Michelle Witte
@michellewitte.bsky.social
Children’s literary agent with Mansion Street Literary (currently closed to queries) and mental health advocate. I also write craptastic books. She/her.
www.michellewitteliterary.com
www.michellewitteliterary.com
Pinned
My Bluesky philosophy: I’m here to build community, esp with book lovers, particularly kidlit. I block liberally anyone who is being a jerk, whether to myself or others. I want an uplifting space filled with books, cute animals, and random nerdery. Anyone who doesn’t like that, feel free to block.
I’m gonna have to mute the dictionary today, aren’t I? I’m trying to decide if @merriam-webster.com is just trying to show exactly how many people make the same terrible joke by reposting ALL of them, or if they’re setting out to prove the “everyone on the internet is twelve” theory.
February 2, 2026 at 2:02 PM
I’m gonna have to mute the dictionary today, aren’t I? I’m trying to decide if @merriam-webster.com is just trying to show exactly how many people make the same terrible joke by reposting ALL of them, or if they’re setting out to prove the “everyone on the internet is twelve” theory.
Reposted by Michelle Witte
Read banned books.
Read books that make you cry.
Read books written by friends.
Read books you don’t quite understand yet.
Read books of ancient magic that transform you into a dark being of the cosmos, capable of such wonderful & terrible things.
Read books that make you cry.
Read books written by friends.
Read books you don’t quite understand yet.
Read books of ancient magic that transform you into a dark being of the cosmos, capable of such wonderful & terrible things.
January 12, 2026 at 12:03 AM
Read banned books.
Read books that make you cry.
Read books written by friends.
Read books you don’t quite understand yet.
Read books of ancient magic that transform you into a dark being of the cosmos, capable of such wonderful & terrible things.
Read books that make you cry.
Read books written by friends.
Read books you don’t quite understand yet.
Read books of ancient magic that transform you into a dark being of the cosmos, capable of such wonderful & terrible things.
I just found out about the Query Timelines feature on Query Tracker, and I’m sorry to break it to you, but I’m kind of a chaos goblin, often with no rhyme or reason to how I read queries and request manuscripts. I do inbox triage in my own special way, so I dare anyone to make sense of it.
February 1, 2026 at 1:51 AM
I just found out about the Query Timelines feature on Query Tracker, and I’m sorry to break it to you, but I’m kind of a chaos goblin, often with no rhyme or reason to how I read queries and request manuscripts. I do inbox triage in my own special way, so I dare anyone to make sense of it.
“Hello? Hello, is anyone here? Where did you go?”
This is how the kitty greets me every morning when he comes down the stairs to find me. I wasn’t fast enough to catch his forlorn “Where has everyone gone?” meows, but someday I will.
This is how the kitty greets me every morning when he comes down the stairs to find me. I wasn’t fast enough to catch his forlorn “Where has everyone gone?” meows, but someday I will.
January 31, 2026 at 6:17 PM
“Hello? Hello, is anyone here? Where did you go?”
This is how the kitty greets me every morning when he comes down the stairs to find me. I wasn’t fast enough to catch his forlorn “Where has everyone gone?” meows, but someday I will.
This is how the kitty greets me every morning when he comes down the stairs to find me. I wasn’t fast enough to catch his forlorn “Where has everyone gone?” meows, but someday I will.
HA HA I HAVE A CUDDLE BUDDY AND YOU DON’T
January 31, 2026 at 5:58 AM
HA HA I HAVE A CUDDLE BUDDY AND YOU DON’T
All told, it looks like the auction raised over $216,000 for Minnesota charities and organizations. Well done everyone!
January 31, 2026 at 4:48 AM
All told, it looks like the auction raised over $216,000 for Minnesota charities and organizations. Well done everyone!
Looks like the query packet critique I donated went for $510 so whoever won will also get a 30-minute Zoom call with me. Huzzah!
January 31, 2026 at 4:47 AM
Looks like the query packet critique I donated went for $510 so whoever won will also get a 30-minute Zoom call with me. Huzzah!
I went over to Threads to post about my stretch goal for the auction, and WOW was I not prepared for the full-on racist drama going on in Book Threads. Thankfully the ratio is appropriately severe and people are calling it out for what it is.
