:12:13) Analysis of the author's personal experiences and bio presented in the query. Flexibility and Professionalism (00:13:31) Discussion on the author's flexibility and professionalism demonstrated in the query. Setting High Stakes (00:16:10) Analysis of the opening line and setting high stakes in the first page of the story. Mighty Millie's Dream (00:17:50) Mighty Millie's aspirations and determination in roller derby are highlighted, setting the stage for the story's conflict and potential growth. Coach Ann's Challenge (00:18:39) Mighty Millie's desire to prove herself and her ambition to be recognized as a formidable competitor in roller derby are showcased. A Disastrous Setback (00:19:29) A dramatic turn of events leads to Mighty Millie's setback, creating tension and raising the stakes for her roller derby aspirations. The Power Dynamics (00:21:04) The discussion revolves around the protagonist's power dynamics, her aspirations, and the fluctuations in her journey, setting the tone for the story's development. Book Launch and Roller Derby (00:22:20) Elizabeth Holden discusses her upcoming book launch and the roller derby theme, adding an exciting real-life connection to the story. Learn more about Liz here: https://elizabeth-holden.com/…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 The Roller Derby of Querying: How Author Elizabeth Holden Found Her Agent 51:14
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51:14View our in-depth video of what Liz did right in her query letter and first page here: https://www.youtube.com/@manuscriptacademy Meet Elizabeth Holden, Physics professor, travel entrepreneur, and author of Mighty Millie Novak, a YA novel coming out from Flux Publishing in August. https://www.elizabeth-holden.com/ Liz is also the travel coordinator for our 2025 Manuscript Academy Retreat, which we're calling Enchanted Summer. Early Bird ends May 24. https://www.leapinghound.com/enchanted2025.html Transcript + video at https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-elizabeth-holden Timestamps: 00:02:03 - Writing Journey (00:02:03) Elizabeth Holden shares her writing journey, including querying experiences and the ups and downs of her writing career. 00:09:50 - Book Offer and Celebrations (00:09:50) Elizabeth recounts the experience of receiving a book offer and the challenges she faced due to being sick at the time. 00:12:11 - Viral Twitter Experience (00:12:11) Elizabeth shares the story of her viral Twitter experience related to the representation of queer characters in her novel and the subsequent impact on her querying process. 00:16:09 - Managing Multiple Offers (00:16:09) Elizabeth discusses the process of managing multiple offers from literary agents and making a decision about representation. Querying and First Page Feedback (00:21:46) Discussion and feedback on the query letter and the first page of the novel. Character and Conflict Introduction (00:27:33) The introduction of the main character and the presentation of internal and external conflicts. Advice on Writing Process (00:33:05) Flexibility in mindset and recognizing when to take lateral steps in the writing process. Leaping Hound Travel (00:37:13) Starting a travel company during the pandemic, focusing on niche topics and small group tours in Europe and Mexico. Lake Bled Writing Retreat 2025 (00:41:09) Announcement of a writing retreat and vacation in Lake Bled, Slovenia, with details about the location and activities. Enchanted Summer (00:44:44) Discussion about the magical and inspiring environment of Lake Bled, Slovenia, and the benefits of stepping away to focus on writing.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Finding Your Perfect Agent Fit with Agent Ismita Hussain and Author Jessica Guerrieri 46:38
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46:38Please note: This episode contains mentions of alcoholism, recovery, and sobriety. We are so happy to welcome author Jessica Guerrieri and agent Ismita Hussain (Great Dog Literary) to the podcast. They're a great example of what to look for in an author-agent relationship--they're creative, collaborative, supportive, and successful (Jessica's debut book club fiction, Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea, comes out 2025 with HarperCollins). We also discuss re-querying, facing rejection, and the healing power of storytelling and personal narrative. Meet with Ismita here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/ismita-hussain Find the transcript and show notes here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-ismita-hussain-jessica-guerrieri 00:44 Introducing Jessica Guerrieri 00:54 Ismita Hussain's Journey from Healthcare to Literary Agent 01:55 Jessica Guerrieri's Writing Journey and Sobriety 03:04 The Power of Perseverance: Jessica Guerrieri's Path to Publication 04:18 The Editorial Process: From Query to Preempt 06:58 Understanding the Preempt and the Publishing Process 10:50 Revising with Resilience: Jessica Guerrieri's Approach to Feedback 17:13 Building Trust and Thickening Skin in the Publishing World 21:31 Looking Ahead: Plans After the Book Deal 22:02 Embarking on a Unique Memoir Journey 22:13 Exploring Motherhood and Recovery 22:48 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 27:02 The Role of Fiction and Nonfiction in Recovery 29:42 The Importance of Representation in Literature 39:57 The Value of Specificity in Storytelling 43:15 The Memoir Market and Connecting with Agents…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Tuesday, May 7, 8:30pm ET: Free Query Workshop With Agent Emmy Nordstrom Higdon 43:21
