In this installment of How I Got My Agent, we celebrate 12 x 12 member Cynthia Harmony! Cynthia’s commitment to researching agents and sending submissions out to her carefully curated agent list really paid off in landing an agent that was perfect fit for her work. We can’t wait to read the books Cynthia will bring to the world! 

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

Working for museums, I wrote learning materials for many years and published textbooks in Mexico. When my goal shifted to a traditionally published PB, I joined SCBWI, a critique group, and wrote my first story in 2016. A few months later, I submitted that story to a few agents. (Eeek!)

In 2018, I participated in the #PBParty contest for the first time and was selected as a finalist. I received seven agent requests for 4 manuscripts, but the rest of my work wasn’t ready yet. I revised and by the end of 2018, I started querying a couple agents at a time.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I looked at agency websites, blogs, interviews, podcasts, webinars, and social media. I searched for picture books that each agent represented. I wanted to know the variety in subject matter, styles and if they had experience with diverse authors. Most writers have their agent/agency on their twitter profile. A name-people search will let you find them along with their books.

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

About twenty-five agent/editor rejections.

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

It did seem like a lot of agents preferred author-illustrators, but I had my eye on agents that I knew represented authors too. I took it slow focusing on conference submission opportunities and only a handful of agencies I admired and connected with.

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

Natascha Morris at BookEnds Literary. I actually queried another agent at her agency and my submission was shared with her. Sometimes when a few agents are open to diversity, it’s hard to know exactly the best fit. Thankfully BookEnds agents work closely together. So I was very excited when this happened, but didn’t want to get my hopes up yet. Then Natascha scheduled the “call” and one of the first things she said was, “I want to let you know I’m offering representation.” All I could mutter was “YAY!”

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

At the time, I was in contact with two other agents that were considering my full body of work. But when Natascha shared her vision for my stories, something clicked. I also appreciated her being very open and honest. I knew given her background, she had great industry know-how and I connected with her passion for kidlit. I was also very familiar with BookEnds values and professionalism.

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  )

Absolutely! I found my “ownvoices” critique group through 12 x 12. I am so grateful to have a critique group that understands, appreciates and supports each other’s cultural perspectives based on our own similar bilingual experiences and heritage. I also found a wonderful work-for-hire educational market opportunity through a 12 x 12 post by Miranda Paul a couple years ago.

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

Polishing stories lining up for submission, I haven’t had much time for new drafts. And after second-guessing art notes all this time, I was given a green light! I’m also dedicating more time to read craft books and all kidlit genres.

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

Find the best fit for critique partners and online writing groups to share your experiences, doubts, and disappointments. Lots of us normally struggle to figure out when something is ready to submit. My advice is to rely on your CPs. Luckily, they are there to tell you the truth and support you on your path.

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

No, but it helped me to find out about contests and writing opportunities that helped hone my craft to eventually find my agent. I found about Picture Book Summit, 12 x 12, Storystorm, ReFoReMo and contests like #PBParty and Viviane Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words through twitter/blogs. Each one of these helped my writing skills and led me to find my two critique groups. I would not be where I am if it weren’t for the amazingly talented and generous writers I get to call my Critique Partners.

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 want to travel to Chiapas a state in the South of Mexico with my mom and my family. She was born and raised there and strangely enough, I have never been! My husband, my kids and I go to Mexico City about once a year and travel around, but I’m waiting for my kids to be a little older to take on the adventure. It’ll be a long and challenging trip to explore all the waterfalls, canyons, rivers, jungle hikes, Mayan temples, colonial towns, exotic food, nostalgic music, colorful art, and family stories.

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

In January 2020, I won a fiction Picture Book mentorship through We Need Diverse Books with Rob Sanders. He is such a talented writer, and most importantly a thoughtful and respectful teacher. I really struck gold, because the goals of this program and his method merge to bring out your best skills and your unique voice. It has given me a chance to grow as a writer like no other experience I had before, thanks to his step-by-step guidance and focus on research.