MSWL Admin We are so happy to tell you the story of how Agent Cecilia Lyra and author Kari Nixon met, became friends—and then officially started to work together. Kari is a science writer with the style of an English Major. Her work, Quarantine Life from Cholera to COVID-19: What Pandemics Teach Us About Parenting, Work, Life, … Read more
We are so happy to welcome author Lindsay Maple, who generously offered to fill a last-minute opening in our first pages podcast (we love the last-minute stepping up!). Today, we’re going over her romantic comedy first page, talking about her process, her research, and the things she’s learned along the way. You can learn more … Read more
We’re so excited! It all starts Tuesday, May 25, at 9am Eastern! In our three days together, we’ll cover: Finding compatible, talented agents you never knew existed Interpreting your rejections (in a live panel, with your real rejections) Lifehacks for querying (small things that can add up to a big difference) Using your research to prove your … Read more
Join us for a supportive, fun first pages panel with agent Saba Sulaiman. Submit your first page for a chance at live feedback from Saba 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 15 … Read more
We’ve spent a whole lot of time on long form critiques (and we love them!), but for our second Book-to-Film Panel we’ve decided to dive into the ever dreaded Elevator/Logline Pitch. And we’ve brought in two experts, Eric Mofford and Maritte Go, to dissect your pitches. We’ll also be saving plenty of time for a … Read more
We are so happy to welcome Julie Falatko, author of Snappsy The Alligator (Did Not Ask To Be In This Book) and all-around delightful human, to talk with us about her writing process, the transition from picture books to middle grade novels—and how to preserve your ability to concentrate and do “deep work,” even when … Read more
On Our Very First Call In Episode It’s easy to believe that you have to be perfect to get published. Today, we bring you proof—hilarious, painful, honest proof—that things can go horribly awry and then end up great. Whether it’s checking in too soon (and getting called out by an agent), writing a pitch without … Read more
When blogger Jenny True wrote a post called F%^ Your Baby Advice, she never expected it would go viral. Soon the offers came in—including an advice columnist post and, then, a book deal. Now, with You Look Tired: An Excruciatingly Honest Guide to New Parenthood coming out May 4, she’s a powerful new voice of … Read more
Let me guess–the synopsis is your least favorite part of the process, right? Often–even for agents!–it’s a daunting document that, in some ways, is even more challenging than the creation of your query letter. How much do you give away? How much do you hide? What about the ending? Are spoilers good–or bad? How do … Read more
Julie asked our Facebook group (join here! 3,000+ nice writers to support you: manuscriptacademy.com/facebook) what they’d like to know about critique. We discuss critique partners with the right problem and wrong solution, the chain reaction when you change one element, how Jessica gives her agency clients feedback, and differentiating between opinions and critiques. Plus, we … Read more
