41554 blogs · [ { "id": "01a0d995-817e-7234-bf79-b344605ada13", "title": "I’m writing a middle-grade book where all the characters are aliens and the story is from their perspective. Is there any hope for me?", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/828460491757240320", "published_at": "2026-09-22T12:51:33+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0d995-817e-7234-bf79-b34461295179", "title": "I just sent an ask about how to categorize my YA sci-fi novel. I need to clarify that it’s not set in the future as such. Or our present. Or our past. If I could share the hook with you in private, I would. That would make the story micro and macro clear. But anonymity. 👀☺️", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/828397357496434688", "published_at": "2026-09-21T20:08:03+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0d995-817e-7234-bf79-b34461dc5f04", "title": "Hi, Jenn! Riding the YA sci-fi wave you’ve got going. My novel is YA sci-fi but not rayguns or spaceships. Outerspace is a factor, but the action all takes place on the planet. The story is a very human one, with advanced tech (no technobabble) and micro and macro stakes that affect each other inextricably. I did an incredible amount of worldbuilding and research. The novel is character-driven, queernormative, with a high stakes plot. I don’t want calling it sci-fi to bias potential agents int", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/828397109213544448", "published_at": "2026-09-21T20:04:06+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0d995-817e-7234-bf79-b344620fb966", "title": "In a spooky mg, do you think past or present tense works better when writing in first person - or is 3rd POV better? Thanks!", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/828370791293943808", "published_at": "2026-09-21T13:05:48+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0bb4d-fd28-7044-9a07-70dc64118ffd", "title": "Side question related to the previous ask about YA sci-fi: If I’m querying with a novel that takes place in the future, but there’s magic and it’s probably closer to fantasy (and there are no ray guns, no aliens), but it is also definitely not dystopian, should I call it SFF and query even the agents who say no Sci-Fi? Or does your gut tell you that those agents are probably just not interested, even if there are no rayguns or aliens? I just want to respect their guidelines and not waste either", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/828201094692864000", "published_at": "2026-09-19T16:08:32+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0bb4d-fd28-7044-9a07-70dc65086b73", "title": "Hi Jennifer, \nSo many YA agents say they don’t want sci-fi, and I’ve heard from editors that sci-fi doesn’t sell well unless it’s hidden behind something like dystopian (like Hunger Games or Divergent). \n\nBut when I look at lists of highest grossing movies of the 21st century (or just movies that got a lot of buzz), a really high percentage of them are sci-fi and do well with teens (Avatar, the MCU, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Project Hail Mary, some of Christopher Nolan’s movies, Dune, Transforme", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/828193993394438144", "published_at": "2026-09-19T14:15:40+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0bb4d-fd28-7044-9a07-70dc65f822ac", "title": "Hi Jenn, can I ask how long you wait before considering an unanswered sub “dead” with an editor? How long before you will sent to another editor at the same publisher, or a new project to the editor who didn’t respond? Basically, what’s the CNR for editors? Thank you!", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/828191279852683264", "published_at": "2026-09-19T13:32:32+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0bb4d-fd28-7044-9a07-70dc66a9b74e", "title": "I am an illustrator of 10 years working primarily in kidlit. I am with an illustration agency and I have noticed a much lower volume of work come in for me. I do all the right things- updated portfolio, social media, build connections, etc but it’s starting to seem like there isn’t enough work to go around. I know this can be attributed to many things with the economy and AI but it’s getting scary to see a job that used to pay majority of my bills now barely able to cover SOME grocery expenses.", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/828184115728842752", "published_at": "2026-09-19T11:38:40+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0bb4d-fd28-7044-9a07-70dc6738edac", "title": "I’m writing an upper middle grade fantasy, and I read that the word count could be as high as 70k. But people online are saying that most agents are only looking for 60k. Maybe 65k, but thats still kind of high. I feel conflicted because I don’t think the heart of my story could be told in 60k word count.", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/827737937484611584", "published_at": "2026-09-14T13:26:51+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0bb4d-fd28-7044-9a07-70dc67984de7", "title": "I had my book up on Royal Road about 3-4 years ago, but viewership was low. I have since edited the book, and it will be publishable soon. Is it acceptable to query agents with this book? If so, what is the best strategy in terms of being upfront about it having been put up online already?", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/827680440133566464", "published_at": "2026-09-13T22:12:57+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0bb4d-fd28-7044-9a07-70dc682e53fb", "title": "I’m writing a horror-romance, but on QueryManager, that category is not listed on the dropdowns on agent query forms. What should I click? Paranormal romance doesn’t seem right because the story isn’t between a human and a non-human. I’m writing