In this episode we’re talking about the craft of writing a picture book! 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Find Maria: https://www.mariaoglesbyart.com/

Find Katie: https://www.katiedwyerillustrations.com/

Here are the links for Emily Van Beek, the agent from our agency deep dive:

Website and where to query: https://www.foliojr.com/emily-van-beek

Publisher’s Marketplace Page: https://tinyurl.com/4f6jphar 

MSWL: https://manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/emily-van-beek/

An interview with Emily: https://tinyurl.com/2tx6e9tn 

Katie’s substack where you can find PB writing tips: https://katiedwyerillustrations.substack.com/

Writing picture books, the main book we were talking about: https://tinyurl.com/52t7czh9

NoVa Bookstores:
Birch Tree Books: https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/

Middleburg Books: https://www.middleburgbooks.com/

A bunch of the books we mentioned:

Picture Books:

A Sick Day for Amos McGee: https://tinyurl.com/3b3swzwj

Bob Shea: https://www.bobshea.com/about

Corey Tabor: http://www.coreyrtabor.com/

Awe! https://chanastiefel.com/books/awe/

Giraffe is Too Tall for This Book: https://tinyurl.com/3wasn8uj

Hello, Ocean! https://tinyurl.com/mvxmyrxd

Noodles on a Bicycle: https://tinyurl.com/32spwzbh

Home in a Lunchbox: https://tinyurl.com/5n8pph5b

Middle Grade: 

Kindred Dragons: https://tinyurl.com/49fzwpff

The Babysitter’s Club Graphic Novels: https://tinyurl.com/2tdet957 

Animorphs: https://tinyurl.com/44vtcwrz 

A Wrinkle in Time: https://tinyurl.com/2avf9j34 

YA:

Dragonsong (dragonriders of Pern): https://tinyurl.com/u4nchrm4 

The Faraway Inn: https://tinyurl.com/4jta6k7e

New Adult:

Divine Rivals duology: https://tinyurl.com/9naw8uyy

In this episode we’re talking about what to put into your art portfolio!

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Sally M. Kim, the agent from our agency deep dive: https://www.andreabrownlit.com/Team/sally-m.-kim

https://www.instagram.com/sallymkim

https://bsky.app/profile/sallymkim.bsky.social

Katie’s website: https://www.katiedwyerillustrations.com/

Maria’s Website: https://www.mariaoglesbyart.com/

I found my notebook! The art director’s name was Sasha Illingsworth:

https://www.sashaillingworthdesign.com/ 

Laekan Zea kemp’s website http://www.laekanzeakemp.com/about

Raissa’s website! https://rizzyfig.com/books

This is the printer that Maria orders from:
https://www.colorimages.com/

She likes their 120lb matte cougar paper for printing portfolio pages

Portfolio book website Maria mentioned: https://tinyurl.com/48bn45d9

Also, these wood ones on etsy look gorgeous: https://tinyurl.com/mrw9m7vb

In this episode we’re talking about the Picture Book Pipeline! The steps from when an agent sends out your picture book dummy, to when your final art is turned in. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Here are the links for Marie Lamba, the agent from our agency deep dive:

MSWL: https://manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/marie-lamba/

Agency page: https://www.jdlit.com/marie-lamba

Website: https://marielamba.wordpress.com/

Also, I forgot to say while recording, but she’s ranked #16 in digital fiction: horror and #48 in MG nonfiction on Publisher’s Marketplace

Link to Tracy Shaw, the art director whose lecture we were referring to: https://www.tracyshawdesigns.com/

Suzanne’s book, Another Enchanted April:

https://tinyurl.com/3d298uzn

And her publishing company, see-saw press: 

https://seesaw-press.com/

Cindy Derby:

https://www.cindyderby.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/cindyderby/ 

I think this may be the podcast interview that was mentioned:

https://tinyurl.com/5fzr4r44 

In this episode we’re interviewing Illustrator Lavanya Naidu and Author Debra Shumaker! We talk about their publishing journey, as well as their collaboration on their forthcoming picture book, Sunday Scaries!