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43:21We are so grateful to Emmy Nordstrom Higdon, agent at Westwood Creative Associates, who has offered to teach a free workshop for you all about the elements of querying—interest, emphasis, tension—that keep a busy agent reading in 2024. Get your free ticket (or replay ticket!) here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/emmy The event is Tuesday, May 7, 8:30pm ET—and comes with a replay, in case you can’t make it live. This workshop is appropriate for all experience levels—whether it’s your first query or your 100th draft, come for the 101 basics, the checklists, the how-to’s—and leave with a real understanding of how you can use these skills to give an agent a 360 “I can’t wait to read more” reading experience. Emmy (they/them) represents across age categories + genres, specializing in identity-driven works. They work in both fiction and non-fiction, from PB to adult, including commercial, upmarket, book club & literary. They specialize in contemporary books grounded in reality, with and without speculative elements. Mystery, thriller, suspense, romance, romcom, women’s fiction, LGBTQ2S+, magical realism, fabulism, horror, graphic, narrative non-fiction, true crime, religion + spirituality, humanities + science.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Writing Fantasy That Mirrors Our World With (Manuscript) Academy Award Winner Ali McLafferty 47:08
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47:08We are thrilled to introduce Ali McLafferty, author, teacher, and most recent winner of the as-yet-untitled (Manuscript) Academy Awards. Ali was nominated by agent Melissa Edwards (Stonesong Literary) for this gorgeous fantasy novel that brings up a lot of issues in our world as well. We discuss how she polished her query, how many drafts she did of her first page--and what she learned along the way. Learn more about Ali at https://www.alimclafferty.com/. Full transcript at https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-ali-mclafferty TIMESTAMPS: Feedback on Ali's query letter and first page (00:10:09) Julie and Jessica provide feedback on Ali query letter and first page, discussing its strengths and areas for improvement. Ali's revision process for the query letter (00:15:24) Ali discusses her process of revising the query letter, including feedback from friends and an editor, and the changes she made. The query letter (00:20:22) Discussion on the effectiveness of the query letter's opening and structure, focusing on the emotional impact and the feedback received. First page of the manuscript (00:21:44) Analysis and feedback on the opening page of the manuscript, highlighting its grounding effect and the portrayal of the character and setting. Writing process and first draft (00:24:04) Discussion about the unique experience of the book's creation, the absence of significant revisions, and the influence of personal connection and understanding of the material on the first draft. Genre and target audience (00:35:28) Challenges in defining the genre and target audience for the book, particularly in conveying the blend of fantasy and imagined scientific systems, and the potential for pitching to adult audiences. Rejection and perseverance (00:34:15) Acknowledgment of the emotional impact of rejections and the importance of perseverance, as well as the advice on finding rewards in the process and maintaining determination. Pitching and query letter adjustments (00:38:05) Consideration of pitching the book as adult fantasy and the potential adjustments for the query letter to cater to an adult audience without compromising the narrative drive. Author's website and future queries (00:39:25) Advice for Writers (00:41:49) Ali shares her advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the joy of writing and the importance of perseverance. Touching Moments (00:44:03) Ali recounts a touching moment when her husband was moved by a part of her first book, emphasizing the impact of writing on loved ones.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Details, Focus and Visual Storytelling To Bring Any Genre To Life with Editor Melissa Warten Vogan 44:23
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44:23We love this creativity-packed episode with Melissa Vogan (née Melissa Warten), former editor at Macmillan, current editor at Epic For Kids. We discuss: *“Just enough” art notes - and how they’re useful for every genre *How you can guide the focus of your reader through sensory language *How to get to the heart of your story *How to disagree with an editor or agent's feedback *How to create your first visual work after writing only text-based projects And much more! Transcript and timestamps here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-melissa-vogan Book a consultation with Melissa here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/melissa-warten Melissa Vogan (Warten) is an editor at Epic for Kids, the leading digital reading platform for children, where she works on IP comics development projects for readers ages 12 and under, including the smash hit series Cat Ninja. Prior to Epic, she spent more than five years on the editorial team at Farrar Straus Giroux Books working on picture books, middle grade, young adult, and select nonfiction and graphic novel projects. Her notable editorial work includes the popular Cat Ninja and Bright Family franchises, New York Times bestselling titles We Hunt the Flame and We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal, and award-winning titles by Maurene Goo, Barbara O’Connor, Sarah Allen, Hanif Abdurraqib, Tegan and Sara Quin, and Tillie Walden. Melissa is a graduate of Boston College and the Columbia Publishing Course. Find her on Twitter: @melissa_warten…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Good, Better, Best, Agented! Julia Alexandra and Agent Ellen Goff on Plot, Character & World 47:54