horror-romance on the query, obviously- but the dropdowns just have me confused.", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/827647573872574464", "published_at": "2026-09-13T13:30:34+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0951b-b4a9-7168-9e12-fd693c5e480b", "title": "If I were seeking an agent for an MG novel set 10,000 years ago, should I look for agents who like historical fiction—as there’s no ‘pre-historical’ fiction category! Thanks, Jennifer.", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/827502760899592192", "published_at": "2026-09-11T23:08:49+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196bba1e42b", "title": "Hi Jenn, can I ask about the process behind B&N kids’ “book of the month” selections? A recent pick had a huge publisher marketing campaign, pre-pub, but I’m sure that isn’t always the case. Can you share any insights?", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/827292461901676544", "published_at": "2026-09-09T15:26:13+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196bbe0ca58", "title": "Hi there! \n\nI’ve been with my agent for 3 years, and during that time, we’ve sent 3 books out on sub. One adult romantasy made it to acquisitions twice and to second reads at a couple of houses, but ultimately didn’t sell. My urban fantasy was DOA, but we’ve polished it and recently sent it off on a new round, this time targeting more UK editors. An adult romcom got film rep in the meantime, but hasn’t moved the needle with editors. \n\nUltimately, I’m wondering whether it’s my work or her ability", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/827139426851454976", "published_at": "2026-09-07T22:53:47+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196bc6c6975", "title": "Hi Jenn! I have this idea that might work as a novella. It seems like those are kind of doing better nowadays. I COULD try to stretch it into a novel, but I’m not sure, and I’m afraid it would get draggy. Should I TRY to make it a novel? Do you think novellas are still worth pursuing if I’m not, like, already super famous? (I’ve trad-pubbed before, but I’m not a megastar.) Could you answer for both kidlit and the adult markets? I know you’re more in kidlit, but you also seem tuned into adult!", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/827126951611334656", "published_at": "2026-09-07T19:35:30+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196bd404f26", "title": "SORRY, SORRY, don’t get mad, but I have a word count question. There seem to be standard word counts, which you’ve laid out before, but at least for adult books, it seems like a lot of published books are longer than usual target word counts. I’m a chronic underwriter, so I HATE having to try to write more. Do you think it’s okay to be on the shorter side? Is there an expectation that editing with an agent and editor will make the word count longer, and that’s why published books are often longe", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/827104186299711488", "published_at": "2026-09-07T13:33:39+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196bde44382", "title": "Do you know of any publishers or agents that would accept a collection book of Haikus for an older audience? Do you know any haiku or poetry books that would be a great mentor book? Asking for a friend that wrote over 100 to reflect a trying time in her adult life.", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/827047773924999168", "published_at": "2026-09-06T22:37:00+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196be3aeff1", "title": "I’m about to send another revision of my manuscript to my agent. The first time I sent it, I thought it was close to done. My agent gave me great suggestions and I rewrote almost the entire MS. The second version also needed a lot of work, though I gained clarity in how I missed the mark and I saw what they were talking about. I essentially rewrote the entire MS again. This third time, I was initially excited (waking up early to work on it, cracking myself up, feeling absolutely delighted, etc.", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/827013465069764608", "published_at": "2026-09-06T13:31:40+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196bf2b9e43", "title": "Hi! What is the best way to structure a manuscript for a rotational/topsy-turvy story (akin to ROUND TRIP by Ann Jonas) for submission? Thank you!", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/826926586187153408", "published_at": "2026-09-05T14:30:46+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196bfa1c955", "title": "Hi Jenn, a kidlit author recently posted a “tell all” blog post about his erstwhile agent dumping him, and even though it basically read as a total humblebrag-fest, and pretty unprofessional towards his former agent, dozens of (mostly female) creators are applauding his bravery. Do you think double standards are at play here—y'know, men getting away with things women could never do? I just don’t know any women who would go public with this stuff without fear of being blacklisted.", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/826828969631465472", "published_at": "2026-09-04T12:39:12+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196bfea1e6c", "title": "Hi Jenn! What do you think makes a book with a gimmick “work”? I’m thinking of books told through texts or interview transcripts or something. I would love to write something like that, especially for a kidlit audience, but it doesn’t seem like they’re THAT common, and I don’t want to write something if there’s almost no chance it’ll catch on.", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/826592099255336960", "published_at": "2026-09-01T21:54:15+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c0acf9a5", "title": "Hi. Jenn. I’m a small trad-pubbed