It’s a new year and time to celebrate Jamie Rodarte’s new agent partnership! If there’s one thing Jamie’s story proves, it’s that a sense of humor will make this journey a LOT more enjoyable! 

Congrats, Jamie! 

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

Short answer: I began with a non-kidlit writing class November 2020 and sent my first query June 2021. From the information I could find online, it appeared an agent or self-publishing was my next step in the publishing journey.

Long answer: November 2020, completely blind to the process or any information, I decided to explore writing a children’s book. Writing has always been one of my stronger skillsets and PBs have a special place in my heart. Eager to jump in, I signed up for the first workshop I could find: a 12-week writing class (3 hours/week), surrounded by a handful of adult novelists, and an instructor with no experience in kidlit. Halfway through, I felt even more lost than when I started, a few tears were shed and I wanted to quit, but did I stick with it and grow as a writer? Yes. Was it a bit painful? Also, yes. I began with a rhyming picture book (sound familiar anyone?), but I transitioned into a chapter book given the format of the class. Post-class completion and from the information I could find online, it appeared an agent was the next step in the publishing process. Spring 2021, I sent my CB manuscript to a few beta readers, made slight revisions, and began querying June 2021.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

Google provides helpful and thorough information for most topics…but writing a children’s book? No way! What I learned quickly: kidlit is a vast universe, it’s impossible to stop learning let alone to be even remotely educated by visiting a few websites, taking one class/course, joining a single group, etc. Was I ill-prepared prior to querying? Yes, yes, I was. However, I just opened my first query letter, and it’s not that bad considering I based it off Google images of query letters! And we can all laugh at the fact I went straight for one of the highest-earning agents for query número uno. Go big or get ghosted ha!

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

Total stats:

8 MS Queried (1 CB 7 PB // June 2021-July 2022)

45 Queries Sent

28 Rejections

13 CNR

4 Fulls*

PB-only stats:

7 PB MS Queried (September 2021-July 2022)

32 Queries Sent

19 Rejections

9 CNR

4 Fulls*

* This is when I knew I was starting to retain the information learned and mold my work accordingly

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

Finding agents who rep picture books was not difficult at all, QueryTracker was my best friend in the trenches. However, finding agents who rep chapter books was a challenge.

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

July 2022 Joyce Sweeney offered a querying class through SCBWI. I contemplated taking it because I had two fulls out, and I had recently taken two other querying classes – I mean, what else is there to know about querying? HA! I signed up anyway because it’s Joyce Sweeney after all. The moment they began sharing I understood why they are well-known and immensely well-loved in our kidlit world. Fortunately for all the participants (and most especially me), they opened submissions for those in attendance. I waited a few days to be sure I addressed the new (yes, new!) knowledge I gained. Monday afternoon I hit send and I received an enthusiastic reply Tuesday morning. The speed in which Joyce communicates astonishes me…one of their many endearing and standout qualities. From there it was a quick series of back-and-forth, a few weeks of waiting, and an invitation for a Zoom meeting. And by the way, I was dreadfully nervous on the call. Borderline nauseous. Thankfully, Joyce looked past my ruffled feathers.

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

The interest, passion, and positivity Joyce showed from the first moment of communication blew me away. They put into motion more sporadic dance parties and happy tears than I ever imagined were in my future.

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 🙂 )

January 2022, after 7 months of on-and-off querying, I decided if I was going to accomplish my goal I needed to learn as much as possible (take as many classes as my schedule could handle, read PBs nonstop), build great CP friendships (find your people who push you, grow with you, and see your greatness!), and pass on the knowledge whenever possible. I truly believe changing my mindset propelled me forward. January 23^rd, I made the investment to join 12 x 12. When you do the math on the monthly classes and access to networking, it’s worthy. I not only expand my writing education with each class, but I also connected with one of my tightknit CPs through the critique group forum. Thank you, 12 x 12!

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

Only in a good way! Joyce is highly editorial in nature and my detailed-loving self couldn’t be more grateful. Joyce had zero revisions for my manuscript we have on submission right now, so when an editor requested a R&R I was able to see them shine with ideas and feedback. Learning and growing under a mentor like Joyce is next-level awesome.

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

Think about exactly what you want. Be as specific as possible. Write it down. Set a date and action steps for how and when you want to accomplish it. Even the smallest efforts are valuable: read one PB a week in the bath, on a lunch break, or the school pick-up line? That’s progress! Shift your goal if you need to, take breaks, be kind to yourself, but above all, remember you can and will accomplish this if you keep learning and continue moving forward. Did Kobe and MJ sit around and think they were good enough as is?

Oh, and once you discover something that could help another writer, pass it on! As a wise Grandma once said, “You may be the first someday, but don’t be the last – make space for more!” (Quoted from Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris and Marissa Valdez)

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

The writing community on Twitter is extremely helpful, I can’t imagine being an author without the knowledge, insight, and support of that crew…pitch events alone make it a no-brainer. If you’re new to this world, building a website/newsletter/blog can wait, start on Twitter, follow fellow writers, join every pitch event, contest, and mentorship opportunity you can. Pay attention when agents tweet threads on querying, pitching, and really anything. What I think helped me the most was showing initiative and energy towards development, paying it forward (I started a free monthly one-hour class called PB Power Hour, link in my Twitter bio), and making this a serious lifelong career goal.

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 sure if this is bucket list-esque…I always said if I went to Australia I would never come back. (Gasp!) So, I want to go to Australia one day, live in an ultra-modern, eco-focused farmhouse with coastal views. It doesn’t definitively need to be Australia, I’m open to creating my dream home somewhere my soul feels renewed by the environment with enough land to grow food and have animal friends. I should take my advice and write this down with a goal date and action steps!

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

I have my first PB on submission, waiting on the results of a R&R with copious amounts of hope, and currently writing something a bit personal and magical…kind of like this writing journey!

Not a member of 12 x 12 yet? Registration for 2023 is open through February 28, 2023. Sign up for our notification list and receive a free 12 x 12 webinar replay here!