It’s incredible to see long-time member Deb Buschman realize her dream of having an agent! We love her advice for putting yourself out there. When we move out of our comfort zone is when BIG things happen! Congrats, Deb! We can’t wait to see that first book hit shelves!

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

I have been writing since 2011. That year I went to my first SCBWI conference proudly holding my 2,000-word picture book to be critiqued. Ha-ha! After a painful critique from a published and experienced author I realized I had a lot of work to do. I joined an SCBWI critique group and in 2016 began sending in my work to editors. Then in 2017 I realized I should probably also try agents.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I began my research with just using SCBWI and conferences and then expanded my research to blogs, twitter, websites, Children’s Book Insider and Publishers Marketplace.

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

I’ve had several rejections from Publishing Houses but if we are only counting my agent rejections then it would be 92. To be clear that wasn’t 92 separate agents because some agents I queried a second and third time with a different manuscript.

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

There was a shift in 2019 to seeing more agents wanting author/illustrators, but I still think there are many agents just looking for picture book writers like myself. Through all my experiences with conferences, 12 x 12 and various online classes I realized that I wanted to refine my agent search to only agents that fell into my criteria. Which meant that I also wasn’t submitting as often but that was okay because, now I saw this as my career and not a hobby. When people ask what I do now I say I’m a Picture Book Writer.

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

Bonnie Swanson with the Purcell Agency is my agent. I had entered a Twitter contest during the virus outbreak and I won a query letter critique with Bonnie. I sent her my most polished query letter of a story I have been working on for a long time and had received many rejections. When she sent back the critique of my letter, she only had made a few changes to it and then asked if I would send her the manuscript. After she received my manuscript a day or two later, she sent me an email asking when could we talk on the phone. We chatted the next day and she asked for more of my work but also if I would like to be represented by her and I was thrilled.

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

Bonnie is just the complete package for me. She is a teacher, writer, has a small client list, is editorial and has been a mentor and member of SCBWI for years. She is so enthusiastic and keeps in touch with me all the time letting me know what’s happening.

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 🙂 )

12 x 12 totally helped me with my agent search (by helping me figure out what I wanted in an agent), manuscript critiques (so great to have a larger community critique my work), and really truly improving my craft. I have learned soooooo much through the videos with Julie and the wonderful speakers she brings in. After Julie just did this mini video series, I think I may have a crush on her and Rocky. Ha-ha! So many aspects of writing have been demystified for me with the incredible examples Julie gives and her way of making it so understandable.

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

No. I still start with a title first and then an idea for a plot and go from there. I belong to two critique groups and when I think a manuscript is ready, I send it to both groups. When it is more honed, I may post on 12 x 12 and I also like to occasionally pay for a professional critique because they are the ones that can elevate my craft. Ultimately all the revisions are my choice but I have learned to see through new eyes and ask myself more questions when I look at my manuscript. How I fill my days has changed since having an agent. I had my days that I would do research on agents, days I would submit to agents, days I watch videos on my craft and only write. Now I get to do so much more writing and it is crazy wonderful!

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

First hone your craft. Then do whatever works for you to stay current with the industry. ENTER CONTESTS! Whether it’s a contest to win a mentorship or a critique. Put the time in and you will discover that opportunity may knock.

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

Yes, yes, yes! Social media and following writer blogs have been huge in helping me learn about new PB’s being launched, new agents starting out and wonderful video’s on improving my craft.

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 love animals, the outdoors and photography. Next on my bucket list is to see the whales migrating. I heard there is even a place where you can swim with whale sharks. I would so do that. I have also wanted to visit an elephant orphanage.

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

I just entered the Spring Fling contest and am revising that submission because the contest only allowed 150 words per story, which really helps me flex my writing wings, but I felt it needed to be longer before submitting. I’ve been on submission for almost a year now with one manuscript and still no luck. Earlier this year, Bonnie Swanson, my agent, sent out two different manuscripts and will soon be adding a third. Hopefully one of them will get an editor’s attention. This year I became the Co-Regional Advisor for SCBWI-Wisconsin and it has given me many opportunities and opened more doors to be part of this incredibly generous writing community. Support from 12 x 12 and other writers I’ve met these past years is what truly keeps me going. A huge thanks to everyone at 12 x 12.