Send us a text

Episode Summary

What does it actually take to get a non-fiction book published in today's market? In this episode, literary agent and author Alia Hanna Habib pulls back the curtain on the publishing industry. Alia shares insights from her new book, Take It From Me, a practical guide for writers looking to navigate the complex journey from idea to bookshelf. Whether you are a debut author or a seasoned writer, this conversation explores the essential elements of a successful non-fiction proposal, the evolving role of a literary agent, and how to stay resilient in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways & Timestamps

• [00:00] Introduction: Meet Alia Hanna Habib, literary agent at The Gernert Company for acclaimed writers like Nicole Hannah-Jones and Clint Smith.
• [02:15] The "Why" Behind the Book: Alia discusses what inspired her to write Take It From Me and why transparency in the publishing process is more important than ever.
• [07:40] Crafting a Winning Proposal: The non-negotiable elements every non-fiction writer needs to include to catch an agent's eye.
• [15:20] Delivery & Acceptance: Insight into Alia’s Substack newsletter and how she uses it to share candid, behind-the-scenes industry advice.
• [22:10] The Author-Agent Partnership: How the relationship works and what authors should realistically expect during the publishing cycle.
• [30:05] Closing Thoughts: Practical steps for writers who are just starting their non-fiction journey.

About the Guest: Alia Hanna Habib

Alia Hanna Habib is a veteran literary agent and the author of Take It From Me: A Practical, Behind-the-Scenes Guide to Getting a Non-Fiction Book Published. Named one of New York Magazine's "most powerful New Yorkers you’ve never heard of," she represents leading voices in journalism, history, and literature. She also writes the popular Substack newsletter, Delivery and Acceptance.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Book: Take It From Me by Alia Hanna Habib (Available January 28th)
• Newsletter: Delivery and Acceptance Substack
• Website: Writers with Wrinkles Official Site

Connect with Us

• Follow the Podcast: Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!
• Ask a Question: Have a question for Beth and Lisa? Send it our way for a future "Ask Beth and Lisa" episode.
• Visit the Blog: Find more show notes and author resources at writerswithwrinkles.net.

Support the show

Visit the Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a text

Note: For the most up-to-date information on Erin’s submission status, interests, and availability, visit https://erincaseywestin.com.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk with Erin Casey Westin, associate agent at Galt & Zacker Literary Agency, about the current kidlit market and how agents evaluate queries and manuscripts. Aspiring authors will gain insight into writing stronger query letters, understanding agent decision-making, and knowing when a manuscript is truly ready to submit.

Guest Bio

Erin Casey Westin is an associate agent at Galt & Zacker Literary Agency, where she represents children’s literature. She is especially drawn to projects with strong voice, vivid worldbuilding, and authentic, thoughtful representation. Erin is passionate about stories that allow every child to see themselves reflected on the page. She is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Key Discussion Points

• The state of the kidlit market
  Erin shares what she’s hearing from editors, including cautious optimism around middle grade and continued demand for humorous, character-driven picture books.
• How sales track records affect authors
  Why prior sales aren’t everything, how agents strategize around them, and when switching publishing houses can make sense.
• What makes a query letter stand out
  Clear, specific stakes; strong voice; and careful attention to submission guidelines—plus why vague, high-level stakes often fall flat.
• Common query mistakes to avoid
  Writing queries in first person as the character, misquoting agents, careless personalization, and over-reliance on AI-generated text.
• How Erin evaluates manuscripts
  The step-by-step mental checklist: polish, voice, character connection, plot and pacing, and whether the story sustains momentum beyond the opening pages.
• When a manuscript isn’t ready yet
  Why rushing to query out of frustration can hurt your chances, and when putting a book away for a few months can actually help.
• What Erin wants to see more of
  Middle grade and YA survival stories—especially fresh, modern takes featuring underrepresented protagonists.

Conclusion

This episode reminds writers that strong queries and manuscripts are built on clarity, specificity, and patience. Erin Casey Westin offers a transparent look at how agents read, evaluate, and decide—helping authors approach querying with more confidence and intention.

Links & Resources

• Erin Casey Westin: https://erincaseywestin.com
• Galt & Zacker Literary Agency: https://www.galltzacker.com/
• QueryTracker: https://querytracker.net

🎧 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 with us on Instagram @writerswithwrinkles.