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47:54You may remember Julia Alexandra from our episode in the fall when we went over three query versions with her (good, better, best): Well, she now has an agent! Ellen Goff (HG Literary) joins us with Julia to discuss balancing plot, character, and world--if your fantasy novel will hold up without your fantasy elements, which we're now calling "The Goff Test"--and how you can optimize your queries for your most likely success. Julia now not only has an agent but a book deal as well! Listen to her earlier episode here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-julia-alexandra Learn more about Ellen here: https://www.hgliterary.com/ellen…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Learning Advanced Point of View, Romantic Tension & Betrayal From A New Body-Swapping Novel 51:29
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51:29If you've ever had trouble with point of view in your work, wait until you hear the advanced logistical world author Nia Davenport had to navigate for her new novel, Out of Body, which she pitches as Freaky Friday meets Get Out. Not only does she have best friends, crushes, confused parents, and a villain on the loose--but she weaves it all into a story of identity, personal growth, and becoming an adult in a world where adults can't be trusted. This is a great work to study if you're struggling in any of these areas--plus, it's FUN. It's a new twist on something familiar, that formula so many in publishing love. Full transcript here: http://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-nia-davenport Learn more about Nia here: https://www.nedavenport.com TIMESTAMPS: **Character development and world-building (00:03:29)** Nia explains how she visualizes her character's journey and the unfolding of the plot like watching a movie. **Creating mystery in the opening chapter (00:06:12)** Nia discusses the decision to keep the first chapter mysterious and how it sets the tone for the story. **Maintaining character voice in different bodies (00:07:39)** Nia talks about the challenge of maintaining the character's voice regardless of the body she is in. **Nia's publishing journey (00:10:25)** Nia shares her journey from teaching to becoming a writer and the process of finding her agent, Caitie Flum. **Advice for aspiring writers (00:17:54)** Nia advises writers to breathe, take it slow, and keep perfecting their craft, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. **Developing character relationships (00:19:18)** Nia explains the power dynamic and genuine friendship between the characters Megan and Elsie. **Magic and Technology in the Story (00:22:54)** Nia discusses the use of magic and technology in her book, playing with the reader's perception. **Empathy and Societal Conversations (00:27:22)** Nia discusses the current generation's ability to have conversations about socio-emotional health and empathy. **Tension and Gaslighting (00:34:20)** Nia discusses the theme of gaslighting and the decision to leave the protagonist feeling isolated for a significant portion of the book. **Testing Safety and Vulnerability (00:36:33)** The protagonist's actions to test the safety of the people around her and the vulnerability of teenagers. **Identity, Race, and Kindness (00:39:09)** Nia talks about the theme of identity, race, and the importance of choosing kindness and compassion. **Writing Difficult Subjects (00:41:18)** Nia advises writers to write what they love and are passionate about, rather than trying to fit into trends. **Inclusivity in Publishing (00:43:33)** Nia encourages writers to find a supportive writing community and emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in traditional publishing.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Success Stories: Aime Alley Card, Agent Leticia Gomez And One Olympic Team That Changed Everything 49:03
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49:03Tennessee, 1960. One extraordinary team of women--and the first all-Black women’s track team--found glory at the Olympic games in Rome. Here in America, their success was "an impossible dream come true." Now, author Aime Alley Card tells us her personal connection to the team, how she did her astonishing amount of research, and how she found agent Leticia Gomez to represent the work, now available from Lyons Press: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-tigerbelles-the-american-team-that-changed-the-face-of-women-s-sports-aime-alley-card/18574403?ean=9781493073887 Learn more about Aime here: https://www.aimecard.com Learn more about Leticia here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/leticia-gomez Episode transcript here: http://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-leticia-gomez-aime-alley-card…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 What Editors Look For: Fresh Takes On Familiar Stories with Harper Editor Sara Schonfeld 45:29
