Today’s How I Got My Agent post comes from Liz Bedia! Liz has some great advice for anyone in the throes of their agent search (and for those just starting). It’s advice that comes from her five year journey to become an agented writer. The great part? With two books under contract, this is just the beginning of her writing career. Please welcome Liz! 

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

It all started in 2^nd grade with my rambling, longwinded story about my two beloved dogs. The writing was less than stellar, but to me that didn’t matter. It was more about the feeling of excitement as the thoughts bubbled up and flowed onto the page in an unabashed fashion. Many wonderful teachers fostered my love of writing. But it was my English composition teacher in high school, who allowed me to explore that unabashed joy in my writing, while teaching me there was a science to it. I wore many hats after college – a researcher, an elementary school teacher, and an audiologist. With the nature of my work, my writing was more scientific in a methodical, “just-the-facts, ma’am” way. That was until my children arrived and I rediscovered that unabashed exuberance of creative writing.

In 2013, I joined SCBWI at the urging of a friend and fellow author, Becky Janni. I was introduced to a wonderful community that welcomed me into their fold. I had been writing off and on for 7 years before I started querying agents in 2014. Looking back, it was too soon for me. I hadn’t quite found a balance between the art and the science of writing. I needed more time to learn my craft, work on my writing, have my stories critiqued, and actively join in the amazing Kid Lit community. It took 5 more years for me to find my agent.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I have a background in research, so it is in my nature to dig for information. I drew up a list of my top 10 agents – all of whom accepted picture books. I checked their agency sites and learned how best to query them. I followed them on social media and looked at their #MSWLs. I checked for any interviews they may have done. I also looked on Publisher’s Marketplace at their recent sales. I tried to glean from this information if they would be a good fit for me and my writing.

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

32 queries over a 5-year period. 28 rejections. 3 requests for more material. 1 offer! It only takes one, right? BUT always make sure that agent is the right fit for you and your writing.

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

Yes and no. The 12 x 12 Gold membership is a fantastic way to get your work in front of agents who truly are looking for picture book writers. I knew I wanted an agent that focused on picture books but who was open to other forms. I think it is important to remember that agents love books just as much as we do. I think if your writing stands out, agents are inclined to ask for more material. Remember, you don’t just want an offer – you want an agent who values and loves your work and “gets it” as much as you do.

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

My agent is the fabulous Charlotte Wenger of Prospect Agency. I knew Charlotte indirectly through Page Street Kids (PSK) where my debut picture book is being published. Charlotte was one of the first people at PSK to read my debut, BESS THE BARN STANDS STRONG. Fast forward to last summer, I happened to see on Twitter that Charlotte had joined Prospect Agency – a well-respected literary agency and one on my list of agencies to watch. I decided it was a sign. I crafted my query letter and then needed to figure out which manuscript to send to Charlotte. She had enjoyed my lyrical writing as with BESS THE BARN STANDS STRONG, but she hadn’t read my more quirky, high-concept writing, so that is what I sent to her. Seven days after I pressed SEND, I received THE EMAIL asking if we could have THE CALL. It was pure Joy! (And also involved a teeny bit…okay, a lot of jumping up and down, screaming, and running around the kitchen. )

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

I don’t know that I knew Charlotte was “the one” at the beginning. I think the client/agent relationship is a lot like dating. It takes time to truly get to know one another. But when I was querying, I did know what I wanted in an agent. At the top of my list, I wanted an editorial agent, who “got” my writing, BUT also challenged me to be a better writer. I had admired the books that Charlotte had acquired and edited at PSK, several of which have starred reviews. This indicated to me that she knew the market and had an eye for great writing and illustrating. Second, I am a conscientious person and I wanted that quality in my agent. For me, that translated into hard work and timely communication. Also, I wanted someone who was transparent. Someone who would listen to my concerns and I would listen to hers, then we would come to a decision based on both sets of concerns. But truly, once I had checked the boxes on my list – I trusted my gut. I felt deep down we would be a good fit.

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! While I didn’t connect with Charlotte directly through a 12 x 12 Gold submission, 12 x 12 has helped along the way and continues to help me. This amazing community provides immense support to its members in form of critiques, oodles of craft and industry resources, webinars on craft and publishing, submission opportunities, and most importantly, the “shout-outs” of encouragement – they cheer from the rooftops, when you reach your goals and they lift you up and give you hope, when things are tough. Thank you, Julie, Kelli, and all of the 12 x 12 community!

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

Overall, it hasn’t changed. I still follow the same process I did when I was submitting on my own. I try to have my manuscripts polished and as close to submission-ready once I send them to Charlotte.

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

Keep writing, keep learning, and keep submitting. I received this same advice early on and it has stuck with me. I think many writers (me, included) feel after a few rejections, their writing isn’t good enough or they should shelve that particular manuscript. Publishing is a tough business. But I think if you strive to improve your writing and keep submitting – the “no responses” turn into form letter rejections, those turn into champagne rejections, those turn into requests for more material, and ultimately, those turn into signing with an agent. I am not saying this process happens overnight. I think it takes time AND that’s okay. For me, I valued the time it took to hone my writing. Then, when I sent out manuscripts to agents, I felt the writing was worthy of their time.

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

While I am active on Twitter and now Instagram, I did not have a huge social media presence when I was looking for an agent. I think it is more important to be yourself and do what is most comfortable for you when using social media. I think at the end of day – it is the writing that matters most.

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 would love to go on educational tour of the Galapagos Islands with my family. We are big science nerds.

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

My second picture book, ARTHUR WANTS A BALLOON is coming out from Ups!de Down Books/Trigger Publishing UK this fall. It touches on mental health and wellness, which are topics very dear to me. By the end of 2020, I am hoping to finish my middle grade novel that has been collecting dust in my desk drawer FOREVER!

Thank you again, Julie! I appreciate you having me here today.

Thank you for being part of our community, Liz! If you’d like to have the 12 x 12 community cheering YOU on, join us for next year’s challenge! Add yourself to our 12 x 12 notification list here.