Today, Carolyn Leiloglou brings us a different kind of How I Got My Agent story. It’s the story of how she got her second agent. It’s more common than most writers think to part ways with an agent and we hope Carolyn’s post offers encouragement to those that find themselves unexpectedly submitting again. Congratulations, Carolyn, on the new agent AND the new book deal!

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

I had actually just parted ways with my previous agent in May 2021 after three years of not being able to sell a manuscript. It was a scary decision because even though I’ve heard it’s easier to get a second agent than a first, I had no idea how long it would take. I never would have believed it would only take two months!

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I had saved my research and submission records from when I had been looking for an agent three years before. That’s what I started with, but of course, I had to update those. I checked Manuscript Wish List and purchased a month-long subscription to Publisher’s Marketplace. I knew I wanted an agent with more experience and a solid sales record, so instead of submitting widely, I was very choosy in my submissions.

The agent I ended up signing with I found through an online conference for Christian children’s writers called Writing for Your Life. I hadn’t heard of her before, but she had a great track record, and having heard her speak and answer questions, I felt she was definitely someone I could work well with.

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

I only sent seven (for context, on my first agent search, I sent seventy-two). I think I got two or three nos before the yes!

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

I was actually looking for an agent who would represent picture books and middle-grade, and there are plenty out there, but it does take research.

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

Keely Boeving at WordServe Literary! Honestly, my head is still spinning several months later because of how quickly everything happened. I heard back from her about a week after submitting. We had “the call,” and I knew she was right for me.

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

Keely represents books in both the Christian and general markets, which is rare, but great for me as I’m interested in writing for both. I knew from hearing her talk and seeing her track record that she was really knowledgeable in the industry. And when we spoke, I felt very comfortable with her. Also, the other authors she put me in contact with had such glowing things to say about her. And they were right! She’s just as amazing as they said.

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 🙂 )

Yes! One big help was being able to hear other authors in the 12 x 12 community share their agent stories, which gave me the courage to part with my agent and start the search all over. Seeing those other stories helped me know that changing agents is common and that it wasn’t my fault that things didn’t work out.

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

It has. We decided to focus on my middle-grade novel since an editor (again, from the conference) was interested in it based on the pitch. Keely (very gently but persistently) pushed me to finish revising it so we could send it out. If I hadn’t known she was waiting for it, it would have taken me months to finish. So picture books are on hold for now, but not forgotten!

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

Don’t settle. Make sure the agent you are signing with has a good track record and glowing reviews from the authors that work with her.

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

It may have helped her be interested. My platform isn’t huge, but I have a consistent track record with it and a good open rate on my email newsletter.

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 🙂 )

I’d love to travel more. Going back to Italy and Greece is definitely on my bucket list!

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

Thanks to my new agent, I’ve signed a three-book deal with WaterBrook (Penguin Random House) for my middle-grade series The Restorationists. I’ve got two more books to write, so that will keep me busy for quite a while. But I have a few picture book ideas pinging around in my head that I need to take the time to write as well.

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