Preorder here!  - https://tinyurl.com/bdffhd6k 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Lavanya and Debra’s links:

Lavanya:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lavanyanaidu/?hl=en

Book related work - https://catagencyinc.com/lavanya-naidu

Portfolio - https://www.behance.net/lavanyanaidu

Website - https://lavanyanaidu.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lavanya_naidu 

Debra:

Website - https://debrashumaker.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debrakshumaker/

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/debrakshumaker.bsky.social

Some of the indy bookstores in the northern VA area that Debra shouted out:
Birch Tree Books: https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/

Scrawl Books: https://www.scrawlbooks.com/

PB Pitch: https://pbpitch.weebly.com/pbpitch-twitter-event.html

Gianna Lakenauth, the editor who worked on Sunday Scaries who Debra gave a shoutout to: https://manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/gianna-lakenauth/

Lavanya’s agent that she mentioned and gave a shoutout to is Aliza R Hoover: 

https://tinyurl.com/39zz5zyv 

https://catagencyinc.com/ 

In this episode we’re talking about notes from the SCBWI mid-atlantic 2026 conference, as well as a few notes from past conferences. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Here are the links for Linda Camacho, the agent from our agency deep dive:

https://tinyurl.com/2s7sv4sh

https://www.galltzacker.com/submissions.html 

https://lindacamacho.com/ 

https://bsky.app/profile/lindacamacho.bsky.social 

Some of the agents and editors from the agents and editors day that we mentioned: 

Agents:
Marie Lamba: https://www.jdlit.com/marie-lamba

Ann Rose: https://www.thetobiasagency.com/ann-rose

Rebecca Williamson: https://tinyurl.com/3hk8trrt

Jennifer Unter: https://theunteragency.com/

Editors:
Catherine Laudone: https://www.catherinelaudone.com/

Alex Aceves: https://tinyurl.com/yc88earj 

Brian LaRossa: https://brianlarossa.com/
This is Brian LaRossa’s bluesky where he does artist calls sometimes: https://bsky.app/profile/brianlarossa.com

Irene Vázquez: https://tinyurl.com/mr6rpvnx 

Note: Krista Marino doesn’t seem to have a website. 

Sinix Design (great anatomy tutorial videos): https://www.youtube.com/user/sinixdesign 

Erin Casey Weston (the other agent at Galt & Zacker we talked about) https://www.galltzacker.com/submissions.html

In this episode we’re talking about Procreate brushes! Our favorites, some basic Procreate tips, and packs and edits we’d recommend. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Katie’s website (welcome, Katie!): katiedwyerillustrations.com 

Links for Jessica Regel, the agent from our agency deep dive:

https://tinyurl.com/4wxxuu59

https://helmliterary.com/books

https://helmliterary.com/submit

What’s new in the Procreate update: https://tinyurl.com/bdck7snx

Kyle T. Webster, the creator of the new Procreate brushes: https://www.instagram.com/kyle.t.webster/ 

Devin Elle Kurtz’s gumroad: https://tamberella.gumroad.com/

Freya brush packs: https://tinyurl.com/45swjw5n

Lucy Flemming brushes: https://tinyurl.com/53wwvu37 

Vivien Mildenberger brushes: https://vvberger.gumroad.com/l/Vivibrush 

Retro Maxpack brushes: https://maxpacks.com/retro-maxpack

Devin Elle Kurtz’s Bakery Dragon series: https://tinyurl.com/46f84ens 

In this episode we’re talking about the state of the publishing industry, going over a talk and an article on some of the recent imprint closures and changes expected in the coming months.

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Here are the links for Lily Ghahremani, the agent from our agency deep dive:

Website: https://www.fullcircleliterary.com/our-agents/lilly-ghahremani/

Querytracker: https://querytracker.net/agent/633

Publisher’s Marketplace: https://tinyurl.com/mr3sdk2r

What the Fact, the nonfiction book that sold based on the pitch the editor was looking for: https://tinyurl.com/bddayhpr

The controversy on Shy Girl, for anyone wondering what the heck we were talking about: https://thedreydossier.substack.com/p/91-percent-human-the-shy-girl-ai

Celebrity Memoir Book Club Podcast: https://www.celebritymemoirbookclub.biz/

The Third Gilmore Girl: https://tinyurl.com/crm84hav 

The substack article Suzanne was referencing: https://tinyurl.com/kj97fphd 

In this episode we’re interviewing author Dana Swift!

