Today we have the pleasure of celebrating Christina Shawn’s journey to signing with an agent. We love that 12 x 12 has had such a positive impact on Christina and her writing. We can’t wait to celebrate her book birthdays in 2025!

Congrats, Christina!

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

I always wrote poetry and stories for myself as a way of processing my emotions. In 2016, I wrote my first picture book (sort of by accident) and was hooked. I began taking writing classes and then joined 12 x 12. In 2019, when I had 3 manuscripts “ready” for submission I sent out a few agent queries and was briefly represented by a project-by-project agent (which led to a book deal!) but ultimately decided a career agent would be a better fit. I had been in search of a career agent for two years.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I received QueryTracker updates, followed agents on Twitter, read or watched every interview I could find, and kept a list of agents and agencies of interest.

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

Wow, counting them all up is overwhelming! With several different manuscripts, I sent out approximately 130 queries. About half didn’t receive any responses, and 6 received requests for more materials. All the rest were rejections.

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

Not necessarily, but I am not an illustrator and it was often difficult to find agents who would accept queries from authors who were not also illustrators.

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

Liz Nealon of Great Dog Literary is my wonderful agent. She is smart, kind, and the true champion in my corner that I hoped for. After a Zoom call and follow up email with additional manuscripts, she offered me representation, and I knew from the start we would make a great team.

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

From the very first encounter, Liz was a delight to communicate with. We honestly could talk for hours about books, life, and literacy. I loved her holistic approach to agenting, wanting to know about me as a whole person and where my career could go, instead of just focusing on one project. The connection feels right.

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 🙂 )

When I began my writing journey, I felt mostly alone. It wasn’t until I took an in-person writing class with Hannah Barnaby that I heard about 12 x 12. Becoming a part of a community that was sharing questions, wisdom, and manuscripts was a dream come true. I met my first online critique group through 12 x 12 and they are some of the best women and writers I know. 12 x 12 opened up my very tiny writing world in a very big way.

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

It may be too soon to answer that question! Mostly, I am calmer about my writing. I feel seen. I have so many manuscripts already written and I am excited to go through them with Liz. I feel focused and supported, and excited to see what’s next.

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

It can get really hard out there in the query trenches. Having a support group of writers is essential. Having one or two super close CP / friends has been invaluable for me. I’d say, don’t restrict yourself to the way you think the process should look. Nurture all the parts of your life. It is amazing how many “non-writing” engagements lead to valuable connections and bursts of creativity when we let go of our expectations and enjoy the natural flow.

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

I made a lot of connections with authors and agents through my social media platform. Those connections helped me focus on the type of agent I was looking for.

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

I love to travel and to immerse myself in the culture of the places I visit. I would love to live abroad at some point in my life.

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

I have two books coming in 2025! THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR MORE (Chronicle Books, March 2025) and one (not yet announced) in Fall 2025 so keep an eye out for that announcement!

I am scheduling school visits with my self-published book, LUCAS PLAYS (2017), and gearing up for my 2025 releases while supporting the many wonderful authors with 2024 releases in my KidLitWorks marketing group.

Meanwhile, I am writing and editing, as usual, and working with Liz to prepare our next manuscript for submission.