author, and I just got an email from someone who subscribed to my newsletter. They replied to my subscription confirmation and sent me PDFs of their own work. I’m thinking I shouldn’t reply… right? I don’t know. I feel bad not saying anything, but this seems weird.", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/826581951125372928", "published_at": "2026-09-01T19:12:57+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c0c4ecc8", "title": "disclaimer! i am not a nonfiction person at all. i read a nonfiction book for young readers recently and was just wondering… when people write nonfiction for kids, is it often that they take information that’s already out there in different books and articles, use it in their work (citing sources, obviously), and make it more digestible for younger people? or is it like they’re actually out there doing new research?", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/826197598320918528", "published_at": "2026-08-28T13:23:49+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c15d3b8b", "title": "I have a manuscript that a few agents requested many months ago (two last November, one in March) with no responses yet. I have since made edits to this manuscript that I think significantly improve the first section of my book. What is the best way to handle contacting these agents with the new version of my manuscript? Is it worth reaching out to them, even though they haven’t responded in a long time? Thank you!", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/826195990476374016", "published_at": "2026-08-28T12:58:16+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c19e8d63", "title": "Hi Jenn! So I apparently love writing everything that is not at ALL popular. My agent has been trying to get me to focus more on somewhat more marketable things, but my heart is with all the markets that are currently flopping. What do I do? Do I keep working on things that I love, even if I’m not sure anyone will ever see it?", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/825393299832602624", "published_at": "2026-08-19T16:19:50+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c26b9754", "title": "How much overlap is there in fiction and nonfiction editors? Is it possible for a client to have one fiction and one nonfiction project out at the same time? And if you had a client who didn’t have much experience in NF, would you give them any advice other than “read in the genre”?", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/825381281465548800", "published_at": "2026-08-19T13:08:49+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c29540e6", "title": "This is a super niche question so no worries if you’re unable to answer, but I read recently that Jewish fiction in particular has been on a notable downward, with the statistic in particular being that “between 2023 and 2024, there was a 76% decline in fiction deal announcements to large presses that mentioned Jews, Judaism or Israel.” Do you or your colleagues have any insight into this statistic? Does this unpopularity apply mainly to Jewish fiction, or to Muslim and/or Christian fiction writ", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/825234078644224000", "published_at": "2026-08-17T22:09:05+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c3283efc", "title": "Hi, I’m writing an upper middle grade fantasy. It’s about cats with supernatural elements. It’s similar to Warriors, but it’s still different. It will appeal to both kids and adults. If an agent or publisher accept middle school story, then does that include xenofiction as well? Another thing, I used Grammarly to help with grammars, but the story is still written by me. I’m learning about grammars as I write my own story. Is Grammarly a problem for agents and publishers?", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/825212176587522048", "published_at": "2026-08-17T16:20:58+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c39f5c20", "title": "Hi Jenn! There’s an editor I’ve been wanting to work with FOREVER. They’ve moved to a lot of different imprints and even genres and age categories. Right now, they’re working in a genre that… isn’t really my thing. I could TRY to write something, but it’s not naturally what I would want to write. Should I try anyway? I don’t really know what else to write… but I also don’t want to write a whole thing and then have it turn out bad and unsellable.", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/825210192865247232", "published_at": "2026-08-17T15:49:26+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c43d79b0", "title": "Greetings from Iceland, where I’m currently on vacation! It’s come to my attention that some scam…", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/824916448693698560", "published_at": "2026-08-14T10:00:30+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c500d590", "title": "Hi Jenn! Kind of connected to the question about writing nonfiction. What makes nonfiction feel like YA vs adult? I remember you mentioned Death in the Jungle, about Jonestown, and that wass YA. Why? I read it (it was good!) and didn’t notice anything that made it particularly “YA.”", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/824736917175353344", "published_at": "2026-08-12T10:26:55+00:00" }, { "id": "01a0879b-60b8-7122-a40c-b196c56518e8", "title": "Hi Jenn! I don’t know how else to ask this, but is there a you for the adult world? I so often wish I could ask you questions, but you work more in kidlit, and my questions are about the adult market! I love how you take the time to give such thoughtful answers. I wish there were a you for the adult market too!", "url": "https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/824735304258863104", "published_at": "2026-08-12T10:01:17+00:00" } ] posts Claim your blog

