Let’s celebrate with Deirdre Prischmann! Her enthusiasm for learning and changing directly impacted the end of her successful agent search. Authors should always be learning and Deirdre is a perfect example. Congrats, Deirdre! We look forward to your books filled with crawling critters!

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

I’ve been interested in writing since I was little, but basically stumbled into writing for kids when I was a graduate student with some STEM work-for-hire projects in 2005-2008. I took a break to focus on my day job career (Entomologist) and got serious about being an author after I had kids (and tenure). I had lots to learn (which I enjoy) and made many mistakes (learning opportunities in disguise). I began querying in 2016 because I was super excited to share my stories with the world, but in retrospect it was too soon. After my debut fiction picture book NO HUGS! was published in 2019 by a press that was open to unagented authors (Amicus Ink), my confidence soared, and I became even more dedicated to learning the craft and developing as an author.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

LOTS. In addition to the time and research that goes into learning craft and creating a stellar story, for me the specific query-related research falls into a few categories: 1) the query itself (structure, format, dos/don’ts, drafting, assessing, revising, dissecting examples, playing around, crumpling into a ball, trying again, etc.), 2) literary agencies and specific agents (this took loads of time), 3) coping with the emotional experience of querying (Whoa. So. Intense.), and 4) figuring out what I actually wanted (not as easy as I thought).

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

I sent 127 queries to agents for various PB and MG manuscripts over an 8-year timespan (and I also sent queries to open publishers). I got 126 rejections, varying from absolutely no response, form rejection, kind pass, champagne rejection, and full request followed by a pass. But I got 1 yes, and that’s all I needed.

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

My current agent doesn’t seem to mind (although I also write MG), plus it’s encouraging that there are multiple good news stories about 12 x 12 folks getting agents lately!

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

My agent is Ariana Philips at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency in NYC. I had queried a different agent at JVNLA, and two weeks after I submitted my query letter, she requested the manuscript and an exclusive. Whoo-hoo! Then I waited…waited some more…then nudged. She was still considering my story (whoo-hoo!), so I happily extended the exclusive. Then she passed it to Ariana because she was stepping away from PB. Ariana followed up with me immediately, and the rest is history. I experienced a LOT of different emotions (Whoa. So. Intense.), but mostly I’m excited for this new part of my journey.

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

I felt comfortable being my authentic self around her, and I trusted her.

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 🙂 )

Yes, 12 x 12 absolutely helped me – I love the community and connection, the knowledge and opportunities, and the support and good vibes as we work to make the world a better place through children’s literature.

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

Immediately after I signed, I was completely elated and in full celebration mode—I gave my writing area a makeover and organized all my files. Yes! Then I completely froze. Things had ‘gotten real’ in a new (and kinda scary) way. So, I engaged with the writing community, got some perspective, rediscovered my ‘big why,’ and the panic wave passed. I’m back to myself again, albeit more focused on carving out dedicated writing time and keeping my website updated.

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

Hang in there—persistence pays. Your voice and your stories are important. Learn, grow, write, revise. Seek to understand yourself and overcome your stumbling blocks (the unhelpful inner critic, perfectionism, fear of making mistakes, etc.). Lean on others when you need to and lend a hand when others need you. We’re in this together.

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

My platform may have helped, but I believe my story was the real selling point.

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 would love to go on an extended writing retreat / global expedition.

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

I’m crossing my fingers that a publisher will snap up my manuscript that’s out on submission, and I’m writing new stories featuring some of my favorite critters—bugs!

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