Writers With Wrinkles

• What Editors Really Look For, with Alison Romig: First Pages, Comps, and Connecting with Readers

  Send us a textEpisode Summary In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa talk with Alison Romig, Associate Editor at Delacorte Press, about middle grade and YA fiction. Aspiring authors will gain insight into what editors look for in first pages, how to use comps effectively when pitching, and how to navigate the ever-evolving publishing landscape—especially in middle grade.Guest Bio Alison Romig is an associate editor at Delacorte Press, where she edits middle grade and young adult fiction. Since joining Delacorte in 2019, she’s worked with New York Times bestselling authors Lindsay Curry and Catherine Quinn, among others. A lifelong fan of horror, she lives in Brooklyn, New York.Key Discussion PointsHow horror became Alison’s lifelong reading passion—and why the genre is having a major momentWhat makes a first line or first page irresistible to editorsThe hidden power of accurate comps in query letters and what they reveal about your audienceCommon mistakes in submissions (and why most novels start in the wrong place)Balancing multiple POVs and keeping the story cohesiveThe editor–author relationship: collaboration vs. prescription in editorial feedbackHow sales track and market “weirdness” factor into acquisitions—especially for middle grade authorsAlison’s top wishlist item: horror romance, from chilling to cozyConclusionThis episode reminds writers that a strong editorial partnership is built on trust, open communication, and shared creative vision. Whether you’re writing middle grade, YA, or exploring new genres, Alison’s insights demystify the submission process and empower authors to craft stories that truly connect with readers—and maybe even give them a good scare. Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts The Podcast Inside Your HouseWeird Horror. Created by Kevin Schrock and Annie Marie Morgan. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

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• Nail Your First Page: Real Critiques from Publishing Pros

  Send us a textWant to watch the video? Click here.Episode Summary In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa dive into first-page critiques, offering real-time feedback on listener-submitted rom-com and middle grade openings. Aspiring authors will gain insight into what makes a first page hook an editor—and what doesn’t.Guest Bio No guest this week—just your favorite co-hosts offering expert feedback, writerly wisdom, and a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process.Key Discussion Points • Why first pages matter more than ever in today’s publishing landscape • Rom-Com critique: Bohemian Girl in Ruins – balancing snark and heart, setting tone, and why emotional vulnerability matters • Craft insights: Using voice, internal conflict, and pacing to create immediate reader engagement • Middle Grade critique: Liam Calloway and the Cosmic Conspiracy – voice authenticity, anchoring in-scene emotion, and hooking readers fast • Red flags in opening pages—over-describing, passive language, and missing stakes • Foreshadowing, genre expectations, and how to revise for connection, not just cleverness • Sneak peek into Beth and Lisa’s video podcast debut and future live retreat plansConclusion This episode reminds writers that capturing attention on page one is both art and strategy. Whether you're polishing a rom-com or drafting a middle grade novel, grounding your character, tightening the prose, and creating emotional stakes are key to making your manuscript stand out.Links & Resources • Submit your first page: https://writerswithwrinkles.net • Instagram: @writerswithwrinklesSubscribe & Connect Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Submit questions for “Ask Beth and Lisa” or sign up for our newsletter at writerswithwrinkles.net and join us on Instagram @writerswithwrinkles. Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

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• How to Build a Lasting Author-Agent Relationship, with Agent Leslie Zampetti

  Send us a textIn this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa welcome literary agent Leslie Zampetti for an honest and insightful conversation about what makes a successful author-agent relationship. From red flags to communication tips, aspiring authors will gain clarity on how to choose the right agent and navigate the business side of publishing.Guest BioLeslie Zampetti is a literary agent with Open Book Literary, representing fiction and select nonfiction for children and adults. She champions underrepresented voices, especially disabled writers, and brings deep experience as a former librarian and writer. Connect with Leslie on Instagram and Twitter @LiteraryLeslieZ or visit www.openbooklit.com.Key Discussion PointsWhat agents look for in long-term author relationshipsRed flags and green flags when evaluating literary agentsWhat authors should ask before signing with an agentHow to handle communication breakdowns or ethical concernsWhy pivoting genres (like from middle grade to cozy mystery) can reignite creativityHow to know if your manuscript is ready to queryThe value of writing community and peer feedbackThe emotional and professional impact of publishing delays and burnoutConclusionThis episode is packed with actionable advice for writers navigating the intimidating world of literary representation. Leslie Zampetti pulls back the curtain on the agenting process, giving listeners a real-world look at what agents value, how decisions are made, and how writers can position themselves for long-term success. Whether you're querying your first book or considering a genre shift, this conversation will leave you empowered and informed.Links & ResourcesLeslie’s website: www.openbooklit.comInstagram/Twitter: @LiteraryLeslieZLeslie’s Query Submission Link: QueryTracker - Leslie ZampettiMentioned Resources:Association of American Literary Agents (AALA)Kate Allen Fox – Scratching the SurfaceApples & Honey Press🎧 Subscribe & ConnectDon’t miss future episodes! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Submit your questions for “Ask Beth and Lisa” at writerswithwrinkles.net or follow us on Instagram Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts The Podcast Inside Your HouseWeird Horror. Created by Kevin Schrock and Annie Marie Morgan. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

