Today we celebrate with Kate Carroll! As you read, you’ll find Kate’s number of queries to be lower than most before she received an offer of representation. Kate did two things before she started submitting that I think made all the difference: she waited until her writing was ready and she did research so she could target her submissions to agents who she felt would be a good fit. That formula won’t always lead to a single digit amount of rejections, but a little preparation can go a long way in this industry. Congrats, Kate! 

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

I earnestly pursued picture book writing in 2012, joining SCBWI and attending my very first conference. Looking back, I had so much to learn and I’m still learning! About a year and a half ago, I decided to actively submit to agents—over five years from when I started this journey. I finally felt like my writing was ready.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

Initially, I would submit after attending a conference and mostly to editors. Occasionally I would send things out to random agents and houses who were accepting work. I really didn’t have a handle on this aspect of the business. Thanks to helpful critique partners, I researched agents and subscribed to MSWL to better focus my attention and zero in on who I should target. I started following some agents on Twitter, especially ones I had seen at conferences

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

I realize that I’m lucky because I didn’t query too many agents (under ten) before I had some interest from an agent. She sent positive feedback and said she would be back in touch; however, that took a long time. Over that waiting period, I was “pleasantly persistent” according to my agent. But I also knew that I didn’t have a confirmed offer in hand, so I still had to pursue representation. (Out of 9 submissions, I heard from 5. Those were passes, except my agent.)

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

Again, I think you need to know what agents are looking for and then targeting those who match your writing. If you don’t research, you are just shooting fish in a barrel.

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

My very dedicated and talented agent is Vicki Selvaggio, co-partner at Storm Literary Agency. We had an initial phone conversation in November of last year. Our plan was to reconnect in the new year. True to her word, Vicki emailed me and asked to set up a time for a phone conversation. I was super nervous since I didn’t know for sure.

But, she asked, and I wanted to scream! But of course, I just said “YES!”, did a secret happy dance and maintained my professionalism throughout the call. Vicki offered me the chance to reach out to other agents and let them know I had an offer in case they wanted to counter offer, but honestly, I didn’t see the need since I was thrilled.

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

I admire Vicki for her loyalty and commitment to writers and not just ones she reps. She knows how tough this business can be, and she gives her full attention to queries. Vicki is an expert in the kid lit market. She is also a gifted business woman and I really wanted someone who has that talent because I do not!

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  )

While I can’t say directly that my affiliation with 12 x 12 had anything to do with my signing, being a part of the Forum has given me another avenue to hone my craft. At the start of 2018, I made a concerted effort to heighten my profile in the industry. I ended up subscribing to The Complete Picture Book Submission System, which gave me great insight into writing pitches. That led me to 12 x 12. Truly, using whatever tools are available to get better at craft, ultimately plays a role in your success as a writer.

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

My writing process has not changed but revisions are more focused. My agent is super organized and has a very specific way she prepares a piece for sub. I love that she is so thorough. She makes me think on every word in a manuscript to be sure she sends out the best book possible.

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

It only takes one “yes” and that’s a great mantra for writers. Focus on the fact that your agent is still out there. Stay determined!  One of my mentors, Laurie Knowlton, says, “Success takes talent, timing, tenacity, and God.” I would say that writing your best stuff takes all those things! Most importantly, don’t rush the process. You only get one shot at making that first impression count, and if your work isn’t ready or up to market standards, it is rejected, and you lose important ground.  I know that isn’t fun to hear, but keep writing, keep learning, keep accepting helpful criticism, keep focused on the dream and never give up!

Definitely research agents (keep a short list of realistic matches); follow them on Twitter; heed their advice. And be ready when an agent asks to see 5- 6 additional submission ready projects to evaluate before rendering a decision!

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

In conjunction with 2018 being my power year for acquiring an agent, I developed a website and became more active on Twitter. I don’t think my social media platform helped me get an agent, but it’s true that agents expect you to have a presence for successful marketing when your books hit the shelves. My agent definitely expected that of me.

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  )

Bucket list? Hmm … running a 5k in Hawaii sounds like fun   And definitely visiting Rwanda, Africa.

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

I just finished up revisions for my second manuscript that will go out on sub this week or next, and I have several others in the queue. Two manuscripts that I had critiqued on 12 x 12 will go to my agent this week. I’m hoping she likes them enough to bump them up to the top of the submissions list.

Thanks for inviting me to the blog. I hope that sharing my experience helps other writers reach their goals.