When Jennifer discovered an agent she thought would be a perfect match, she found ways to get herself and her work in front of that agent—two critique opportunities, three submissions, and finally, The Call. Research, then persistence, pays off!

Thanks for sharing your journey, Jennifer! We wish you and Morgan a happy, successful future.

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

I’ve always been a writer, by trade, but in February 2021, when I decided to pursue writing picture books, I quickly discovered I’d need an agent. 

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

When I first began querying, I used Publisher’s Marketplace. I gave myself a month’s membership and did my research. However, over time, I discovered simpler things like googling “Literary Agencies” (duh) and other free opportunities like Manuscript Wishlist. One of the most valuable tools, I found, was QueryTracker. I ended up buying into their very affordable one-year membership and within that one year, I signed with my agent. I especially appreciated their weekly QueryTracker News.

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

About 280 Queries over 3.5 years, 4 Requests for more work, and ultimately one offer.

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

Honestly, yes. It’s getting tough out there. I was feeling especially defeated by this notion when I got a phone call from Bethany Hegedus of The Writing Barn, who offered me an opportunity to join a new program she’d begun called The Verge. It was by way of The Verge that I got in front of the right sets of eyes, catapulting me from cold-querying to submitting upon request, and that made all the difference in the world.

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

Morgan Hughes is my agent. I first heard about Morgan through our 2023 SCBWI Spring Conference. She was offsite faculty, and I bought a critique from her. She was very complimentary of my manuscript, which left me all the more befuddled when she declined my conference submission. One year later, Morgan was settled in at a new agency, FinePrint Literary Management, and now onsite faculty at our 2024 SCBWI Spring Conference. I purchased a one-on-one with her and I brought my most promising manuscript. She loved it! I also reminded her of the previous story, and I pitched one other project. It all went very well.

Suffice to say, I went home and hung her business card on my refrigerator, and there she’s reigned. I submitted to her through the conference and I waited. Soon after, I was offered a single-title representation for that submission from another agent who I met through The Verge. Unfortunately, Morgan missed the window to respond. I’d assumed she just wasn’t interested. However, Morgan popped up again at The Courage to Create with a submission opportunity, where I landed back on her radar. I went on to submit to her for the third time in about year and a half.

The truth is, I never stopped wondering about her and I never gave up. Meanwhile, through The Verge, I received a very promising Revise and Resubmit from a Simon and Schuster editor. I used that to nudge all the agents who had my work at the time. Finally, on September 29, 2024, I received my final rejection…clearing the path for my YES. The next day, I got on a call with Morgan where she offered, and I felt completely empowered to tell her YES! She is wonderful, and I’m so happy to finally be in this place!

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

I’m a very spiritual person, and I believe it was sort of divine: I never could get over Morgan. Simple as that. Even after my one-title representation with another agent, I never had the urge to throw away her business card…or toss it in a drawer. She just smiled over our family for those five months (she’s still there, don’t worry). Persistence and right timing lead to our ultimate match-up. I always held warm feelings for her, even after rejection and what I thought was potentially “ghosting.” The industry is hard, but let this be your sign: hold onto hope and know there is goodness in the hearts of our coworkers in publishing.

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

Hardly a day goes by where I haven’t asked for help or extended some help to a fellow writer in the 12 x 12 Facebook Group. That feature is GOLDEN. Otherwise, I’ve used all the bells and whistles within the forum throughout my 12 x 12 tenure and thoroughly enjoy the various industry webinars that have landed in my inbox. To me, being a member of 12 x 12 is a no-brainer. It’s a badge of honor and I believe it offers an extra umph of industry credibility to its members. I’m a lifer!

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

It’s just so nice to have an industry professional “signing off” on my manuscripts. I’m a person who sort of *needs* a little validation from time to time. Otherwise, I’m off and running on a new project, and it’s just so uplifting to be working on something knowing the champion for my work is standing by, excited.

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

Based on MY experiences: Get yourself into rooms (whether virtual or in person) with industry professionals. Picture Book Summit? Go. SCBWI Conference? Go. Join credible groups and communities where submission opportunities are plentiful, like The Courage to Create. Participate. Do the work. Learn the craft. And above all else, READ READ READ current picture books. Use your library card and wear it out!

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

I don’t think it helped me find my agent, but it may have helped my agent know a little more about me before she offered. I do know of another agent who checked me out ahead of a one-on-one. So, it’s something that I think can help (if it’s done well), and you never know who may be checking into you!

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’ve always LOVED whales, and I went whale-watching once before…but I recently discovered through another author I follow that it is in fact POSSIBLE to swim with whales – in Mo’orea, Tahiti – so now that needs to happen as soon as possible!

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

I’m working on a non-fiction (my first) and polishing up my bench, lol! My leading manuscripts are on submission now, and cross your fingers that by the time this goes out, I’ll have a contract!