Congratulations to Chelsea Lin Wallace! Chelsea has been on our Winners Wall for the past two years, which isn’t surprising when you read that she writes several drafts a month. Not only is she a prolific writer, she’s spends time getting educated about the craft and, during her agent search, spent time researching agents so her submissions were targeted at agents she knew would be a good fit for her work. Chelsea reminds us to take advantage of those in-person opportunities with agents and editors you admire. It’s wonderful to see all your work pay off, Chelsea!

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

I started writing when I was 6 and hit it big (ha) when my story “The Samante Saddle” won a publishing contest in 3^rd grade. But in adulthood, my career path zigzagged from sales to marketing to education. It was when I started teaching kids creative writing that my passion came flooding back. I found my way back to what I love and was meant to do. Once I decided to focus on picture book writing professionally, I’d say I started querying agents about a year into my craft.  I was writing every day, attending various conferences, had formed a critique group, paid for several professional consultations, and had 2-3 polished manuscripts under my belt. I was ready to take the agent plunge.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

For each query letter, I did an exhaustive search of the agency and the agent. I looked at Publishers Marketplace, any and all blogs where an agent had done an interview, the agency’s website, the agent’s social media accounts, etc.  It was important I made a targeted choice both for myself and out of respect to the agent. I also researched how to write a proper query letter.

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

I probably queried around 15-20 agents and had 15-20 rejections over the course of a year. This was for a different manuscript than the one the landed me my agent.

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

This is where the extra work paid off. I went beyond the agency website and checked out interviews on blogs and social media where I found extended conversations. It also helped to attend conferences and go to breakout sessions where agents spoke at greater length regarding their needs and wants.

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

Jen Rofé from Andrea Brown Literary Agency is my agent! It still feels like a dream come true! We met at a manuscript consultation at the SCBWI-LA conference in 2017.  She asked me to revise and return that manuscript along with other work. A week later, we had a meeting over the phone where she offered me representation. I said “YES!” right on the spot.  When it’s right, it’s right. And it’s been magic working with her ever since.

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

Ah, serendipity! I don’t mean to sound like a Hallmark movie, but here is why: The Andrea Brown Agency was the first agency I queried. I just knew I wanted to be a part of ABLA from the beginning of this journey. Then, a year after that query, while at the SCBWI Summer conference, I was paired with Jen for a consultation on a brand new manuscript.  After meeting her in-person, hearing her feedback, and attending two of her breakout sessions, I knew this was meant to be. You may need some goggles now, because I’m going to gush. Jen is ridiculously hard-working, passionate, and so smart about this business. She is an editorial agent with fantastic instincts. She is responsive, supportive, and genuinely interested in helping me grow my career. Whew. I expect her mailbox to be full of query letters after this. J

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  )

A resounding YES!  In so many ways. First and foremost is the community. The support, guidance, feedback, and mentorship that the 12 x 12 writing community provides are invaluable. 12 x 12 on Facebook is a place where people share ideas, experiences, resources, and inspiration. I also love the webinars. They are amazing teaching tools. Finally, one of the most helpful things you can do as a writer is help other writers. Reading and providing feedback on manuscripts flexes your editorial muscle and grows you as a writer. So, yes, 12 x 12 has been incredible. I am so grateful to Julie and Kelli for all of the amazing work they do to create this world for picture book writers.

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

What an interesting question. My process has always been to write, write, write, stay educated, stay involved, take advantage of the lessons I learn, and to always listen to my incredibly brilliant critique group and use their feedback to grow.

Since getting an agent, none of that has changed. However, I did learn something new about taking care of my artistry through this experience that I think is important to share.

Upon getting an agent, I had a wave of adrenaline and I felt legitimized. This was followed by panic. I wrote voraciously for two weeks straight, hoping to spit out the next success. It didn’t quite happen that way. I had a moment of self-doubt, and I turned to 12 x 12 and to my critique group for support. The community reminded me that this feeling is normal and is experienced by all of us throughout our journey. There were mounds of brilliant suggestions for how to take care of my creative soul.

I gained several other tools in my process arsenal since getting an agent. I am more mindful about which mss to focus on, extremely diligent about getting those that have legs polished and sent to Jen for feedback, and I try to anticipate any concerns she might have ahead of time so that I am working as efficiently and effectively as I can. I am an extremely prolific writer; I tend to write several drafts a month.

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

Oh, let’s see. Those ‘p’ words come up again: perseverance, patience, positivity, participation, and practice. I will break that down.  Be diligent and don’t give up. Be smart about your querying. Get to know these agents. Be patient. It doesn’t happen overnight and may not happen with your first manuscript. Stay positive. Rejections are difficult, they sting. Make sure to stay around supportive energy. The 12 x 12 community is a lifeline for this along with a fabulous critique group.  Participate in conferences, groups like 12 x 12, workshops, etc. I can’t tell you what a difference this made for me. I always paid extra for a consultation and it ended up paying off. This is a great way to immerse deeper into the industry. Finally, keep practicing your craft!

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

I have a poetry blog on Instagram with a significant following. While it didn’t land my agent, I was glad I was able to share this with her because I think it boosted my appeal. I recently created my own web site as well. I think that having an online media presence is vital.

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 hug an elephant. Or see a whale up close. Or snuggle a wombat. I’m a life-long animal activist so this would be a total dream.

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

I have a ms under contract (yippee), I have a manuscript out on submission (fingers crossed), two revised manuscripts with my agent (eep), and a new story draft with my critique group. New stories keep swirling in my head, percolating, trying to find their beat. And I am creating new poetry for my blog. I’m pumping with creativity at the moment; it’s a very exciting time to be a writer.