Three cheers for Gabi! She aimed for those 100 rejections and landed her agent. It’s hard to put yourself out there, but when you put in the work and do your research, finding the right agent for your work can happen. Let’s find out more about Gabi’s story. 

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

Back in the day (early aughts), I studied English-Creative Writing at The University of Texas, with a focus on writing fiction for adults. After earning my MA, I took a succession of jobs that used writing (like grant writing and instructional design), but I wasn’t finding much time to do my own writing.

Fast forward to 2013: when my kids were little (3 and 5), we moved from Austin to Corvallis, Oregon. With a break from work following the move, I found time to get back to my own writing. Only by then, I’d become immersed in the world of picture books and fallen in love with this form of storytelling. In 2014, I joined 12 x 12 and wrote my first picture books. And because I was already a writer, I foolishly started submitting to agents right away.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

Initially my research was minimal. If an agent accepted PB submissions, I figured they’d be a good fit. As I continued submitting and hearing about the importance of finding not just any agent, but the right agent, I amped up my research habits. I checked on each agent’s recent sales and also relied heavily on Manuscript Wish List (http://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/).

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

A few years back, I read several posts suggesting you should aim for 100 rejections per year. I took that advice to heart, and while I didn’t quite manage 100 rejections per year, I wasn’t far from it. I love maintaining tracking spreadsheets, so I can tell you exactly how many rejections per year:

2014: 8 passes

2015: 18 passes

2016: 42 passes

2017: 57 passes

2018: 20 passes before signing with my agent!

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

I do see that some agents are only accepting PB submissions from author-illustrators. But plenty more are open to representing PB authors.

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

My agent is the fabulous Natalie Lakosil of Bradford Literary. I had sent Natalie three of my picture book manuscripts. When I received an offer from a small press for one of those manuscripts, I “nudged” the handful of agents who were reading my work at that time. Natalie responded that same day, requesting that we set up a time to chat. I had the impression that she’d already been considering me as a potential client and my “nudge” may’ve just moved things along.

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

During our initial phone conversation, I learned that Natalie has a soft spot for many of the topics/themes I write about and that she was excited about all three of the manuscripts I’d sent her. She also talked to me about my middle grade chapters (which she’d read before the call). I appreciated her passion for her job, her years of experience, and her editorial approach.

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 critique partners through 12 x 12. I discovered wonderful writing blogs and resources when they were shared via the 12 x 12 Facebook page. I suspect that’s how I heard about both Susanna Leonard Hill’s and Vivian Kirkfield’s blogs and fantastic writing contests. I “met” Marcie Colleen through 12 x 12 and learned about her wonderful Study Hall, which has been a boost to my writing and has helped me find additional critique partners. And I learned about Renee LaTulippe and her wonderful Lyrical Language Lab through 12 x 12. And, finally, I first learned about my agent through 12 x 12. She was a 12 x 12 featured agent in past years, and I submitted to her twice before she offered me representation.

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

Natalie is happy to comment on my ideas and on my completed manuscripts. A few months back, I shared a list of pitches for my WIPs as well as my PB ideas. She wrote back with a prioritized list of her favorites. It’s been helpful to see which of my ideas are most marketable. That said, a few that didn’t make her list won’t leave me alone. I haven’t abandoned those ideas, but, based on Natalie’s feedback, I know I need to rethink my approach with an eye toward making those ideas more saleable.

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

Persevere. Keep writing and keep getting feedback. Give yourself and your manuscripts time to breathe. Sometimes putting something away for a few weeks or months does wonders for your perspective. And keep writing new work. Don’t just keep revising the same stories over and over. Apply what you’ve learned to something new!

It can be difficult to know when a story is “ready” to go out to agents and/or editors. But if you feel good about a piece and your trusted critique partners give you the green light, then go for it!

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

I don’t think so, though I’ve enjoyed connecting with the kidlit community on Twitter.

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’d like to return to my photography habit and combine my photos with my writing! I have a few ideas for how I might do that.

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

In addition to several picture book WIPs, I’m revising a middle grade novel.