January 31, 2026 at 2:28 AM
I went over to Threads to post about my stretch goal for the auction, and WOW was I not prepared for the full-on racist drama going on in Book Threads. Thankfully the ratio is appropriately severe and people are calling it out for what it is.
There’s only a few hours left on the auction to raise money to help the people of Minnesota. I’m willing to up the stakes and throw in a 30-minute Zoom call as a stretch goal if bidding goes over $500. (It’s currently at $420.)
The Publishing for Minnesota auction is now live, so you can bid on the Query Package Critique I donated here: www.32auctions.com/organization... Plus tons of other great stuff for writers, illustrators, readers & teachers. Where else are you going to find first editions signed by Suzanne Collins?
Query Package Critique
Auction item 'Query Package Critique' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
January 31, 2026 at 1:18 AM
There’s only a few hours left on the auction to raise money to help the people of Minnesota. I’m willing to up the stakes and throw in a 30-minute Zoom call as a stretch goal if bidding goes over $500. (It’s currently at $420.)
I’ve been dealing with migraines intermittently for the past week, and I have to tell the thing that has helped the most for longer-lasting relief has been acupuncture. Just an fyi for those suffering from severe headaches who are struggling to find relief.
January 31, 2026 at 12:51 AM
I’ve been dealing with migraines intermittently for the past week, and I have to tell the thing that has helped the most for longer-lasting relief has been acupuncture. Just an fyi for those suffering from severe headaches who are struggling to find relief.
Reposted by Michelle Witte
The Onion was started by a time traveler trying to prevent a grimdark future but could only skirt chrono-law by couching his warnings as satire.
January 30, 2026 at 9:25 PM
The Onion was started by a time traveler trying to prevent a grimdark future but could only skirt chrono-law by couching his warnings as satire.
Reposted by Michelle Witte
The Publishing for Minnesota auction is now live, so you can bid on the Query Package Critique I donated here: www.32auctions.com/organization... Plus tons of other great stuff for writers, illustrators, readers & teachers. Where else are you going to find first editions signed by Suzanne Collins?
Query Package Critique
Auction item 'Query Package Critique' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:19 AM
The Publishing for Minnesota auction is now live, so you can bid on the Query Package Critique I donated here: www.32auctions.com/organization... Plus tons of other great stuff for writers, illustrators, readers & teachers. Where else are you going to find first editions signed by Suzanne Collins?
The Publishing for Minnesota auction is now live, so you can bid on the Query Package Critique I donated here: www.32auctions.com/organization... Plus tons of other great stuff for writers, illustrators, readers & teachers. Where else are you going to find first editions signed by Suzanne Collins?
Query Package Critique
Auction item 'Query Package Critique' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:19 AM
The Publishing for Minnesota auction is now live, so you can bid on the Query Package Critique I donated here: www.32auctions.com/organization... Plus tons of other great stuff for writers, illustrators, readers & teachers. Where else are you going to find first editions signed by Suzanne Collins?
Reposted by Michelle Witte
Tomorrow night! 9pm EST / 6pm PST. Join @charlenedraws.bsky.social and I for our monthly chat. This month’s topic is all about giving and receiving critiques as a KidLit artist. #kidlitart
January's topic for #KidLitArt chat will be - Giving and Receiving Critiques
Join your hosts on Jan 29, 9pm EST/6pm PST for an hour-long chat about critiques!
Banner art by @weyakindesigns.bsky.social
Join your hosts on Jan 29, 9pm EST/6pm PST for an hour-long chat about critiques!
Banner art by @weyakindesigns.bsky.social
January 29, 2026 at 2:36 AM
Tomorrow night! 9pm EST / 6pm PST. Join @charlenedraws.bsky.social and I for our monthly chat. This month’s topic is all about giving and receiving critiques as a KidLit artist. #kidlitart
I have a kitty who is currently offering kisses if anyone would like and/or need one.
January 29, 2026 at 3:07 AM
I have a kitty who is currently offering kisses if anyone would like and/or need one.
Tons of industry pros (agents, editors, artists) are donating items, so spread the word to writers and illustrators who want professional help on their project. Opportunities like this come very rarely to get feedback from this caliber of professionals. Plus it supports worthy organizations.
