Today, we raise our glasses to Celina Kamler! Celina found by expanding her genres she grew in unexpected ways. She also opened herself up to different types of agents which led to success. 

Way to go, Celina! 

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 children’s books in Dec 2020, when the pandemic brought me to the conclusion that life is short and I urgently needed to pursue my dream of writing and illustrating children’s books. I started querying too early– September 2021, as soon as I completed my first dummy. I didn’t really know what I was doing!

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I did tons of research and attended every webinar I could find. I scoured Manuscript Wish List for agents interested in the kinds of stories I was writing. I made a spreadsheet to track agent name, agency, submission instructions, query manager link, response time, name of manuscript, date sent, when to follow up, and what the agent’s comments were if I heard back. I made the mistake many new authors make: I immediately queried my top-choice agent who is VERY senior and has a VERY full client list. Of course I got rejected. A year and a half later, I realized I should query agents who don’t have such full client lists.

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

23 picture book queries, 22 middle grade queries. So 45 total. I got four full requests after submitting sample pages of my middle grade novel (a full request is when the agent asks to see the full manuscript). Ultimately, I only got one offer but got close with two other agents.

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

I sought out agents who wanted to represent both middle grade and picture books. My breakthrough came when I realized my middle grade writing was stronger than my picture book writing, thanks in large part to my amazing critique partners. Branching out to different genres opens doors. While I started out thinking I only wanted to write PB’s, I’m now experimenting with different formats and genres.

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

My agent is Shari Maurer of The Stringer Literary Agency. She’s relatively new to the role and the agency is small. We had a long courtship process. I queried her in February 2023 and she immediately asked for my full manuscript. She then sent a ‘revise and resubmit’ request. I took about six weeks to make the edits she requested and submitted again in April. We didn’t have “the call” until late November, but she kept emailing me throughout the year to let me know she was still thinking of me. When I finally got the email in November asking for a call, I screamed in my car and blasted happy music. It was the same week I lost my job, but I didn’t care anymore– I kept shouting out my car window, “I got an agent!!!”

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

We have a lot in common in terms of values and work style. We’re both passionate about social justice issues and we’re both Type A/ get sh*t done women. When we spoke over Zoom, I liked that she was energetic and direct. She said she “wanted to marry my book” which is pretty much the best compliment you could give an author.

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 🙂 )

The webinars and community have been tremendously helpful. I found my critique groups through 12×12. I owe so much to my critique partners— I’ve learned more from them than I have from the many writing classes I’ve taken over the past three years. Kidlit writers are warm, supportive, and kind. When I joined 12×12, I felt like I’d finally found my people.

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

I’m more focused on writing middle grade, and I feel pressure to get the next novel done sooner than the first. But I’m also writing and illustrating picture books when I can. My process is more efficient now, and I won’t make a dummy until I have thoroughly polished a manuscript.

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

Seek out more junior agents who are still building their client lists. Senior agents are very selective; you’ll increase your odds of getting a positive response with newer agents. You’ll also get more attention from them if they choose to represent you!

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

Not really. But before Twitter died, a few agents gave me hearts during pitch events. I enjoy Instagram for connecting with other kidlit illustrators and writers— I love supporting other creatives and sometimes I even meet folks IRL, at writing retreats or conferences.

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 🙂 )

My big dream is to have my middle grade historical fiction novel that is currently out on submission (eeee!) become a must-read for all 7th graders. I’d also LOVE to illustrate my own picture books.

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

I’m writing a contemporary middle grade novel set in my town (Alameda, CA) and a STEM picture book.