Stacey Leybas

Disciple of Jesus Christ. #kidlit writer. Theoretical traveler. Cries during Olympic montages.

[Emma Clarke @emmaclarkeillu1]

Happy World Book Day. Here’s an old illustration that seems right for today.

[Sandra Boynton @SandyBoynton]

Excellent day to just stay home. #GroundhogDay

[Phyllis Harris @PhyllisHarris]

I was on an airplane yesterday so I am a day late for #KidLitArtPostcard day. I am an author-illustrator who loves to create heart-tugging art for kid's books. I am represented by @adriamgoetz at @ktliterary.

[Stacey Leybas @StaceyLeybas]

Got my most personalized rejection yet today. It still stings, but it also feels good to be moving in the right direction and to feel like I’m improving as a writer.

Dark chocolate feels appropriately celebratory and commiseratory.

[Stacey Leybas @StaceyLeybas]

I always get fat bookmarks for this reason. 😂

[Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez @KaitlynLeann17]

I totally cover the end of the page or chapter with my hand sometimes, who else does this?? #kidlit #amreading

[Stacey Leybas @StaceyLeybas]

@MorganShamy My husband and kids know I write, and they know basic info about my projects, but they don’t read what I write, which is fine by me. I’d rather have support in the form of time to write!

[Stacey Leybas @StaceyLeybas]

@ToriRWeed Really. When I’m done drafting I do a search and delete each one because it’s rarely needed. 😂

[Amy's Opening for Submissions June 12th, 2026 @AmyNielsen06]

Some #amquerying authors (me included) struggle with word count. I built this resource for you, and it's not just my own opinions, I include some top industry professionals giving their take. I hope it's helpful! You got this! #WritingCommunity https://t.co/NI61YGBuoZ

[Sarah Allen (MONSTER TREE out now!) @SarahAllenBooks]

Giving writing advice often feels too impostery for me, but I still want to support and help all you amazing folks starting #NaNoWriMo today. So instead, let's do a writing meme every day this month! You are not alone and you got this! Happy NaNoIng!

[Amy's Opening for Submissions June 12th, 2026 @AmyNielsen06]

If you're an #amquerying author, my best advice is to go through your manuscript and check for these things before querying. (blog post coming soon.) #WritingCommmunity 🧵

[Stacey Leybas @StaceyLeybas]

@AmyNielsen06 Yay! I love expanding my #WritingCommmunity!

[Stacey Leybas @StaceyLeybas]

@lhnatiuk Just finished the fabulous Mustaches for Maddie by @SBrownwriter (my 12yo’s fav)! Up next, book-club-mandated reads including These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer and Carrie Soto is Back. Hopefully I’ll be back to my MG TBR pile soon!

[Amy's Opening for Submissions June 12th, 2026 @AmyNielsen06]

🧵The #amquerying queries I've received are top-notch. Authors have really polished their queries. You ROCK! But I wanted to give some insight if I pass on yours as some things I'm looking for that are SUPER easy fixes. And yes, when I re-open resub:)

[Amy's Opening for Submissions June 12th, 2026 @AmyNielsen06]

🧵#amquerying I know the query letter can feel scary. But, it doesn't have to be. I'm going to break it down into a simple formula so that you can plug in your story's information and feel confident you are putting your best literary foot forward toward any agent you query!

[Official Bluey TV @OfficialBlueyTV]

If you're brave and honest, things will work out! 😊 #Bluey

[Dick King-Smith HQ @DickKingSmith]

“Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient.” - Aristotle.

[Stacey Leybas @StaceyLeybas]

@HerringAli Degree: Recreation Management and Youth Leadership with a Music minor
Job: mostly SAHM (best job ever!), plus a Let’s Play Music franchise owner

The minor for the win!

[Alyssa Matesic @AlyssaMatesic]

For your novel to work, your plot has to hold up from beginning to end. But that’s much easier said than done.

One of the biggest plot issues I see when editing? An overall lack of cohesion btwn different parts of the book (an #amwriting 🧵):

[Stacey Leybas @StaceyLeybas]

@amandarhill32 I’ll officially guess #2 even though I think I’m wrong. I can hardly wait to read this one!