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• Trademark Trouble? Copyright Pitfalls? Ask Beth & Lisa!

  Send us a textIn this Ask Beth & Lisa episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid share updates on their current writing projects and dive into hot publishing topics: copyright oversight, AI-related lawsuits, and the rules of using brand names in fiction. They also unveil details for their new First Page Feedback segment and tease an upcoming Writers With Wrinkles retreat.Guest Bio No guest this week—just cohosts and authors Beth McMullen (Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls, Lola Benko Treasure Hunter, Secret of the Storm) and Lisa Schmid (Ollie Oxley and the Ghost), bringing candid advice and insider stories from the world of publishing.Key Discussion PointsWriting Updates: Lisa announces she’s pivoting from middle grade to writing cozy mysteries, while Beth wrestles with revisions on her dark psychological thriller. Both share challenges of voice, tense, and confidence in switching genres.Copyright Oversight: A cautionary tale about publishers failing to file proper copyrights—why authors must confirm their works are registered, the risks of neglect, and how it connects to ongoing AI lawsuits. Link  for checking your copyright status: https://copyright.gov/Trademark Use in Fiction: Guidelines for mentioning real brands in your writing. Neutral product mentions (Coke, Nike) are fine, but avoid negative associations that harm a brand’s reputation. Learn when to invent fictional stand-ins and why publishers sometimes over-police brand references.First Page Feedback: Writers can now anonymously submit the first 350 words of a work-in-progress (picture book, MG, YA, or adult) for on-air feedback. Focus is on craft, clarity, and hook. Full submission details available at writerswithwrinkles.netUpcoming Retreat: Beth and Lisa tease a low-pressure writing retreat designed for community building, creativity, and wine—with hints about the Mark Twain Room at their chosen venue.Next Episode Preview: Agent Leslie Zampetti returns to discuss red flags and best practices for author-agent relationships.Conclusion This episode blends practical advice with personal storytelling—whether you’re navigating genre shifts, protecting your copyrights, or deciding how to handle trademarks in your manuscript. Don’t forget to check the show notes for the copyright lookup link, submission details for First Page Feedback, and to sign up for the Writers With Wrinkles newsletter at writerswithwrinkles.netPlease rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to help spread the word! Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

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• Finding the Right Fit: Agent-Author Relationships with Sheyla Knigge

  Send us a textIn this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid sit down with literary agent Sheyla Knigge of Highline Literary Collective to talk about the art of building strong author-agent relationships. Sheyla shares her journey into publishing, her approach to championing authors, and the key questions every writer should ask before signing with an agent.Guest Bio: Sheyla Knigge is a literary agent at Highline Literary Collective with nearly two years of experience representing authors and selling books. A lifelong reader who entered agenting during the pandemic, she quickly proved her eye for marketable stories—discovering Where the Dark Stems Still by A.B. Poranek, which became a six-week New York Times bestseller. She now represents 25 clients across genres and is known for her transparency, passion for storytelling, and dedication to uplifting diverse voices.Key Discussion Points:Origin story: how Sheyla transitioned from project management to slush-pile reader to full-time agent.Defining strong partnerships: the importance of open communication, trust, and transparency in the agent-author relationship.Red flags in queries: why writing outside one’s lived experience without sensitivity can be problematic, and how Sheyla evaluates submissions.Crucial questions for writers: why asking about an agent’s support system and mentorship is essential before signing.When to walk away: how gut checks, excitement about revisions, and true alignment matter more than a “big name.”Wish list: Sheyla’s dream project—“murderous cheerleaders,” a mashup of Bring It On meets I Know What You Did Last Summer.Conclusion: Sheyla Knigge reminds writers that publishing is about partnership, not desperation. Choosing the right agent means prioritizing communication, shared vision, and mutual growth over prestige. Her advice encourages authors to seek relationships that set their creative souls on fire, because the right story—and the right fit—will always find its way to readers.Mentioned Links:Highline Literary CollectiveSheyla Knigge on Instagram Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

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