What Editors Look For: Fresh Takes On Familiar Stories with Harper Editor Sara Schonfeld

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. Join our interactive Says/Does Activity + view transcript here: manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-member…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 … Read more

Red And Green Flags When Querying Agents with Agent Emmy Nordstrom Higdon

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. We 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. … Read more

Writing Dialogue That Brings Complicated Characters To Life with Author Karen Outen

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. Even 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 … Read more

Personal, Political, Published: Finding Agents For Important, Sensitive Topics with Annie Cardi

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. CONTENT WARNING: Mentions of abortion, grooming, assault. Annie Cardi’s new book, Red, is a very modern take on The Scarlet Letter. Today, Annie joins Jessica and Julie to discuss the importance of tough topics in YA novels, how to create “quiet” books that pack a punch, and writing advice … Read more

Building Character, Enhancing POV, and Principles of (E)motion with Author Sara Read

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. A smart, poignant novel perfect for fans of Lessons in Chemistry“An incredible STEMinist read.”—The Honey Pop Transcript, timestamps and video clips here: manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-sara-read Join Julie and Jessica as they talk to the fabulous Sara Read, the author of the recent book Principles of (E)motion. Trust us when we say … Read more

“Good Enough” Versus Fit: Executive Editor Erica Finkel On Improving Your Odds Of Yes

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. We’re thrilled to welcome Abrams editor Erica Finkel to the podcast to discuss editorial board meetings, the top reasons writers get rejected–and how “fit” means far more than you’d think. Book a meeting with Erica here: manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/erica-finkel Erica Finkel (she/her) is an Executive Editor for Amulet Books and Abrams … Read more

Save The Date! Seventh Annual Holiday Party December 18

It’s been such an amazing year speaking with agents, editors, authors, and publishing professionals about the things that mean the most to them–life, work, creativity, and community. To celebrate the holidays, we wanted to do something new, special, interactive, and fun. Monday, December 18, 8:30pm Eastern, our holiday party is designed for warmth, positivity, access … Read more