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literaticat.tumblr.com

2026

I’m writing a middle-grade book where all the characters are aliens and the story is from their perspective. Is there any hope for me?original ↗

22 Sept 2026

I just sent an ask about how to categorize my YA sci-fi novel. I need to clarify that it’s not set in the future as such. Or our present. Or our past. If I could share the hook with you in private, I would. That would make the story micro and macro clear. But anonymity. 👀☺️original ↗

21 Sept 2026

Hi, Jenn! Riding the YA sci-fi wave you’ve got going. My novel is YA sci-fi but not rayguns or spaceships. Outerspace is a factor, but the action all takes place on the planet. The story is a very human one, with advanced tech (no technobabble) and micro and macro stakes that affect each other inextricably. I did an incredible amount of worldbuilding and research. The novel is character-driven, queernormative, with a high stakes plot. I don’t want calling it sci-fi to bias potential agents int original ↗

21 Sept 2026

In a spooky mg, do you think past or present tense works better when writing in first person - or is 3rd POV better? Thanks!original ↗

21 Sept 2026

Side question related to the previous ask about YA sci-fi: If I’m querying with a novel that takes place in the future, but there’s magic and it’s probably closer to fantasy (and there are no ray guns, no aliens), but it is also definitely not dystopian, should I call it SFF and query even the agents who say no Sci-Fi? Or does your gut tell you that those agents are probably just not interested, even if there are no rayguns or aliens? I just want to respect their guidelines and not waste either original ↗

19 Sept 2026

Hi Jennifer, So many YA agents say they don’t want sci-fi, and I’ve heard from editors that sci-fi doesn’t sell well unless it’s hidden behind something like dystopian (like Hunger Games or Divergent). But when I look at lists of highest grossing movies of the 21st century (or just movies that got a lot of buzz), a really high percentage of them are sci-fi and do well with teens (Avatar, the MCU, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Project Hail Mary, some of Christopher Nolan’s movies, Dune, Transforme original ↗

19 Sept 2026

Hi Jenn, can I ask how long you wait before considering an unanswered sub “dead” with an editor? How long before you will sent to another editor at the same publisher, or a new project to the editor who didn’t respond? Basically, what’s the CNR for editors? Thank you!original ↗

19 Sept 2026

I am an illustrator of 10 years working primarily in kidlit. I am with an illustration agency and I have noticed a much lower volume of work come in for me. I do all the right things- updated portfolio, social media, build connections, etc but it’s starting to seem like there isn’t enough work to go around. I know this can be attributed to many things with the economy and AI but it’s getting scary to see a job that used to pay majority of my bills now barely able to cover SOME grocery expenses.original ↗

