Uploaded December 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Why am I not querying agents right now? What do I geek out over? How do I know when a book is READY? Thanks so much for all the great questions, guys - and here's to a happy 2022!
Looking for a query package review? Hire Lindsay!! reedsy.com/lindsay-ribar
TIMESTAMPS
5:36 Why aren't you querying now?
14:45 Should I work on my prose before choosing a genre?
15:25 Do you recycle old ideas into new books?
17:46 How do you know if you have the right plot points?
19:15 What do substantive edits look like for you?
21:28 How do you know your book is ready/done?
26:12 Can I start my publishing career with a poetry collection?
27:06 Thoughts on getting feedback on query packages?
31:01 Whose responsibility is the ISBN?
31:38 What do you geek out over?
35:32 What is your ideal writers vacation?
37:06 What are your thoughts on the Sarra Cannon/Alexandra Sokoloff situation?
Check out my writing courses!
Creative writing for teens: writingworkshops.com/products/1584107
Planning a novel without plotting: https://skl.sh/3G60GNM
Character transformation: https://skl.sh/33iwgFH
Writing a killer book description: https://skl.sh/356PtLg
More about my books, courses, coaching stuff, etc: michelleschusterman.com
Like the music in this vid? Try Epidemic Sound! epidemicsound.com/referral/yin3jx
I use Canva for all my thumbnails and graphics: partner.canva.com/c/2928882/647168/10068
Stuff I use as a full time writer/author (that you may have spotted in this video!) (affiliate links are afoot):
WRITING/WORK STUFF
Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. amzn.to/3soroc2
iPAPA laptop case: amzn.to/3slflwf
Mind-Reader adjustable/portable laptop desk. I LOVE this thing. Typing with my arms at an angle has drastically reduced elbow/wrist pain. amzn.to/2OYh0tX
Bluelight blocker glasses: amzn.to/2VAG51u
Clever Fox planner. I’ve used a few planners and this is my fav. Lots of space for mind-mapping and brainstorming, daily to-do lists, space for goal setting. amzn.to/3vNmk3Z
Best writing pens, hands down. I use them every time I revise a book. amzn.to/311nRoP
Acer monitor. I kind of hate the word gamechanger but this really was that kind of purchase. amzn.to/3vH71Kh
Brother laser printer. amzn.to/3tzIvZE
Alphasmart Neo2. Highly highly recommend. amzn.to/3cStKui
COFFEE STUFF
Ninja coffee maker. amzn.to/31533Nu
Cold brew pitcher. amzn.to/3cSKVM9
Zulay milk frother. amzn.to/3r7DDJu
VIDEO MAKING STUFF
Canon G7X Mark iii camera. I love the flip up screen (ie, you can see yourself as you film) and the fact that there’s a mic port. amzn.to/3r9BfCb
Savage studio lights. I mostly use these for ‘talking head’ videos. amzn.to/3r7G6Un
Ubeesize 10” ring light. That’s the little guy sitting on my desk. I mostly use it for vlogging. amzn.to/31hqpzD
JJC mini tripod. amzn.to/3feXxjJ
Rode clip mic. amzn.to/2OSaLb2
______________
I've got lots of other freebies for you to download and use on your writing journey: michelleschusterman.com/freebies
_____________
BLACK LIVES MATTER. To my fellow white authors: we have to show up every day. We have to speak out. We have to make it clear to the Black authors and creators in our community that we are here for them. Silence is not an option. Please check out this Google Doc for hundreds of resources on how you can support, donate, and learn--not just in February, not just when another senseless tragedy due to racism occurs, but every single day from right now moving forward: docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/13O7yipKHeIF2-QJ_K9IKIdLQAlN8NgEOF62qQjUjEVM/mobilebasic
________________
SUPPORT INDIES!
Like audiobooks? I switched from Audible to Libro.fm in 2019 and have zero regrets. Libro.fm sends your $ to the indie bookstore of your choice! The monthly fee is the same. Sign up with this referral link and get a FREE audiobook: http://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm125381
Looking for your next writing craft book? Check out my Bookshop and support indies! bookshop.org/lists/writing-craft-books-529da1d1-34de-4584-a85f-003f96088b57
________________
Looking for a ghostwriter for your novel? I might be your gal! reedsy.com/michelle-schusterman
If you're interested in using Reedsy to offer your ghostwriting or editing services, sign up here: reedsy.com/p/michelle-schusterman
**full disclosure: the above link is a referral! If you sign up and get a project, you and I each get $100!**
___________
MY BOOKS
goodreads.com/author/list/6522087.Michelle_Schusterman
goodreads.com/author/show/17086515.M_Shelley_Coats?from_search=true
__________
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from purchases. There is no additional charge to you!