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45:29Join our interactive Says/Does Activity + view transcript here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/sara-schonfeld We discuss editing with love and patience, acquiring in the age of book bans (let's just say Florida doesn't get to choose what the rest of the country reads), how to make your book feel "fresh"--and why so many editors ask for "a new twist on something familiar." Book a meeting with Sara here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/sara-schonfeld Timestamps: **Sara's Journey into Publishing (00:00:40)** Sara shares her accidental entry into publishing and the influence of her professors. **What Editors Look for in Manuscripts (00:03:37)** Sara discusses her preference for manuscripts and the importance of compelling writing. **Creating Compelling First Pages (00:04:58)** The challenges and advice for authors in creating engaging first pages. **Balancing Worldbuilding and Character Development in Fantasy (00:06:54)** Sara's perspective on worldbuilding and character-driven fantasy stories. **Freshness in Writing (00:12:14)** Sara discusses the concept of freshness in writing and the balance between familiarity and authenticity. **Revising and Streamlining Writing (00:15:32)** Sara's tips for effective revision and streamlining of storytelling elements. **Interconnectedness in storytelling (00:24:19)** Julie and Sara discuss the interconnectedness of different elements in a story and how changes affect the overall narrative. **Flexibility in story revision (00:25:13)** Sara emphasizes the importance of being flexible during story revision and trying out different approaches. **The "says/does" outline (00:26:15)** Sara explains the "says/does" outline as a helpful tool for authors to reflect on their writing and ensure effective communication of the story. **Reading recommendations (00:30:41)** Sara shares her current reading list and recommends a book she finds relatable. **Creativity and self-doubt (00:34:25)** Sara discusses the challenges of maintaining creativity and self-belief in a competitive publishing industry. **Humor in storytelling (00:37:00)** Sara discusses the refreshing humor in "Murder on a School Night" and the importance of originality in storytelling. **Book Banning and Publishing (00:38:50)** Discussion on book banning, including the pushback faced and examples of flagged content, and the importance of not letting it influence acquisitions. **Reading and Writing with Love (00:43:25)** The significance of reading as a writer, advice to read with joy and love, and the act of writing as an invitation to share one's experience and heart. **Where to Find Sara Online (00:44:39)** Sara's online presence, including her Twitter handle, website, and involvement with the Manuscript Academy. Sara Schonfeld is an editor at HarperCollins Children’s, working on picture books, middle grade, and teen. After starting her publishing career at Penguin Random House, she joined HarperCollins in 2019. She lives in New York City, and spends most of her time reading, kickboxing, baking, or generally pretending she’s in a Nora Ephron film. As an author and an editor, she approaches each project with curiosity. Her goal is to ask the questions that get an author inspired and help them uncover the heart of their story—whatever feeling inspired them to put words to paper, and whatever feeling they hope readers take away from the final book.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Research, Marketing & Successful Small Press Publishing with Author JB Harris 54:03
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54:03Sometimes publishing your novel takes an unexpected route. In today's episode, Jessica and Julie speak with author JB Harris to discuss how she pivoted when agents told her the manuscript she'd been working on for 11 years would be hard to break out during COVID. We cover querying, finding the right small traditional publisher, and how to market yourself as a published author without an agent. Transcript here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-jb-harris Learn more about JB here: https://www.jbharrisbooks.com/historical-fiction TIMESTAMPS: Researching historical details (00:07:40) JB Harris talks about her research process and how she incorporated historical details into her novel to create a sense of time and place. Real-life inspiration (00:10:57) JB Harris shares the personal story behind her novel and how she discovered a family mystery that inspired the book. Navigating writing about real people (00:13:41) JB Harris discusses the transition from non-fiction to fiction and offers advice on navigating the sensitivities of writing about real people. The marketing plan (00:20:41) JB Harris talks about her unique marketing plan, including guerrilla marketing and reaching out to bookstores. Publishing without an agent (00:21:03) JB Harris explains her decision to publish without an agent and the challenges she faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Crafting emails and bookstore visits (00:24:35) JB Harris discusses her approach to contacting bookstores and the tactics she uses to promote her book. Targeted marketing and meta tags (00:29:29) The hosts discuss the use of meta tags and targeted marketing to reach specific audiences for JB Harris's book. Navigating small press publishing (00:33:50) JB Harris provides advice for authors considering publishing with a small press, emphasizing the importance of research and contract review. The pressure of setting books in different time periods (00:40:38) Authors discuss the saturation of historical fiction around World War II and the excitement of exploring lesser-known historical periods. Perseverance and growth as a writer (00:44:30) The importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and personal growth in the journey of becoming a successful writer.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 How To Build Romantic Tension In Any Genre with Author Lynn Painter 58:18
