iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

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?

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

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

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

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.

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Reposted by Jessica Sinsheimer

🦋V. Bohème🦋 @vboheme.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

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📚

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

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.

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SFF Reviews @sffreview.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

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

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

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

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

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!"

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

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

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

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

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

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?"

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

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.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

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!

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Someone just offered me restaurant recommendations if I ever come to town! In response to a rejection. Now, that is some kindness in a tough situation. I realize this is agent privilege, and people wouldn't be this nice to me if I were just "Jessica, here as a human," but it is very, very nice.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Gosh. Someone just said 60 percent of agents never respond. Is that true? Are we that overwhelmed?

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Actually, I'm getting really beautiful glimpses into lives today. People telling me what they did while waiting. Telling me they've been at this for decades, so this is a small amount of time, percentage-wise. Saying it's good to hear anything. I love the replies.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Actually, there are a lot of really nice replies to my (delayed due simply to overwhelm, I promise, not anything you could have done) responses today. I love the good vibes. Keep them coming.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

As I just said to a writer who sent a lovely response to a rejection: You aren't shouting into the void. You're writing to some really REALLY overwhelmed English majors. I promise most of us would love a quieter desk where we could give more thoughtful replies.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

I know we aren't technically supposed to encourage them (and many writers apologize for them), but I LIKE nice responses to rejections. I feel terrible sending them. Knowing that you're okay (and don't hate me) is nice.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Reply to a rejection: "Your industry is completely useless, and no, I didn't wait for you, don't flatter yourself." The author, tired of waiting, self-published 9 days after submitting.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

An excellent sign when I get to 47% of a manuscript in one sitting. Now the nerves begin: please stay great please stay great

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Reposted by Jessica Sinsheimer

Kat Cho @katchowrites.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

In a time where support for diverse books feels like it's waning, we wanted to bring back a way to create community & support. It's amazing to see so many rallying to participate in a pitch event far marginalized voices in trad pub! Marginalized creators, join us on 10.08.25 at #DVpit! #writersky

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

There's a really interesting technique I'm seeing in a new, beautiful manuscript. The images are very quick and vivid and abundant without weighing down the story (hard to do!). It's holding my attention like TikTok. It's a risk, of course--it's hard to maintain that intensity. I'll read on.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

Okay, this doesn't happen often, but I requested something maybe 48 hours ago and my brain keeps being like "But where is it?" Now, of course, the author has every right to take some time to get everything sorted and feel good about it. Of course. But I keep refreshing!

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

People do sometimes write sentences that are too nutritionally dense. There’s just too much to take in—you’re hitting every sense with excellent language but it’s way too much and I need time to breathe between images. That said, to accomplish this is brilliant. It’s really difficult to do.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

I'm writing a comps class for SCBWI and I am already making a list in my phone of puns. I'm not sure why this is happening, but they keep popping into my head. I imagine half the audience will cringe and groan, and half will giggle. Like with most things in publishing, it will be subjective.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

We love Anna! You may remember how merry she made the holiday party a few years ago. Can't wait to share the stage with these brilliant writers!

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Look at your first scene as if it's a play. Are your characters simply standing on stage, thinking? Are they moving things around? What does it look like, visually? Is there dialogue? Visual interest, movement + change you can see make the scene feel more dynamic and alive.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

There's a fine line between building tension and building confusion. Especially if you have a world different from ours, you can increase comprehension comfort w/ things we *do* understand--imagery, emotions--so it's "Well, I don't get how their sky works, but I understand ice cream and crushes."

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Manuscript Academy by #MSWL @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Tomorrow! Join us for our Q&A with bestselling author Julie Soto, most recently of The Thrashers. There's no pressure to read the book--we know you're busy! The event is so you can be around that bestseller energy, learn how she did it--and, maybe, you can too. manuscriptacademy.com/julie-soto

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Someone asked me if I was using AI today because I made a typo in an email. I found this puzzling. Can AI even make typos? To err is human, I suppose.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Also, in case anyone is wondering (I get asked this a lot), the way I manage to do everything by purposely choosing a ball to drop. I simply can't do everything well. What do I let go? Honestly, housework. I find it Sisyphean, anyway, and it frees up so much energy to have lower standards there.

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Jessica Sinsheimer @jsinsheim.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Something I say often to writers: It's ultimately faster to go slow. It's like that saying: "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." Take your time with your edits, your query, your research. Odds are you aren't going out of style, and you'll save time in the long run.

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Manuscript Academy by #MSWL @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Do you struggle with knowing if your work is commercial, literary, upmarket--or even book club? Literary agent Savannah Brooks, KT Literary, describes how you can know--by examining character, plot, emphasis, and more. 📺Tune in here! youtu.be/DQP1RhTHM4g

youtu.be

The REAL Difference Between Upmarket, Literary & Commercial with Literary Agent Savannah Brooks

YouTube video by The Manuscript Academy, LLC

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