Christine Alemshah was a charter 12 x 12 member in 2012 which makes it even more special to celebrate with her today! There are so many great insights and tips about the querying process in this post, we’ll let you get right to it.

We believe in you, Christine! Way to go!

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

I discovered my passion for publishing my picture books when I was in the 4th grade. I had the opportunity to write, illustrate, and bind my first picture book. I was so fascinated with the bookbinding machine. Of course, growing up, my writing path meandered and stalled many times, but that dream stuck with me.

In 2010, I decided it was time to pursue my goal. I joined SCBWI and attended the summer conference two years in a row. After several writing courses and seminars, I felt ready to query in 2011 (which, in hindsight, was probably too early!). I also joined 12 x 12 in 2012. I kept the momentum moving forward until the birth of my daughter in 2014 and then decided to take a break. I resumed full force in 2021. I knew I was ready to continue querying when I had 5-7 submission-ready manuscripts to send out.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I used a variety of resources including SCBWI, 12 x 12, Twitter, QueryTracker, and Publishers Marketplace. I managed my submissions on color-coded spreadsheets. I kept a list of Agents and Editors and added to it often. I’d sort my stories onto targeted submission lists.

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

Querying can become overwhelming, especially when you’ve been at it for several years. In 2021, I decided to reframe my thinking about the submission process. First, I changed the phrase rejection to pass in my mind. I also renamed my rejection email folder to “In a Twinkling…” complete with sparkly yellow stars next to it. It helped my brain to think “not right now” vs. “no, not ever.” I created spreadsheets focusing on one year at a time. All these things helped my mindset. In 2022 (and early 2023), I had 47 rejections, six full requests, and three offers of representation.

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

Not particularly. There always seemed to be someone open on my many lists. I also believe that no to one doesn’t mean no to all. (Unless guidelines are specific about that.) I observed when other 12 x 12 KidLit community members became agented and added Agents to my query list if they seemed like a good match. The PB Workshop community on Discord is also an excellent resource. My mentor, Rosie J. Pova, also helped me research children’s book industry Agents and Editors and create targeted submissions.

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

My New Agent is Vicky Weber with The Purcell Agency! She requested one of my musical picture book manuscripts during the October 2022 PBPitch event. I nudged her when I had an offer of publication for another picture book and offers of representation. I received a message via query manager that she was interested in a call. It was an exciting day!

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

It wasn’t until I began receiving offers of representation that I realized how much connection came into play. I had assumed that I would accept the first offer I received. The call is such an essential part of the process. It helps you gain insight into what an Agent/Author relationship might look like. I chose Vicky because she has a beautiful vision for my work. I have some unusually structured stories, and she gets them! I love that I have the freedom to be creative. She is an excellent communicator, which I appreciate. We also share many qualities, such as coming from mixed heritage families and musical backgrounds. (She formerly worked in Music Education, and I am a classically trained vocalist.)

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 okay if the answer is no. I am not trying to “lead” you 🙂 )

The answer is a resounding YES! I joined 12 x 12 as an inaugural member in 2012. After the birth of my daughter in 2014, I struggled with postpartum depression. I decided to step away from the kidlit world while I overcame that. I still wrote behind the scenes and connected with my local SCBWI critique group.

When I was ready to return in early 2021, my first step was re-joining 12×12. It felt like I’d jumped off a fast-moving train and tried to board again while it was still at high speeds. It was pretty disorienting, yet, Julie and the 12 x 12 community welcomed me back with open arms. I joined a 12×12 critique group, and some of us participated in the February 2021 PBPitch event. I received my first ever like and full request from Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez. That encouraged me to dive back in and chase my dreams!

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

Yes! I don’t think I realized how much of my active writing time I spent on querying. Now, I have more time for my creative works, from first drafts to revisions, to more established projects.

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

Keep busy while you wait to hear news on your submissions. It’s ok to take breaks, even long ones! Everyone’s writing path to publication is different, so it helps to focus only on your path and not those of others. Reframing your thoughts when you receive passes helps ease the sting.

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

Yes! I found my Agent through the Twitter PBPitch event.

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’ve always wanted to get into songwriting. I love to sing emotionally resonant songs that tug at my heartstrings and make me cry! I would love to create something like that!

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

I am delighted to share that I have signed a contract with Free Spirit Publishing for an SEL-inspired picture book series featuring my cartwheeling-loving, mixed-heritage main character, Faye Abalos. I am hard at work drafting, editing, and revising the manuscripts for the series. In addition, I have a second picture book out on submission. I’m also diving into my first nonfiction picture book inspired by my 12th place finishing entry from Vivian Kirkfield’s fantastic #50preciouswords writing contest.