Please welcome Kristen Donohue to the How I Got My Agent Series. Kristen proves that will a little bit of positivity and a whole lot of hard work, you can find the agent who will fall in love with your stories.

Congrats, Kristen!

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

I began writing picture books in 2016. In 2017, I joined 12 x 12, and six months later I secured my first agent. We eventually parted ways and she left agenting altogether a few months after that. After leaving my agent, I took about a year to work on my craft and developed three new submission-ready picture book manuscripts. With the help of my amazing critique partners, I dove back into the querying trenches in 2020. My writing had improved so much over the years and I felt my manuscripts were very strong, but it took three additional years of querying before I secured my second agent.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

My subscription to Publishers Marketplace was invaluable during the research process. Staying current on the picture book market and having access to editor/agent sales was incredibly helpful. QueryTracker was another great way to research agents. This platform enables writers to see agent query stats such as the number of queries, rejections, and requests reported over time.  I also found my 12 x 12 GOLD membership to be very helpful as it gave me a reputable list of picture book agents looking for new clients. Knowing that I needed to get out at least one query per month kept me focused and motivated. Finally, I found MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) to be very helpful when deciding which agent/manuscript to query.

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

110 queries

82 rejections

4 requests for more work

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

It’s definitely harder than it used to be. The list of agents accepting text-only picture book submissions has gotten smaller over the years. And when you filter out the ones who are closed to submissions, who never respond to queries, and who aren’t interested in what you’re writing, it can feel a bit scant. That said, every new story that you write is an opportunity to connect with an agent; even ones you’ve queried before. While it’s natural to feel discouraged at times, I think it’s important to stay focused on the things you can control.

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

My new agent is Kara Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency. Kara’s initial email to me came with an offer of representation! I had heard of this happening before, but I was completely stunned and elated when it happened to me. After we set up a call, Kara told me everything she loved about my book and told me about herself, her agency, and her strategy for selling my book. I asked her for two weeks to close out any open queries, and she was happy to give me that time. When we reconnected, I was thrilled to accept her offer of representation.

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

After a difficult first experience with an agent, I began querying again knowing that I would not accept an offer of representation out of desperation. I understood how much time and confidence could be lost when it’s not a good fit. I also had the advantage of having very experienced critique partners who had navigated their own relationships with agents. Valuing myself as a writer enabled me to have an open and honest conversation with Kara. I had a list of questions for her and her answers were direct, smart, motivated, and thoughtful. It was her answers to those questions that made me feel confident that she was the perfect agent to champion my work!

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 🙂 )

YES! I consider 12 x 12 to be my “home.” I met my first critique group in the 12 x 12 forum and we’re still going strong. Over the years, I’ve exchanged manuscripts with different writers I’ve met at conferences and workshops, and some of my strongest partners are current or former 12 x 12 members. I’ve also learned so much over the years from the amazing webinars! Julie and Kelli have created an incredible community that supports writers at every stage of their careers.

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

Prior to signing with my agent, I spent several hours a week researching agents and working on queries. At times, it felt like a part-time job. Now, I’m able to focus solely on writing and that’s been liberating. I have at least 15 submission-ready picture book manuscripts on deck, and knowing how slowly this industry moves, I don’t feel the same amount of pressure to produce. That said, as a preschool teacher, I’m bombarded with ideas several times a week and I can feel my fingers itching to get started on some new drafts.

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

• One of the hardest, but most important things to do is to separate yourself from your work. Even though a rejection may feel like a rejection of *you,* it’s not. That particular story is just not right for that agent, for whatever reason.

• Celebrate everything! In my experience, the “ups” in publishing can be few and far between. So, celebrate finishing that first draft, getting your first rejection, or finding an agent who seems like a perfect fit for your new manuscript. Whatever it is, find the joy. And find people who will celebrate with you.

• Take a break! When querying becomes overwhelming, find a new creative outlet. The world is big and inspiration is everywhere! So, enter a contest, write a poem, take a walk, or read a novel.

• Accept that it will most likely be a long and hard journey, but find solace in the fact that you’re not alone (even though it might feel that way). Have faith that one day an agent will fall madly in love with one of your stories! Don’t stop believing!

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

I don’t think my number of followers on social media had much to do with finding my agent, but staying engaged on at least one platform allowed me to stay current on trends, connect with the picture book community, and have fun participating in different contests with my peers.

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 🙂 )

My siblings, mom, and I have been trying to plan a trip to Ireland since 2019. Not only am I excited to see our “homeland,” I have an idea for a picture book biography that connects to Ireland!

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

I’m currently out on submission! We’ve had some positive responses, but no bites yet! I’ve approached this entire journey with cautious optimism, and since that has served me well for the past seven years, I move forward with that same mindset.