MSWL Admin Karen Joy Fowler didn’t want to write a novel. But an editor had asked her to lunch. She should take the meeting to be polite, she thought. She’d just end the lunch with a “No, thank you, I don’t want to write a book,” and that would be that. Instead, she ended up agreeing to … Read more
Hello friends! Today we have, well, the biggest interview we’ve ever hosted, focused on one of the funniest, friendliest, and most creative writing groups we’ve ever met. If you’ve ever wondered how to find a community and keep it, this episode is for you. Of the 20+ members of the group, we had a wonderful … Read more
By Anna Sargeant Editor, children’s nonfiction @ Sourcebooks eXplore When I read a nonfiction manuscript, the first thing I gauge is not the facts or the subject matter, but what the book feels like. Is it funny? Is it nostalgic? Is it triumphant? Is it whimsical? That feeling matters so much to me because facts … Read more
“Reading Lauren Kate’s By Any Other Name is like watching a Nora Ephron movie. It makes the day seem brighter, the world seem more hopeful, and happiness seem possible for everyone. This book is a buoyant celebration of love.” –Jill Santopolo, author of The Light We Lost and More Than Words * We loved talking with Lauren Kate, author of By … Read more
Traditional publishing isn’t the only game in town – and writers are taking their work (books, editorials, magazines, and journals) and turning to Medium – an online publishing platform. But this is not your grandmother’s blogging. Join top Medium writer Carlyn Beccia to discuss how to make money writing on Medium, find your true written … Read more
Join us for a queries and first pages panel with agent Alyssa Jennette (Stonesong Literary). Submit your work for a chance at live feedback from Esther and our panel–plus, of course, a publishing Q&A. This event is designed to be supportive, uplifting, encouraging–and 100% introvert-friendly. (Wear pajamas! We’ll never know.) A replay will be available … Read more
We are so excited to share this hopeful, uplifting story that’s the perfect example of good things happening for good people. Ambika had sent out more than 150 queries–getting mostly form rejections and ghosts–when she learned how to pivot, met her agent–and now has a deal with a major publishing house. Ambika Vora was born … Read more
Join us for a queries and first pages panel with editor Esther Cajahuaringa (Union Square Kids). Submit your work for a chance at live feedback from Esther and our panel–plus, of course, a publishing Q&A. This event is designed to be supportive, uplifting, encouraging–and 100% introvert-friendly. (Wear pajamas! We’ll never know.) A replay will be … Read more
We have a lot of Fiona fans here at MSWL. From her delightful voice to her uplifting humor, you’ve gotten to know her as “Mary Puppins” (she walks puppies daily in her neighborhood and has a British accent), a supportive cheerleader for your work, and an agent of surprise and delight. We can’t wait for … Read more
We are so thrilled to talk with Monica Hall and her agent, Kat Kerr! We met Monica for the first time when, during one of our live events, she shared her agent news—and we had to meet her. From drafting legislation to writing a full manuscript, she’s here to share everything she learned along the … Read more
