iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 15h

Today is the day! See you in there.

Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Found this little sweetie stunned on the sidewalk, probably from bonking into a building. Got to hold and sit with her til she fluttered away, but wow I’ve never seen a bird like this in the city.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Finally back at the gym a year after the baby, and it seems like a personal attack that my iPhone offloaded the gym app on me because I wasn’t using it.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I’ve been lucky enough to watch this come together page by page and can’t wait for you all to see it.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Time for a new pinned post! Writer pals, I host query letters and nonfiction book proposals, free, on my site. www.ericsmithrocks.com/perfect-pitch Near Philly? I host free in-person AMAs with industry pros often. www.neighborhoodliterary.com/neighborhoods Hope these resources will be helpful.

ericsmithrocks.com

Perfect Pitch — ERIC SMITH

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

There should be welcome mats for the offices of book people that say “Watch Your Stet” on them.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

And that’s a wrap! Back to Philly we go. If you’re in the Richmond area, I highly recommend checking out the @jamesriverwriters.bsky.social crew. Such a great community.

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Mike Chen @mikechenwriter.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

It never gets old hearing this about your art, please tell creators nice things

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Been a long time since I could reenter my ✨vague era✨ when it comes to my own writing but… here we are.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Ah yes, me eying up all the coffee pods at the end of a conference as things wrap up.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Good morning from Richmond and the @jamesriverwriters.bsky.social conference, one of my absolute favorite conferences. If you’re here and see me floating about, please stop me to say hi and ask questions. I’m here to be a resource all weekend. 👋🏽

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

From one of our volunteers at the museum today. OOF.

A picture of the closed doors via Academy of natural sciences, where people have stuck dinosaur origami to the doors. The caption says “there are children literally sitting on the steps and crying. Follow savetheacademt and go to the website and get involved”

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I think the most “adult who was in a gifted and talented program as a kid” thing I could have done to myself was become an author. Just giving myself endless homework and a need for people to be proud of me forever.

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Can't make it this weekend? Contact Josh Shaprio's Office Phone:717-787-2500 And Mayor Parker's Office Phone Phone: (215) 686-2181 City council is with us. Drexel thinks we're going to give up. Leadership thinks this will just blow over and they can cash out. Do not let that happen.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The baby has learned how to say “this!” which means I now carry her around the entirety of house, her arm outstretched, until I reach whatever it is she wants. Who needs the gym.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

One wholesome thing I’ve noticed since reopening to queries, is just how many folks have followed up with offers. I can’t read on a deadline these days, but oh does that make me happy. If you’re out there querying, keep going! Colleagues are reading! Folks are getting signed! It’s all happening. ❤️

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

When a literary agent says their “list is full” what does that even mean? A little blip on what that is, why I’m closed to certain categories, and why it’s important to treat our colleagues as well as our clients. Take care of each other. ❤️ ericsmithrocks.substack.com/p/opening-to...

ericsmithrocks.substack.com

Opening to Queries Again, or Why Agents Close to Certain Categories

What does “my list is full” even mean?

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Gaming recommendation? Get the game Date Everything with some friends, and then live text each other as you play your way through. Been doing that for like two weeks now and it has been a nonstop source of joy.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Black Wings Beating by @alexlondon.bsky.social should have been one of the next household name YA trilogies.

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Reposting this would be very helpful. We're having a tough month at Skype a Scientist between much of my energy being devoted to Academy of Natural Sciences stuff. I need help!!

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Preeti Chhibber @runwithskizzers.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

“Wow I didn’t know South Asian stories for the diaspora existed like this” meanwhile South As-Am YA over the last decade

Love Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

Radha and Jai’s Recipe for Romance by Nisha Sharma

Payal Mehta’s Romance Revenge Plot by Preeti Chhibber

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

You know, when you work in the arts and you’re always waiting for an email with good news or an update, the barrage of politician emails with subjects like “update: awful news” or “it’s not happening” or “I’m just so sorry” really make you want to throw your phone into the sea.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Three of my clients got The Call this week, and oh my heart, it feels like publishing is buzzing and picking up a little. ❤️

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Our mostly nonverbal kiddo’s new hyper-fixation is memorizing every country and their flag. He’s also been obsessed with marble races. Which is why this morning we now have a giant marble racetrack down the stairs, marbles colored in like different flags, and my child shouting “GO MICRONESIA!”

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

This was fun! Thanks all! 👋🏽

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Literary is a category though! I’d look at writers you see yourself in the same space as, and then see who their agents / agencies are. Everyone lists their agent on their website. Go lurk! 👀 #AskDV

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Totally fine! A lot of my clients are in a bundle of categories. Just be sure to focus on that One Thing first while querying. I see folks make the mistake of listing all their projects sometimes. #AskDV

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I’ve had several SFF editors ask me for shorter, accessible genre fiction, cozy genre fiction, and (gasp) novellas. #AskDV And before folks ask, look at books like Automatic Noodle or the astonishing Chaotic Orbits series from @bethrevis.bsky.social for amazing novella examples. 🚀

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

For me sometimes I reach out after reading a great short story or an amazing essay a writer has published someplace. Otherwise… it’s just the ol’ query box. #AskDV

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

As someone who also writes, I find that when I’m re-reading a project, and come upon scenes that I’m hurrying by and skirting over… that’s the sign they gotta go. 😔 #AskDV

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

You can mention it in the query, sure! A lot of my colleagues (and me!) are eager for more neurodiverse rep in the books we work on. That said, also remember you don’t have to share everything about yourself with publishing. If you’re not comfortable, or it isn’t safe, there’s no need to. #AskDV

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Depends on the agent, I think! All agents will likely be prioritizing client work before diving into submissions, so it might take a minute regardless. It’s why it takes a bit to hear from us. #askDV

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Here’s one from the brilliant @chadha.bsky.social! I was lucky to work with her on her YA duology, and we met in this pitch event. #AskDV www.ericsmithrocks.com/blog/2020/12...

