Writing, revising, classes, critiques, workshops, contests, conferences, research, research, research, queries, queries, queries, then finally…wait for it…champagne rejections! That’s a good thing, but getting an agent is better, and Jen Bagan tells us how she did it.

Congrats, Jen! We’re excited for you!

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

I’ve been writing in one form or another for most of my life and actually pursued screenwriting for a time. When my kids were very young, I joined a writing group of other moms near me. We mostly wrote short stories, but then I got an idea for a picture book that wouldn’t leave me alone. That was 8 years ago. It was then that I decided to dive headfirst into this wonderful and frustrating world.

I did a lot that first year, including joining 12 x 12 in 2016 (best decision ever!). I took classes, found wonderful critique partners, entered contests, and wrote a lot. So, in 2017 I decided it was high-time I got published already and started querying agents. You can guess how that turned out (shakes head laughing).

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I’ve always read the agent profiles in 12 x 12 and the How I Got My Agent posts. Conferences, contests (where agents provided prizes), pitch events, workshops, and QueryTracker have also been helpful to me in my research. Friends and CPs have also shared valuable information on agents they had queried.

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

Drumroll, please…152 queries! I had a mini-crisis every 50 or so (“How could I already be at 50 and still NO agent?!”) For the first couple of years, I either received form rejections or no response at all. I then started getting requests for more work, champagne rejections, some back-and-forth conversations with a few agents, and one offer of representation in early 2022 (thanks to a 12 x 12 Gold opportunity!). I accepted that offer, although the contract was only for 6 months with two particular projects. It turned out not to be a great fit, so we parted ways at the contract’s end. It was tough to be back in the query trenches, and it took another 2 years before I found “the one.”

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

Since I’ve been at this a while now, I’ve seen it get increasingly difficult for those of us who are picture book writers only. It seems that many agents are focused on author-illustrator clients and/or MG and YA. Many are also simply closed to queries because they’re already so full. It’s tough out there!

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

My agent is Joyce Sweeney from The Seymour Agency. I owe it all to 12 x 12! Joyce was currently closed to submissions, but was one of the featured agents for Gold members this past August. One of their wish list topics matched up with my latest story, so I sent off the query and crossed my fingers! Joyce responded within a few days and seemed so excited about my work. I sent additional manuscripts as requested and then Joyce said they would now take their time and really “ponder.”

While it would have been great to get an immediate offer, I actually very much appreciated how seriously Joyce took the prospect of taking on another client. I checked in occasionally over the next six weeks, and each time Joyce responded right away letting me know I was definitely still being considered. We finally scheduled a Zoom call in mid-October. Like all of our email interactions, the call felt warm and easy. Joyce offered representation at the end of that call.

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

One of the main reasons was Joyce’s responsiveness. Each email I sent was answered very quickly, even just to let me know to hold tight. As querying writers, we often feel like we’re just calling into the void (“Helloooo out there!”). We get so used to our queries/emails going unanswered, and it can be really soul-crushing. So, to have someone continually respond was huge for me.

Also, Joyce is a warm person who genuinely cares about each of their clients. This was apparent to me with all of my interactions and confirmed when I spoke with four of their current clients. Joyce really appreciates my work and wants to see it out in the world. With their knowledge of the industry and strong relationships with editors, I feel good about my chances.

But really though, I just had a gut feeling that Joyce was the one. The fact that they took their time to check in with their own gut feeling about me just confirmed it! 

If 12 x 12 helped you in any way during your agent search/development of craft, can you tell us how?

How has 12×12 helped me? Let me count the ways!

Well, first and foremost, I would not be writing this post because I would not have an agent if not for 12 x 12. Joyce was closed to submissions, but I had the opportunity to submit by being a Gold member. So, thank you very much!

But honestly, I likely would have given up long ago if not for 12 x 12 and the people I’ve met because of it. This industry is exhausting. I’ve had to step away several times and take long breaks for my mental health. But just when I think I’m out … 12 x 12 pulls me back in! The webinars, craft discussions, and industry news are enough on their own, but I’ve met friends for life in this group. They lift me up when I’m down and encourage me to keep going.

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

I wouldn’t say my process has changed at all, but my outlook has. I know we’re often told to write for the joy of it and not focus on getting published. There is definitely some truth to this – you’ll probably never get published if you don’t find the joy in it. However, it’s okay to acknowledge and embrace wanting the end result of having published a book! It’s hard to keep learning, keep engaging, and keep writing when so often it feels like we’re calling into the void (see above.) So, while my process hasn’t changed, knowing I now have an agent on my side makes it easier to keep learning, engaging, and writing.

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

It’s hard. I feel your pain. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially when it seems like so many are getting book deals and signing with agents. My advice is to look for above-the-slush opportunities. Is there a workshop or conference you could attend that invites faculty submissions? Of course, 12 x 12 Gold memberships can be invaluable, and SCBWI events with agents. Enter contests and keep an eye on manuscript wish lists. Sign up for the QueryTracker email that lists what agents are open and what they’re looking for. Above all, take care of yourself. If you need to step away for a bit, then do it guilt-free. Fill your well and then come back.

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

No, it didn’t. I struggle with social media engagement and have yet to find a balance that feels productive and healthy. I’m working on it!

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 want to ride on the Orient Express! I’m always disappointed when I get on a train. They’re so uncomfortable and ordinary. Where’s the wood paneling and private cabins? The champagne and suspicious passengers? Sometimes I want to live inside an Agatha Christie novel. J

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

I’m currently on my first submission round with Joyce, so I hope to hear some good news soon. In the meantime, I’m plugging away on several other PB stories, and I’m dipping my toe back into screenwriting!