Why am I not querying agents right now? What do I geek out over? How do I know when a book is READY? Thanks so much for all the great questions, guys - and here's to a happy 2022!
Looking for a query package review? Hire Lindsay!! reedsy.com/lindsay-ribar
TIMESTAMPS
5:36 Why aren't you querying now?
14:45 Should I work on my prose before choosing a genre?
15:25 Do you recycle old ideas into new books?
17:46 How do you know if you have the right plot points?
19:15 What do substantive edits look like for you?
21:28 How do you know your book is ready/done?
26:12 Can I start my publishing career with a poetry collection?
27:06 Thoughts on getting feedback on query packages?
31:01 Whose responsibility is the ISBN?
31:38 What do you geek out over?
35:32 What is your ideal writers vacation?
37:06 What are your thoughts on the Sarra Cannon/Alexandra Sokoloff situation?
Check out my writing courses!
Creative writing for teens: writingworkshops.com/products/1584107
Planning a novel without plotting: https://skl.sh/3G60GNM
Character transformation: https://skl.sh/33iwgFH
Writing a killer book description: https://skl.sh/356PtLg
More about my books, courses, coaching stuff, etc: michelleschusterman.com
Like the music in this vid? Try Epidemic Sound! epidemicsound.com/referral/yin3jx
I use Canva for all my thumbnails and graphics: partner.canva.com/c/2928882/647168/10068
Stuff I use as a full time writer/author (that you may have spotted in this video!) (affiliate links are afoot):
WRITING/WORK STUFF
Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. amzn.to/3soroc2
iPAPA laptop case: amzn.to/3slflwf
Mind-Reader adjustable/portable laptop desk. I LOVE this thing. Typing with my arms at an angle has drastically reduced elbow/wrist pain. amzn.to/2OYh0tX
Bluelight blocker glasses: amzn.to/2VAG51u
Clever Fox planner. I’ve used a few planners and this is my fav. Lots of space for mind-mapping and brainstorming, daily to-do lists, space for goal setting. amzn.to/3vNmk3Z
Best writing pens, hands down. I use them every time I revise a book. amzn.to/311nRoP
Acer monitor. I kind of hate the word gamechanger but this really was that kind of purchase. amzn.to/3vH71Kh
Brother laser printer. amzn.to/3tzIvZE
Alphasmart Neo2. Highly highly recommend. amzn.to/3cStKui
COFFEE STUFF
Ninja coffee maker. amzn.to/31533Nu
Cold brew pitcher. amzn.to/3cSKVM9
Zulay milk frother. amzn.to/3r7DDJu
VIDEO MAKING STUFF
Canon G7X Mark iii camera. I love the flip up screen (ie, you can see yourself as you film) and the fact that there’s a mic port. amzn.to/3r9BfCb
Savage studio lights. I mostly use these for ‘talking head’ videos. amzn.to/3r7G6Un
Ubeesize 10” ring light. That’s the little guy sitting on my desk. I mostly use it for vlogging. amzn.to/31hqpzD
JJC mini tripod. amzn.to/3feXxjJ
Rode clip mic. amzn.to/2OSaLb2
______________
I've got lots of other freebies for you to download and use on your writing journey: michelleschusterman.com/freebies
_____________
BLACK LIVES MATTER. To my fellow white authors: we have to show up every day. We have to speak out. We have to make it clear to the Black authors and creators in our community that we are here for them. Silence is not an option. Please check out this Google Doc for hundreds of resources on how you can support, donate, and learn--not just in February, not just when another senseless tragedy due to racism occurs, but every single day from right now moving forward: docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/13O7yipKHeIF2-QJ_K9IKIdLQAlN8NgEOF62qQjUjEVM/mobilebasic
________________
SUPPORT INDIES!
Like audiobooks? I switched from Audible to Libro.fm in 2019 and have zero regrets. Libro.fm sends your $ to the indie bookstore of your choice! The monthly fee is the same. Sign up with this referral link and get a FREE audiobook: http://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm125381
Looking for your next writing craft book? Check out my Bookshop and support indies! bookshop.org/lists/writing-craft-books-529da1d1-34de-4584-a85f-003f96088b57
________________
Looking for a ghostwriter for your novel? I might be your gal! reedsy.com/michelle-schusterman
If you're interested in using Reedsy to offer your ghostwriting or editing services, sign up here: reedsy.com/p/michelle-schusterman
**full disclosure: the above link is a referral! If you sign up and get a project, you and I each get $100!**
___________
MY BOOKS
goodreads.com/author/list/6522087.Michelle_Schusterman
goodreads.com/author/show/17086515.M_Shelley_Coats?from_search=true
__________
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from purchases. There is no additional charge to you!
