My Secret to Success
By Janet Sumner Johnson
My biggest secret as a published author is a question I often ask myself: Why not try?
Opportunities come up all the time, from big to small. But when something is new to us, it’s easy to brush off the possibility without even a second thought. But what if you didn’t?
Though this question is just three words, it has pushed me to accomplish things I might never have considered. Let me give some examples:
In 2016, my debut book, a humorous middle grade novel came out. That was supposed to be my year. THE YEAR. The one I’d been waiting for since I started on the long, winding path of trying to get published.
But I still hadn’t sold a second book. And then my agent dropped me in the middle of a submission because she was switching agencies.
All my fears swirled through me: Would I really be able to get another agent? Was my writing good enough? Could I survive the query trenches again? Would everyone know I was just an imposter all along who got lucky once?
I asked myself: Why not try?
So I ignored my fears and got to work.
I researched agents. I sent queries every week. I didn’t let rejections stop me. And guess what? Three months later, I had two agent offers.
Signing with an agent was a huge relief. But I had a secret: though I was a middle grade author, I really wanted to be a picture book author. But I’d read all the statistics. I knew just how slim my chances were for publishing a picture book. Besides, picture book authors were AMAZING. Way more amazing than I could ever hope to be. The idea simply felt impossible.
But then I asked myself: Why not try?
So, I ignored my doubts, and got to work.
I attended classes. I signed up for workshops. I read and read and read all the picture books. I started writing and revising. And finally, I had a manuscript I felt was ready to show my agent.
Guess what? She loved it! And that book became my debut picture book: Help Wanted: Must Love Books, illustrated by Courtney Dawson.
Despite that success, turns out that selling a second book was hard! I had two picture books go out on submission that failed to get offers. Those rejections brought back all of my doubts. Maybe I’d just gotten lucky. Maybe I only had one good idea for a picture book in me. Maybe I should just go back to writing middle grade.
Right about that time, my agent came to me with an idea. She knew an editor who was looking for picture book series. Why not develop something specifically for her?
I’d never written a series. I didn’t even know if I could do it . . . wasn’t it hard enough just writing one?
But then I asked myself: Why not try?
I pushed aside my fears, and I got to work.
I researched the editor. I researched the publisher. I brainstormed all the ideas and found one I liked. Working with my agent, I wrote not just a first book in the series, but a second one, too. I made a long list of potential ideas for other books. And then I held my breath when we sent it off.
Though we only sent it out to the one editor, I was amazed when she came back with an offer. That was the start of The Recess Genius series, illustrated by Stacy Ebert. The second book in the series Tons of Talent, comes out in March, 2024.
Shortly after that, I was working on a new manuscript based on the expression, “Not my circus, not my monkeys.” I hadn’t had so much fun writing in a long time. The story made me giggle, and I was excited to work through revisions. But when I was almost ready to send it to my agent, I attended a webinar where the expert boldly declared: “DO NOT WRITE A MONKEY BOOK.”
I was crushed! Given the expression the book was based on, I couldn’t revise out the monkeys. Surely, that expert knew what they were talking about. Surely, my book was doomed from the start. So why even try? Why put myself through that unnecessary rejection?
I didn’t even dare ask myself my usual question, but I talked to a trusted writing friend. And do you know what she said?
You guessed it: Why. Not. Try?
Setting aside my fears, I sent it to my agent, and she loved it! She declared it her favorite of all my books. She sent it on submission, and that book sold. Not My Circus, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan, comes out in January, 2024. And do you know what? That story STILL makes me giggle. Especially with the pictures.
Of course, trying something new doesn’t always lead to a book deal. Sometimes it leads to a better manuscript. When my critique partners give me feedback that I don’t initially agree with, I always ask myself, “Why not try?” Sometimes, their advice is perfect! Sometimes, it absolutely isn’t. But all of that trying only helps me improve as an author.