Book people showing up. Love it. ❤️ www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Industry Insiders Raising Funds for Minnesotans in Need
Amid ICE’s violent crackdown, two publishing professionals have launched an online auction to benefit nonprofits providing aid to Minnesotans and immigrants. Around 500 items and services have been do...
www.publishersweekly.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Tons of industry pros (agents, editors, artists) are donating items, so spread the word to writers and illustrators who want professional help on their project. Opportunities like this come very rarely to get feedback from this caliber of professionals. Plus it supports worthy organizations.
I'm donating a Query Package Critique to the Publishing for Minnesota auction happening this week, from Jan 28–30. There's a lot of incredible items up for auction, so be sure to check it out and bid on something great—and even better, support the people of Minnesota right now.
Query Package Critique
Auction item 'Query Package Critique' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:51 AM
I'm donating a Query Package Critique to the Publishing for Minnesota auction happening this week, from Jan 28–30. There's a lot of incredible items up for auction, so be sure to check it out and bid on something great—and even better, support the people of Minnesota right now.
Why yes, it is chocolate pudding for dinner night, how did you guess.
January 27, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Why yes, it is chocolate pudding for dinner night, how did you guess.
Someone in publishing is organizing a kidlit auction for Minnesota so I’m planning to donate a critique or AMA or something. I don’t have the bandwidth right now for a full ms critique, but what other type of thing from an agent would you be more willing to pay for? Basically, what has higher value?
January 25, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Someone in publishing is organizing a kidlit auction for Minnesota so I’m planning to donate a critique or AMA or something. I don’t have the bandwidth right now for a full ms critique, but what other type of thing from an agent would you be more willing to pay for? Basically, what has higher value?
Reposted by Michelle Witte
Now, more than ever, we need people making art. The weirder and more distinct, the better.
January 25, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Now, more than ever, we need people making art. The weirder and more distinct, the better.
If you need to get off the internet for the day (or weekend or week) to protect your mental health so you have strength to fight another day, do that. Sad to say, these problems will still be here when you get back. Take care of yourself now if you need to so you can care for others later.
January 24, 2026 at 8:10 PM
If you need to get off the internet for the day (or weekend or week) to protect your mental health so you have strength to fight another day, do that. Sad to say, these problems will still be here when you get back. Take care of yourself now if you need to so you can care for others later.
Reposted by Michelle Witte
someone (a follower!) replied to this with “now is not the time for your babble” and I blocked their ass because it is the time to try to have hope and babbling is how I do that
It is always time to try to have hope
otherwise what are we even fucking doing here
It is always time to try to have hope
otherwise what are we even fucking doing here
Last night I dreamed a faceless woman was holding me. I felt so safe I finally let go of all the horrors and I fell asleep (in the dream, which has to be some sort of inception thing idk)
January 24, 2026 at 8:04 PM
someone (a follower!) replied to this with “now is not the time for your babble” and I blocked their ass because it is the time to try to have hope and babbling is how I do that
It is always time to try to have hope
otherwise what are we even fucking doing here
It is always time to try to have hope
otherwise what are we even fucking doing here
A few weeks ago I saw an author I respect post something about how you should never go back to try and resurrect your first manuscripts, just let them lovingly rest in the graveyard of abandoned projects, but now I can't remember who it was and I'm kicking myself for not liking or saving it.
January 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM
A few weeks ago I saw an author I respect post something about how you should never go back to try and resurrect your first manuscripts, just let them lovingly rest in the graveyard of abandoned projects, but now I can't remember who it was and I'm kicking myself for not liking or saving it.
I completely forgot about the review of my first book that someone posted on B&N, which is my favorite review of a book ever. Kills me every time I see it.
January 23, 2026 at 9:39 PM
I completely forgot about the review of my first book that someone posted on B&N, which is my favorite review of a book ever. Kills me every time I see it.
This is a very chatty (big) kitty. Would converse.
Mawar had a lot to say during some behind-the-scenes downtime! Mawar shares her thoughts the best way she knows how, through chuffs, grumbles, and some seriously impressive tiger talk. Mawar recently celebrated her 7th birthday, and clearly still has big feelings about it. 😂
January 23, 2026 at 4:15 AM
This is a very chatty (big) kitty. Would converse.