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Imprint closures, layoffs, and reorganizations are rattling the publishing world. Literary agent and At-Home Author founder Vicki Weber joins Beth and Lisa for a candid conversation about what’s driving these changes—and what writers can do about it. From the surprising role Harry Potter played in the decline of middle grade to building an audience before you have a book deal, Vicki delivers practical strategies for navigating today’s shifting landscape.

About Our Guest
Vicki Weber is a literary agent, bestselling children’s book author, and founder of At-Home Author. She helps writers craft, publish, and market books across traditional and self-publishing, and shares industry analysis on her popular Substack.

What We Cover

• The wave of imprint closures (Roaring Brook, Dial) and editorial cuts at Simon & Schuster

• How Harry Potter’s escalating length contributed to middle grade’s long-term decline

• Why acquisitions are harder than ever—and why an editor loving your book is just the beginning

• The industry push toward commercial fiction and what that means for querying writers

• Vicki’s #1 querying tip: write another book and build a portfolio

• Reading between the lines of agent wishlists to craft standout queries

• Self-publishing vs. traditional: rising standards and honest pros/cons

• Overcoming bad sales track with pen names, pivots, and reframing your story

• Building an email list pre-publication with free stories, newsletter swaps, and cheap ads

• Vicki’s wishlist: adult psychological horror, horror-tinged thrillers, genre mashups with social commentary

Loved this episode? Subscribe wherever you listen, visit writerswithwrinkles.net, and send your questions for the next Ask Beth & Lisa episode. Until next time—happy reading, writing, and listening!

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