Once, I had an editor reach out about writing a chapter or middle grade book using the theme from a subbed picture book. I went for it! And even though the editor still ended up rejecting what I wrote, the time I spent writing and brainstorming was not wasted! Maybe it will lead to future opportunities, but even if it doesn’t, I gained new skills. I improved my writing. And I’m so glad I tried.
We can’t always control when our books sell or who will connect with our writing. But we CAN control our own choices. We CAN control the efforts we are willing to put in.
So, why not try?
Janet Sumner Johnson’s debut picture book, HELP WANTED: MUST LOVE BOOKS, was the winner of the 2021 CLEL BELL Read Award and was nominated for the Children’s Choice Book Awards in Colorado (2022) and Washington (2023). She is also the author of BRAVER THAN BRAVE, THE RECESS GENIUS: OPEN FOR BUSINESS, A BAD CASE OF THE ALMOSTS, THE LAST GREAT ADVENTURE OF THE PB&J SOCIETY, AND THE WINTERON DECEPTION: FINAL WORD (Oct. 2023). You can learn more about her and her books at janetsumnerjohnson.com.
Janet is offering one lucky 12 x 12 member a copy of RECESS GENIUS: OPEN FOR BUSINESS at our September check-in! Fall into a new draft today!
12 x 12 may earn a commission from books purchased through the links in the post. Proceeds go to fund 12 x 12 diversity programming and scholarships.
76 Responses
Thank you Janet for reminding me of how important it is to NEVER NOT TRY! This was just the boost I needed to keep going…
I love this post! Why not try is such a good mantra … even for something as simple as using a new approach in the revision process. Thanks for sharing and congrats on all your success.
Congratulations on your publishing success, and thanks for the inspiring post!
This was an amazing post, thank you so much! I very much needed to read it today. Thank you for the inspiration and renewed sense of perseverance!
Thanks for this wise advice Janet! I’m trying something new with my writing, and this article was right on time!
I love your message! Your mantra is exactly what I needed to hear, adopt, and believe. Thank you for your time and talent. Congratulations on what you’ve accomplished and best of luck with everything to come!
Janet, I love your determination. You ask, “Why not try?” I would answer, “Why not?” It is a first step that starts a journey, and you never know who you will meet along the way. Good wishes for your writing journey.
Thanks for sharing, Janet! Love this. Why not try, indeed?! 🙂 Congrats on your publishing successes already, and I will keep my eyes out for your books!
I love the question “Why not try?” It’s very similar to what I tell myself if I have doubts or hesitations: What’s the worse that can happen? They tell me “no.” Can I handle being told “no”? Better to have the option to be told no than to not have that option at all. It is the same with “Why not try”? If you don’t try, you will lose the opportunity. Thanks so much for sharing.
I love, “Why not try?” …it fits all areas of life! Thanks for the inspiration and wishing you continued success.
Such an important message! Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Of course, you are so very right! Why. Not. Try. You have given me three words to conquer my fear of being too late to this writing party or not a skilled enough writer. This community keeps me going because, “Why not try?”
LOVE this attitude! Thank you for sharing, and CONGRATS on all your books!
So simple and yet so powerful! Thanks for sharing the various moments in your writing life when these three words had a positive effect. Just the right message for starting another new draft! Congrats on all your books. I can’t wait to read ALL of them!
Thank you, Janet, for the encouragement to keep on trying no matter what. I read “Must Love Books” and then I had to buy it to add to my library. It’s such a great book! I look forward to reading the other books you’ve written. Best wishes for continued success!
Wise, wise words. If you don’t try, it will never happen. Congratulations on all your books!
Thanks for your encouragement and wise advice.
Great advice, Janet! Thank you and congrats on your success!
Great post, Janet! I really connected with this, especially your advice of “don’t forget to play”!!
Thank you for giving us a peak at your writing journey. We all need to follow our passions and to remember your 3 simple words, “Why Not Try”!!
