One thing is for sure, Delano Brown’s kindergarten students are a lucky bunch as is his new agent Ariana Philips of Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. Guess that’s two things we’re sure about! Here’s a third: With his one-of-a-kind voice and positive attitude, there won’t be too many “no’s with flair” before he signs his first book deal. 

Congrats, Delano! We’re happy to welcome you to your first year of 12 x 12!

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

According to my grade three report card and teacher, Mrs. Thompson, who thought I was a constant storyteller, I’ve been writing for quite some time. My routine would be to write something, then put that story away for safekeeping. I did that for many years, until I came across a request by a local author looking for a critique group. When I joined the Lunch Table, I was pleasantly surprised by the way people took interest in my writing. Five years later and several stories tucked away. Last year, I took a chance and sent one of my PB manuscripts into the PB Rising Stars mentorship program. Surprised, I got chosen to be a 2023 mentee. With the guidance, encouragement and in your face truth from my mentor, Maisha Oso, she urged me to get back in the querying mosh pit of talented, but, yet unagented writers. Even if she didn’t push me, I felt I was ready after having an amazing summer of learning and writing.  

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

At first, I was the person that tried to throw every pebble in the ocean and look for a ripple. Not understanding how big and unique the waters of querying were. After being mentored and given directions. I streamlined my approach in searching for any potential agents. I used QueryTracker and Manuscriptwishlist.com, making sure to follow those agents that post using the #MSWL. I was able to tighten my search and that way, I would know if they were the right fit for me.

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

July 2022 – January 2024 – 61 queries

Rejections – 60

But in those queries, there were 3 no’s with flair [Champagne Style] in October 2023 and 2 requests for more in November.

This may seem low, but I went out with one PB manuscript and wanted to hit 100 queries before moving on to the next.

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

The difficulty is not just the focus on picture books, but that I am not an author/illustrator, and the landscape of the marketplace is still readjusting itself post-COVID. Agents are becoming very finicky with the work they choose and talent they take on.

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

My agent is Ariana Philips with Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. As I mentioned before I focused my queries on certain agents, using a star system. One star meant for sure this could work out, two stars meant if we work together, we’ll make it over the hump, and three stars meant we’re going places. I gave Ariana three stars and queried her September 9^th 2023. While waiting, I sent out more queries, got talking with a couple of agents that were interested, but in the end we didn’t click. Then on January 11^th, Ariana asked for a Zoom call to meet. We spoke for about a half hour, on the following Thursday. She said she believed that there was no way I didn’t have representation and just hoped, against hope I didn’t, when she sent the email.  She offered me representation right then because she was so enraptured by my manuscript.

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

I knew Ariana was the one, the moment the fire engine lights reflected in the background of our zoom call. She spoke and even the fire station knew she was FIRE! I heard about having the ‘dream agent’ . I have a bright flame willing to light the way for me and create an honest partnership, caring friendship so my dreams become reality.

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 🙂 )

This is my first experience with 12 x 12, so I’m just getting welcomed into this wonderful community. But Julie Hedlund’s book, Over Bear! Under Where? helped me to understand how important our word choice, pacing, and character voice is when writing a picture book. As I read it aloud to my kindergarten class, during our March Book Madness, I thought of a manuscript that I’d written. Dusted it off and revised it. In the end, 12 x 12 unknowingly helped me make that manuscript better.

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

No, not really. The only thing different now is that I can’t put my stories away for safekeeping. I’m going to have to share them at some point. The thought now is which one.

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

Don’t tread water. SWIM. Even when you are getting tired of the no’s, the one yes is out there. Remember they are not rejecting you, they are redirecting you to something, someone, willing and waiting to say, yes.

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

No, I’m still working on that part of the business. 

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’m not a bucket list type person, but there is something I’d love to do. I would love to be on the sidelines or courtside with my favourite teams. Taking photos of the players winning a championship.

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

Like most, I’m writing, revising and discussing with Ariana the best path to develop and grow as a writer.