Today we are happy to welcome Joanna Bradshaw to the blog! Joanna’s journey to landing her agent show us that if you’re willing to ask yourself the tough questions and put in the work, sometimes a “no” can turn into a “yes.” Congratulations, Joanna!

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

I had been writing for about a year and a half before deciding to seek representation. I knew I wanted an agent because I have no mind for contracts or financial mumbo-jumbo. I wanted someone who could help improve my writing, be an honest voice and a cheerleader, guide my career…and handle all future querying and submissions! When I started querying, I thought I had several polished manuscripts to show, but looking back, I know I wasn’t quite ready yet.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I looked up every single agent in every single agency included in the SCBWI’s resource, The Book: Essential Guide to Publishing for Children. I read multiple books represented by agents that seemed like they might be a good fit. I made a spreadsheet, took notes and ranked agents according to who I perceived might be the best match for me. At the time, I predominantly wrote lyrical picture books with diverse characters and social justice themes. I knew there wouldn’t be many agents looking for my kind of writing or manuscripts, so I needed to really dig in to find the right agent.

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

In my first attempt to find an agent, I sent out nine queries. I received one request for more work from Caryn Wiseman, my dream agent [from Andrea Brown Literary Agency], one really kind personal rejection, and two form rejections. I had five non-responses. After I sent in more work to Caryn, she kindly declined to offer representation saying she wasn’t as taken by the other manuscripts I sent in. This rejection really forced me to take a hard look at the stories I was writing. Was I writing the stories of my heart, or stories I felt needed to be told. It turns out there was a difference. In the end, I realized that the additional stories I had sent in really weren’t my stories to tell. I really examined my heart and my life to find my stories. Then I started writing again…and I joined 12 x 12!

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

When my agent offered representation, she offered solely based on picture book manuscripts that I sent her. She also asked about my future writing goals. At the time I told her I wanted to keep focusing on my picture book craft, but that in the future I would be interested in trying to write other genres if and when the inspiration hit.

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

After Caryn Wiseman declined to offer representation (aka. rejected me!), I felt inspired to write even more. I also felt inspired to do a little kind-of creepy stalking at Andrea Brown’s Big Sur conference. I hoped I’d be able to talk to her a little and of course, continue to improve my writing. Naturally, my brain shut down every time I saw her (from afar, mind you), so as far as building a personal connection, the trip was a complete wash. However, it was an incredible weekend and I learned a ton about writing.

The stars really seemed to align, because just a few months after Big Sur, Caryn was also on faculty at my local SCBWI conference. I signed up for a critique with her. After going over my manuscript, she told me she was very interested and would like to see it after I revised. I worked feverishly to revise the manuscript; I was expecting a baby and wanted to have the manuscript sent out before the baby came and all my sanity disintegrated into a sleep-deprived stupor. In my query, I also referenced the manuscript I submitted the previous year. Just a few days after I sent the query, my baby came—a month early—and I disintegrated into my sleep-deprived stupor. Nearly two months later, I received an email from Caryn saying she’d like to set up a phone call.

I asked two cousins to watch my newborn during my call, which I took outside my apartment, crouching in my driveway. I really tried to sound professional, but I may or may not have YAYed! a little when Caryn offered representation.

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

Based on her personal profile, I knew Caryn was a genuine advocate of diverse books. Her profile literally says she is “particularly interested in books for children and teens that explore themes of diversity and social justice.” It also says she is looking for picture books with lyrical storytelling. I read a wide range of books she represented and felt like her books matched her personal description. From the beginning, I felt drawn to Caryn and I still can’t believe I am fortunate enough to be her client.

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  )

I joined 12 x 12 after my first round of agent rejections. I had—and still have—a critique group that I loved, and I was looking for even more resources and support. The manuscript Caryn critiqued at my local SCBWI conference went through several rounds of feedback and revision with the 12 x 12 community. Additional manuscripts I sent her upon becoming her client—which she has since sent out on submission—also went through several rounds of feedback and revisions through 12 x 12. The 12 x 12 community really helped me to refine my writing and develop my stories. It also just felt great to be part of a supportive writing community.

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

After signing with Caryn, I dabbled around with a few more picture book manuscripts, but have since jumped into attempting my first YA. I think having an agent gave me freedom and confidence to experiment more with my writing.

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

Find the stories of your heart. What memories, joys, sorrows, worries, pains, loves, struggles, smiles do you store in there? Use those as a foundation for what you write.

Focus on craft and don’t rush the process. Do your research. Publishing is incredibly subjective! Find the people who will understand and love what you do.

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

I don’t think it helped me find an agent, but I think Caryn likely looked me up and possibly skimmed my blog to learn more about me and whether or not we would be a good fit before she offered representation.

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  )

Ride in a hot air balloon!

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

I’m trying to finish the first draft of my YA and have it revised and ready to submit by June of 2019. I have no idea what I’m doing or whether this is an insane timeline, but I’m going with it!