Tea and Tales: Sipping on Writing, Editing, and Publishing

Literary Agent James McGowan talks about the current children's market, what publishers are looking for in 2026, and ways to market your novels. Plus, he gives us great tips for reading the current trends and resources authors can use to find what publishers are saying about the market.Tea and Tales Blog - James McGowan: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1Other links:www.jmcgowanbooks.comInstagram @jmcgowanbkswww.bookendsliterary.com 

Libraries are a wealth of information and resources for all ages and backgrounds. We explore the value of libraries in communities and in developing literary fluency. Plus, how authors can utilize and support libraries in their area.Tea and Tales Blog - Danielle Ellison: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1Other links:danielle-ellison.comhttps://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#do-you-have-a-card Librarians and Reading https://www.instagram.com/p/DKZ-b-epjgZ/

Dive into the nuances of foreshadowing in your writing! From what it is to techniques to use them, we discuss ways you can incorporate this writing element into any book.Tea and Tales Website https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.comOther links:https://www.instagram.com/p/DGwFu1igNC8/?igsh=MTJpNzV2YzB6MXUwOQ== https://www.instagram.com/reel/DS6GrctAdOx/?igsh=MWp2Z3V3NWdkeW5nMQ== https://www.instagram.com/p/DQGQeMqDc7U/?igsh=MTk1bGJyZGhob3RiZA==

The next generation of writers and entrepreneurs are looking for opportunities and support. Sixteen-year-old author Tyberiusz Wylon shares his journey and how he feels adults can encourage young writers.Tea and Tales Blog - Tyberiusz Wylon: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1/tyberiusz-wylonOther links:tyberiusz.com https://www.amazon.com/Confident-Playbook-stories-15-year-old-skills/dp/B0FQ4FLHQ5/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyberiusz/https://www.instagram.com/tyberiuszwylon/

From how to grow as an illustrator to finding one for your children’s books, Khama gives us the inside look at this part of the industry. With his rich history and portfolio, Khama’s experience helps us to understand how contracts with illustrators work and what to expect.Tea and Tales Blog - Khama Lwanda: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1/khama-lwanda Other links:https://www.beehiveillustration.com/illustrators/khama-lwanda/illustratorhttps://www.instagram.com/khamatheartist/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/khama-lwanda-705697a7/?originalSubdomain=mwhttps://www.scbwi.org/members/khama.lwanda

Picture books and Graphic Novels share many similarities with key differences. Agent Adria Goetz dives into these genres and what to expect when writing and pitching them. Plus expectations for illustrations and how to tell if your idea is better suited for a picture book or a graphic novel.Tea and Tales Blog - Adria Goetz: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1/adria-goetz Other links:Website: www.adriagoetz.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriagoetz/Newsletter: https://t.co/rkYJNK8mhiDetailed manuscript wishlist:https://adriagoetz.wpcomstaging.com/manuscript-wishlist/or on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/adriagoetzbooks/ Client list: www.kt-literary.com/adrias-clients

It’s always fun to have returning guest Author Clare Draycott. This time, we’re sharing books we recommend, how they shaped our writing, and how writing styles has changed over the years. Add something to your TBR list with us, even if you’ve read it before!Tea and Tales Blog - Clare Draycott: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1/clare-draycottOther links:https://www.facebook.com/CEDraycotthttps://x.com/Clare_Draycott

Speech pathologist and author Christien Neser discusses the importance of reading and writing for children. Join us for tips on how to write children with learning struggles, ways we can use our writing to help foster a love of language, and how reaching children where they are improves their lives and our communities.Tea and Tales Blog - Emiko Jean: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1Other links:https://christienneser.com

Best-selling author Emiko Jean joins us this week to discuss her journey. She shares her inspirational story of finding her writing voice and learning to craft unforgettable stories. Plus, insights into creating her past books, people who inspired her, and the creation of her newest novel, Love Me Tomorrow.Tea and Tales Blog - Emiko Jean: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1/emiko-jeanOther links:https://www.emikojean.com/

