And they said it couldn’t be done! Jessica Milo is a #PBPitch success story! Join us for the ride as Jessica reveals the ups and downs of looking for an agent and finally landing Jonathan Rosen of The Seymour Agency.

Congratulations, Jessica!

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

I started writing picture books in July 2021 after I left my teaching job. I began with taking a class on writing craft with Children’s Book Academy, and from there I immersed myself in the kidlit world. I took classes, webinars, and workshops writing picture books, started interacting with the Twitter kidlit community, and finding my critique partners and critique groups. In March 2022, I felt I had enough polished manuscripts and decided to start querying agents.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I studied agents’ wish lists on the MSWL website, stalked agents’ social media pages, checked out their personal and agency websites, and clicked on the names of the people I followed on Twitter to see who they were agented by.

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

I queried 43 agents. I got three requests for more manuscripts but ultimately those agents passed.

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

For me, it wasn’t because I only focused on querying agents that were taking on picture book authors.

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

My agent is Jonathan Rosen at The Seymour Agency. Signing the agent-client contract with him was one of the best moments ever! It started back in June 2022, when I participated in #PBPitch on Twitter. He liked one of my pitches, so I immediately queried that story to him. When I got publisher interest in one of my other manuscripts over the summer, I nudged Jonathan with that information in late August. Ultimately, I didn’t sign a contract with the publisher, but Jonathan loved both of my stories – the one I pitched for #PBPitch and the one that got interest. We met on Zoom in mid-September, and I signed my contract later that week.

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

When we met on Zoom, things just went so smoothly. Jonathan was easy to talk to, and I did not once feel like I couldn’t ask a certain question or say whatever was on my mind. He answered all my questions, was completely open and transparent, and I could tell instantly that we’d get along well. What sealed the deal for me was knowing that his communication style fit exactly what I wanted, and that he truly believed in me and my stories.

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 🙂 )

12 x 12 has helped me in SO many ways. With searching for agents, I utilized the monthly Featured Agent posts on the 12 x 12 blog – even though Gold members were the only ones who got submission opportunities with them, I read those posts and used the information provided to target who I wanted to query. In terms of craft, the monthly webinars are so insightful and encouraging. They are one of my favorite things about 12 x 12. In addition, 12 x 12 offers so much support through the online forum with craft resources and the Facebook group is full of information, where you can ask any question and get helpful answers from members within the hour!

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

My writing process has changed a little. I think having an agent and knowing he will read my stories (and that he is an author himself), I want him to like what I write. This pushes me to take the time to find even better word choices and hooks, to ramp up the voice, tension, and conflict (if any) in my manuscripts, and really make them shine. If I can elicit a “this is a great story” response from my agent, I feel so accomplished and like I’m heading in the right direction.

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

I would say to search the Manuscript Wishlist website (https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/) and find which agents are open to your genre, your writing style, and the subjects you write about. Attend webinars, workshops, and classes that feature agents so you can learn more about what they’re looking for. On social media, see who your writing friends are represented by. Look up those agents’ websites. Read blog interviews with agents you’re interested in querying. Work with your critique partners/groups to craft a strong query letter and to polish a 3-5 manuscripts. If you have questions about agents or querying, I highly suggest posting them in the 12 x 12 Facebook group.

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

Yes! Being active on Twitter and participating in #PBPitch is how Jonathan first saw me and took interest in my writing. His like on my pitch was the invitation to query him that story, so Twitter has played a big role in finding my agent.

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 🙂 )

Oooh, that’s a hard one. I would choose traveling more. I dream of visiting so many places. I’d also love to see my books, once published, translated for foreign markets. I love learning foreign languages so this would be amazing!

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

I am on submission with a few picture book manuscripts, and we are still waiting for some editors’ responses. In addition to writing more picture books, I am also working on my first middle grade novel-in-verse which I’m excited about.