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At Home Author chats with literary agent, Sarah Fisk about publishing and the querying process.

The word “editor” can mean very different things to different people in the publishing world - and often it depends on who you’re talking to.

Could someone steal your story? It's one of the most common fears new children's book authors have. Here's the truth — and why sharing your work is worth the risk.

If you're an aspiring children's book author, then you're probably wondering whether it's better to self-publish or go with a traditional pu

Think of an agent as your professional filter and advocate. While they bring a lot to the table, they also come with a specific set of hurdles.

Here are the top five ways to find reliable critique partners who will give you constructive criticism and help you improve your writing.

5 literary agents currently open to picture book submissions!

We are so excited to connect with Aashna Avachat, a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary, to chat about the world of publishing, and what advice she has for authors in the querying trenches!

I read so many manuscripts now that I can spot craft issues almost instinctively. I know why something works and why it doesn’t. I’ve seen enough submissions to recognize pacing problems, exposition dumps, and arcs that fizzle out instead of soaring. That level of immersion in story after story makes you sharper. It’s like living in a constant writing masterclass. But—and this is a big but—knowing something isn’t the same as being able to execute it. Because in writing

The moment a publishing offer comes in, everything feels electric. An author’s phone buzzes. I get to deliver the news: You did it. Someone wants your book. And for a minute, it feels like we both won the lottery. But almost immediately, the practical part of my brain kicks in. Because an offer is just the beginning. Now it’s time to talk numbers, rights, clauses, and timelines—the unglamorous fine print that shapes the author’s future.

You finally did it. You finished your manuscript, polished it until it gleamed, had a few beta readers swoon over it, maybe even worked with a freelance editor. You're confident it's strong—maybe even really strong. So why are the rejections still rolling in?

Querying feels incredibly complicated when you’re an author. (I’ve done it myself for years and know the pain!) Now that I’m an agent, it can be just as complicated, but for different reasons.

If you're a Latinx author with a story that celebrates your culture, honors your heritage, or amplifies your voice—you belong on these publishers’ shelves. Don’t wait for an agent to open the door when some of the best houses in the industry already have it wide open for you.

If you’ve been querying literary agents lately and feel like you’re shouting into a void, you’re not alone. It’s not your imagination—getting a literary agent has always been tough, but in today’s publishing landscape, it’s harder than ever. So what’s going on? Why does it feel like every “no” is coming faster, and every “yes” is even more elusive? Let’s break down what’s changed, what that means for you, and how you can adapt. 5 Reasons it's Harder Than Ever to Get a Literar

A query letter is the first piece of your writing a literary agent will read, so it’s important to get it right!