Spanish author Patrick Aseni joins us to discuss how he handles writing difficult scenes for middle-grade readers. This episode is full of nuggets of ways to both handle writing difficult scenes and adjust them to fit the audience.Tea and Tales Blog - Patrick Asensi: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1/patrick-asensiOther links:patrickasensi.wordpress.com https://www.iberaediciones.com/autores-publicados/patrick-asensi

Writing great characters takes many things. Understanding different character archetypes is key to adding variety to each novel. Author Dhoneille Clayton joins us to discuss the mentor and ally character types, the tropes associated with them, and how we can use them to bring variety to our novels.Tea and Tales Blog - Dhonielle Clayton: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1/dhonielle-clayton Other links:https://www.instagram.com/brownbookworm/?hl=enhttps://www.dhonielleclayton.com/The Breakout: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/breakout-dhonielle-claytontiffany-d-jacksonnic-stoneangie-thomasashley-woodfolknicola-yoon?variant=44277633974306The Paragon Games: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250874856/theparagongames/

Agent and Founder of Megibow Literary, Sara Megibow joins us to discuss the publishing industry, her processes, and many other bookish topics. Join us to get a peek into how she works with her clients and things she loves and dislikes. Plus all the great industry knowledge bombs she dropped!Tea and Tales Blog - Sara Megibow: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1/sara-megibow Other links:megibowliteraryagency.comSubmission guidelines for Megibow Literary Agency are listed here:https://www.megibowliteraryagency.com/submissionsSara's clients is always updated here:https://www.megibowliteraryagency.com/13109263-clientsMegibow Literary Instagram page is here:https://www.instagram.com/megibowliterary/Extra about Sara's sales, upcoming conferences, and thoughts are listed here:https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/SaraMegibow/

The foundation of great writing starts with understanding, using, and breaking the rules of grammar. This is a lifelong journey that starts early. For young writers, learning grammar can be a discouraging experience. Author, educator, and teacher Patty McGee explains how parents and teachers can help young learners to love writing, even with language and ability barriers.Tea and Tales Blog - Patty McGee: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1/patty-mcgee Other links:www.pattymcgee.org Insta: @pmgmcgee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-mcgee-36507926/https://www.corwin.com/books/not-your-grannys-grammar-288198

Writing for Children is vastly different from writing for adults. In this episode, children’s book author and publisher Miriam Laundry discusses how to focus on what children want and write something parents and teachers want more of.Tea and Tales Blog - Miriam Laundry: ⁠https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcast/guests-1/miriam-laundry SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES  Facebook: @MiriamLaundryFanPage Instagram: @miriamlaundrypublishing WEBSITE  www.miriamlaundry.comFREE WRITING RESOURCE:   Children’s Book Blueprintwww.miriamlaundry.com/blueprint 

From a close 3rd person to an omniscient narrator, head-hopping is a device that should be used very sparingly and in the right cases. Join us with editor Crystal Shelley as she discusses how to recognize, use, and fix head-hopping.Crystal Shelley's Resource Page:https://www.rabbitwitharedpen.com/resourcesCrystal's Head-Hopping Article:https://www.rabbitwitharedpen.com/blog/point-of-viewCheck out our blog on her:Crystal Shelley | Tea and Tales

Author Rob Mortell discusses his journey in self-publishing from posting on Substack to publishing his full length novel. https://substack.com/@robrightswritehttps://www.amazon.com/Tales-Treasure-Rob-Mortell-ebook/dp/B0DFQH7NSD?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1https://www.instagram.com/robmortellwrites/https://www.facebook.com/storieshavepower/?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web#

Picking what kind of POV your writing will have is only half the battle. Learning how to make it engaging and to suck in the reader makes it impossible to set down. Author Gayvin Powers teaches tips and tricks to write with the lens close to your character, and why this is so hard in 3rd person POV.Links to find Gayvinhttps://gayvinpowers.com/https://www.facebook.com/GayvinPowersAuthorhttps://www.instagram.com/gayvinpowerswriter/ Links to find Gayvin’s podcast: Hidden Heroines of Historyhttps://gayvinpowers.com/hidden-heroines-history-podcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584591300193