Dana Swift is a YA fantasy author repped by Kelly Dyksterhouse of Tobias Literary. She is the author of the Cast in Firelight duology, as well as the forthcoming When Dealing With Dragons, a YA Romantasy set for release this July. Dana got her degrees in English and Advertising at UT Austin, where she fenced saber and met her husband. When she’s not working on her books, she can be found reading and critiquing at her local writing workshop. 

You can find Dana and her books here:

Website: https://www.danaswiftbooks.com/

Preorder When Dealing With Dragons!: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250402431/whendealingwithdragons/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19510928.Dana_Swift

Buy Dana’s first book here!: https://bookshop.org/p/books/cast-in-firelight-dana-swift/5723c22ea1c09ac0?ean=9780593124239&next=t

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Beth is Dead (Dana’s friend’s book): https://tinyurl.com/yz5ukxa2

Charlie Bowater (artist): http://www.charliebowater.net/

Wednesday Books: https://wednesdaybooks.com/

Delacorte Books: https://randomhousebooks.com/imprint/dell-delacorte-books/

DFW writers workshop: https://www.dfwwritersworkshop.org/

In this episode we’re talking about author and illustrator websites. When to make one, what to put on it, and where to find resources for those things. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Here are the links for Daniel Lazar, the agent from our agency deep dive:

Publishers marketplace profile: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/DanielLazar/

Writer’s house: https://www.writershouse.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danlazaragent/?hl=en

Snapseed, the app for blemish removal if you don’t have any programs for photo editing things like that for author photos: https://snapseed-app.com/

The Girl of Fire and Thorns book 1 (one of Rae Carson’s books): https://tinyurl.com/4dayxc88 

Tracy Straaten’s website (the PR person I mentioned seeing the website talk from):

https://tvsmediagroup.com/about

Animorphs!: https://tinyurl.com/44vtcwrz

Namecheap, where you can buy a website domain:

https://www.namecheap.com/

Different website hosts:

Wordpress: https://tinyurl.com/ywj7uuyc

Wix: https://tinyurl.com/yb4wxn5e 

Squarespace: https://tinyurl.com/damvttvp

Seesaw Press: https://seesaw-press.com/ 

In this episode we’re talking about money: How writers make it, how payments are broken down, and how to deduct things for taxes. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Here are links to Joanna MacKenzie, the agent from our agency deep dive:
https://nelsonagency.com/submission-guidelines/ 

https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?s=all&sort=date&id=8799&p=2

https://manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/joanna-mackenzie/

Note: She had a link to the bird app too, but I’m not on it. Her IG is private. 

Dots and Dashes, Suzanne’s latest book with Seesaw Press:

https://tinyurl.com/yc3j5rsa

This is the software I mentioned that I use to track my expenses for taxes:

https://www.quicken.com/

This is the agent who was talking about romance genre crossover interest (if you want to query him, he specializes in horror, fantasy, scifi, and some romantacy):

https://belllomaxmoreton.co.uk/agents/john-baker

Some of the books we mentioned:

The Lunar Chronicles:
https://tinyurl.com/86n27j9r

Heated Rivalry:
https://tinyurl.com/bddkvj9b

Bridgerton:

https://tinyurl.com/ye258tkn

Yesteryear (the trad wife who wakes up in the 1800s)
https://tinyurl.com/52xrbs4r 

In this episode we’re talking about reads and recs of 2025 - what we read this past year, what we loved, and what we’d recommend. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Here are the links for Laura Rennert, the agent from our agency deep dive:
https://www.andreabrownlit.com/Team/laura-rennert

https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/LauraRennert/

https://www.instagram.com/ljrennert/

https://bsky.app/profile/ljrennert.bsky.social

Here are links to all the books we recommended!

