Hooray for Kelly Bookamer! This journey takes a thick skin, but Kelly proves if you’re doing the work of your soul, you can succeed—even after 161 rejections!

So excited for you, Kelly!

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

I have been writing creatively ever since I could hold a pencil! I am a mother and an elementary school teacher, so I read a lot of picture books. Around 2014, I started dabbling in picture book writing, but in 2017 I decided to exclusively write picture books and stick with it.

After I completed my first manuscript, I decided to send out my first query (too soon!). Little did I know then that PB writing is one of the most difficult genres to write. I quickly learned that I must have a good hook, create a captivating story arc with a problem and solution, create relatable characters, raise the stakes, have a distinct voice, create tension and emotional resonance, SHOW, NOT TELL, have compelling page-turns, perfect pacing, and the ending must be both surprising yet inevitable (to name a few things) …  all in under 500 words! With such a small amount of real estate, I had to put every word on trial for its life. I discovered picture book writing is both an art and a science… and that it is not for the faint of heart. But I had resolved to do it.

Thus began my journey of taking classes, joining organizations, signing up for memberships, attending webinars, and traveling to conferences. In 2020, I was accepted into a year-long intensive Children’s Lit Fellows Program. The learning was fast and furious. Following that program, I gained critique partners and then eventually, joined critique groups.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

Manuscript Wishlist was always my first go-to. Then I would check Query Tracker and the agent’s website to see if they were open to submission. I also subscribe to Publisher’s Marketplace. I found it to be an extremely helpful tool in this process.

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

Since 2017, I have submitted queries to over 100 literary agents. I should mention that after my 100^th rejection, I tried to quit. But shortly after, an idea bounced around in my head, and inevitably, I found myself sitting on my couch, with my computer on my lap, writing another first draft. It was then that I realized I am doing this forever. Not because of any result or outcome, but because I want to. Because writing is simply part of who I am. That said, in total, over the past seven years and with about a dozen completed manuscripts, I submitted 162 queries. I was rejected 161 times. 162 was my YES!

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

Not necessarily. I think it’s a matter of doing the right research and making the right connections. In my experience, things are only as difficult as I believe them to be.

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

I am thrilled to announce that I am now represented by the amazing Kelly Bergh of Lucinda Literary! This past December I signed up for my first ever live pitch session. While I was looking through the list of literary agents, I was happy to see Kelly’s name because I had been drawn to her for the past year. I wasn’t sure she’d even be interested, as she reps mostly novels, and only select picture books, but I did it anyway. That ten-minute pitch session turned into…The Call, followed by an email with an offer of representation. I finally got my YES from someone who truly gets me, my work, and my vision.

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

I felt a strong connection to Kelly when I first read her Manuscript Wishlist about a year ago. When I pitched to her at the conference, our conversation was effortless and fun, which left me feeling even more of a connection. When she compared my manuscript to Big Magic (Elizabeth Gilbert) for kids, that’s when I knew she was “the one.”

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 been an integral part of my writing journey. I love the sense of community I feel with this group. Questions are answered on the Facebook page, and everyone is friendly and helpful. I think I have watched every webinar since I joined in 2020. I find the speakers informative and useful as I develop my craft. I am so grateful for Julie, Kelli, and the entire 12 x 12 family!

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

Nothing has changed so far. My general process is: first draft, revise, send to critique partner, send to critique group, send to freelance editor, revise some more, and then finalize. I don’t expect that will change much, but time will tell.

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

This sounds funny, but if you can, quit. Give it up. Throw in the towel. But if you fail to quit and you find you simply must write because it is an essential part of your soul’s journey to do so, then you will inevitably succeed!

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

I have had an author website since 2020. I’m assuming my agent looked at it when she was interested, but I’m not sure! As far as social media, I don’t think that had anything to do with me 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 🙂 )

I have always wanted to write song lyrics!

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

Now my agent pitches my story to editors at publishing houses. I have over a dozen manuscripts that are ready so I’m hoping those get picked up in the near future as well. In the meantime, the ideas are always flowing.