We love the tenacity Carol Ekster displays in her journey today. She queried for 11 years before finding an agent that was the right fit, but she didn’t let that keep her from getting published. She pursued publishers as well as agents and, most importantly, kept writing! Carol’s hard work has paid off and she’s here to tell us her story. Congrats, Carol!
How long had you been writing before seeking an agent, and what made you decide it was time to look for one?
I began writing in 2002 and didn’t seriously start querying agents until 2010. So it’s been about eleven years. But the truth is, I submit widely for myself and have had some successes with small presses and magazine sales. So, every time I’d get an agent rejection or no response, I just carried on for myself. But now I have over 100 manuscripts and realized that not only do I have a great need for an agent to help me at this point in my career, the times pretty much demand it.
What kind of research did you do before submitting?
I read many interviews in all the #kidlit communications and would google agents when I got a positive response. But nothing worked out until now!
The dreaded questions: How many queries? How many rejections?
In my “agent” folder I have 181 documents. Some never responded. Some queries I’m sure I forgot to add to the folder. That’s over the eleven years.
Was it difficult to find an agent who wanted to represent an author focusing on picture books?
Yes! It seemed like the majority of agents only want author/illustrators or aren’t interested in an author of picture books only.
Who is your new agent? Tell us about getting the news.
My agent is Kaitlyn Sanchez. Luckily, I saw a Tweet that she was opened to queries for four days. I knew her name from the #kidlit community on Twitter. I jumped on it. I heard back from her in a few days. She loved the concept but suggested some revisions. I got back to her in two days with those edits, and she said she cried at the end. She told me she’d send me more notes for this story and another one I sent. I was so excited. When I didn’t hear back in a number of weeks, I nudged. She thought she was waiting for me! Anyway, all worked out in the end. When she did get me more notes on the story, I loved her comments and edits and sent back the revised manuscript. That’s when I got a surprise phone call to tell me how much she loved the revision and we set up another phone call so I’d have time to prepare any questions I had. Two days later when we talked, she offered me representation.
How did you know your agent was “the one”?
I loved her passion, that she “got” my stories, that she felt like an old friend, that we couldn’t stop talking! I just connected with her. It felt right. I was at first worried that she was a fairly new agent, but she’s a go-getter with amazing energy and enthusiasm, and that’s what I need. I do believe in the process. I waited for the right person, the right time.
If 12 x 12 helped you in any way during your agent search/development of craft, can you tell us how? (P.S. It is TOTALLY okay if the answer is no. I am not trying to “lead” you 🙂 )
I definitely think reading your featured agents help nudge me into making the time to find an agent and to know what I was looking for.
Has your writing process changed at all since signing with an agent?
I have more time to just focus on the writing rather than the business of publishing, though I always think I’ll be interested in that aspect. I consider Kaitlyn a business partner, and I want to do my share when I can to help in any way I can by knowing the business.
What advice would you give to picture book writers looking for agents today?
Read as many interviews as you can. Be active on #PBpitch events. (I sold a book through that event!). Do your homework.
Do you think your platform (blog, social media) helped you find your agent?
Since I found her through Twitter, I’d have to say, yes, it helped me find my agent.
Tell us something that is on your “bucket list.” Something you’ve dreamed of doing all your life but have yet to accomplish (besides publishing a book, which is inevitable at this point 🙂 )
Oh, goodness. I feel so fortunate and blessed with this life. I don’t have a “bucket list.” I’ve gotten to teach elementary school for 35 years. I’ve had books published. I’ve touched lives. That’s such a gift. And, I’m a grandma, and I love my grandson so! I just want to enjoy the journey I’m on. I’m grateful for each surprise and joy that comes my way.
What’s up next/what are you working on now?
I hope more book sales are up next! And I have about 30 items in my “still revising” folder. I usually share my work with at least three out of my five critique groups and some other writing buddies before I think it’s ready to go out in the world. And now I have an insightful amazing agent who is great at editing to make each manuscript better than I thought possible.
31 Responses
Thanks so much for sharing this, and Carol, I love being reminded of how we got together! Never stop following up; it leads to wonderful things!
Congrats Carol! Kaitlyn does have that positive, happy energy:> PS. Do you really belong to 5 critique groups?! How did you find 5 groups?! I need to branch out!! The only groups that I can find are writers brand new to writing or new to writing picture books. I’ve been writing for 8 years so I’d love to find a more advanced group!
Polly, I really do belong to 5. Two branched off from larger groups. The first started with an SCBWI group that met in my local library. And two others were from connections I met at conferences. I love being in so many different groups! I do not write alone.
What a wonderful story, Carol! Kaitlyn was definitely worth the wait, huh? I’m so glad the two of you connected, and my agent, James, and Kaitlyn are CPs. Such a small world. We’re all connected through this fabulous writing community, and I’m so glad to be connected with both of you!
Yes, Valerie! I love this #kidlit community and the support of so many.
Carol,
How inspiring . You are very productive. I admire that! I also appreciate Kaitlyns energy. Congratulations!
Sue
Thanks for sharing your story, Carol! I am so happy for you!
Thanks, Carrie. Great to have met you in my journey.
Congratulations, Carol! Loved reading about your journey!
Hi Carol!!
Congratulations!! I’m celebrating with you!! Way to hang in there AND enjoy the journey, too. You certainly have earned it and deserve all the blessings that follow 🙂 Kudos!
Thank you, Ann. Nice to see you here as well as the Writers’ Happiness Project!
Great to hear your story Carol. It inspires us to keep going and wishing you every success in your ongoing endeavors 🙂
What a great interview, Carol! You are inspiring and I love that I get to be in one of your 5 critique groups. Congratulations on everything, it is well-deserved.
Thanks, Hilary. You are so kind!
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your journey!
Congratulations, Carol! How wonderful! The right agent at the right time. Way to keep going! More wonderful things yet ahead for you!
Thanks, Amy. Kaitlyn was definitely worth the wait. You must believe in the process.
Your journey is so encouraging to me. Thank you for sharing, Carol! I wish you all the best with forthcoming books!
Marci, that’s why communities like 12×12 are so important. We learn about others’ journeys and know we’ll each have our own path to follow. You just have to hang in there, work at the process of writing, and practice patience.
It sounds like you and Kaitlyn are a perfect match! Congrats to both of you!
Jilanne, I feel so blessed to have found her! Good luck on your writing journey.
Great post, Carol– thanks for sharing! I love your positive attitude! 🙂
Best of luck to you and Kaitlyn!
Carol, Thank you for sharing your story. Much apprecaited.
Thanks for sharing your story, Carol! So happy your tenacity paid off in such a wonderful way!
Terri and Cindy, thanks for reading!
Perseverance pays off and finding the right fit – both important concepts! Your journey as a PB author is so inspiring and gives me confidence that one day, I, too, will succeed. Thank you for sharing.
This is so inspiring!!! Thank you for sharing your journey!
Love to read this journey story! 🙂 Congrats on representation and may your hard work continue to pay off!
What an incredibly inspiring journey, Carol. I will keep your resilience in mind with each query. Congratulations to you and Kaitlyn- wishing you much success!
Thank you to all who have taken the time to read this and respond. I so appreciate your support and good wishes.
Thanks for posting your story Carol. It is a long journey. I hope you have continued success.