One of the little-known benefits of 12 x 12 is that it shortens the learning curve for new writers just discovering how the business of publishing works. Jessica Yoon is proof that it works! She joined 12 x 12 this year, did her agent research, and targeted her submissions to agents whose work aligned with hers. And, now, here she is with a great match for her writing portfolio! 

Congratulations, Jessica! We can’t wait to see what comes next!

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

I have always enjoyed making up stories for my toddlers, but it was typically only through oral storytelling. In December 2021, I began writing as a creative outlet and “me time” after transitioning to become a stay-at-home-mom. I joined 12 x 12 and learned that new writers often query too early, so I waited until I felt that I had four polished manuscripts before joining the query trenches. I admit I was also feeling a bit of FOMO because it seemed like everyone else was querying, and I thought it would make me a legit writer to receive my first rejection.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I looked up the agents of authors whose books I enjoyed and read the 12 x 12 blog to see the Featured Agents. I subscribed to Publishers Weekly Children’s Bookshelf to see which agents were actively selling. I also combed through manuscript wish lists to see who was looking for picture book authors and whose tastes seemed to align with my stories. Finally, I familiarized myself with agency guidelines because different agents have different requirements for their queries.

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

17 queries

10 rejections and 2 closed/no response

3 full requests

2 offers

1 query withdrawal (Agent was great, but she was a project agent and I preferred to have a career agent)

2 step asides after nudging with offer (not enough time to review due to health/vacation)

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

There were definitely some agents I was interested in who are currently only looking to represent author-illustrators or middle grade and above. However, there are still many agents out there who represent picture book authors. In fact, there were some agents on my list who I never got a chance to query because they were closed while I was seeking representation.

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

My agent is the amazing Tara Gonzalez of Erin Murphy Literary Agency. She was one of the first agents I queried, and I actually thought that she had passed on my submission because I had not heard back from her. (FYI for querying folks: she responds to every query!) At the urging of another writer friend, I nudged her after receiving another offer of rep. She quickly got back to me asking to see more stories. I sent her four additional polished manuscripts, including a lyrical prose version of the rhyming manuscript I had originally queried. I also sent her two picture book manuscript rough drafts and a sample of my unfinished middle grade novel in verse. This was important to me because I felt these unpolished stories really represent where I am headed as a writer and wanted to be sure that Tara was interested in them, as well.

About a week after sending this additional work, Tara followed me on Twitter. The notification popped up on my phone, and I immediately took a screenshot and texted my husband, “WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?!” About 20 minutes later, Tara emailed me asking to set up a call to discuss representation, and I put a bottle of champagne in the fridge to celebrate later that night!

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

When I spoke to Tara, I knew she would be the right champion for my work. She is passionate about representation in children’s literature and really understood what I am trying to accomplish with my writing. She is also a career agent and was excited by my entire body of work, including my WIPs. I write in a lot of different genres/styles (fiction, nonfiction, prose, rhyme, humor), and I was thrilled that she enjoyed my range.  I also really respected that while EMLA is a closed agency, Tara remains open to queries from marginalized writers.

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 🙂 )

When I joined 12 x 12 this year, I didn’t know anything about publishing. 12 x 12 helped me ramp up quickly and learn things like the pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing, the benefits of having an agent, how to craft a pitch and query, the importance of critique partners, and more.

I am especially glad that I joined 12 x 12 because it is how I met my first critique group. These women have been so helpful in getting my work polished, and I am continually inspired by their talent, as well.

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

It hasn’t changed too drastically so far. I now have another set of eyes to provide final feedback after I work through my stories with my critique partners.

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

Do your research on agents–what they are looking for, who they represent, and where they are selling. Make sure these things are in line with your personal goals.

Once you have the call, listen to your gut as to whether or not an agent is a good fit for you. As my friend and mentor Ebony Lynn Mudd says, “Your work is the prize!” and you want to feel confident that you are sharing your art with someone who truly understands and will champion it the way you need. Don’t settle for anything less!

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

My platform didn’t help me find my agent, but Twitter was very useful to see which agents are open or closed to queries. Agents may also tweet updates to their manuscript wish list. I had some success in getting agent and editor likes in Twitter pitch contests, but I received both offers of rep through cold querying.

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 go on a trip to Asia with my siblings and our spouses to eat our way through the continent.

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

I’m working on some picture book revisions and need to jump back into finishing the first draft of my middle grade novel in verse.

Not a member of 12 x 12 yet? Get notified when registration begins for our next challenge and receive a free 12 x 12 webinar replay here!