Support the show

Visit the Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a text

In this bonus season-finale episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid reflect on the end of the season, share a behind-the-scenes podcasting mishap, and dive into a First Pages critique of a cozy fantasy submission, The Village Mage. Along the way, they discuss why first pages are so hard to get right, how too much backstory can stall momentum, and what cozy fantasy readers expect from the very first paragraph.

What We Cover in This Episode

A Season Wrap-Up

• Why this season felt especially long (emotionally and creatively)
• The surprising reach of the podcast, including international listeners
• Why listener messages matter more than download numbers

Behind the Scenes of Podcasting

• A funny (and harmless) upload glitch
• Why multitasking and podcast production don’t always mix
• A reminder that mistakes happen—and they’re fixable

First Pages Critique: The Village Mage

• Why the tea shop setting immediately signals “cozy”
• What works well in the opening voice and atmosphere
• Where the opening leans too heavily on setting and backstory
• Why character emotion needs to come before worldbuilding
• How early signals of magic shape reader expectations
• The importance of “showing” magic instead of naming it outright

First Page Takeaways for Writers

• Less is more on page one
• Avoid stacking backstory and description in large blocks
• Establish genre expectations immediately
• Use specific, character-centered details instead of generic atmosphere
• Trust the reader—don’t explain everything up front
• Consider whether your story actually starts later than you think

A Common Revision Reality

• Why first chapters are often written as “thinking-through” pages
• How hard it is to cut beloved early material
• Why cutting doesn’t mean deleting—just relocating

Key Writing Advice from Beth & Lisa

• Your first page should hook, not explain
• Genre cues matter—especially in fantasy
• Pacing is created through balance: dialogue, action, and selective detail
• If readers don’t know why they should care about the character yet, they won’t care about the world

What’s Coming Next

• A brand-new season with exciting guest interviews
• More First Pages bonus episodes
• Kicking off the new season with literary agent Erin Casey Westin

Have first pages you’d like feedback on?

Visit the Writers With Wrinkles website and submit your opening pages for a chance to be featured in a future episode.

Thank you for listening, sharing, and sticking with us this season. We’ll see you in the new year—until then, happy reading, writing, and listening.

Support the show

Visit the Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a text

Query 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 Guest

Deborah 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 & Takeaways

What 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 Query

• A compelling hook (often 1–2 sentences)
• A focused pitch centered on external stakes
• Brief book details (genre, word count, comps)
• A short, professional author bio

External Stakes Matter More Than You Think

• Writers 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. Synopsis

• The 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 Cringey

• Reference 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 Writers

• It’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 More

• Don’t pitch a multi-book series as a debut.
• “Standalone with series potential” is sufficient.

Length & Clarity

• Queries 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 Thinking

• Think 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 Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a text

For 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 Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a text

Beth’s Encore Pick: Adria Goetz

For 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 Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a text

In 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 recommendations

Conclusion
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 Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Send us a text

In this bonus episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa critique the first page of a new upper middle grade fantasy novel, Kiki Won’t Be Goddess of the Underworld. If you’re an MG author looking for feedback on opening pages, strong character voice, or how to start your novel in the right place, this episode delivers clear, practical writing advice you can apply immediately.

Beth and Lisa read the full first page aloud and break down what works, what needs tightening, and how to improve pacing and clarity. They discuss why this submission has such a strong middle grade voice, how to avoid confusing world-building when mixing mythology, and what every MG writer should consider when crafting a compelling first chapter. Their critique highlights common pitfalls—like starting the story too early or overloading the reader with details—and offers smart strategies to create tension and hook readers fast.

What listeners will learn:
• How to craft a strong MG narrative voice
• How to clarify world-building in a fantasy opening
• How to identify where your story truly begins
• How to balance detail, pacing, and stakes in the first chapter
• Why breadcrumbing tension keeps young readers engaged
• What emotional dynamics resonate most with middle grade readers

This episode is perfect for writers revising their first pages, querying a middle grade fantasy manuscript, or trying to understand what grabs literary agents and young readers from page one. Beth and Lisa’s feedback will help you sharpen your opening, strengthen your story structure, and build a clearer path into your world.

Links & Resources
Submit your First Pages: writerswithwrinkles.net
Upcoming guest episode (Dec. 8): Mari Kesselring, Publishing Manager

Subscribe & Connect
Don’t miss future episodes of the podcast! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Submit questions for Ask Beth & Lisa at writerswithwrinkles.net or follow them on Instagram @writerswithwrinkles.

Support the show

Visit the Website

Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!