swekstein.bsky.social - Profile | ThreadSky | a Reddit-style client for Bluesky

The decline of middle grade has been making me so sad. The readers are out there, why aren't we trying harder to find them?

submitted 5 days ago • 5 comments

Today is Manuscript Wish List Day, when you'll get to see what lots of agents are looking for in their submissions. The industry honestly takes it for granted; make sure to thank the good folks at @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social and @manuscriptwishlist.bsky.social for this incredible resource.

submitted 14 days ago • 1 comment

Now more than ever.

submitted 19 days ago • 448 comments

Hi all! I’m Jo and I am an author and illustrator, creating humorous and heartfelt stories for kids and their grown ups. I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social and my portfolio website is jorenfro.com . Thanks for taking a look! #kidlitartpostcard

submitted 20 days ago • 1 comment

We could all use a bit of silly fun, like a Monster Mash musical jam. I'm singing my own praises today for #KidLitArtPostcard as an author & Illustrator interested in new projects from board books to YA. www.tracivanwagoner.com rep: @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitart #kidlit #art #illustration

submitted 20 days ago • 3 comments

I had a lot of fun with this month's #KidLitArtPostcard! I usually go textured and brushy with my art but I also love a good chunky cartoony outline. As a kid I had the messiest backpack. My homework got so crumpled I had to iron it! Portfolio: sparklemarkers.com Rep'd by @swekstein.bsky.social

submitted 20 days ago • 0 comments

I've spoken a lot about my political views in the past on Twitter, but not yet on Bluesky. Please know that if you voted for Trump, you can go ahead and unfollow/block me. I'm looking for an inclusive space here and to support marginalized creators.

submitted 21 days ago • 1 comment

As a side hustle, I offer a lot of editing services. If you are looking for a professional set of eyes on your manuscript or pitch materials, check out my site! samanthaweksteineditorial.square.site/s/shop Please note if you book through this site, I can't consider you for representation.

submitted 27 days ago • 1 comment

Recently, I've been in a reading slump and I'm leaving for vacation at the end of the week. I want to stock up on books! What was your most propulsive read lately? I'm looking for recs especially in the YA, Romance, and SFF categories--bonus points if it makes me swoon!

submitted 42 days ago • 11 comments

It's #PortfolioDay again. I'm Traci VW and I'm a children's book author and illustrator. I love playing with color, light, texture and fun characters. I hope to bring a big of magic to the every day. Rep'd by @swekstein.bsky.social www.tracivanwagoner.com #KidLit #KidLitArt #Art #illustration

submitted 43 days ago • 0 comments

Happy New Year! Our first #KidLitArtPostcard of 2025. This is from a PB I illustrated for someone last year in honor of his pup, Sheldon. I love dogs! I'm open for children's book work this year & I'm rep'd by @swekstein.bsky.social See more: www.tracivanwagoner.com #AuthorIllustrator #KidlitArt

submitted 55 days ago • 0 comments

Just found out the Mac lipstick I got for Hanukkah has barley and wheat in it—definitely feels like all these companies are trying to kill me with hidden gluten. Why, oh why?!?

submitted 57 days ago • 2 comments

It's the end of the year and offers are still rolling in! Please know that at the end of this week publishing shuts down until the New Year. So if you really want to give an agent time to consider, asking them to respond within 1-2 weeks will result in pretty immediate step asides. Factor that in!

submitted 72 days ago • 0 comments

Update! I’ve reviewed all queries through 8/5. If you queried me before then and haven’t heard back, you are in my maybe pile and I need to read your pages. I’m doing my best to go through the rest of my queries. I respond to everyone. Thanks for your patience!

submitted 75 days ago • 1 comment

Hey there, it's #KidLitArtPostcard time! I'm Traci VW and I write and illustrate children's books. I'm interested in board books, picture books, chapter books and MG and YA covers & interiors. Portfolio: tracivanwagoner.com Rep'd by: @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitart #authorillustrator #sledding

submitted 83 days ago • 0 comments

Before you pitch your project as a certain genre, please make sure you understand what that genre is! (Looking at you, magical realism, and romance pitches without an HEA/HFN). #amquerying

submitted 83 days ago • 1 comment

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day! We got our first snow of the season last night—and I’m counting down the days until summer. Only 197 to go… I'd love to work on some fun, colorful picture books while I wait for warmer weather! Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social sparklemarkers.com

submitted 83 days ago • 0 comments

Hi all! I’m Jo. An illustrator and author living in Colorado. My portfolio website is jorenfro.com. Take a look! I am rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitartpostcard

submitted 83 days ago • 1 comment

Links to some of my favorite indie bookstores that have The Last Tamale 🫔 available! #kidlit @nowherebookshop.bsky.social www.nowherebookshop.com/book/9780063... The Twig: thetwig.com/book/9780063... BookPeople: www.bookpeople.com/book/9780063... Books of Wonder: booksofwonder.com/products/978...

submitted 88 days ago • 1 comment

So cool to see that the Chicago Public Library included The Last Tamale as one of the best fiction books of 2024 for young readers! chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/disp... #childrensbooks #picturebooks @harperkids.bsky.social

submitted 92 days ago • 0 comments

So thrilled that THE LAST TAMALE by @landomend.bsky.social and @teresamtz.bsky.social is a Chicago Public Library Best of 2024 Book!! chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/disp.... @harperkids.bsky.social

submitted 92 days ago • 0 comments

Stop laying off editors!!!!!!

submitted 96 days ago • 6 comments

Query my wonderful colleague!!

submitted 96 days ago • 1 comment

Please share your blue art. 🟦☃️❄️

submitted 97 days ago • 0 comments

Thursday #artshare time! Share the art that feels most quintessentially YOU. My motivation for drawing this was "I want to make something neon pink." It's simple, it's got colors I love, it's based on a personal memory, and it's a small moment that hints at a larger story.

submitted 97 days ago • 2 comments

This is my first time sharing my query letter template on Bluesky! I hope it helps someone #amquerying docs.google.com/document/d/1...

submitted 99 days ago • 23 comments

My children’s book, The Last Tamale, was illustrated by the incredible Teresa Martinez. The book features a chihuahua named Pearl, who happens to be my actual dog! She captured Pearl's essence perfectly 😁🫔🫔 #childrensbook #picturebook #kidlit #tamales #author

submitted 99 days ago • 0 comments

I feel this way too! I used to share writing and querying advice all the time and interact with authors. But my following got bigger and I ended up getting sucked into a lot of negativity, so I stopped Tweeting as often.

submitted 99 days ago • 0 comments

Hi Bluesky! I’m Orlando, a Mexican-American author of my first children’s book, The Last Tamale. It tells the story of three kids who compete in a hilarious battle for the last tamale during their family’s tamalada. Excited to be here 💙 #kidlit #childrensbook #latinxauthor @harperkids.bsky.social

submitted 99 days ago • 1 comment

Hi All! I am still super behind on queries and struggling to catch up. As a reminder, I respond to all queries!

submitted 102 days ago • 4 comments

Happy Friday! (I am celebrating every little thing I can.) Now is the time for Calling on Dragons. My latest #PaintPlay to battle anxiety. #kidlitart #art #dragon

submitted 103 days ago • 2 comments

I see some agent friends starting to pop up on here, so here’s a little list of pals: @ashleylopez.bsky.social @literaryfey.bsky.social @hannahvanvels.bsky.social @laurelsymonds.bsky.social @jemiscoe.bsky.social @tajmccoy.bsky.social @swekstein.bsky.social @beccapodos.bsky.social 👋🏽

submitted 105 days ago • 6 comments