Roll Call:

https://tinyurl.com/56vusne6

Divine Rivals: 

https://tinyurl.com/9naw8uyy

The Spellshop:

https://tinyurl.com/5xry5mpv

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

https://tinyurl.com/5ay9vr8d

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Inkeeping:

https://tinyurl.com/yc7vsjjy

The Wedding People:
https://tinyurl.com/3ca8afrt

The Raven Scholar:

https://tinyurl.com/4mzwbf85

The Love of my Afterlife:
https://tinyurl.com/2y8car4v

Sabriel:

https://tinyurl.com/3desw7c8

The House of my Mother:

https://tinyurl.com/mrtpsybc 

An interview that goes over the study done of comparing audiobook reading to book or ebook reading:
https://tinyurl.com/rjbjmdcw

In this episode we’re interviewing Raissa Figueroa

Raissa Figueroa is a self-taught artist of both digital and traditional media repped by Natascha Morris of Tobias Literary. She has illustrated nearly 30 books for publishing houses such as Viking Books for Young Readers, Harper Collins, Little Simon, and more. Her book series Oona not only earned out, but earned a glowing review from Kirkus and a starred review from the School Library Journal. She is a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner, and her work has twice been displayed at the Society of Illustrators show in New York. She loves hiking Southern California’s trails, boba, and hanging with her cat, Phoebe.

Where to find Raissa:
Website: https://rizzyfig.com/

Order Raissa’s books here! https://rizzyfig.com/books

Socials:

https://www.tiktok.com/@raissafigueroa

https://www.instagram.com/rizzyfig/

https://rizzyfig.substack.com/

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Raissa’s recs:

Marco Bucci 10 min to better painting videos: https://tinyurl.com/4zbvfj6a

Iraville (watercolorist): https://www.instagram.com/iraville/

SVS learn: https://www.svslearn.com/

Books:

Framed Ink: https://tinyurl.com/yhje4m2x

Picture This: https://tinyurl.com/ptk9u5p3 

In this episode we’re talking about R&Rs (revise and resubmits). What they are, how to handle them, and our experience with them. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Andrea Morrison, the agent from our agency deep dive:

Publishers marketplace profile (mswl, how to query): https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/AMorrison/?_ga=2.113589825.737472850.1595714341-1058719345.1595714341

Writers House:

https://www.writershouse.com/agents-staff/

Her Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andreaagency?lang=en

In this episode we’re talking about critique groups! How to find one, what to expect, and how to have a healthy relationship with yours. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Tori Sharp, the agent from our agency deep dive:

https://www.jdlit.com/tori-sharp

https://torisharp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ladygoofus/

The book by Gloria Glenn, Suzanne’s old critique partner!

https://www.amazon.com/Lory-Hallelujah-Gloria-Glenn-ebook/dp/B0CMBVDXH5

Also, the link for Dots and Dashes, Suzanne’s second book!

https://seesaw-press.com/

In this episode we’re talking about comp titles! What they are, how to use them, and why they’re important. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Here are the links to Elana Roth Parker, the agent from our agency deep dive:
http://www.ldlainc.com/about

http://www.elana.me/

https://www.instagram.com/elanaroth

http://www.elana.me/wish-list

The Once and Future Queen:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-once-and-future-queen-deluxe-limited-edition-paula-lafferty/7ca87ecde6a7f009?ean=9781645662891&next=t

Girlfriend on Mars:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/girlfriend-on-mars-a-novel-deborah-willis/062603bbc925cdfe?ean=9781324087007&next=t

The Prince and the Dressmaker:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-prince-and-the-dressmaker-jen-wang/cd42a4326446bc08?ean=9781626723634&next=t

Dots and Dashes as well as Another Enchanted April can be found here!

https://seesaw-press.com/

The Selection Series:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-selection-kiera-cass/ad5631d9e87b9892?ean=9780062059949&next=t

In this episode we’re interviewing Erica Wood, the regional advisor for SCBWI. 