19 Sept 2026

I’m writing an upper middle grade fantasy, and I read that the word count could be as high as 70k. But people online are saying that most agents are only looking for 60k. Maybe 65k, but thats still kind of high. I feel conflicted because I don’t think the heart of my story could be told in 60k word count.original ↗

14 Sept 2026

I had my book up on Royal Road about 3-4 years ago, but viewership was low. I have since edited the book, and it will be publishable soon. Is it acceptable to query agents with this book? If so, what is the best strategy in terms of being upfront about it having been put up online already?original ↗

13 Sept 2026

I’m writing a horror-romance, but on QueryManager, that category is not listed on the dropdowns on agent query forms. What should I click? Paranormal romance doesn’t seem right because the story isn’t between a human and a non-human. I’m writing horror-romance on the query, obviously- but the dropdowns just have me confused.original ↗

13 Sept 2026

If I were seeking an agent for an MG novel set 10,000 years ago, should I look for agents who like historical fiction—as there’s no ‘pre-historical’ fiction category! Thanks, Jennifer.original ↗

11 Sept 2026

Hi Jenn, can I ask about the process behind B&N kids’ “book of the month” selections? A recent pick had a huge publisher marketing campaign, pre-pub, but I’m sure that isn’t always the case. Can you share any insights?original ↗

9 Sept 2026

Hi there! I’ve been with my agent for 3 years, and during that time, we’ve sent 3 books out on sub. One adult romantasy made it to acquisitions twice and to second reads at a couple of houses, but ultimately didn’t sell. My urban fantasy was DOA, but we’ve polished it and recently sent it off on a new round, this time targeting more UK editors. An adult romcom got film rep in the meantime, but hasn’t moved the needle with editors. Ultimately, I’m wondering whether it’s my work or her ability original ↗

7 Sept 2026

Hi Jenn! I have this idea that might work as a novella. It seems like those are kind of doing better nowadays. I COULD try to stretch it into a novel, but I’m not sure, and I’m afraid it would get draggy. Should I TRY to make it a novel? Do you think novellas are still worth pursuing if I’m not, like, already super famous? (I’ve trad-pubbed before, but I’m not a megastar.) Could you answer for both kidlit and the adult markets? I know you’re more in kidlit, but you also seem tuned into adult!original ↗

7 Sept 2026

SORRY, SORRY, don’t get mad, but I have a word count question. There seem to be standard word counts, which you’ve laid out before, but at least for adult books, it seems like a lot of published books are longer than usual target word counts. I’m a chronic underwriter, so I HATE having to try to write more. Do you think it’s okay to be on the shorter side? Is there an expectation that editing with an agent and editor will make the word count longer, and that’s why published books are often longe original ↗

7 Sept 2026

Do you know of any publishers or agents that would accept a collection book of Haikus for an older audience? Do you know any haiku or poetry books that would be a great mentor book? Asking for a friend that wrote over 100 to reflect a trying time in her adult life.original ↗

6 Sept 2026

I’m about to send another revision of my manuscript to my agent. The first time I sent it, I thought it was close to done. My agent gave me great suggestions and I rewrote almost the entire MS. The second version also needed a lot of work, though I gained clarity in how I missed the mark and I saw what they were talking about. I essentially rewrote the entire MS again. This third time, I was initially excited (waking up early to work on it, cracking myself up, feeling absolutely delighted, etc.original ↗

6 Sept 2026

Hi! What is the best way to structure a manuscript for a rotational/topsy-turvy story (akin to ROUND TRIP by Ann Jonas) for submission? Thank you!original ↗

5 Sept 2026

Hi Jenn, a kidlit author recently posted a “tell all” blog post about his erstwhile agent dumping him, and even though it basically read as a total humblebrag-fest, and pretty unprofessional towards his former agent, dozens of (mostly female) creators are applauding his bravery. Do you think double standards are at play here—y'know, men getting away with things women could never do? I just don’t know any women who would go public with this stuff without fear of being blacklisted.original ↗

