It’s so gratifying to see long-time 12 x 12 members realize their dreams of becoming an agented writer! Today we get to celebrate with one such long-time member—Lori Dubbin! And, Lori’s story proves that sometimes the best things come out of the worst of times. Congrats, Lori! We’re doing a happy dance for you!

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 parodies and poetry since I was a teen. I love wordplay and rhyme. I write all the songs my family sings at celebrations, but I started writing picture books and taking writing more seriously after I retired from teaching in 2012. I taught in an early childhood school for 19 years and relished reading picture books to my students. I thought it would be fun to try to write them. Of course, it was a lot harder than it looked.

I joined SCBWI and 12 x 12 in 2014 and started taking fiction and nonfiction picture book classes online. I discovered and fell in love with nonfiction picture books, reading them, and trying to write them. I enjoyed digging deep into research and finding the hook or nugget that kids would find relatable. One of the courses I took was Essentials of Fiction with Joyce Sweeney in 2016. The class helped me write nonfiction so it read more like a story. I got better at hooking the reader in with lyrical language and imagery (showing) versus information dumping (and doing too much telling).

At the January 2020 SCBWI Florida Regional Conference, I won second place in the picture book category for a nonfiction manuscript. After placing in the contest, I thought perhaps I should restart my agent search, which had been getting close but never close enough. Joyce Sweeney is an author, editor, teacher, and writing coach, and became an agent in April 2020. Joyce was looking for a nonfiction picture book author for their client list. I was working on a new biography at the time. That’s the manuscript I sent to Joyce and they connected with it right away. (Read my answer to the “bucket list” question to see how fate intervened even more in May 2020).

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I researched agents and took note of the ones who liked nonfiction picture book bios. I submitted to those agents through 12 x 12 (when I was a gold member), through conferences (agents and editors), and through suggestions from my critique groups. I read a lot of agent interviews, and I created a list of the ones who were looking for nonfiction picture books and who were open to authors only and picture books only.

The dreaded questions: How many queries? 

In the six years I’ve been writing with purpose, I’ve queried about twenty-six agents and editors and also submitted manuscripts to four contests. I’m slow yet deliberate, and I overthink everything.

How many rejections?

I received five very kind and encouraging rejections, which helped keep me inching forward, and twenty-one variations of “not-a-fit-for-my-list” no’s. I developed a thicker skin with every rejection. I would read a novel or a stack of picture books (or watch a movie) for therapy and/or inspiration. I put myself on a ten-year plan to keep the pressure off and to stay buoyant. That definitely allowed me to enjoy the process more and find solace in the small steps.

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

It seemed like that at first, but I watched other 12 x 12 authors find agents who were fine with that so I was hopeful.

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

My agent is Joyce Sweeney of The Seymour Agency. We had been exchanging emails since I had sent them my most recent manuscript (the one Joyce really connected with). Joyce asked for other manuscripts and I sent them three. We then had a lovely phone conversation and Joyce offered representation on that very phone call. I kept calm on the outside, but on the inside my stomach and heart were doing somersaults and cartwheels.

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

Joyce is kind, caring, editorial, and always keeps the lines of communication open. Joyce creates a family and has encouraged us to get to know each other through email and Facebook. Joyce also invites all their clients to Zoom meetings 2-3 times each year, where we ask questions, celebrate agent-sibling successes, and catch up on what’s happening in the kidlit world.

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! 12 x 12 has been a friendly and illuminating connection to pre-published and published writers, to online classes, and to the fabulous 12 x 12 webinars. My craft has improved ten-fold because of the resources that 12 x 12 offers. I’ve also met writer friends and critique partners through 12 x 12. Many of my agent-siblings are members of 12 x 12, too!

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

I definitely feel more confident and excited about starting new projects. Having an agent feels like there’s a watchful, knowledgeable guardian angel by my side. I am still working hard and have my butt in a chair, but I feel like I am “moving the story forward” versus “keeping the story in the same scene.”

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

I know it’s often said, but join SCBWI and 12 x 12! Take lots of online classes that you learn about through reputable sources like 12 x 12, SCBWI, or other writers. Go to conferences (when that’s possible again – for now, online conferences and webinars are great alternatives) and submit to the agents and editors who are open to submissions through your attendance. Submit your manuscripts to your region’s SCBWI writing competition (if they have one) or to the national SCBWI writing challenges. Agents keep up with the results of those contests and you never know who may be watching or looking up the results. Join one or two critique groups and/or exchange manuscripts with an online writing friend. All these things add up over time, making you more relaxed about submitting and “pressing send,” as well as making you a better writer. Also be patient and take time to enjoy the process.

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

I have to confess that I’m not a social media maven. I’m most active on Facebook, but I’ve only recently gone back to it. I’m on Twitter and figuring out more about the right ways to use it by reading writer and illustrator tweets and retweets.

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 hike through the Scottish Highlands. My husband and I had planned a trip to do just that in May 2020, but we had to cancel it because of the pandemic. Instead look what happened in May! I got an agent! I may have missed that opportunity if I had been away. I also wrote a new manuscript in April/May 2020, which is the one that Joyce loved. So, the Scottish Highlands will have to wait. 🙂

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

I have a picture book biography, Perfect Match, The Story of Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton, which will be coming in Fall 2024 (with Kar-Ben Publishing). It’s the true story of these two women who were treated as outsiders in the 1950’s because of their race and religion, but when they became friends and tennis doubles partners, they didn’t have to fight discrimination alone anymore. I’ve also enjoyed taking advantage of the free SCBWI webinars that have been offered since March 2020 and watching and taking notes on every 12 x 12 webinar.

Thank you, Julie and Kelli, and all the wonderful 12 x 12ers out there – you are all a continuous source of knowledge and motivation. Julie, you created a special community where writers and illustrators can support, educate, and encourage each other. You all have helped me keep at it!