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58:18We’ve never seen a romantic comedy like this one! Happily Never After breaks ALL* the rom com rules, while still maintaining tension, interest, narrative arcs, and everything you need in a satisfying read. Learn the rules our favorite way—by watching Lynn breaks them, succeed, and tell you how she did it. Whatever your genre, a romantic element adds emotional range, a break from anything difficult in your narrative, and something we can understand—even if the rest of your story could never happen on Earth. Learn more about Lynn and Happily Never After at https://lynnpainter.com. Transcript here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-lynn-painter Timestamps Modern Rom-Com Trends (00:00:33) Discussion about the modern and timely aspects of Lynn Painter's rom-com book and the trend in rom-coms. Lynn Painter's Writing Journey (00:01:14) Lynn shares her 15-year writing journey, including switching to young adult (YA) and contemporary romance, and finally finding success during the pandemic. Understanding Option Clause (00:02:39) Lynn explains the option clause in book contracts and how it impacted her writing process. The Long Game of Writing (00:04:17) Discussion about the 15-year journey and the importance of continuous writing and learning in the process. Challenges of Querying (00:08:18) Lynn shares her experience with querying, the importance of a unique story, and the challenges of finding an agent. Writing within Romance Genre (00:10:51) Exploration of how to make contemporary romance stand out within the genre's constraints and the significance of adding urgency and uniqueness to the story. The Genesis of "Happily Never After" (00:12:03) Lynn discusses the origin of her book's idea and how it evolved into "Happily Never After." Dual Point of View in Romance (00:16:44) Lynn explains her preference for dual point of view in writing romance and how it helps to show what makes the other person attractive. Maintaining Tension (00:24:45) Lynn shares her struggle with pacing and the use of tension in romance novels. Revealing Subtext (00:25:39) The discussion on maintaining tension and revealing just enough information in the romance genre. Micro Moments (00:35:51) The joy of incorporating small details to enhance the story and character dynamics. Rom Com Genre Advice (00:38:12) Lynn advises aspiring rom com writers to focus on incorporating humor and visualizing their stories as rom com movies. The importance of writing what you love (00:39:26) Advice on finding joy in writing, aligning with personal traits, and avoiding mismatched genres. The role of critique partners and writing support (00:46:29) Discussion of the author's experience with a supportive writing group and the impact of having trusted critique partners. Empowerment in expressing personal desires in romance (00:54:02) Exploration of a character's empowerment in expressing personal desires in a romantic context. Advice for writers (00:57:27) The importance of setting aside regular time to write and its impact on the author's writing journey. *Ok, there are probably some we forgot about that she doesn’t break, but it’s definitely an outside of the box read in the very best way.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Red And Green Flags When Querying Agents with Agent Emmy Nordstrom Higdon 1:13:28
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1:13:28We are thrilled to welcome Emmy Nordstrom Higdon, agent at Westwood Creative Associates, to talk with us about the red and green flags when querying agents--how you can show (mostly) green flags, recognize agent red flags, and give yourself the best odds of a positive, productive working relationship. Learn more about Emmy and book a consultation here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/emmy-nordstrom-higdon Transcript at: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-emmy-nordstrom-higdon-agent-red-flags Timestamps: **Emmy's #MSWL (00:00:35)** Emmy discusses their soft opening to queries, their genre preferences, and the type of writing they're looking for this year. **Top Reasons For Rejection (00:07:07)** The challenges faced by authors in querying, including the lack of research and the competitive nature of the process. **Query Letter Length and Precision (00:13:31)** Emmy and the hosts discuss the ideal length and precision of query letters to capture an agent's interest. **Query Letter and Comps (00:19:50)** Importance of query letter personalization and clever comp selections. **Agency Agreement and Communication Style (00:28:54)** Discussion on agency agreements and the importance of effective communication style between authors and agents. **Online Presence Expectations (00:34:03)** The significance of an author's online presence and the issue of leveraging agents during the query process. **Editorial Style As A Red Or Green Flag (00:38:38)** Agents and authors discussing editorial changes and flexibility, green flag indicators. **Honest Communication (00:40:21)** Importance of honest communication in the author-agent relationship and the manifestation process for finding the right fit. **Author-Agent Questions (00:42:32)** The significance of authors asking targeted, specific questions, and the red flag of excessive