Hello! I will next reopen to queries from 10/1-10/7, but then I will be closing indefinitely so I can catch up and focus on client work. #amquerying #amagenting

Yay it's #KidLitArtPostcard day! I hope you're all feeling okay? Some days you need to just collapse. I'm an author/illustrator looking for fun new children's book projects. Repped by @swekstein.bsky.social See more: www.tracivanwagoner.com #kidlitart #kidlit #authorillustrator #childrensbooks

“…and with that, Norman decided that life in the city was not for him after all.” #kidlitartpostcard I am an author and illustrator of picture books but would love to do board books and chapter books as well! My website is Jorenfro.com and I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social

A day late for #KidLitArtPostcard, but late is better than never. Summer fun swimming is the best! I miss my childhood swimming hole. I'm open for new PB, chapter book, MG projects anytime. #kidlitart #summer #art #authorillustrator Website: www.tracivanwagoner.com rep'd by: @swekstein.bsky.social

Hi all! I am Jo and I am an author and illustrator of picture books. I love using humor and positivity to create engaging characters full of heart. My portfolio website is jorenfro.com and I am rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitartpostcard

#KidLitArtPostcard day snuck up on me and I'm going to repost an old piece—but it's one that delights me! Looking to illustrate picture books with bright colors, big feelings, whimsy, and fun! 🎨 sparklemarkers.com Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social

Hello! In addition to my work as an agent, I freelance edit. Today through Sunday I'm running a 10% off sale on my Basic Query Package or Query Package Plus edits. If you'd like me to help shape your pitch, now would be a wonderful time to book! samanthaweksteineditorial.square.site/s/shop

It's #PortfolioDay! I'm a #kidlit writer and illustrator and I'd love to work on whimsical, witty projects. More drawings: sparklemarkers.com Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social P.S. All cats are the best cat.

Hi all- I am Jo and I love creating stories for picture books and board books with characters that are expressive and fun! #portfolioday My website is jorenfro.com and I am rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social

Hello #kidlitartpostcard! I'm an author and illustrator of children's books for all ages. I love to bring joy and a touch of magic to the world through my creativity. Portfolio: www.tracivanwagoner.com Agent: @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitart #kidlit #paintplay #childrensbooks #authorillustrator

Hi all-I’m Jo and I am an illustrator and author of picture books. I love creating expressive engaging characters! My website is jorenfro.com and I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social #kidlitartpostcard

I am excited and honored to have PEG GETS CRACKIN’ nominated for the 2025 Missouri Building Blocks Picture Book Award. It is voted on by preschool KIDS in Missouri Public Libraries. The KIDS!! That’s who it’s all about!

I've got something new for #KidLitArtPostcard! Hot off the presses w/sharing delayed by no internet. I'm an author/illustrator of children's books of all ages, I try to bring a bit of magic to every project. #kidlitart #authorillustrator Rep'd by: @swekstein.bsky.social www.tracivanwagoner.com

It’s #kidlitartpostcard day! I’m Jo and I am an illustrator and author of picture books. (And maybe board books someday 🤞🏼) I love creating stories with characters full of heart and spunk! My website is jorenfro.com and I am rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social

#KidLitArtPostcard time again! This is an older piece I love. Nothing like a good pondering session in a forest. Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social 🎨 sparklemarkers.com

Sabina's writing is so brilliant, funny, and swoony. I'm so thrilled to be her agent!! 🎉

Happy Pub day to JOEY THE GOOD by Erin Fry, a touchingly funny MG about a sweat-averse kid who is forced to spend his summer climbing mountains with his cool, athletic cousin. I love this book! Get your copy today! mountains.https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joey-the-good-erin-fry/1145949179

Hey all! Just a heads up that I do not want to be notified of full requests from other agents. I have this request on my query form and profiles, but I still get messages about it all the time. I just need to know if you get an offer. My inbox is already unwieldy without extra messages.

Another chunky-outline #KidLitArtPostcard from me! I’m having a lot of fun with this style.  I write, I draw, I'm always looking for new stuff to do! Portfolio: sparklemarkers.com Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social

Happy May! It’s #kidlitartpostcard day! I’m an author & illustrator and a dragon tamer. I would love another children’s book project where I can bring a little magic to the world. Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social Web: www.Tracivanwagoner.com #kidlit #kidlitart #art #authorillustrator #childrensbooks

It's also really common to see a book open with a sparring/fight scene. We often hear "start with action," but I think the stronger advice is, "start with an objective." Let's see your character pursuing something--perhaps sparring is part of that, but do what you can to differentiate your opening.

