Anne Cavanaugh Sawan proves that writers write. Whether it was essays, articles, or books, Anne kept her skills sharp by continuing to write even when the rejections came in. Her careful research ensured she sent the perfect manuscript to her new agent. After cheering Anne on for years in the 12 x 12 challenge, we are thrilled to congratulate her on her new agent! 

Way to go, Anne!

How long had you been writing before seeking an agent, and what made you decide it was time to look for one?

I have been writing for a very long time. I have had articles published over the years on several popular online sites such as Grown and Flown, Bluntmoms, and Scary Mommies. I also have had articles published in Brain-Child and Adoptive Families magazines as well as a chapter in the publication, Chicken Soup for the Soul for Teachers. In 2015, I won a writing contest which included getting my book, What Can Your Grandma Do, published by Clavis Publishing. Since then they have published two more of my books and one more is on the way this year. I have enjoyed working with them but felt like I was possibly missing out on opportunities by not having an agent. I continued to submit to agents through 12 x 12 and others writing sites but nothing was clicking.

The dreaded questions: How many queries? How many rejections?

Too many to count! I actually don’t keep those numbers but I can tell you that for the book that got Mary’s attention, I hadn’t sent it to anyone else.

Was it difficult to find an agent who wanted to represent an author focusing on picture books?

No.

Who is your new agent? Tell us about getting the news.

Mary Cummings of Great River Literary is my new agent! One night I was looking through MSWL and read Mary’s profile and thought, “I have a book she might like ”, so I sent it to her. I am so used to rejection or just crickets from agents that when she sent me an email THE NEXT DAY saying she loved my book and wanted to talk I almost hit the floor!

How did you know your agent was “the one”?

First and foremost, she loved my writing so that’s a great way to start! She was very clear and direct but also very supportive and excited to work with me. I could tell she would go to bat for me.

If 12 x 12 helped you in any way during your agent search/development of craft, can you tell us how? 

Absolutely it has helped! I may not have connected with my agent through 12 x 12, but the information I learned, and continue to learn, is invaluable. I tell everyone I know who is interested in writing picture books to join.

Has your writing process changed at all since signing with an agent?

Not yet, but it’s all new right now.

What advice would you give to picture book writers looking for agents today?

After you finish your book and you know it’s perfect and ready to submit…wait. Put it away for a week or longer, then take it out and read it again. Read it out loud as if you are reading it to a child. Send it to yourself in an email and read it as an agent. Try printing it out in a different font and read it again. Then wait another week and do the same thing. Sometimes you will see where the book you thought was done actually would be better with a few changes.

I’m always telling my kids, “You never know. Throw your hat in the ring” which basically means, you don’t know if you don’t try. So, try. You never know what is going to stick.

Also, join groups, take classes, and learn all you can from those who know the business but don’t forget to be true to yourself, never lose your voice, and write what you need to write.

Do you think your platform (blog, social media) helped you find your agent?

I have a long neglected blog from years ago and the only social media I am consistently active on is Facebook, so I would say no. I am thinking of jumping onto Instagram.

Tell us something that is on your “bucket list.” Something you’ve dreamed of doing all your life but have yet to accomplish.

I love to travel. I hope to someday visit Australia and Japan.

What’s up next/what are you working on now?

Always more picture books, and a novel.