Erica Wood is a middle grade, YA, and poetry writer, long time member of SCBWI, and since 2020 has been the regional advisor for SCBWI’s Carolinas region. Erica studied English, Theater, and Creative Writing at Queens University, and has a Masters of Science in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. 

Erica’s Substack link: https://substack.com/@ehwood
Subscribe for write-along posts similar to a getting ready with me blog!

Join SCBWI and explore what’s available in your region here:

https://www.scbwi.org/

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Big Magic:
https://bookshop.org/p/books/big-magic-creative-living-beyond-fear-elizabeth-gilbert/8e82d1652a8a500f?ean=9781594634727&next=t

Splintered (the Alice in Wonderland book): https://bookshop.org/p/books/splintered-splintered-series-1-a-g-howard/1a368bf2de52e18e?ean=9781419709708&next=t

Dugenon Crawler Carl: https://bookshop.org/p/books/dungeon-crawler-carl-matt-dinniman/0cdd8387d0a86880?ean=9780593820247&next=t

Butcher and Blackbird:
https://bookshop.org/p/books/butcher-blackbird-the-ruinous-love-trilogy-brynne-weaver/f78ea7c980f835e1?ean=9781638931737&next=t

The Raven Scholar: 

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-raven-scholar-antonia-hodgson/cc53efb6d12e8269?ean=9780316577229&next=t

In this episode we discuss blurbs: what they are, why you need one, and how to write one for your book! 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Barbara Poelle, the agent from our agency deep dive:

https://www.wordonelit.com/agents

Another Enchanted April:

https://a.co/d/7GyxVhy 

The Cruel Prince:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-cruel-prince-holly-black/eba3c0a1370a52bd?ean=9780316310314&next=t

Assistant to the Villain:
https://bookshop.org/p/books/assistant-to-the-villain-hannah-nicole-maehrer/9f2e622cc2359404?ean=9781649375803&next=t

Plain Jane and the Mermaid:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/plain-jane-and-the-mermaid-vera-brosgol/d0f18bf27c7a14ab?ean=9781250314857&next=t 

The Once and Future Witches:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49504061-the-once-and-future-witches

The Scorpio Races:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-scorpio-races-maggie-stiefvater/52fd66b2d04c5c63?ean=9780545224918&next=t

Beyond the bright sea:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/beyond-the-bright-sea-lauren-wolk/4a0c4b795b184c50?ean=9781101994870&next=t

This Girl’s a Killer:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-girl-s-a-killer-emma-c-wells/4fbdc76b240222d2?ean=9781464218620&next=t

The Hunger Games:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-hunger-games-hunger-games-book-one-suzanne-collins/2af1c5e0ab209abc?ean=9780439023528&next=t

In this episode we’re talking all about the future of publishing, from word counts to what genres publishers are looking for, and summarizing some webinars, stats, etc. we’ve seen lately.

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

**** SeeSaw Press! Check out Suzanne’s publishing company!!**** https://www.seesaw-press.com/

The webinar I saw was called State of the Children's Publishing Market with Deborah Halverson - November 2025 , and the replay video should be available for SCBWI members.

Deborah Halverson, the speaker from the webinar: https://www.deborahhalverson.com/

AR bookfinder (the site that gives you the word count of books): https://www.arbookfind.com/

Article on standard word count length for books: https://kidlit.com/manuscript-length/
These are the word count ranges we read out:

• Board Book — 100 words max
• Early Picture Book — 400 words max
• Picture Book — 600 words max (Seriously. Max.)
• Nonfiction Picture Book — 3,000 words max, but closer to 1,000 to 2,000 words
• Early Reader — 1,500 words is the max
• Chapter Book — This varies widely, depending on grade and reader level, usually starting at 4,000 words and 15,000 words max
• Young Middle Grade or MG — 15,000 to 25,000 words
• Middle Grade or MG — 45,000 words max for contemporary, mystery, humor
• Upper Middle Grade — 65,000 words max for fantasy/sci-fi, adventure and historical
• Young Adult or YA — 85,000 words max for contemporary, humor, mystery, historical, romance, etc. 95,000 words max for fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, etc.
• New Adult — 65,000 to 85,000 words