When writers need to practice their craft or get stuck in a scene, writing prompts help us to break past it. Grab something to write with and a timer and prepare for Rose to work out your genre skills.https://roselawrenceauthor.com/roses-little-writing-club/https://www.instagram.com/roseslittlewritingclub/

Welcome to season four with our writer bingo! Check our website for the bingo card, play along, or save the card for later to play with your friends.1. Never Have I Ever...Writers Bingo | Tea and Tales

There's no shortage of advice on how to write. Stephen King's 14 tips are a great place for new writers to start, and experienced writers to review their process. Summary video of Stephen King’s book “On Writing”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXk2EC98qe8 

Agents are an important part of the publishing process for most Traditional Published Authors. They advocate for authors and help us be the best we can be. Join us and meet the amazing Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong from Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.https://marsallyonliteraryagency.com/who-we-are/cathie-hedrick-armstrong/ https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/cathie-hedrick-armstrong/ 

Bianca Marais is an accomplished author in historical fiction, book club fiction, fantasy, dystopian fiction, and mystery. This episode explores her journey in creating community programs to encourage Own Voices authors and about her newest mystery novel A Most Puzzling Murder.Find more about Bianca and her work at these links:https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-most-puzzling-murder-a-quirky-humorous-locked-room-murder-mystery-with-riddles-and-puzzles-for-the-reader-to-solve-bianca-marais/e0d356d45dd67ee6?ean=9780778368601&next=thttps://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/https://www.facebook.com/biancamaraisauthor/https://www.threads.com/@biancamarais_author https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/ https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/https://www.biancamarais.com/ 

Starting a Beta Reading group can be tricky. Who do I invite? How will we organize the group and coordinate calls? Join our one-time beta reading session where we discuss how we put together the group, how we coordinated with each other, and then sit in on our feedback session! This three-part episode is broken into small chunks for easier listening. Enjoy the informational part 1, and we hope you enjoy the feedback portions in parts 2 and 3.If you are looking for a quick and easy way to meet beta readers, refer to our Beta Readers episode: Season 1 Episode 19 for ideas, and check out this resource:https://www.biancamarais.com/beta-reader-match-up.html

Listen in to the feedback on Sara and Conner's first 5 pages in this second installment of our recorded Beta Reading Session.

Listen in to the feedback on Rose and Madlené's first 5 pages in this last installment of our recorded Beta Reading Session.

As writers, we want our novels to invoke emotions in our readers. Then we have a new problem. Explaining why ink on a page makes us cry.

When it comes to horror, everyone has a different tolerance. Understanding what things can create more or less fear in readers helps writers to understand their target audience and market to them! Join Horror Author Mattea Orr on this episode for a breakdown of what makes horror, well, horror!Website: www.matteaorr.comLinktree: https://linktr.ee/MatteaOrrhttps://www.alieward.com/ologies/serpopsychologyhttps://witchhousemag.blogspot.com/2023/10/witch-house-3-is-now-available.html https://www.alieward.com/ologies/serpopsychologyhttps://www.kuow.org/stories/the-five-levels-of-horror-according-to-kuow-katie-campbell-isabel-canas https://www.regmovies.com/movie-news/stephen-king-3-levels-of-horror https://articlesofhorror.com/2016/08/31/stephen-kings-3-categories-of-terror/

*Awareness advised, adult topics are discussed in this episode more than normal. We worked hard to keep it PG-13, but please use your own discretion.*It's key that a writer can express to their audience what to expect in their novels. In this episode, we explore the subjective topic of romance spice levels with author Charlotte Stein.charlottestein.net @charlotte.stein on insta, @charlottestein.bluesky.social, and @ChazStein on Tik Tok.https://racheljrowlands.com/2024/03/07/writing-romance-what-are-heat-levels/https://www.writeforharlequin.com/heat-levels-how-spicy-is-your-romance/ https://ashlimontgomery.com/blogs/news/how-hot-is-hot-a-guide-to-heat-levels-in-romance-novels#:~:text=Level%200:%20Clean%20and/or,4:%20Steamy%20to%20Erotic%20Romancehttps://www.bookspry.com/what-is-steamy-romance-heat-levels-explained/#:~:text=Steaminess%20can%20range%20from%20sweet,for%20romance%20book%20steam%20levelshttps://www.romance.io/steamrating

