Publishing Pals

Hello! In this episode we’re interviewing book buyers Haley Morgan Wright and Shayne Johnson on how bookstores choose to stock authors books, and how the job works.  Haley Morgan Wright began working as a bookseller at Middleburg Books in October of 2023. A lifelong bibliophile, before working in the shop, Haley taught grant writing, edited in downtown DC, and studied poetry and writing at Purdue...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about what to put in your bio paragraph when you query! The bones of it, specifics to add, and what to avoid.   Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering fro...

Trigger warning: This book features abuse and sexual assault, which we briefly discuss.  Hello! In our first book review episode we’re talking Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Find the book here: https://tinyurl.com/4npfscd4 Note: CONTAINS SPOILERS! Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about art supplies! From tools for beginners to personal favorites, all our recs are linked below! Here are some of supplies we recommended during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. These are just our opinions and personal experiences. Find Maria: https://www.mariaoglesbyart.com/ Find Katie: https://www.katiedwyerillustrations...

Hello! In this episode we’re interviewing in house Macmillan cover designer, Anto Marr! Anto Marr is an illustrator and graphic designer specializing in book covers and layout. She has a degree in graphic design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and has worked for companies such as Booklogix, Macmillan Publishing, and St. Martin’s Publishing.     Anto Marr’s links: https://www.instagram...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about the craft of writing a picture book!  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. It’s always important to do...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about what to put into your art portfolio! Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from others. It’s always important to do...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about the Picture Book Pipeline! The steps from when an agent sends out your picture book dummy, to when your final art is turned in.  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things...

Hello! In this episode we’re interviewing Illustrator Lavanya Naidu and Author Debra Shumaker! We talk about their publishing journey, as well as their collaboration on their forthcoming picture book, Sunday Scaries! Preorder here!  - https://tinyurl.com/bdffhd6k   Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our w...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about notes from the SCBWI mid-atlantic 2026 conference, as well as a few notes from past conferences.  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a whil...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about Procreate brushes! Our favorites, some basic Procreate tips, and packs and edits we’d recommend.  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a whil...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about the state of the publishing industry, going over a talk and an article on some of the recent imprint closures and changes expected in the coming months. Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we...

Hello! In this episode we’re interviewing author Dana Swift! Dana Swift is a YA fantasy author repped by Kelly Dyksterhouse of Tobias Literary. She is the author of the Cast in Firelight duology, as well as the forthcoming When Dealing With Dragons , a YA Romantasy set for release this July. Dana got her degrees in English and Advertising at UT Austin, where she fenced saber and met her husband. W...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about author and illustrator websites. When to make one, what to put on it, and where to find resources for those things.  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are reme...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about money: How writers make it, how payments are broken down, and how to deduct things for taxes.  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while a...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about reads and recs of 2025 - what we read this past year, what we loved, and what we’d recommend.  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while a...

Hello! In this episode we’re interviewing Raissa Figueroa Raissa Figueroa is a self-taught artist of both digital and traditional media repped by Natascha Morris of Tobias Literary. She has illustrated nearly 30 books for publishing houses such as Viking Books for Young Readers, Harper Collins, Little Simon, and more. Her book series Oona not only earned out, but earned a glowing review from Kirku...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about R&Rs (revise and resubmits). What they are, how to handle them, and our experience with them.  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a whi...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about critique groups! How to find one, what to expect, and how to have a healthy relationship with yours.  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking about comp titles! What they are, how to use them, and why they’re important.  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from...

Hello! In this episode we’re interviewing Erica Wood, the regional advisor for SCBWI.  Erica Wood is a middle grade, YA, and poetry writer, long time member of SCBWI, and since 2020 has been the regional advisor for SCBWI’s Carolinas region. Erica studied English, Theater, and Creative Writing at Queens University, and has a Masters of Science in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.  Erica’s Substack li...

Hello! In this episode we discuss blurbs: what they are, why you need one, and how to write one for your book!  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from othe...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking all about the future of publishing, from word counts to what genres publishers are looking for, and summarizing some webinars, stats, etc. we’ve seen lately. Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we a...

Hello! In this episode we’re talking all about A.I. - how it’s used, whether it’s ethical, and how to approach it.  Here are some of the authors, artists, and other things we brought up during the episode. Just a disclaimer - please do not take our word as fact. The publishing industry is always changing, and often we are talking about things we are remembering from a while ago or have heard from...

Hello! We are so excited for this episode to interview Kelly Dyksterhouse, an agent at Tobias Literary Agency.   Kelly is an agented writer as well as an agent at The Tobias Literary Agency, a boutique agency that stresses collaborative culture where writers and artists feel comfortable to explore and perfect their craft while helping them reach their career goals.  Kelly represents a wide range o...