Congratulations to Cathy Ogren on landing an agent! We love Cathy’s story because it’s her continued participation in the writing community that brought her the opportunity to meet her agent. Cathy, we are so excited to see where your new agent relationship leads! 

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

My first attempt at writing was on my bedroom wall, and my first rejection was from my mother!

That didn’t stop me. I’ve continued writing throughout my life. I began by entering writing contests some of which I won. I went on to submit articles and stories to children’s and educational magazines that published my work. I even had a greeting card company buy one of my ideas. And I’ve had two beginning chapter books published.

Early on, I had an agent. We were an easy match being that my agent was also the editor of one of my books before he joined a literary agency. After years of being together, our interests grew apart, and we amicably departed.

After that, I took time to reflect upon what was best for me and my writing career. Because so many publishing houses are closed to writers without agents, I knew having an agent was a great asset. I joined 12 x 12 and began polishing manuscripts with the help and support of the incredible writing community.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I took advantage of many opportunities 12 x 12 offers to get know more about agents through the monthly featured agents and webinars. I read everything I could find online and social media about the agents I was interested in querying. I also kept a list of agents who represented picture book authors taken from the Rights Report on PW Children’s Bookshelf.

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

There are many agents that represent picture books, but I feel there are far more agents that focus on middle grade and young adult books. That’s why it’s important to research your options to make sure picture books are a priority with a potential agent.

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

Query letters are not my strong point. I took baby steps. I started out with three query letters to my preferred agents. I received some nice comments, but all were rejected. I improved my query letter and sent it out to four more agents. Again, some nice comments, but they were all rejections. Before sending out more, I got a lucky break.

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

My new agent is Victoria Selvaggio from Storm Literary Agency.

In March of last year, I saw Vivian Kirkfield’s #50PreciousWordsWriting Challenge. I wrote three 50-word ho-hum stories that had a beginning, middle, and end. I went back into my documents and found a very short story I had been working on for years. I reworked it into 48 words and posted that one on the link provided. To my utter surprise and amazement, I was the first-place winner. As my prize, I chose a critique from Essie White from Storm Literary Agency. She liked what she saw and asked if she could send it to her new partner, Victoria Selvaggio. Of course, I said yes. Victoria also liked what I had to offer and asked for 4-6 more manuscripts. While she was looking them over, I was researching everything I could find about her. After emailing each other several times and following up on her suggestions on how to improve my manuscripts, a phone conversation was set up.

I knew Victoria was “the one” when we began talking. She immediately made me feel at ease. She answered my list of questions, and she has a great sense of humor. When she offered me representation over the phone, I jumped on it!

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

When writing, I’m more conscious of clarity, transitions, and page turns.

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

This business is extremely competitive. Make sure to research agents before querying them. Go to conferences and network. Take classes and webinars to hone your craft. Make sure your writing is unique. No matter how many rejections you get, never give up!

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

Although I’m on social media and have a blog, I don’t think they were a huge help in finding my agent.

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

With guidance, encouragement, and help from Julie Hedlund, Kelli Panique, the critique ninjas and elves, and the entire 12 x 12 writing community, I have become a better writer. 12 x 12 is a treasure trove of support and information.

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

This may sound a bit crazy, and it hasn’t been my life-long dream. It’s more like a nightmare. We live close to Boston and drive there often. Traffic is always horrific. Consequently, I’ve never driven there by myself. On my “bucket list,” I want to conquer my fear of driving in the city. For me, that would be a huge accomplishment—and I’d like a starred review for a published book!

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

I have two manuscripts out on submission, and, with Victoria’s input, I’m revising and polishing two more to be subbed. My fingers are crossed that one of these will catch the eye of an editor. In the meantime, I keep on doing what I love—writing!