Gayle Krause has been a 12 x 12 member since 2015. We’ve watched her work hard on her manuscripts and queries and we are thrilled she found just the right agent for her. Congratulations, Gayle!

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

I retired from teaching (Early Childhood Education at the secondary and post-secondary levels training prospective E.C.E. and Elementary teachers) in 2007, my first picture book, ROCK STAR SANTA, came out in 2008. I’ve been writing ever since and searching for an agent on and off for the last ten years. I came very close a few times, but ultimately no one seemed to be the right fit until I found Rebecca.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

Aside from the obvious, #MSWL, SCBWI Conference, etc…never underestimate the posts of your writing colleagues. Many clues to agents that might fit your writing style or the genres you work in can be found on writer’s blogs, Facebook pages, and Twitter.

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

To many to count for both questions, but a caveat— they weren’t all picture book queries. I also write YA, MG, and poetry collections.

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

I queried Rebecca with a YA novel that she absolutely loved and when she offered to represent me, she said it would include my picture books, as well. In fact, she is preparing a picture book submission for me this week.

Who is your new agent?  

I am thrilled to be represented by Rebecca Angus of Golden Wheat Literary Agency.

Tell us about getting the news.

I had queried a YA contemporary fairytale retelling to Rebecca for consideration and she first contacted me by email offering representation and then asked to set up a phone call for the following week.

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

This is hard to explain. You just know in your heart when the match is exactly what you want. I spoke with other agents on the phone as I made my decision, but Rebecca’s enthusiasm and organization skills sold me. I’m a bit of a crazy organized person myself and when Rebecca sent me examples of her submission proposals and a sample excel sheet, I knew she was “the one!”

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  )

I did use the template Julie and Emma offered [in The Complete Picture Book Submissions System] when I queried picture books, but obviously not when I queried novels.

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

Yes, for the better. Now I have the freedom to write without the added pressure of seeking submission guidelines and honing individual queries for editors. Query letters take a huge chunk out of writing time.

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

I’d say have at least five manuscripts polished and ready to go, and by polished I don’t mean “you like it a lot, or your kids do.” You need to have it critiqued by 1^st a critique group, 2^nd a published author, and if that doesn’t work, a writing professional who offers paid critiques. You’d be surprised what a “fresh eye” can do to improve your writing.

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

I can’t say for sure, but if an agent is interested in you they will Google you and search for your FB, Twitter, website, and blog.

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  )

Yes, my newest picture book, DADDY, CAN YOU SEE THE MOON? will be published in April 2019 from Clearfork/Spork Publishing and my poetry collection, ONCE UPON A TWISTED TALE, will be published in Spring 2019. So, I plan to attend the 2019 LA National SCBWI Conference next August, something I’ve wanted to do for years.

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

I’m simultaneously working on a picture books series about a little witch, who does not fit the definition of “witchy” at all and is a little bit like me, freakingly organized, and a YA speculative fiction that’s part fantasy, part sci-fi, and a whole lot of whoa!