Bob the Vampire Snail: https://bookshop.org/p/books/bob-the-vampire-snail-andrea-zuill/67bed346cd53eda5?ean=9780593814963&next=t

In this episode we’re talking all about A.I. - how it’s used, whether it’s ethical, and how to approach it. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Beth Phelan, the agent we discussed in our agency deep dive:
https://bethphelan.com/submissions
https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/beth-phelan/
https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?id=28560&s=all&sort=date&p=2
https://www.galltzacker.com/submissions.html

Inkbloom AI, the program Suzanne saw an agent was using: https://inkbloom.ink/

Lawsuits against AI: https://www.wired.com/story/ai-copyright-case-tracker/

Lionsgate AI fail: https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/lionsgate-movies-ai

Nanowrimo drama: https://slate.com/technology/2024/09/national-novel-writing-month-ai-bots-controversy.html

Copyright revoked over AI graphic novel: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/02/us-copyright-office-withdraws-copyright-for-ai-generated-comic-artwork/

Disney and Universal AI lawsuit case: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/11/tech/disney-universal-midjourney-ai-copyright-lawsuit

AI’s environmental impact: https://news.mit.edu/2025/explained-generative-ai-environmental-impact-0117

Kelly is an agented writer as well as an agent at The Tobias Literary Agency, a boutique agency that stresses collaborative culture where writers and artists feel comfortable to explore and perfect their craft while helping them reach their career goals.  Kelly represents a wide range of kidlit for both illustrators and writers, ranging from picture books to YA. Her MSWL currently includes ​​high-concept middle grade and young adult novels with high-level writing.

Links to Kelly:

https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/kelly-dyksterhouse/

https://kellydyksterhouse.com/

https://www.thetobiasagency.com/kelly-dyksterhouse

https://www.instagram.com/kellydhouse/

Here are some of the books and things we brought up:

Save the Cat:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/save-the-cat-the-last-book-on-screenwriting-you-ll-ever-need-blake-snyder/fc9de51860f861ab?ean=9781932907001&next=t

The Plot Whisperer:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-plot-whisperer-secrets-of-story-structure-any-writer-can-master-martha-alderson/ca4625772941375f?ean=9781440525889&next=t

The Art of Fiction:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-art-of-fiction-notes-on-craft-for-young-writers-john-gardner/c06adb1000e6fb7c?ean=9780679734031&next=t

#kidlitartpostcard

http://www.ginaperry.com/postcard

Portfolio Tuesdays

https://www.portfolioday.art/

Brave Old Blue:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/brave-old-blue-colleen-muske/a250de5c6c805ae6?ean=9781534113213&next=t

Babel:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/babel-or-the-necessity-of-violence-an-arcane-history-of-the-oxford-translators-revolution-r-f-kuang/f3bd39e4724ae085?ean=9780063021433&next=t

Tuck and Tina:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/tuck-and-tina-and-the-lost-fortune-volume-1-jack-keely/e0d380c3583466c8?ean=9798881602055&next=t

When Dealing With Dragons:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/when-dealing-with-dragons-dana-swift/125ac2188e2ad4b1?ean=9781250402431&next=t

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Links for Agent Sarah Landis:

https://www.sll.com/our-team

https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/sarah-landis/

https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?id=54166

Writers conferences to check out:

https://thewritelife.com/writers-conferences/

Storymakers Conference:

https://storymakersguild.org/storymakers-conference

Milkwood Retreat:

https://www.milkwoodfarm.org/2025-schedule

Alaska Writer’s Guild:

https://www.alaskawritersguild.com/

Author Ronald L. Smith:

https://strangeblackflowers.com/

Serpent & Dove:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/serpent-dove-shelby-mahurin/bc970fc784729858?ean=9780062878038&next=t

The Raven Boys:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-raven-boys-the-raven-cycle-book-1-volume-1-maggie-stiefvater/b3f546551e827665?ean=9780545424936&next=t

In this episode we talk all about loglines! What they are, how to write one, and what to pay attention to.

