The Context team had an amazing time at the People of Publishing conference this year! @aalitagents.bsky.social We love meeting IRL with publishing people and learning new ways to grow together! 🥰 @celsie-moseley.bsky.social @loveleemonicaa.bsky.social @jsinsheim.bsky.social

I got a glow-in-the-dark moon and stars set (yes, like from the nineties) and am unreasonably happy about how it already glows when I put it in the darkness of the closet. No idea where to put them--a ful sky with some constellations on the ceiling? On corners one might crash into in the dark?

Sometimes a work has all the "right" ingredients (the adjectives, settings, conflicts, characters, even aesthetics I like) and still feels wrong. Sometimes a work has all the "wrong" ingredients (too-high word count, genre against trend, plot that takes an hour to explain) and still feels right.

Reasons I've rejected writers in the past year that have nothing to do with them: 1. I can't hold this much grief right now. (Yes, I told her. I hope she sees it's a genuine "It's not you, it's me.") 2. This is based on an entire category of movies I haven’t seen, and deserves a true fan.

My advice in three words: Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up.

A reminder that I think it's a great idea to set up an email address JUST for your submissions. This way, you won't be in the middle of dinner--or, worse, your birthday! As happened to a writer I know--and get a crushing rejection. Don't give rejections unlimited access to you. Let Gmail help.

If anyone has any tips for: 1) Slowing down time 2) Turning down the volume of the world I am very interested

As I prepare to open again to queries in 2026, I wanted to mention that, with everything going on in the world (I try to only read queries when I can really focus) and my personal method (reading each one twice, in case I'm in the wrong headspace), I can't emphasize this enough: 3 months ≠ a no.

Anyone else in our #WritingCommunity attending the Manuscript Academy Comps workshop tonight?✍️ Literary agent @jsinsheim.bsky.social is amazing--one might say InCOMParable😁! #5AMWritersClub #AmWriting #BookSky📚

Manuscript Academy by #MSWL@manuscriptacademy.bsky.social · 12mo ago

You’ve spent years writing something beautiful. Maybe even important. And now you have to turn it into ____ meets ____?! Yes, we think this is unfair too. Mostly because no one teaches you how. We’re here to help! Class + workshop + panel October 21-23: incomparable.manuscriptacademy.com

I know there are so many rules about revisions, and of course you shouldn't just keep sending them, without asking, over + over. In general, you get one per agent. THAT SAID, if I haven't read yet, you're saving me time if I read the latest and greatest ONCE, versus all versions. So, please ask.

Just got a check-in so good, it made me want to write an entire class on check-ins, and bring up this author to show how the heck he does them so well. They're bright. Bouncy. Informed. None of the "What are you doing if not reading my book?" guilt. I even giggled reading this latest one.

There's a famous author (can't remember name) who mentioned a note on a rejection slip with (paraphrasing badly) "Good, but too PUFFY--cut ____" and this changed everything. I always hope that when I add a personal note, it turns into real things for the author. I guess I'll never know.

Great tips! 🌟 Starting with relatable characters really draws readers in! Let's make SFF accessible and enjoyable for everyone! 📚✨ #SFF #WritingTips #ReadersMatter

Jessica Sinsheimer@jsinsheim.bsky.social · last yr.

When pitching SFF, keep in mind that your reader may feel "Wait, I don't get it" discomfort trying to find comprehension. Too much, and they may give up. To better optimize for a fast read, it's easier to start with character. Limit words just from your world. Limit subplots. Limit hypotheticals.

It's often character that makes your work stand out, feel fresh. Yes, we love a good plot. But if you're using familiar elements, it's not usually "Familiar elements only turned up to 11" that breathe life into your story. Emotional specificity usually (IMHO) gets you there much faster.

If you start your book with a character we're supposed to dislike, we may end up associating our bad feelings for them with our feelings for your work. Try to provide an alternative if you do this--the main character having a running "Wow, can't stand them" in a very different energy can help.

When pitching SFF, keep in mind that your reader may feel "Wait, I don't get it" discomfort trying to find comprehension. Too much, and they may give up. To better optimize for a fast read, it's easier to start with character. Limit words just from your world. Limit subplots. Limit hypotheticals.

It was wonderful to go to one of my first in-person conferences since, you know, that thing that happened in 2020. I forgot how much I love talking with publishing people in person! How nice to sip ☕️, chat about the panels, and even be nearby when someone got great news and the whole room cheered.

We had so much fun! What a great day, and so happy to see our whole team together in person for the first time. 😃

Context Literary Agency@contextliterary.bsky.social · last yr.

The Context Literary team had such a great time at the People of Publishing Conference yesterday! We’re excited to continue working with our amazing clients to bring more books to life! @jsinsheim.bsky.social @loveleemonicaa.bsky.social @celsie-moseley.bsky.social #peopleofpublishing #booksky

Does anyone ever randomly think about how weird cartoons were in the 90s? I feel like a recurring trope was always a bunch of kids with magic powers having a random, normal problem. And then one of them says, "I have an idea! Let's use our powers!" And then the other kids are like "Yeah!"

A long wait does NOT mean something is wrong with your work. I don't know which books are going to be great before I read the queries. I do sometimes put something in the maybe pile, but that's a compliment. So, again--a long wait is likely a compliment, but never a critique.

The last time I opened to queries, I received an average of 49.9 per day, including weekends (I generally don't read queries on weekends, mostly because I don't want to wreck yours if I say no--and, also, I want to come with a fresh mind Monday.) You can see how this would get to YIKES busy fast.

A note on the level of chaos: First, it's gorgeous. I'm hoping I can stay psyched and not veer into panic as it gets more busy. I'm doing ridiculous things like reading manuscripts in line at CVS, trying to keep up. Wish you could come with me for a day and see how personal the wait isn't.

I did put two works in the "maybe" pile today. One was because I like the concept very much, but I worry the writing is too literary (yes, I know, that sounds like "too good"). The other is fun but so commercial, I'm not sure it's right for me. I'll see if they stick with me. If yes, request.

My heart is full, again, reading kind and patient responses to my "I'm sorry it's been so long but I wanted to give you closure" query responses. Such kindness out there in the world. Thank you.

@willmooreston.com Thanks Will! :)

About to teach my comp title class for SCBWI! Wish me luck!

Just got a "Happy September to you too, Jessica" from an agent friend and I know that she knows that I know we're both picturing just how darn exciting this month can be in the industry

If AI had a break room, I suspect all the bots would be in there around their version of the water cooler today saying, "Why do humans like fall so much?"

I love meetings with editors that bring up all kinds of interesting ideas + things I wish existed. Like book-shaped cakes, for important editor and agent milestones. That I'd love a The Hating Game with a magical element. And also, how boring the world would be if we all liked the same art.

Am I wishing everyone (in publishing) I run into today a happy September? Why yes, I am! Am I making orange food just because I can and it's the most delicious food group? Yes! Am I wondering if I, myself, can look good in orange? Yes! Have I just consumed 20+ ounces of coffee? Yes!