4 Sept 2026

Hi Jenn! What do you think makes a book with a gimmick “work”? I’m thinking of books told through texts or interview transcripts or something. I would love to write something like that, especially for a kidlit audience, but it doesn’t seem like they’re THAT common, and I don’t want to write something if there’s almost no chance it’ll catch on.original ↗

1 Sept 2026

Hi. Jenn. I’m a small trad-pubbed author, and I just got an email from someone who subscribed to my newsletter. They replied to my subscription confirmation and sent me PDFs of their own work. I’m thinking I shouldn’t reply… right? I don’t know. I feel bad not saying anything, but this seems weird.original ↗

1 Sept 2026

disclaimer! i am not a nonfiction person at all. i read a nonfiction book for young readers recently and was just wondering… when people write nonfiction for kids, is it often that they take information that’s already out there in different books and articles, use it in their work (citing sources, obviously), and make it more digestible for younger people? or is it like they’re actually out there doing new research?original ↗

28 Aug 2026

I have a manuscript that a few agents requested many months ago (two last November, one in March) with no responses yet. I have since made edits to this manuscript that I think significantly improve the first section of my book. What is the best way to handle contacting these agents with the new version of my manuscript? Is it worth reaching out to them, even though they haven’t responded in a long time? Thank you!original ↗

28 Aug 2026

Hi Jenn! So I apparently love writing everything that is not at ALL popular. My agent has been trying to get me to focus more on somewhat more marketable things, but my heart is with all the markets that are currently flopping. What do I do? Do I keep working on things that I love, even if I’m not sure anyone will ever see it?original ↗

19 Aug 2026

How much overlap is there in fiction and nonfiction editors? Is it possible for a client to have one fiction and one nonfiction project out at the same time? And if you had a client who didn’t have much experience in NF, would you give them any advice other than “read in the genre”?original ↗

19 Aug 2026

This is a super niche question so no worries if you’re unable to answer, but I read recently that Jewish fiction in particular has been on a notable downward, with the statistic in particular being that “between 2023 and 2024, there was a 76% decline in fiction deal announcements to large presses that mentioned Jews, Judaism or Israel.” Do you or your colleagues have any insight into this statistic? Does this unpopularity apply mainly to Jewish fiction, or to Muslim and/or Christian fiction writ original ↗

17 Aug 2026

Hi, I’m writing an upper middle grade fantasy. It’s about cats with supernatural elements. It’s similar to Warriors, but it’s still different. It will appeal to both kids and adults. If an agent or publisher accept middle school story, then does that include xenofiction as well? Another thing, I used Grammarly to help with grammars, but the story is still written by me. I’m learning about grammars as I write my own story. Is Grammarly a problem for agents and publishers?original ↗

17 Aug 2026

Hi Jenn! There’s an editor I’ve been wanting to work with FOREVER. They’ve moved to a lot of different imprints and even genres and age categories. Right now, they’re working in a genre that… isn’t really my thing. I could TRY to write something, but it’s not naturally what I would want to write. Should I try anyway? I don’t really know what else to write… but I also don’t want to write a whole thing and then have it turn out bad and unsellable.original ↗

17 Aug 2026

Greetings from Iceland, where I’m currently on vacation! It’s come to my attention that some scam…original ↗

14 Aug 2026

Hi Jenn! Kind of connected to the question about writing nonfiction. What makes nonfiction feel like YA vs adult? I remember you mentioned Death in the Jungle, about Jonestown, and that wass YA. Why? I read it (it was good!) and didn’t notice anything that made it particularly “YA.”original ↗

12 Aug 2026

Hi Jenn! I don’t know how else to ask this, but is there a you for the adult world? I so often wish I could ask you questions, but you work more in kidlit, and my questions are about the adult market! I love how you take the time to give such thoughtful answers. I wish there were a you for the adult market too!original ↗

12 Aug 2026