Every novel needs names, so how do you do it? Join us and Author Kasia Alba as we talk about everything from when we name our characters, to how we pick just the right one - or have to change a name we love. https://writersofthefuture.com/forum/writing-craft-talent-technique/naming-characters/https://kdpbook.link/for/B0FKYCMX4GFind more from Kasia at:Newsletterhttps://subscribepage.io/kayrednewsletterHer Podcast athttps://www.instagram.com/kkalbabooks?igsh=c21haW03Z3ZwYXA5&utm_source=qrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@kkalbabooks?_t=ZG-8zg34QMmXpY&_r=1⁠Her Author pages at https://www.instagram.com/kayredauthor?igsh=MXhjMHU1ZzNhZWRtdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@kayredauthor?_t=ZG-8zg32XaFcWX&_r=1Raising Baby AuthorsSpotify and othershttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sqsVTSkkACH3sXSq9cUtDYouTubehttps://youtube.com/@raisingbabyauthors?si=5-B6l1NdoatRz-FA

The language we use and how we use it brings so much variety to our novels. From illustrating cultural heritage to separating characters from different generations, this literary tool is a subtle but powerful one.https://wordsmarts.com/everyday-items-different-names/

Taking a great idea and making it into a great novel takes time, perseverance, and many drafts. Dive into how to get that idea formed into a story, with lots of things to remember along the way to fight off discouragement.https://writeruniv.com/classes/ 

Meet Mystery/Suspense/Thriller author Darden North as we talk about his novels and writing journey. Find more about his newest novel, Rooftop, and about Darden at the following links.Tiny URL link to Amazon for Rooftop:https://tinyurl.com/ROOFTOP-by-Darden-Northwww.facebook.com/DardenNorthAuthorwww.facebook.com/DardenNorth     www.instagram.com/dardennorthwww.x.com/dardennorthwww.youtube.com/dardennorthwww.tiktok.com/@dardennorth

Do you know the tropes in your writing? This is one way to find the themes of your book, your target audience, and similar books! All are useful when trying to market or query.https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/popular-fantasy-tropes-for-writers https://kindlepreneur.com/book-tropes/https://www.buzzfeed.com/marycolussi/book-tropes-readers-love-and-hate

Writing a book can be quite the adventure and having the right tools will make it easier.*WordHippo: https://www.wordhippo.com/?fbclid=IwAR2C2RkCBBpBoYV-GR3x-P70cp6uJvPxphKuZDqyC_CAlZZDgqFjJzZL4Xo*The Emotion Thesaurus: https://www.amazon.com/Emotion-Thesaurus-Writers-Character-Expression/dp/1475004958*Save the Cat: https://www.savannahgilbo.com/blog/plotting-save-the-cat?fbclid=IwAR1FpBgewNEaEu_JMYl77-7pXn0ClFhG0bppf72uDCW2gbzzquPlr3EO0jo*Writers helping Writers: https://writershelpingwriters.net/2013/01/physical-attributes-entry-lips/#:~:text=Descriptors%3A%20plump%2C%20full%2C%20pouty,%2C%20swollen%2C%20collagen%2Dinflated%E2%80%A6*Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/studio/write-a-book 

Every writer knows characters have a mind of their own. We learn how to react, or interact, with these surprises. What do you do when your characters go off script?https://twiain.com/2025/01/06/when-characters-go-off-script-and-why-working-doesnt-only-mean-doing-stuff/

Having many ideas makes a writing career, but how do you juggle jumping between projects? Find our tips, tricks, and advice with some great resources to decide how working on multiple projects can work for you.https://www.writingmastery.com/blog/writing-multiple-books-at-the-same-time-tips-for-managing-multiple-projectshttps://careerauthors.com/how-to-juggle-more-than-one-manuscript/https://writingnore.com/2017/06/06/writing-multiple-books-at-the-same-time/ 

