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We are so happy to bring you this conversation with Stephanie Winter, an agent at P.S. Literary. We talk about how agents read differently than most book buyers, the logistics of selling a series, and what word counts scare us (and what we do about it). Plus, how rejection is kind of like a video … Read more

Let’s get your submission package ready! Both your query and your first page have a LOT to do with whether you get requests–and, together, we’ll get those polished and agent-friendly. Even if yours isn’t chosen, you’ll learn how agents things–and take away lessons that will help you long into your submissions process. The panel will … Read more

We talk with writer-turned-agent Lauren Spieller about publishing in quarantine, long-term industry hope, and what this means for you (and your book) right now. We also discuss book scouting, selling books abroad, and whether writers should move to New York (NO!). We discuss what you actually need for a successful writing career, how Lauren had … Read more

Your query can change everything. In fact, it may be the most important page you ever write. If you have a strong query, you’ll keep an agent reading. If not, they may never see all the work you put into your book. Enter The Five Day Query Workshop–The Manuscript Academy’s five-day mini-conference. Join us for daily classes, … Read more

Welcome to a #MSWL podcast first–a married publishing couple describing literary life, work, and how to make the most of both. We discuss what they’d love to see in their inboxes (and how their tastes vary), the crazy coincidences of their love story (they both went to Paris, worked at Scholastic, and lived in the … Read more

You may have heard mixed things about how publishing is doing in all of this. Some say everything is up and running–and some seem totally overwhelmed. In this episode, we spoke with agent Amy Elizabeth Bishop about how to navigate submissions during quarantine. We cover: Is it a good idea to send out your work … Read more

We are so pleased to speak with writer and editor Vivian Lee about the importance of literary community, what it was like for her to work in publishing at Little A/Amazon, and how our industry has changed over the past decade. We also discuss California Pizza Kitchen, fusion cuisine, and the immigrant experience–finding the perfect … Read more

In our quest to keep you informed, entertained, and connected in this difficult time, we’re bringing you a free writing workshop–direct to your computer. Join us for writing prompts, exercises, and a community of supportive, talented writers. Meet critique partners, receive feedback on your work, and take your mind off everything happening in the outside … Read more

We speak with agent, author, and stand-up comedian (yes, really!) Barbara Poelle about the Venn diagram of editorial needs, not swearing before 10 a.m., and how breaking all the rules worked out spectacularly well for one of her clients. Barbara’s new book, Funny You Should Ask: Mostly Serious Answers to Mostly Serious Questions About the … Read more

Join us for a look inside a literary agent’s inbox! Listen as she decides–in the moment, on the air–what to request, what to reject, and why. Stephanie Winter is an associate agent at P.S. Literary. She first joined the agency as an intern before becoming the agency’s relations assistant. Stephanie is a dedicated bookseller who … Read more