Oops! This is the wrong post! That’s what I get for working into the wee hours of the night. Jere is the correct post,
Great post, Janet! I really connected with this, especially your advice to ignore your fears and to go for it! Thank you for giving us a peak at your writing journey. We all need to follow our passions and to remember your 3 simple words, “Why Not Try”!!
I love this! I’ve been thinking along the same lines – what would I do if I was a better writer/had more confidence/etc.? Then why not do it?
And my kids and I really enjoyed The Recess Genius. I’m excited to hear there’s a follow up coming out.
I love this mantra. Why not try? I feel stuck and afraid to try more often than I’d like to admit. I will be using these 3 sweet words today.
Thank you, Janet, for such an inspirational post. I am definitely going to apply this trick and ask “Why not try” before rejecting an idea or potential opportunity. Congratulations, on your success! And again thank you for sharing your heart.
I might have to tack this one up on a wall some time. WHY NOT TRY?
Honestly, I love that it’s posed as a question to myself. The implication that there may well be a situation where the answer is “because of X,” and that’s okay, too, makes it all the more powerful. Because when you stop and pause and ask yourself the question, the answer 90% of the time is going to be “No reason at all! So try I shall!” But having the Q&A moment with myself makes the whole thing into more than a trite Hallmark card “you got this” encouragement.
I don’t know if that makes sense, but I guess what I’m saying is it works for me. So thank you, Janet!!
Thank you Janet,
Your post really hit home for me. The titles of your books delighted me as well as your mantra: why not try? I was impressed that your sent a query letters every week. I’m setting that as a goal myself. Congratulations on all of your books.
I love it when posts are positive and supportive. I have a similar question I ask myself: “Why not now?” I think I’ll add “Why not try?”
Powerful three words! Choices are the cornerstone of the human experience. Choosing to write, in the face of rejection is challenging, but it is character building. My mantra is similar, from the 1980’s NY lottery slogan…”You’ve got to be in it, to win it.”
“Why not try?” is a great mantra! Thanks for the encouragement and congrats on your books!
Thank you so much for such an encouraging post! Why not try? I am sure these words will live in the back of my brain forever and will work their way right to the front each time an opportunity presents itself. Thank you, Janet! And congratulations on your books!
I love that attitude. It reminds me of a phrase I read in a book back in 8th grade. The novel was about a boy who “becomes” a cat–but doesn’t know how to be one (since he’s only been a boy). Another cat helps him. Her catch phrase was “CAN’T catches no mice.”
Why. Not. Try? Thank you for this! I’m an optimism and love this question! Congratulations on your upcoming PB, can’t wait to read it!
Thank you for sharing your story and motivation! Imagine all that we could accomplish if we got out of our own way. I know that’s something I need to work on.
Why not try? is spot on true. So glad you reminded me to use it again and again as I make up my To Do schedule for fall. And congratulations on your books!!!
Thank you, Janet, for sharing your inspirational post. Your positivity to keep on trying is so uplifting. You never know, unless you try. Congratulations on all of your success and your wonderful books.
Congrats on your determination. You’ve inspired me to keep going. Congrats on your books!
Thanks for sharing your journey!!!
Thanks for the inspirational post and for sharing about your writing journey, Janet!
Thank you for sharing your publishing journey. Congratulations on all your books!
Fan of Braver than Brave, here. So loved hearing to “not my circus” story ( I was at that wenat, I think!). But I love the idea of recess genius. Congratulations!
Ugh, autocorrect. The story. And webinar, not wenat. Sorry
Janet, THIS post is EXACTLY what I needed to hear today! Thank you for the inspiration!!
What a great outlook. Thank you!
Congratulations on all of your success, Janet! I love it when children’s authors write across genres!
Great advice. Congrats on the agent and your books!!!
Wow, I love reading this. It’s so awesome that you were offered the opportunity to propose a series. I’d love to try my hand at that. Maybe I should anyway – after all, why not try? 🙂 Congrats on your success!
This is exactly what I needed to read! Trying is something I CAN control and a choice I can make. Thank you for sharing your journey to becoming a PB author. Congratulations on all your success!
