Writers With Wrinkles
Whether you're an aspiring author, indie publisher, or career writer, Writers with Wrinkles is your essential guide to writing craft, book marketing, and the publishing industry. Hosted by authors Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, we iron out the wrinkles of the business — from mastering novel writing and story structure to navigating literary agents, query letters, and KDP self-publishing.
Each week, we bring you expert interviews with editors, publishers, and bestselling authors, plus practical advice on building your author platform and marketing your book. Whether you're drafting your first manuscript or preparing for a book launch, we have the guidance you need to thrive in today's competitive publishing landscape.
Visit www.WritersWithWrinkles.net for resources. Follow us on TikTok: @writerswithwrinkles
Writers With Wrinkles
Latest Episodes
Stop Querying Wrong: Agent Nikki Carrero Breaks It Down
Beth and Lisa talk with literary agent Nikki Carrero, from The Rights Factory, to break down the querying process from the agent’s side — what gets you noticed, what gets a pass, and how to make the most of The Call. Highlig...
How to Write Better Stakes & Tension in Your Novel (and some Taylor Swift!)
We tackle a publishing debate, draw writing wisdom from Taylor Swift, and dig into one of the most common craft problems in fiction — weak stakes and missing tension. Plus a community book shout-out.THE HARDBACK DEBATEBeth ...
We Read Your First Pages So You Don't Have To Guess
First Page Feedback: Charlotte's Hunt for GloryBeth and Lisa critique the opening page of a middle grade fantasy submission and pull out craft lessons for any writer working on those critical first pages....
Rolling With It (And Then Not)
The One Where Nobody Ordered the Books | Beth McMullen & Lisa SchmidLisa Schmid shares a cautionary tale from the Sacramento Book Festival, where a series of logistical failures turned what should have been an ex...
Publishing Is Changing Fast! Literary Agent Vicki Weber on What's Working Now
Imprint closures, layoffs, and reorganizations are rattling the publishing world. Literary agent and At-Home Author founder Vicki Weber joins Beth and Lisa for a candid conversation about what’s driving these changes—and what writers can do abo...
Fan Mail
A very informative podcast. Happy to hear that there is an emerging MG ‘category’ - young teen lit. My 13 yo protagonist is a budding housing activist, in grade 8, and my target audience is ~ 11-14 yrs, and so this is encouraging. Also Meg provided a good summary of $$ considerations re publishing a book. Creative talent + hard work + a sound business plan (might) = a book on the shelves. Thanks
Ottawa, ON
