Writers With Wrinkles

Send us a textQuery letters make even experienced writers panic—and for good reason. In this special Ask Beth & Lisa episode, we’re joined by author and educator Deborah Crossland for a deep, practical conversation about how to write a strong, effective query letter as we head into the 2026 querying season. Deborah breaks down what query letters are actually for, what agents want to see (and don’t), and how writers can avoid the most common—and most damaging—mistakes.This episode is packed with actionable advice, mindset shifts, and real-world examples from the querying trenches.About Our GuestDeborah Crossland teaches English and mythology at a community college and writes myth-based contemporary YA novels with a feminist lens. Her novel The Quiet Part Out Loud was published in 2023, with the paperback released in 2024. She lives in Northern California and is passionate about making education accessible to all.Key Topics & TakeawaysWhat a Query Letter Is (and Isn’t)The sole purpose of a query letter is to get an agent to request pages—not to sell the book or explain the entire plot.Think invitation, not explanation.The Anatomy of a Strong QueryA compelling hook (often 1–2 sentences)A focused pitch centered on external stakesBrief book details (genre, word count, comps)A short, professional author bioExternal Stakes Matter More Than You ThinkWriters often lean too hard on internal stakes; agents need to see what’s happening.External conflict is what differentiates your book in a crowded field.If an agent can’t picture the story visually, the query isn’t doing its job.Pitch vs. SynopsisThe query pitch should not include spoilers or the ending.The synopsis is where you explain the full story, including how it ends.Mixing these up is one of the most common querying mistakes.How to Personalize Without Being CringeyReference an agent’s manuscript wish list, not their personal life.Keep personalization professional, brief, and relevant.Treat it like a business introduction—not a social interaction.Query Etiquette (and Red Flags)Always submit queries exactly how the agent requests.Never DM agents or email around Query Manager.Don’t announce querying rounds or submissions on social media.Avoid pitching your unpublished book publicly on Instagram, TikTok, or X.Author Bios for Debut WritersIt’s perfectly acceptable to say, “This is my first novel.”Writing credentials are optional; strong pages matter more.Publishing loves debuts—lack of experience is not a liability.Series Talk: Less Is MoreDon’t pitch a multi-book series as a debut.“Standalone with series potential” is sufficient.Length & ClarityQueries should be concise and tightly written.Every word must earn its place.If you can’t summarize your story clearly, you may not be ready to query.Hooks, Loglines, and Netflix ThinkingThink in terms of loglines or streaming-style descriptions.If you can’t explain your story in one sharp sentence, that’s a sign to step back. Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a textFor her encore episode, Lisa chose our interview with Brian Selznick—author and illustrator of some of the most innovative and emotionally powerful books in contemporary publishing. In this conversation, Brian reflects on creative process, patience, and trusting your reader. It was definitely a season four highlight!   Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a textLisa’s Encore Pick: Brian SelznickFor her encore episode, Lisa chose our interview with Brian Selznick—author and illustrator of some of the most innovative and emotionally powerful books in contemporary publishing. In this conversation, Brian reflects on creative process, patience, and trusting your reader. It was definitely a season four hightlight!  Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a textBeth’s Encore Pick: Adria GoetzFor her encore episode, Beth chose our interview with Adria Goetz, Senior Literary Agent at KT Literary. This conversation gets into the real mechanics of querying—what agents actually notice, where writers tend to go wrong, and how to communicate clearly and professionally in a crowded submission landscape. Adria is refreshingly direct about industry realities while remaining deeply encouraging, making this episode especially useful for writers who want practical guidance without false promises. If you’re querying now—or plan to in the future—this is one of those episodes worth bookmarking. Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a textIn this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa talk with Mari Kesselring about the realities of today’s publishing landscape—from the misunderstood world of book packagers to navigating an author career after a disappointing debut. Aspiring authors will gain insight into how publishers make acquisition decisions, current trends shaping 2026, and practical strategies to stay resilient in a challenging industry.Guest Bio Mari Kesselring is the Publishing Manager of Driven, an imprint at Penguin Random House. With nearly 20 years of experience acquiring, editing, and developing books for readers of all ages, she has worked in both traditional publishing and book packaging. Mari has edited several award-winning titles, including Surrender Your Sons by Adam Sass and Before We Were Blue by E.J. Schwartz. She has served on the board of the Minnesota Book Publishers Roundtable and as a judge for the Minnesota Book Awards.Key Discussion Points • What book packagers are and how authors can find work-for-hire opportunities • How the Driven imprint identifies trends and produces fast-turnaround books • A candid look at the “Publishing Has a Gambling Problem” conversation • How editors evaluate authors whose previous books had low sales • Smart questions to ask before signing your first book deal • Why middle grade remains a challenging category—and what needs to change • 2026 publishing trend predictions, including romantasy, cozy escapism, gothic romance, and the rise of “New Adult” • The increasing importance of chapter books as reading levels shift • The Penguin Hotline and how readers can request personalized book recommendationsConclusion This episode reminds writers that publishing is both art and business, and the most sustainable careers are built on clarity, communication, and adaptability. Whether you’re querying your first book or recovering from a tough debut, Mari’s insights offer practical guidance to help you move forward with confidence.Mentions Rage Pages guided journal We Will Prescribe You a Cat Penguin Hotline: penguinhotline.com🎧 Subscribe & Connect Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Submit questions for “Ask Beth and Lisa” at writerswithwrinkles.net, or connect on Instagram @writerswithwrinkles. Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!