Thanks for the encouragement! Congrats on your success!
Well said. I feel like no matter where we are in the journey, we keep having to “why not try”
That’s the best advice, why not try? Thank you Janet!
Thank you for the encouragement! Congratulations on all your success!
Oh I love this example of abundance mentality!! Your story is full of wonderful nuggets of wisdom. Thank you so much, Janet; I’ll be re-reading and reflecting! 🙂
Janet, thank you so much! If you aren’t the perfect example of “Why not try?” I don’t know who is! Your story is inspiring and I’m so happy for your picture book success. (And I love the phrase, “not my circus, not my monkeys! 🙂
Congrats, Janet!
Thank you for the inspiration and congratulations!!!
Janet- I was just in this space last week, when a story I was SURE was going to sell to a magazine got a pass, and one of my best and most creative pb mss got a form rejection from the ‘perfect’ agent within 48 hours. It is good to know we are all struggling at one time or another on this journey. Thank you!
Oh, I LOVE that advice! Thank you, Janet. Congratulations on the results of your efforts! Yay!
Thank you SO much for the inspiration and encouragement! It is just what I need at this stage in my journey. I’m going to get back to my manuscripts and try some more!
Janet – I love your “why not try” mantra! Looking forward to reading all your books! Congratulations!
What a great motto! Works every time (in one way or another).
Thank you for sharing and the very pertinent advice. I try to remind myself of those words “why not try” often and this refresher was most welcome.
While “why not try” is the theme of this essay – and very good advice, the subtheme is “do your research.” Thank you, Janet, for reminding us to persevere and do our homework! The two best ingredients for success.
Thank you for sharing your journey, Janet! ”Why not try” mantra is a great partner to “Never give up” and will help me keep going if I hit bottom.
I love your mantra, “Why not try?” and am going to make that my new mantra too, why not, right? 🙂 I love your picture book titles and can’t wait to read them. They sound like so much fun! Congrats on all your successes!
What a great story of perseverance. I love the mantra, too! There’s nothing quite as powerful as getting out of your own way and just doing all you can to reach your goal, whether it be a PB, MG novel, or something else in life!
Janet, that is the exact thing I needed to hear today after getting some challenging critiques on top of a query pass. Why not try? Might just become my new mantra! Thanks!!
Why not try?! Thank you for this mantra!
I love this. Thank you, Janet! Adding “Why not try?” as a note by my desk. So motivating to hear about your up’s and down’s and successes.
Appreciate the reminder to try. Every now and then (alright every day) the self-doubt demons show up and I have to remind myself that I won’t really know until I try!
Janet..thank you for the very great advise. Definitely, it is sometimes that the biggest roadblock is ourselves. Thanks for keeping it real .
What an encouraging post! I think I have mastered “Why not try?” It is “Just Do It!” or “Just Get It Done / Submit It!” that I need to make my living mantra (as in, don’t just say the mantra: actually finish and send off work).
When reading for a class in illustration that I recently completed, I read that when discouraged by the number of people who attend a writing conference (daunted by the corpus of competitors) always remember that most of the people who attend a conference will NEVER submit. I needed to hear that. And I needed to hear “Why not try?”
What an encouraging post!
When reading for a class in illustration that I recently completed, I read that when discouraged by the number of people who attend a writing conference (daunted by the corpus of competitors) always remember that most of the people who attend a conference will NEVER submit. I needed to hear that.
I think I have mastered “Why not try?” It is “Just Do It!” or “Just Get It Done / Submit It!” that I need to make my living mantra (as in, don’t just say the mantra: actually finish and send off work).
I also needed to hear “Why not try?”
Janet! I had almost 100 rejections on my book. Now it is receiving many awards!!! My motto is “If it was easy, everyone would do it!” Thank you for your great post!
So good, I had to come back and read it again!
Thank you Janet! Great post! This helps me go on!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Love that “Why not try?” And “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!”