The world is a better place when nice things happen to nice people! We’re thrilled Hilary Margitich has found an agent who gets her and her work. We’ll be right here cheering her on to the very top!

Congrats, Hilary!

How long had you been writing before seeking an agent, and what made you decide it was time to look for one?
Well…I can’t ever remember a time when I wasn’t writing! Writing and storytelling have always been a way for me to make sense of the world around me, even as a very young child. When I had my first son ten years ago, I found myself immersed in picture books. I realized that I loved them and wanted to write them. I dabbled in it whenever I had free time, and then when the pandemic hit in 2020, I had a lot more time to focus on it. I connected with a local kidlit writer (shoutout to 12 x 12 Critique Ninja Kirsti Call) who invited me to join her online critique group, and I was off!

I queried a bunch of agents very early on in my kidlit writing journey, before I really knew much about the industry or even the craft of writing children’s books. I’m glad that after that first round of rejections, I decided to cool it for a bit and really focus on studying my craft and polishing my stories. I did that for about a year or so, and then a year ago, when I finally had stories that I felt were ready to become children’s books, I started pitching and querying again. I’ve pretty much always wanted to go the route of traditional publishing with an agent.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?
I listened to webinars and read interviews with featured agents through 12 x 12, SCBWI, and online forums. When I came across an agent I was interested in querying, I always made sure to read through their Manuscript Wish List and their information on the agency website, to see what they were interested in acquiring at that time. Timing can be tricky and is very important in the process! I found Twitter to be a helpful source of timely information on them, too.

The dreaded questions: How many queries? How many rejections?
You know, I certainly kept track of the queries I sent out at any given time, but not to the point that I could give you a cumulative number. There were a whole bunch, though. Bunches! I sent out queries to agents, but also queries to publishing houses accepting unsolicited submissions for a story that I felt was particularly strong.

Was it difficult to find an agent who wanted to represent an author focusing on picture books?
Not really, no. I’ve found that many agents, including mine, represent a variety of genres including, but not limited to, picture books. This appealed to me because I also write middle grade books.

Who is your new agent? Tell us about getting the news.
I’m so pleased to announce that I’ve signed with Jonathan Rosen from The Seymour Agency! I had queried him a couple of months prior with a story that seemed like it would be a good fit with his interests. In the meantime, I got some exciting news about that story and decided to share it with him. My note was something to the effect of, “I’m not sure if you’ve had a chance to read my story yet, but…” That was when he wrote right back to tell me he had read it and enjoyed it, and could we set up a Zoom call to discuss it.

How did you know your agent was “the one”?
I think it’s important for your agent to be as excited about your stories as you are. That kind of energy can fuel and propel you to new creative heights. I had some stories that were just a little different than what you’d typically come across, and I feel like Jonathan “got” them, you know? I feel like he got my creative vision for them. And that was magical for me. And he’s nice and very funny, and that’s important, too!

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 🙂 )
You don’t even have to lead me because the answer is a resounding ‘YES’! 12 x 12 has been amazing and an integral part of my picture book writing journey. My favorite part of my membership has been the webinars, but also (and I’m being serious about this) just how NICE you folks are! You are so encouraging, and you have lifted my spirits and kept me going at times when I might have otherwise considered giving up. It is such a positive and cohesive community we have here at 12 x 12.

Has your writing process changed at all since signing with an agent?
I would say yes, it really has. For me personally, having an agent/agency sign me and professionally invest in me as an author has been incredibly motivating. There’s an additional accountability there to produce top-notch work, but also just a feeling of having professional support to conquer some big projects I’ve been dreaming about for a while. I feel limitless!

What advice would you give to picture book writers looking for agents today?
My advice would be to work at your craft and give yourself time for that. When you really feel that you have strong work to submit (and this has been validated by others), have the courage to put yourself out there. Get in front of agents as much as you can and don’t be afraid. Don’t forget that 1. They are people, just like you 2. They are just as eager to meet you as you are, them.

Do you think your platform (blog, social media) helped you find your agent?
In an indirect sort of way, yes. I think it widened my professional circle and helped me network. It gave me opportunities that strengthened my writing and gave me confidence as a kidlit writer so that I could then pursue my agent. I think platforms are very important, and I embrace social media. Used in the right way, it can be a very valuable tool.

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 🙂 )
Holy cannoli, what a big question! I’ve always wanted to write for a children’s tv program. Or help something I’ve written be turned into a tv show or movie for kids. And get to be on set! I don’t know how old I’ll be, but I want to make that happen someday.

What’s up next/what are you working on now?
I’m going on submission with a picture book, which is very exciting. And I’m working on a second picture book project that has been really, really fun to dig into. Also on my to-do list is a nonfiction middle grade book proposal. I love research almost as much as I love the writing.