For sure! There’s been a lot of discourse about that, especially recently.

I love reading and writing contemporary YA too, and yes, I have heard that it’s struggling as well. I do think stories that span beyond realistic settings will do better right now, but it pains me for the readers who are looking for and need those realistic stories.

I keep thinking about my speculative YA manuscript that I've revisited and revised over the years, the one that somehow also became a climate book. And I want to see where I can go with it. So...to keep my writing juices flowing, that's where I'll focus. And eventually query. 🤞

I made a hard choice recently, after a middle grade IP project I was approached about writing didn't come to be: I'm going to focus more on my YA for a bit.

I love middle grade, and it's been suffering in the industry. I'm not abandoning my stories there; I'm taking a breather.

a woman is pointing at the camera and says `` you are the best ! '' ALT: a woman is pointing at the camera and says `` you are the best ! ''

POV: You've just realized that Independent Bookstore Day is the same weekend you're going to be visiting Portland, Oregon, and your itinerary already has "Visit Powell's Books" listed on that Saturday.

Thank you, universe.

Where and How Book Censorship Is Impacting Children's Publishing Right Now: Book Censorship News, April 10, 2026 Publishing imprints for young readers are shuttering thanks to a softening school and library market. That's the result of book censorship.

Where and How Book Censorship Is Impacting Children’s Publishing Right Now.

Publishing imprints for young readers are shuttering thanks to a softening school and library market. That's the result of book censorship.

bookriot.com/book-bans-an...

It was August 21, 2024. Zoey passed away on August 13, 2024.

Ellie was born basically a week after Zoey died.

I am a firm believer in fate, though it’s often complicated for me. But this was a gentle reminder that there is always a light waiting for you after darkness. 🐾✨

When we took her to her first vet appointment, the records from the rescue listed a couple different birthdates and we wanted to see which one might be the most accurate.

The vet then noticed a third date in one of the records and said that one seemed to make the most sense…

TW: pet death

I shared about a year-and-a-half ago when our beloved eight-year-old shepherd Zoey unexpectedly developed cancer and passed away.

It took us that long before we were ready to adopt a new dog. But Ellie is amazing. She loves snuggling and meeting dogs and people…

So, if you’re reading this and have ever second-guessed your life as it stands now, I really hope there’s something (or someone) in your orbit that can remind you why you’re incredibly lucky to have ended up on this path you’re taking. 💛

It hasn’t always been easy for us, but I am 100% confident that any guy I had previously been with and had strong feelings for would not have stuck with me through all of this. And now he and I have this amazing little girl together.

…that if anything in my life had gone differently, if I had made that other choice, lived in that other place, I very likely would not have ended up with my husband, who truly cares and loves me and accepts all of me, including everything that comes with me being neurodivergent.

I had kind of a scary thing happen late last night where it seemed like all my biggest intrusive thoughts/awful feelings/regrets from all time played through my head like a slideshow on a loop. And even in that dark place, I somehow managed to tell myself…

Here's an info sheet for the new MFA program in Creative Writing at Missouri State University! Drop us a line if you have questions, but we are looking for students for THIS FALL for a fully funded program!

My first Substack article of 2026, and something that's been on my mind for a while . . .

jamiesevans.substack.com/p/the-weirdn...

And because I've received kind responses/requests from agents after sharing previously, I'll add this:

I #amquerying a lightly magical middle grade about a connection that forms between a 12-year-old pianist and her late grandmother through the piano they used to share.

I sent out my first query of 2026...yesterday. I'm not lying when I tell you I'm taking it slow! 😂

As much as my previous agent breakup stung, I want to take the time to make sure I'm approaching agents who I believe would be a great long-term partner. And that my next project is ready.

She’s precious!!

A one-year-old, black-and-white Jack Russell Terrier mix

A one-year-old, black-and-white Jack Russell Terrier mix

The world is on fire (literally and figuratively) and right now I don't have the words to share much comfort, so instead, here are some photos of the sweet doggy we adopted on Valentine's Day. It's all I can offer at the moment, but I hope it makes you smile. 🫶

Can I just say…I am obsessed with the manuscript I’ve been editing for a client and will be wrapping up tomorrow. I missed getting to do this. And I’m happy I get to do it again. 📑👩‍💻💛

My dad is turning 70 in a few months. He doesn’t want to celebrate because his older brother didn’t make it that far. And I get it. I miss my uncle so much.

Anyway, I don’t really know what I mean to say here; I just hope this doesn’t become a regular meal choice again.

This was a big deal for me because I ate it so often before Feb 2024. To not have touched it for almost two years was a milestone for me. Heart disease is prevalent on my dad’s side. I did this to try and slow down whatever heredity will throw at me in the future.

A small thing, but important to me: My uncle passed away in Feb 2024 from a heart attack. He was 69. My dad has also had two heart attacks in his life. I stopped eating McDonald’s that month, all the way until…tonight. Because I’m hurting with the world and just needed comfort food.

Literally just saw this, but omg those vibes!! Good luck! 🤞

Thank you!

Jamie Evans - Editor | Reedsy Atlanta, GA, USA Editor: Detailed and approachable editor with in-house experience at a children's trade publisher, focusing on middle grade, YA, and romance.

2) By requesting a quote via my profile on Reedsy: reedsy.com/jamie-E

I can't wait to see what you've been working on!

Editing Services | Jamie Schlansky Evans Jamie Schlansky Evans is an Atlanta-based freelance editor who specializes in middle grade and YA. Learn more about her editing services.

1) By filling out my quote request form on my website: jamie-evans.com/editing-serv...

Looking for a detailed, approachable, and friendly editor who will work with you to enhance your writing, answer your questions about publishing, and cheer you on? Here are two ways to hire me:

Hi, friends!

Just sharing that I have now officially reopened to freelance editing projects. I offer manuscript evaluations, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading for a range of middle grade, YA, and romance projects.

a man in a black and white sweater is holding his hands to his chest . ALT: a man in a black and white sweater is holding his hands to his chest .

My brother: Happy Birthday! You’re now old enough to run for president!

Me: Oh dear GOD.

Hello, 35. 👋