Encore Episode: Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez Tells You What You Need to Know

Episode Summary: Beth and Lisa chat with Kaitlyn Sanchez, literary agent at Bradford Literary and co-creator of kidlit contests, about navigating the publishing industry. Kaitlyn shares actionable insights for aspiring authors on trends, querying agents, and creating standout manuscripts.Guest Bio: Kaitlyn Sanchez is a literary agent at Bradford Literary, middle school math teacher, and co-creator of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, Kidlit Zombie Week, and the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy. A passionate advocate for children's literature, Kaitlyn specializes in helping writers connect their stories with the right editors while encouraging diversity and humor in picture books.Key Discussion Points:Emerging Trends in Picture Books:Increased demand for diverse stories that represent all children.A post-COVID push for humorous stories as a counterbalance to emotional content.Picture book sales have declined slightly post-COVID boom but remain competitive.Advice for Aspiring Authors:Have at least 3-4 polished manuscripts ready before querying agents.Tailor your submissions to reflect your unique voice while aligning with market trends.Persist through rejection (or "passes"), as the right agent/editor match takes time.The Importance of Relationships:Kaitlyn emphasizes the value of connecting personally with editors to match manuscripts with the right fit.She built her knowledge of the publishing landscape from scratch, focusing on imprint dynamics and editor preferences.Contests and Creative Growth:Kaitlyn highlights the value of free writing contests like the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy and Storystorm for generating fresh ideas.Alternative Paths:Authors can query agents and submit directly to publishers simultaneously, increasing opportunities for success.Conclusion: Kaitlyn inspires writers with her passion for the craft and dedication to finding "the right fit" for every manuscript. Her actionable advice and genuine enthusiasm make this a must-listen episode for aspiring picture book authors.Mentioned Links:Learn more about Kaitlyn Sanchez: Bradford LiteraryContests: Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, Kidlit Fall Writing FrenzyPodcast Website: writerswithwrinkles.netSend us Fan Mail Support the showVisit the WebsiteFind Full Episodes on YouTube!Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!