Here are some of the things we brought up during the episode. Please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Tamar Rydzinski, agent:

https://www.contextlit.com/submissions

https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/tamar-rydzinski/

https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?id=21368

The 10 types of stories:

https://savethecat.com/forum/10-genres-and-beat-sheets

BOOKS: 

Akata Witch:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/akata-witch-nnedi-okorafor/bf7765fff598874a?ean=9780606401012&next=t&next=t

Book Lovers:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/book-lovers-emily-henry/99f6c7d4ccb34055?ean=9780593440872&next=t

Six of Crows:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/six-of-crows-leigh-bardugo/702f4e72e3675cb5?ean=9780606399449&next=t&next=t

Cinder:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/cinder-book-one-of-the-lunar-chronicles-marissa-meyer/33d4ad8f225f4dcc?ean=9781250768889&next=t

The Hunger Games:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-hunger-games-hunger-games-book-one-volume-1-suzanne-collins/b0f082e59a4806b5?ean=9780439023528&next=t

Eleanor Olifant is Completely Fine:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/eleanor-oliphant-is-completely-fine-reese-s-book-club-a-novel-gail-honeyman/b20d1b1ac60fc502?ean=9780735220690&next=t

You should see me in a crown:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/you-should-see-me-in-a-crown-leah-johnson/fb2fac43734ad748?ean=9781338503296&next=t

The three lives of Kate K:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-three-lives-of-cate-kay-kate-fagan/e0a009353105fe4f?ean=9781668076217&next=t

The Wednesday Wars:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-wednesday-wars-a-newbery-honor-award-winner-gary-d-schmidt/88d9850240192f30?ean=9780547237602&

Aaaaah I ran out of characters so I wasn't able to link everything, but reach out if you need a link for something we mentioned that isn't on here!

Links for Jessica Mielo:

 https://inkwellmanagement.com/staff/jessica-mileo

Query section of inkwell’s page: https://inkwellmanagement.com/contact/

Query tracker page: https://querytracker.net/query/JessicaMileo/

Publishers marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?id=56038

MSWL: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/jessica-mileo/

88 Cups of Teat: https://88cupsoftea.com/

First Draft with Sarah Enni: https://www.firstdraftpod.com/

The Happy Writer: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Book Lounge by Libby: https://www.libbylife.com/booklounge

Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

Ulysses: https://ulysses.app/

Microsoft OneNote: https://www.onenote.com/?public=1&wdorigin=ondcauth2&wdorigin=ondc

Literary Lens Podcast: https://www.literarylenspodcast.com/

Bookends Literary Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BookEndsLiteraryAgency

Proko:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClM2LuQ1q5WEc23462tQzBg

Schoolism:

https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolismlive

Ming Creative Art Academy:

https://www.mingcreativeart.com/

Books we mentioned:

Lessons in Chemistry:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/lessons-in-chemistry-bonnie-garmus/19638865?ean=9780593314487&next=t

Author Christina Lauren:

https://christinalaurenbooks.com/

Plain Jane and the Mermaid:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/plain-jane-and-the-mermaid-vera-brosgol/20221536?ean=9781250314857&next=t

In this episode we interview Katie Dwyer, a picture book author/illustrator repped by Kaitlyn Sanchez of Bradford Literary. Her debut picture book, Bear’s Friend, is slated for publication in 2027 by Rise, an imprint of Penguin. Katie is a mom of both kids and dogs and works out of her home in Ashville, N.C. 

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Author/Illustrator Interview Episode with Katie Dwyer!

https://www.katiedwyerillustrations.com/

instagram.com/katiedwyer.illustrations/

Katiedwyerillustrations.substack.com/

Illustrator Katia Chen

https://www.catiachien.com/

Illustrator Beatrice Alemagna 

http://www.beatricealemagna.com/

The Illustration Department

https://illustrationdept.com/

SVS Learn

https://www.svslearn.com/

Kaitlin Sanchez of Bradford Literary (Katie’s Agent):

https://bradfordlit.com/kaitlyn-sanchez/

In this episode we talk about building your query list. What ways can and should you track agents you’ve queried? What sort of research should you do on an agent beforehand? What do partial and full requests mean? All explained in this episode of Publishing Pals :)

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. It’s always important to do your own research! If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it in the show notes.

