We are so excited to bring you today’s post because Kira Bigwood has been an active part of 12 x 12 for years and her new agent has been a 12 x 12 Featured Agent since the very beginning of our submission opportunities. It is fantastic to see these two powerhouse come together! We can wait to see what they bring into the publishing world. (If Kira’s debut is any indication, we’re in for some fun!)

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

I was a copywriter (still am—don’t quit your day job! 😉 ) in advertising for 10 years before trying my hand at children’s books, and foolishly thought it might be easier for me since I already had a writing background. I finally wised up and took a class with Esther Hershenhorn at the Newberry here in Chicago, where I had my eyes opened wide. I knew I needed an agent if I was going to make this into a career, versus a one-off, so I started querying about a year-ish (much too early) after really spending time writing kidlit.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

At first, my research consisted of, “Do they rep picture books?” I, too, fell into that trap of querying before I was really ready. And I don’t just mean with writing. It took me a little while to figure out proper researching can really go a long way. Turns out, a solid Google search will turn up a lot, if you’re looking. Going over Publisher’s Weekly announcements, online interviews, Twitter feeds, and checking the agency website and Manuscript Wish List are all a must. I also like to look up the websites of my favorite authors…they usually mention their agents somewhere. And if that agent has similar tastes to mine, well then that might be someone worth querying, right?

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

This was fun (and ok, a little depressing) to go back and look—close to 100 queries for 10 different stories, my first one dating back 7 years, almost to the day! A handful of those requested more work, and another handful were champagne rejections that really kept me going. Ultimately, all you need is ONE yes.

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

Not at all. Was it difficult to find an agent who wanted to represent me? Yes, haha.

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

I’m so proud to be able to say I’m represented by Jennie Dunham, of Dunham Literary Inc. I submitted to Jennie through 12 x 12 in 2015 (and got no response), in 2018 (and got the loveliest rejection with great feedback), and finally again in 2019. It’s worth mentioning, I submitted a different story each time. The final time, I actually nudged her after getting an offer for publication first. She asked to see more manuscripts and remembered one of my stories from past submissions. We talked on the phone, went over all my work, and she offered—it was a blur!

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

There were two other agents interested in representing me at the time, but Jennie’s straightforward nature, track record, and appreciation for all of my stories (not just my sold manuscript) won me over. I still have a lot to learn, but she really gets my voice, and sees where I’m trying to go in my writing.

If 12 x 12 helped you in any way during your agent search/development of craft, can you tell us how? 

12 x 12 introduced me to this crazy world! From submissions opportunities to author interviews, from webinars to check-ins, 12 x 12 has been teaching me, supporting me, and holding me accountable since 2013. There truly is no other community like it. #12x124Life!

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

Honestly, I’ve been writing less since I’ve gotten an agent. A global pandemic with three small children at home, and promoting my debut (yay!), have a lot to do with that. But in some ways, the pressure is off (just a little bit). Frequency aside, my process is the same, except for the small miracle of being able to bounce a manuscript off a seasoned industry expert when I need to. I brainstorm, write, revise, share with my critique partner, revise, share with my critique group, revise, share with my agent, revise. It’s really more of a revision process than it is a writing process.

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

Do all the things everyone’s been telling you. Write, revise, research. Don’t be in a rush to query. When you do query, expect to get some (lots of) rejections. Don’t take them personal, but do take them, because they are usually right and can teach you something. Be kind. Be appreciative. And keep at it. Someone has to land an agent. Why not you?

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

Nope. Creating social media for advertising clients is literally my job, but when it comes to my own platform, I’m sort of like the cobbler’s child with no shoes. By the way, follow me on twitter @KBigwood, or IG @kirabigwood 😉.

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 🙂 )

Someday I would love to have a dog farm in the Italian countryside and just lay in the grass drinking wine with golden retrievers all day long.

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

I’m so excited to announce that my debut picture book, SECRET, SECRET AGENT GUY, illustrated by Celia Krampien, just released from Atheneum Books for Young Readers…and got a starred review from Kirkus! It’s a lullaby for little spies—a 007-twist on the classic, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Hope secret agents everywhere get a kick out of it!

Thanks so much for having me, and for your continued support of kidlit creators, Julie and Kelli. We are fortunate to have you in our corner ❤.