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

To not pitch those agencies. That’s absurd. #AskDV “But I’m an agent who does that!” Great. This is for you then, buddy.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Format is the kind of thing you can fix, but wrong genre or category, I’ll often pass because if that’s the writer’s vision for the book, I’m not going to chime in to question it. It’s pretty important to know where your work belongs before sending it out and about. #AskDV

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I think we’re gonna see a continued hunger for cozy, especially in unique genres, and several editors have asked me for dystopian books (in kids and adult!) lately. Also horror, cause I don’t think the supply can meet the demand. I think it’s the hardest thing to write. #AskDV

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Of course! If you look at a lot of the MG on your bookshelf, you’ll likely see plenty of this. And one of my own books due out next year has three POVs! I’m a sucker for shifting POV books. 😊 #AskDV

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#DVpit - Diverse Voices Pitch @dvpit.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

#AskDV starts NOW and runs until 5PM Eastern Time! Using #AskDV ask @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social Alexandra Levick @mwhatnall.bsky.social @tinyfairyhunter.bsky.social questions about pitching, querying, & publishing! Have fun and Be respectful! #DVpit

Thursday, September 17 2026 @ 1pm - 2pm Pacific / 4pm - 5pm Eastern

#AskDV

Join us on Bluesky for a Q&A with agents before #DVpit!

To participate, post your questions on Bluesky with the #AskDV hashtag between
1-2PM Pacific/4-5PM Eastern on September 17, 2026. Agents will be looking through the hashtag for questions to answer.

for rules & info: dvpit.carrd.co/#askdv

Alexandra Levick
Eric Smith
Paula Weiman
Michaela Whatnall

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Reactor Magazine @reactorsff.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

what an aesthetically pleasing hand-drawn graphic of the books we've reviewed at Reactor recently who drew this

Slide 1: Text reads “Book Reviews; Reactor Magazine; August 24th - September 15th” over a hand-drawn stack of books: Among the Thorns by Jennifer K. Lambert, Find Me Way Down to You by Julian Winters, Offerings for Ordinary Gods by Ali Trotta, She Haunts Me Still by De Elizabeth, Brides by Charlotte Cross, and The Red Sacrament by Sara Hinkley

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Pst. There are more books coming from @mkengland.bsky.social! Let’s. Get. Cozier. ✨

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

In case you missed it earlier this week, client Kaitlyn San Miguel’s cover was unveiled by the always wonderful @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social team! Can’t wait for this one. ❤️

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

In case you missed it, yesterday @mkengland.bsky.social had a new book come out! The first in their newest MG trilogy, and it’s just so delightful. ❤️ www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/801909...

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

After being closed to queries for a year and a half (omg) I’m finally opening back up, writer friends! Wishlist here! www.ericsmithrocks.com/mswl

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

The baby likes Bluey so I’m finally watching the newer episodes and none of you warned me about the “Sign” episode. 😭

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Off to NYC for the Latinx Storytellers Conference! If you’re attending and see me, be sure to come ask me questions! I’m here to be a resource all weekend. 👋🏽

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The author’s deadline is December… set the Zelda remake release date in November.

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Me with a Book Idea: This is incredible, I can’t wait to share this with everyone, with the world. 🥰 Me, Actually Writing:

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Preeti Chhibber @runwithskizzers.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

It's #BNPreorder time which means you are going to see every author posting homemade graphics telling you you can get their book for 25% off sooooo YOU CAN PREORDER MY BOOK FOR 25% OFF <3 Also, as a gift, the first page! 🎸 HE'S JUST SOME GUY 🥁 3/30/27 www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hes-just-s...

a digital flier for HE'S JUST SOME GUY.

The text reads: 25% off Preorder Sale
Use Code: PREORDER25
Premium & rewards members online exclusive
What happens when a perfectly planned life crashes into Beautiful chaos and unexpected connection(s)?

The first page of my book HE'S JUST SOME GUY.

Chapter 1

THIS COULDN’T BE happening.

This absolutely could not be happening. Things like this did not
happen in real life.

But if that were true, then how could Kabir Mehra—

• lead singer of the band Rangeela
• traveling musician
• and, most crucially, the stranger on the internet I had pretended
was my long-distance boyfriend to get my nosy masi
and her gaggle of an auntiellery off my back

—how could that Kabir Mehra be standing directly in front of
me at Pinky and David’s wedding reception.

“Hey,” he said, throwing an arm around me and pulling me in
for a hug. His voice went low as he whispered into my ear, “I hear
you’re my girlfriend.”

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I’ve seen cover sketches for The Astronautics (my MG sci-fi due out next year) and oh my heart, I am so excited for this new journey. 🚀

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