While the 12 x 12 submission opportunities are only available to current GOLD members each year, any member looking for agent representation can take advantage of our 12 x 12 Featured Agent Profile posts to help in their agent search. Here are some dos and don’ts for each level of membership.

GOLD MEMBER DOS

• Do read each month’s agent profile post. Click the links provided and get to know each agent’s tastes and working style.
• Do your own research.
• Follow agents of interest to you on social media.
• Pick one agent to submit to during the coming month. (IF an agent is open to submissions outside of 12 x 12, you may submit to them through their regular submission guidelines, but we suggest doing so well outside of their 12 x 12 window, so it doesn’t look like a mistake on your part.)
• Do read the submission guidelines in the Submission Station on the forum.
• Do personalize your query to the agent you’re submitting to.
• Do use the subject line code provided in the submission guidelines.
• Do send the picture book manuscript that is the best fit for the agent. That means you can choose to send a different manuscript to each agent or you can send the same manuscript to each agent. Be sure it is a good fit for that agent AND that it’s your best work.
• Do double check the submission guidelines on the forum before hitting send to be sure you’re submitting your manuscript as requested (attachment or in the body of the email, correct subject line code, etc.)
• Do send your submission within the submission window. Remember, each submission window closes at 6pm EASTERN/3pm PACIFIC on the last day. Be sure to account for your time zone.
• Do track your submissions in the way that works best for you, making note of dates submitted and responses.

GOLD MEMBER DON’TS

• Don’t send your submission more than once—for ANY REASON. You may NOT send a correction, so please double check everything before hitting send. If you have a technical difficulty (bounce back message, etc.), please contact Kelli at kelli at juliehedlund dot com for further instructions. If you send it more than once, the agent will be asked to disregard your submission and you will lose your submission opportunity for the month.
• Don’t send your submission outside of the submission window. If your submission comes in after the submission window has closed, the agent will be asked to disregard your submission and you will lose your submission opportunity for the month. The same thing applies if you send your submission too early.
• Don’t assume each agent has the same subject line code. Always check the guidelines in the forum one more time before hitting send.
• Don’t send a manuscript that’s not a picture book.
• Don’t send a manuscript that isn’t polished and hasn’t been through a critique and multiple revisions.
• Don’t pitch more than one project.

SILVER MEMBER DOS

• Do read the monthly Featured Agent Profile Post.
• Do create a list or spreadsheet to track agents that seem like a good fit for your work. (Even if you’re not ready to start looking for agent, it’s a good idea to start a list so you’ll have it when you are ready.)
• Do follow agents on social media to get to know their tastes, style, and personality.
• Do read the resources linked in the post.
• Do your own research.
• Do have 3-4 polished picture book manuscripts ready before submitting to agents.
• If they are open to general submissions outside of the 12 x 12 GOLD submission opportunity AND if your work is ready, do submit to an agent by following the guidelines on their site. We recommend submitting well outside of the 12 x 12 submission window so that your submission doesn’t appear to be a mistake on your part.
• Do put 12 x 12 in the bio section of your query with your list of professional associations.
• Do only submit when you and your work are ready.

SILVER MEMBER DON’TS

• Don’t submit to agents who are not open to general submissions.
• Don’t submit if you only have one polished picture book manuscript.
• Don’t submit something that isn’t your best work.
• Don’t submit to an agent during their 12 x 12 GOLD submission opportunity. Their inboxes are already full and it may look like a mistake when your submission comes through a different channel.

We hope this helps you with your submissions going forward. If you have other tips for using the 12 x 12 Featured Agent Profile posts, let us know in the comments!