Jim McCarthy, the agent from our agency deep dive:

https://www.dystel.com/jim-mccarthy
https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/jim-mccarthy/
https://www.instagram.com/jimmccarthy528/

https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?id=789

List of pitch events (many have moved over to Bluesky!):

https://www.futureworldsediting.co.uk/twitter-pitch-events-2024/

Manuscript Wish List:

http://manuscriptwishlist.com/ 

Books we talked about:

Beasts of Prey:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/beasts-of-prey-ayana-gray/17371592?ean=9780593405703&next=t

Wonder:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/wonder-r-j-palacio/7364522?ean=9780375869020&next=t

In this episode we talk all about agents! What is an agent? Where do you look for one? How can you tell if one is reputable?

Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. 

Katelyn Detweiler, the agent from our agency deep dive:

https://jillgrinbergliterary.com/about/#meet-the-team
https://querytracker.net/agent/4889

https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?sort=date&s=all&id=25849&p=2

Query Shark:

https://queryshark.blogspot.com/

PubTips:

https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/

SCBWI’s “The Book”:

https://www.scbwi.org/essential-guide-to-publishing-for-children

Bookends youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BookEndsLiteraryAgency

Query Tracker:

https://querytracker.net/

Query Manager:

https://querymanager.com/app/dashboard/index.php

3 Point Perspective Podcast:

https://www.svslearn.com/3pointperspective

An article about the #publishingpaidme hashtag (it shares info on advances from different authors):

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jun/08/publishingpaidme-authors-share-advances-to-expose-racial-disparities

Association of American Literary Agents:

https://aalitagents.org/ 

The Happy Writer Podcast:

https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Books we talked about:

Kaetlyn Detwieler’s book mentioned in the episode, The First Date Prophecy:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-first-date-prophecy/18846605?ean=9781496742841&next=t

Wintersong:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/wintersong-s-jae-jones/8454784?ean=9781250157362&next=t

Dial A for Aunties:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/dial-a-for-aunties-jesse-q-sutanto/16520404?ean=9780593333037&next=t

Please do not take our word as fact. While the agent deep dive is always fact checked, we do not prep for these episodes or look up other information beforehand. If we realize after the fact that we have gotten anything wrong, we will do our best to correct it here.

This is where all the publishing deals are announced: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/

The wonderful artist Suzanne used:

https://www.fiverr.com/mountdesign

Suzie Townsend, the agent from our Agency Deep Dive:

https://www.newleafliterary.com/people/suzie-townsend/

SCBWI 

https://www.scbwi.org/

The Highlights Foundation:
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/

RWA (Romance Writers of America).
Disclaimer: I had heard it was disbanded but it looks like it’s still up and running and thriving!

https://www.rwa.org/

SFF writers of America:
https://www.sfwa.org/

Kitlit GN/ Janna Morishima’s community:

https://kids-comics-unite.mn.co/

https://kidlitgn.com/

FirstSecond Books:

https://firstsecondbooks.com/

Books we talked about:

Starling House:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/starling-house-alix-e-harrow/19538409?ean=9781250799067&next=t

The School for Good and Evil:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-school-for-good-and-evil-soman-chainani/6430357?ean=9780062104908&next=t

Anything by Emily Henry:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/book-lovers/18860710?ean=9780593334836&next=t

The inventors at No. 8:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-inventors-at-no-8-a-m-morgen/113569?ean=9780316471497&next=t

The inventors and the lost island:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-inventors-and-the-lost-island-a-m-morgen/113566?ean=9780316471534&next=t

Wordslut:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/wordslut-a-feminist-guide-to-taking-back-the-english-language-amanda-montell/7994946?ean=9780062868886&next=t

Legends and Lattes:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/legends-lattes-a-novel-of-high-fantasy-and-low-stakes-tr