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Writers With WrinklesAuthor: Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid
Whether you're an aspiring author, indie publisher, or career writer, Writers with Wrinkles is your essential guide to writing craft, book marketing, and the publishing industry. Hosted by authors Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, we iron out the wrinkles of the business from mastering novel writing and story structure to navigating literary agents, query letters, and KDP self-publishing.Each week, we bring you expert interviews with editors, publishers, and bestselling authors, plus practical advice on building your author platform and marketing your book. Whether you're drafting your first manuscript or preparing for a book launch, we have the guidance you need to thrive in today's competitive publishing landscape.Get the new book: Write. Revise. Publish.: Essential Lessons From the Writers With Wrinkles Podcast five seasons of insider publishing advice in one place. Available everywhere Oct. 6th.Visit www.WritersWithWrinkles.net for resources. Follow us on TikTok: @writerswithwrinkles Language: en-us Genres: Arts, Books, Education, How To Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Want to Write a Graphic Novel? A First Second Editor Explains
Episode 29
Monday, 28 September, 2026
Your graphic novel isn't a novel. It's a screenplay, and editors can tell from page one whether you know the difference. First Second Books editor Ivan Taurisano explains how to write and submit a graphic novel script that gets read.Kids ages 8 to 12 head straight for the graphic novel shelf, and prose writers are trying to follow them there. But Ivan says a submission that misses the format doesn't just earn a "not for me." It can earn a "don't send me your next one." Here's what he wants you to know before you write a single panel.In this episode:Why writing a graphic novel is closer to writing a screenplay than a prose novelRevealing character through dialogue alone (no "she looked wistfully at the ocean")Why editors talk page count, not word count, and the "70,000-word graphic novel" red flagWhat to submit for a script-only project vs. an author and illustrator team: script, pitch, synopsis, and 20–30 sample pagesHow much art direction is too much, and the one question to ask before you leave an art noteWhy illustrators usually earn more than writersThe biggest mistake Ivan sees: art that doesn't match the audience you're pitchingWhy kids who read "slightly above their level" become lifelong readersAdult graphic novels and First Second's sister imprint, 23rd StreetIvan's manuscript wishlist:Middle grade graphic novels about girl friendship that capture how big those fights and bonds feel at 10, 11, and 12DragonsEarly reader graphic novels for ages 4–7, 64–96 pages, any topicStories with fresh magic systemsA joyful, new take on the immigrant journey that shows the excitement, not only the hardshipIvan's inbox (ivan.taurisano@firstsecondbooks.com) is open to agented and unagented creators, and he gives feedback when he passes. Books and resources mentioned:Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud (Ivan's must-read before you write a graphic novel)The Investigators by John Patrick GreenDog Man by Dav PilkeyPizza and TacoNarwhal and JellyParachute KidsTuck Everlasting (graphic novel adaptation)Clara and the DevilHow to Catch Santa Claus (How to Catch series)James and the Giant Peach by Roald DahlHit play, then grab a graphic novel for the age group you want to write for. Follow Writers With Wrinkles so you don't miss our next Ask Beth and Lisa episode, and send us your questions!Send us Fan Mail Support the showVisit the WebsiteFind Full Episodes on YouTube!Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!
