PLEASE NOTE: this episode was orignally meant to drop on March 31st but we moved it up so listeners can take advantage of The Little Press's upcoming pitch party. Listen to the full episode for details.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Beth and Lisa chat with Michele McAvoy, award-winning children’s book author, publisher, and founder of The Little Press. Michele shares her journey from self-published author to small press publisher, offering insight into the publishing industry, small press advantages, and advice for aspiring authors navigating the competitive world of children's books.
Guest Bio
Michele McAvoy is an attorney-turned-author and the founder of The Little Press, an independent publisher dedicated to discovering new voices in children's literature. She has written multiple award-winning books, including Willow the Werewolf, Cookie and Milk, and The Gorilla Picked Me. Michele is also an editor and hosts the podcast My Messy Muse, where she discusses the realities of the publishing world.
Key Discussion Points
- Starting The Little Press: Michele launched her publishing company in 2020 during the pandemic, focusing on debut and early-career authors.
- Challenges of Running a Small Press: From financial margins to educating authors about industry realities, Michele shares the behind-the-scenes struggles and rewards of publishing.
- Breaking into Publishing: Advice for writers on overcoming industry gatekeepers and why small presses can be a great path to publication.
- The Writing Process: Michele’s unconventional approach, including writing books on her phone at the beach, and why first drafts should never be "precious."
- Upcoming Opportunities: The Little Press is hosting a Twitter pitch event (#TLPpitch on March 20th), offering authors a chance to submit their work.
Conclusion
Michele McAvoy’s success story highlights the resilience and creativity required in the publishing industry. Whether you're an aspiring author or considering a small press for your work, this episode is full of valuable insights on making publishing dreams a reality.
Mentioned Links
🔗 Michele McAvoy’s website: michelemcavoy.com
🔗 The Little Press: littlepresspublishing.com
🔗 Writers With Wrinkles: writerswithwrinkles.net
📢 Don’t miss Beth and Lisa’s next Ask Us Anything episode on March 31st! Submit your questions via social media or through the podcast notes.
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