The Manuscript Academy

The Manuscript Academy brings you conversations with agents, editors, and writers who can help you on your publishing journey.

The Manuscript Academy is a society podcast hosted by #MSWL, with 257 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

#MSWL hosts The Manuscript Academy, a society show with 257 episodes published.

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  The Manuscript Academy

  Commercial, Literary, or Upmarket? Untangling the Terms We All Use (with Kaitlyn Sanchez)

  Sep 30, 202611 min

  It's one of the most common questions in our inbox: what's the difference between commercial, literary, and upmarket fiction, and which one is my book? (Video version here https://youtu.be/AMGl98NhtT4?si=mGcpIWTloL_HgMms) This week, agent Kaitlyn Sanchez of Bradford Literary finally makes it make sense. She explains what defines each category, plays a game of "commercial, literary, or both?" with real books from picture books to adult fiction, and shares how to strengthen your manuscript once you know where it fits. Plus, she tells us what she'd love to find in her inbox (hint: mysteries with heart). Want to see the book covers? Watch the video version on our YouTube channel, @manuscriptacademy. We're celebrating our 10th anniversary season! Head to anniversary.manuscriptacademy.com to see how we're celebrating, and visit manuscriptacademy.com for one-on-one consultations with agents and editors, classes, and our amazing writing community.

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  The Manuscript Academy

  From 1,000 Rejections To New York Times Bestseller

  Sep 22, 202618 min

  How does an author go from 1,000 rejections to New York Times Bestseller? Tune in to find out! Senior editor Ruqayyah Daud (LBYR/Requited/Hachette Book Group) and her author Jordan Stephanie Gray sit down to talk about what actually happens between "I love this manuscript" and a book on shelves: what really goes on in an acquisitions meeting, why a "no" is almost never about your writing, the call that changed Jordan's career while she was at Disney World — and how an author who got 1,000 rejections ended up a New York Times bestseller. Whether you're drafting your first manuscript or waiting on submission, this one's for you. 0:00 Meet Ruqayyah and Jordan 1:58 The call that changed everything 7:09 Inside an acquisitions meeting 9:44 The real reason most manuscripts get rejected 13:02 Do editors still edit? 14:21 How to handle reviews and get off Goodreads 16:32 Advice for every writer still in the query trenches JORDAN STEPHANIE GRAY is the New York Times bestselling author of the young adult paranormal romantasy Bitten and the adult mermaid romantasy The Wicked Sea. When she isn't lounging by the pool and typing away at her computer, she is likely cuddling her pugs in sunny Florida. Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Substack @jordanstephaniegray, and visit her website jordanstephaniegray.com. RUQAYYAH DAUD is a senior editor at LBYR and Requited. She acquires everything from middle grade through New Adult. Some of her titles include the #1 New York Times bestseller Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma, the critically acclaimed As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh, and the buzzed-about romantasy Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray. Learn more about Manuscript Academy: https://manuscriptacademy.com Find your agent match: https://manuscriptwishlist.com Book a 1:1 consultation with a literary agent: https://manuscriptacademy.com/consultations Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other writers find the show.

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  The Manuscript Academy

  New Season Preview: From Comp Titles to Virtual Spaces: What's Next at Manuscript Academy

  Apr 2, 20258 min

  Also on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/QaWwJ8O5NFA In this episode of the Manuscript Academy Podcast, hosts Julie Kingsley and Jessica Sinsheimer introduce new tools and features for writers, including a comp title finder, an advanced agent search, and a writer group creator. They discuss the development of a virtual interactive space for writers to connect globally and announce improvements in sorting through their extensive content library. Additionally, the hosts share updates on their Manuscript Academy Agent Choice Awards and upcoming classes, aimed at helping writers enhance their craft. Tune in to learn about these resources and how they can support your writing journey. 00:00 Introduction to the Manuscript Academy Podcast 00:31 Listener Feedback and Updates 00:57 New Tools for Writers 01:57 Writer Group Creator 03:04 Virtual Space for Writers 04:26 Organizing Classes and Resources 05:02 Manuscript Academy Agent Choice Awards 06:05 Upcoming Events and Classes 07:16 Conclusion and How to Get Involved

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  The Manuscript Academy

  Why Does Publishing Take So Darn Long? With Special Guest Agent Stefanie Molina

  Dec 17, 202447 min

  Have you ever wondered why Publishing seems to take so much longer than any other industry? We posed this question to agent Stefanie Molina, Ladderbird Literary--and discuss what it means for agents, editors, and - most of all - writers. Want to talk about your work with Stefanie? Schedule a time here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/stefanie-molina We discuss: Current Trends in Publishing (00:03:57) What Makes A work “Fresh”? (00:05:01) The Importance of BIPOC Voices in Literature (00:06:32) Communication Challenges in Publishing (00:08:33) Literary Agents of Change (00:10:52) Advice for Writers in the Querying Process (00:15:48) Agents’ Constant Thoughts on Clients (00:28:56) Hope for Industry Change (00:39:31) Scholarship Opportunities (00:44:47)

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  The Manuscript Academy

  How To Make Your Work More Addictive: Pacing, Structure & Symmetry with Agent Liv Ivanov

  Dec 1, 202421 min

  We are so happy to welcome Liv Ivanov, agent at Creative Media Agency, to the podcast! In this episode, we talk about making your work more addictive (we can all dream of the "I read it in one sitting" agent response!) through: *Effective pacing *Structure *Tension *Symmetry *The MICE Quotient And more! Liv shares her insights on avoiding excessive exposition, the balance between tension and pacing, and the importance of character development. She also highlights techniques like reverse outlining and reading aloud to improve manuscripts. We also learn what Liv would like to have in her inbox. Meet Liv here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/liv-ivanov

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