There can be a lot of controversy about Speculative Fiction. Dive into the Speculative Fiction Genres and how to tell where your story falls under this diverse umbrella.https://fictionary.co/journal/speculative-fiction/https://jillwilliamson.com/speculative-fiction-subgenres/https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/what-is-speculative-fiction

Episode 2 of our series on genres! In this one, we dig into Romance Subgenres and what they are.Resources:https://forevershereads.com/romance-genre-guide/https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/romance/https://novelpad.co/blog/what-is-a-romance-subgenre

Finding your genre can be a chore. Join us for part 1 of 3 where we try to tackle the reasons genre is confusing and how to chose the best ones for you.https://blog.reedsy.com/book-genres/https://www.scribophile.com/academy/types-of-fiction-the-ultimate-guide-with-50-subgenres-and-exampleshttps://www.servicescape.com/blog/book-genre-encyclopedia-144-genres-and-subgenres-explainedhttps://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-the-different-genres-of-literature-a-guide-to-14-literary-genres

Meet Debut Author Rebecca Danzenbaker as we talk about her novel, process, and experiences working with a big five publisher.Preorder at https://www.middleburgbooks.com/products/p/soulmatch-rebecca-danzenbaker-preorder-e8zjfOr order after July 29th athttp://Bookshop.orgrebeccadanzenbakerbooks.com @rebeccadanzenbaker on Tiktok, Instagram, Threads, Booksky, and Pinterest. Facebook is RebeccaDanzenbakerBooks. YouTube is @rebeccadanzenbakerbooks

Test your knowledge of writers and words with us as we play Taskmaster, but for writers!https://taskmaster.info/

Do I go Traditional Published, Self-Published, or Hybrid? In this episode, author Alexandra Wendt discusses her experiences with a Hybrid publisher and how to make sure the one you are considering is legit, not a Vanity Press. Resources:The IBPA has a list of criteria for hybrid publishers: https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/hybrid-publisher-criteria-downloadhttps://www.alexandrawendt.com/https://www.amazon.com/Constellations-Clockwork-Stelnove-Saga/dp/B0DNFMRDBFhttps://blessedisshe.net/blogs/blog/how-do-you-live-with-the-guilt?fbclid=IwAR3I23_kOsjX8BMhkO2rea7XS1aPEPp9eZwe_sPuaCHtcMf-ygJPaBY6BrU

Whether it’s your first novel or fiftieth, getting that first draft done is where it all begins. Join us for our Dos and Don’ts we’ve learned that help us get the story written!

If you're querying your novel, you're going to get rejections. Likely a lot of them. We hear a lot of things from agents, and in this episode, we explore what those might mean.

There are ways to make sure your manuscript is ready to go into the world. Let’s talk about them! Whether you are eager to get your work out in the world, or sitting on your manuscript fearing it isn’t ready, this episode is for you.Resources:https://elizabethspanncraig.com/business-of-writing/10-ways-to-tell-if-your-book-is-ready-for-publishing/

We don’t always think about the sounds of our writing. In this episode, explore the cadence and understandability of language in our writing.

We’ve talked about bits and pieces of how to query your novel, but in this episode, we put it all together! From building your agent list to what to do after a pass letter or request (or an offer!), this episode discusses fitting all the little pieces together.

Writers have to wait for so many things to fall into place. It can be stressful. Join our conversation on how you relax and enjoy the journey.

We learned so much from Cozy Mystery Author Mary Seifert! This episode explores her take on publishing, inspiration, and the people we rely on as writers.Related links:https://maryseifertauthor.com/about/https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B138VWS5https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22479915.Mary_Seiferthttps://www.instagram.com/maryseifertauthor/https://misteriopress.com/2024/06/a-crime-writers-interview-with-mary-seifert/https://gdcramer.com/2024/03/11/mary-seifert/https://janetlbuck.com/blog/blog-interview-with-cozy-mystery-writer-mary-seifert

We love them, and we hate them. Join us to discuss why book reviews are important, where to put them, and the great ways we have seen people post book reviews.