We often remind our friends that writing is not Olympic gymnastics—you don’t need to be young to succeed.
If anything, like sourdough starter, your skills grow naturally over time.
Here’s some delightful proof in a first book at 71: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/27/b...
Of course! But it’s probably really good for you to have this wonderful thing you’re creating. I was listening to a book this morning that said your purpose is usually in what gives you energy.
So simple, yet so hard to do in modern life.
But it sounds like you’ve found something special.
@catherinewinters.com After Work looks really fun! Very cool!
Not really! Wouldn't want to be stuck in an elevator with them.
But those are also the people who probably have the lowest request rate of anyone.
Remember that, in life and in work, the bad guy often doesn't think they're the bad guy.
Writing a villain? They may see themselves very differently.
That tension--never quite knowing if you, the reader, can trust what you're being told--adds wonderful nuance to your characters.
We are doing our best! There's so much to learn.
This week, I spoke with a college class of publishing hopefuls--writers and would-be agents/eds.
I had to tell both groups that it's an industry you learn over *years*--there is absolutely no way to learn it all faster.
You absorb over time.
Success and anxiety often go together in our industry.
After all, it's the carefree people whose entire pitches are "Take my book or your agency will fail."
I'm so sorry it's so stressful!
I know this isn't necessarily helpful, but eight weeks in publishing is (these days) the blink of an eye.
Many writers are anecdotally reporting wait times of around six months.
Here's something agents don't always say out loud: the writers who are nervous are almost always the ones who care the most, polish the most, and write the best.
So, if you're anxious? Probably a good sign.
manuscriptacademy.com/nervous-about-querying-agents
@alexandragrana.bsky.social Thank you for the share, Alexandra! Hope you're staying well and warm in this seemingly never-ending winter!
Agents don't just read for quality.
They read for urgency.
New post on how to make your query feel like a book they need to read Right! Now!--before someone else gets it first.
manuscriptacademy.com/what-makes-a-query-feel-like-a-big-book
Hot take: a technically correct query can still get you rejected.
In an inbox of ~40 submissions a day, "correct" isn't enough--you need vivid, memorable, and emotionally clear.
New post with exactly how to do that. 💙 manuscriptacademy.com/how-to-write-a-query-letter
#WritingCommunity #AmQuerying
The graphic says "The Presentation Party: Five industry insiders. Five snappy slide decks. One night that makes publishing make sense. March 12, 8:30pm ET, livestreamed, free."
If you're enjoying #MSWL today and want to keep the energy going, our educational sister company @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social is throwing a FREE Presentation Party on March 12.
Five agents + editors, five 10-minute talks, real publishing insights. RSVP: presentation-party.manuscriptacademy.com 🥂
It will be great! We can't wait!
Plus, we are nerds who like slideshows.
This looks like an evening full of information. I'm going. Are you? #WritingCommunity #booksky #amwriting
Why are we doing this? For fun, mostly!
And because we love the model of presentation parties (have you seen them on YouTube? So cute when people get really nice) and to help you get the information you need, fast.
Each class is 10 minutes.
RSVP here: presentation-party.manuscriptacademy.com
You'll learn about:
📝Queries with Fiona Kenshole (Transatlantic Literary)
📚Commercial vs. Literary with Kaitlyn Sanchez (Bradford Literary)
📖Comp Titles with Hannah Robinson
📕Publishing In The Age of Book Bans with Ivan Taurisano (Macmillan)
📩Pitching In This Market with Krista Vitola (S&S)
A party-themed graphic that lists the date (march 12, 8:30pm ET) and that it's a free event for five industry insiders + five slide decks.
Join us for a FREE Publishing Presentation Party!
Five agents + editors are making slides, pouring drinks, and telling you the truth about publishing.
March 12, 8:30pm ET | Livestreamed | Bring Friends
Come to the party 🥂 presentation-party.manuscriptacademy.com
Jessica went tromping around in the snow before her first meeting today and came in wearing snowflakes.
If you don't have to look presentable today--for there is, at least in NYC, a high chance of wiping out in a snowbank--we highly recommend.
The snow is falling--and honestly? Today is a perfect writing day.
Make the tea. Open the doc. Let the quiet inspire you. ❄️
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting
Definitely! I felt so bad for the writers out there listening to all those accolades and wanted to make sure they know that isn’t the expectation.
We are very lucky to have very talented attendees! And it’s great to learn from them.
But we also want people to know it isn’t normal.
We loved our panel with @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social last night!
One big topic was bio.
Fiction writers: no MFA, prize, or viral essay needed in your query bio--just warm, specific details that make you sound fun to call up for the next decade.
manuscriptacademy.com/query-bio-fiction-writers
This post was inspired by an interview with the lovely agent (and friend!) Monica Odom.
New podcast season coming soon!
We're always going to love good voice.
We're always going to love clear stakes and a good conflict.
It doesn't matter what's trending.
Your book exists in its own world. Write it anyway.
As many of our agent friends say: There's always room for awesome.
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #QueryTips
In fact, if there's anything you've been longing to use comp-wise, and Netflix makes a new season, or a new book comes out in the series...
Consider using the newest release year when you calculate its comp age.
Will every agent agree? No. Will they see your logic and research? Yes.
Great news if you've been wanting to use Veronica Mars as a comp or search term!
I would argue that the new season (which is excellent so far--loved it from when she broke the clock and said "Oh, maybe not") 😆 makes it fresh enough to satisfy the "books or films in the last 1-3 years" comp rule.
It really does! It's also wonderful to see people come back with new manuscripts, and see how much they've grown.
Writing another book really is the best hands-on class you can take!
Your first book is your MFA without the student loans.
Every word you write carries all the words before it. The manuscript that won't sell? It's teaching you how to write the one that will. 💙
#AmWriting #WritingLife #KeepWriting
From this week’s Agent Help Desk Q&A:
“If I don't know why I'm passing, I'm not going to give you something to send you off on a spiral. What if I say ‘voice’ because it’s easy to say and you start panicking about voice for a year?"
—Jessica on form rejections, and why agents don’t personalize
📚Having trouble with comp titles? (Who isn't?!)
Agent @johnmcusick.bsky.social was kind enough to share his foolproof comp title system: youtu.be/8tW4DjVtlxA?...
Blog version here: manuscriptacademy.com/how-to-find-...
