Kindness abounds in today’s How I Got My Agent post from Kerry Aradhya! It would have been easy to get down on herself after spending a significant time with her first agent and not selling any books, but Kerry showed bravery and dedication to her dreams of being published when she parted ways with her first agent and took time to hone her craft before looking for another agent. Kerry was kind to herself and it sounds like that kindness is coming right back to her in her new partnership.

Congrats, Kerry! We look forward to more success!

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

I loved writing short stories and poems as a child but got caught up in my educational pursuits for many years, eventually becoming a professional science writer. It was only when I had my first child that I began writing creatively again. I joined SCBWI soon after, in 2007, and have been writing for children ever since—albeit with varying degrees of intensity depending on what is going on in my life at any given time. I actually signed with an agent in 2010 and stayed with that agent for about a decade. During our time together, I learned so much about children’s book publishing, explored writing in different picture book genres, honed my craft, and built strong relationships with amazing critique partners. I did not, however, sell any picture books. Although I adored my agent on many levels, I finally mustered up the courage to seek new representation. It was time.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

About 14 months passed between when I parted ways with my first agent and when I started querying again. In this interim, I joined 12 x 12, attended Emma Walton Hamilton and Julie Hedlund’s webinar “From Research to Red Flags to Representation: How to Find the Right Agent for YOU,” sought opportunities to connect with agents through online workshops, participated in pitch parties, and had the good fortune of being selected as a 2021 PBChat mentee. (Thank you Justin Colón and Vivian Kirkfield!) Through it all, I also pored over agency websites, read Manuscript Wish List, joined QueryTracker, and eventually bought a short-term subscription to Publisher’s Marketplace to help me research specific agents and the types of picture books they represent.

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

Organization is not my strong suit, but I actually made a spreadsheet for this, so I can answer this question! I queried 30 agents, had 5 requests to see more manuscripts, and received 17 passes before eventually signing with my agent.

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

While researching agents, I did come across many who were closed to author-only picture book submissions. However, there are so many agents out there that I was still able to come up with a list of reputable agents who WERE interested in the kinds of books I write. And, in some ways, having fewer agents to research made the process less overwhelming than it might otherwise have been.

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

My new agent is Sarah Stephens at Red Fox Literary! The way we found each other was a bit circuitous, but I couldn’t be happier that we connected. I had actually queried another agent at Red Fox through a conference I had attended, and that agent ultimately passed on representing me but asked if she could forward my materials on to Sarah, who was new at the agency and closed to queries. I said yes…and the rest is history!

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

Warm, friendly, supportive, and resourceful are some of the first words that come to mind when I think of Sarah. Even though she is relatively new at agenting, she has been around children’s books all her life and has experience as a reader, a writer, an editor, and even a bookseller. I am thrilled that she loves picture books as much as I do, respect that she is building her client list slowly and carefully, and admire how she approaches editors with a double dose of kindness and knowledge of the industry. These are just some of the many qualities that made me want to partner with Sarah on my creative journey!

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 🙂 )

Oh, 12 x 12 was on my radar for so many years before I officially joined in 2021. Looking back, I can’t believe I waited so long to be part of this incredibly generous and supportive community! Mostly I had hesitated at the thought of working on 12 picture book drafts in a year, since I’m not very prolific and often find sustained involvement in social media challenging. However, once I joined, I realized that I didn’t need to complete the full picture book challenge to reap the many other benefits of being part of 12 x 12. Even as a SILVER member I could access information about past and present featured agents, and this was invaluable during my agent search. I’ve also learned new strategies for tweaking my picture book manuscripts from all the 12 x 12 webinars I’ve attended or watched as replays. Although not directly related to agent searches or craft development, I just need to say that I also LOVE the new 12 x 12 book chat series, especially hearing all the unique paths to publication and getting a sneak peek at what I hope is down the pipeline for me one day.

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

I would have to say no, but my partnership with Sarah is still new. I’m curious to see if my writing process—or my process for choosing picture book ideas to pursue—will change over time.

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

Hmmm, this is a hard one since I recognize that everyone’s preferences, motivations and desires, strengths and weaknesses, and life circumstances are so unique. I suppose, foremost, I would say be kind to yourself. Know that every moment you spend writing or illustrating, refining your craft, or connecting with others in the picture book community is enriching your life. And because none of us knows whether or when we might connect with the right agent, don’t forget to enjoy reveling in the amazing picture books around us and in the wisdom, kindness, and creativity that abound in our community.

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

I think being active on social media likely helped me find my agent, at least indirectly. I’ve found Twitter particularly useful for connecting with publishing professionals, staying up to date on industry news, and learning about upcoming workshops, pitch parties, mentorships, and other events through which writers and illustrators might unexpectedly meet a future 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 🙂 )

The one thing that has been gnawing at me for years is an inkling to try my hand at choreography. Dance has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I haven’t dabbled much in choreography, other than as a child and for a couple years in college. Like deciding to search for a new literary agent, pursuing this would require me to muster up a lot of courage, though!

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

I have one picture book out on submission and look forward to going over some of my older manuscripts with Sarah to see which direction we want to take for future submissions. I’m also researching for a nonfiction picture book I want to write, and I just came up with a title and general concept for a rhyming picture book that I’m excited to stew over for a while. I’m always thinking about writing and submitting poems for children’s magazines, which I do from time to time when the muse hits, and I’ve been itching to start developing an author’s website. And finally, as best I can, I plan to keep supporting other picture book writers and illustrators, as I am eternally grateful for all the positive energy, inspiration, and guidance they have gifted me!

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