or generic queries. **Agent's Questions and Interest (00:43:26)** The importance of agents asking relevant questions and showing interest in an author's goals, with red flag indicators. **Author Vulnerability (00:46:42)** The value of authors expressing fears and concerns, and the agent's response as a green or red flag indicator. **Unrealistic Promises (00:49:13)** Discussion on agents making unrealistic promises and the red flag it presents for authors. **Decision Timeframe (00:49:59)** The reasonable timeframe for authors to make a decision when receiving an offer from an agent. **Nudge Process (00:55:20)** The nudge process, its impact on agents, and the balance between author's anxiety and clear communication. **The timestamp's title (time it starts)** short description, with max 20 words, of what is covered in this topic. **Agent's Response Time and Prioritization (00:57:11)** Discussion about agents' response time and prioritization of manuscripts based on genre and offers. **Communication and Politeness with Agents (00:58:15)** Advice on maintaining friendly and polite communication with agents and understanding their workload and time constraints. **Editorial Expectations and Red Flags (00:59:52)** Exploring editorial expectations, red flags related to agent's editorial approach, and the importance of aligning expectations. **Expectations and Realistic Publishing Goals (01:02:07)** Discussion on setting realistic publishing goals, understanding audience expectations, and potential red flags. **Agent-Author Relationship and Expectations (01:06:02)** Managing expectations, dealing with rejection, and ensuring the agent's support during challenging situations. **Agent-Author Communication and Feedback (01:08:15)** Advice on maintaining open communication, avoiding scarcity mentality, and addressing concerns with agents in a constructive manner. **Understanding Agents' Logic and Communication (01:12:13)** Importance of understanding agents' reasoning and maintaining open communication for a successful author-agent relationship.…
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The Manuscript Academy
1 Writing Dialogue That Brings Complicated Characters To Life with Author Karen Outen 50:24
50:24
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बाद में चलाएं
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पसंद
50:24Even 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 realistic dialogue that jumps off the page, her publishing journey of more than 20 years, and how to pitch complicated ideas--and know when they're ready to send to agents. Karen Outen’s fiction has appeared in Glimmer Train, The North American Review, Essence, and elsewhere. She is a 2018 recipient of the Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers Award and has been a fellow at both the Institute for the Humanities at the University of Michigan and the Pew Fellowships in the Arts. She received an MFA from the University of Michigan. She lives in Maryland. Transcript here: http://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-karen-outen The journey to Everest (00:00:43) Karen discusses the audacious journey of Dixon and Nate to summit Mount Everest, the challenges they face, and the consequences of their actions. The fascination with Mount Everest (00:02:15) Karen and the unnamed guest discuss the allure of writing about Mount Everest and the unique experience of researching and writing about mountain climbing. The concept of "second-tier fun" (00:04:29) The guests delve into the concept of "second-tier fun," discussing the challenges and rewards of writing and mountain climbing, and the enjoyment found in retrospect. The mountain as a living force (00:05:39) Karen and the hosts explore the idea of Mount Everest as an embodied force, discussing the climbers' relationship with the mountain and its impact on their experiences. Karen's publishing journey (00:07:10) Karen shares her long journey to publishing her novel, including the challenges, rejections, and the support she received from the writing community. The importance of writer friends (00:10:04) The discussion revolves around the significance of having a supportive community of writer friends and the impact of their encouragement and guidance. Finding inspiration for the book (00:11:17) Karen reads the opening page of "Dixon Descending" and discusses the process of refining the first page and the structure of the novel. The journey of character development (00:13:24) Karen shares her process of discovering the central theme of the book and the challenges of structuring the narrative to balance the present and the past. Exploring consequences and character stakes (00:16:17) The conversation focuses on the development of character stakes, the consequences faced by Dixon, and the complexities of his relationships and responsibilities. The dynamics of dialogue (00:22:36) The discussion centers on the distinct and vivid dialogue in the book, and Karen shares insights and tips on writing compelling dialogue. Revision Process (00:31:28) Insights into the author's revision process, including techniques and the role of feedback from readers. Bravery in Publishing (00:34:30) The author's perseverance and challenges faced in the publishing journey. Pitching Complicated Work (00:46:18) Tips for summarizing complex stories and knowing when a manuscript is ready for submission. Efficiency and Core of the Story (00:47:24) Understanding the efficiency of storytelling and presenting the core of the narrative.…
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