Every day I wonder, when will Melina Marchetta write another fantasy series??

One of the comments asked me to keep going with these. So here's another cliche--giving us a description of your character's appearance by having them look in the mirror. You can just have them communicate their looks more organically in between the action/dialogue.

Today's writing advice, please go search your manuscript for the phrase, "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding." and delete it. Wherever you can, avoid common writing cliches!

So thrilled for PEG!!!!

Hi all! I’m Jo and I’m an author and illustrator of picture books. I love creating pictures and stories that kids want to read over and over again! Sorry, not sorry, grown ups! I’d also love to do board books! My website is jorenfro.com and I’m rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social #portfolioday

Hi #PortfolioDay! I'm Traci VW a children's book illustrator & writer. I'm interested in picture books, board books, middle grade & YA. I love playing with color, textures, and bringing a bit of magic to the world. I'm rep'd by @swekstein.bsky.social 🎨 www.tracivanwagoner #kidlitart #art #kidlit

Hi all! Anyone in the KC/Lawrence area…I’ll be at Phoenix Gallery in downtown Lawrence, KS on April 12th. Pop on down and say hi!

Yay another #KidLitArtPostcard day to bring and share some smiles in our chaotic world. I'm an author and illustrator looking for PB, MG, YA projects. I decided I need to add some more BW to my portfolio. Rep'd by @swekstein.bsky.social web: www.tracivanwagoner.com #art #authorillustrator #kidlit

Hello authors! I'm open to queries again for a brief window (through 4/7), so I'm reposting this little thread. #MSWL

So happy that Peg Gets Plucky was recommended for kids ages 3-5 in Colorado Parent magazine!

“A strongly characterized examination of healing familial reconnection.” —Kirkus Reviews JOEY THE GOOD by Erin Fry releases May 20! ⛰️ northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-p...

Just left Cory Booker a message thanking him for fighting. It's good to see a Dem finally take a stand. I hope to see more of this!!

Hello, it's the one time of year where I won't shut up about Maryland basketball! Where are my fellow Terps? Who is psyched for today's game??

Hello one and all! Did you know…a FREE and EASY way to support authors and illustrators is to request their books from your local library! Did I mention…FREE 🤓. #kidlitart #kidlit #libraryrequests

Happy Book Birthday to PEG GETS PLUCKY! Out today wherever you buy your books! Reviews and library requests are FANTASTIC too if you feel so inclined!! #bookbirthday

Happy pub day to the hilarious PEG GETS PLUCKY by @jorenfro.bsky.social!! Peg is ready for adventure. But when she sets off on a hike with the other barnyard animals, she is overwhelmed. Adventures are hard! She can't do it! Or can she? www.beamingbooks.com/store/produc... Get your copy!

Here’s a giveaway for teachers to enter so please spread the word! Free 30 minute zoom call to talk to your class about the book, how I did the illustrations and how a book gets published! Click the link or scan the QR code to enter! I’ve got stickers for your class too! www.jorenfro.com/contact

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day! Spring is around the corner & the mourning doves are co-ooing on my fire escape & in my back yard. Yay! I'm an #AuthorIllustrator with a love of animals, nature, & dragons. Hire me Rep: @swekstein.bsky.social www.tracivanwagoner.com #NatureintheCity #kidlitart #kidlit

It’s #kidlitartpostcard day! I’m Jo and I love creating joy filled stories that kids choose to read night after night. The highest compliment. (Sorry parents 😂) Rep’d by @swekstein.bsky.social

Thank you Carisa for this wonderful review of PEG GETS PLUCKY. Check it out! And Peg’s new adventure will be out in the world March 11th.

A little Query update! I am still catching up on my query inbox (have reviewed through 10/11/24), but I am planning to open from March 1st-March 7th and will continue trying out opening just for the first week of every month. We’ll see how it goes. Will do a little #MSWL.

I have some openings in March in my freelance editing schedule. Here are my services. I'd be delighted to edit your project! samanthaweksteineditorial.square.site/s/shop

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?

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.

Now more than ever.

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

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

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

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.