Congratulations to Mary Munson on signing with an agent! Mary’s excitement is contagious and we can’t wait to see that excitement come to life in her upcoming books. Do all the things and give Mary some love in the comments below! 

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

I can trace my writing back to elementary school, but in 1999, I joined SCBWI and played around with writing and submitting work to publishers. Since joining 12 x 12 six years ago, I really focused on picture book writing and began submitting to agents. With the help of 12 x 12, I have written a lot of manuscripts, funny how they pile up! I thought an agent would be helpful to move some of the manuscripts forward, but I am proud to say I sold my debut picture book myself!

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I researched the agents that attended the SCBWI conferences I went to. I would follow them on Twitter and try to interact with them through posts. I also kept a close eye on who has worked with 12 x 12 writers over the years. There were also many Twitter searches looking for agents who represent picture books.

Quite honestly, none of my research helped me, it was fate that brought me to the pitch party I participated in, which I probably learned about on Twitter.

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

Wow, now that I counted…in the past 6 years, I sent out, 145 queries! I received form letter rejections, no responses, helpful feedback and champagne rejections that kept me going. I also got pretty good at query letters and enjoyed using query manager, so it became a fun past-time on a rainy Sunday.

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

Not at all, Dawn was just expanding her list to include picture books and she liked mine!

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

My new agent, Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary, liked my pitch during the “Sweetheart Pitch Fest,” hosted by, SavvyAuthors. She requested the full manuscript and then a meeting. It was so exciting to finally be moving to the next level. When Dawn and I talked, we chatted about her life, my life and my goals as a writer. I was cautious, nervous and then happy dancing while calmly saying, “Yes, I would like to work with you.”

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

We seemed to click, I liked her no-nonsense style and we had some things in common. She also got my humor, which was HUGE, since I like to write with puns and humor. Since signing with her, I found she is very clear in what she needs from me in terms of timelines and her expectations. I am thrilled to be on this next phase of my writing journey with her.

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 got me in the mindset of being a writer. It helped me accept that I am a picture book writer. The group also showed me how to move forward professionally. It has been an amazing and supportive place to bounce ideas around, ask for feedback and support other writers on their journeys. It was really fun to be a part of 12 x 12 when attending SCBWI conferences, it felt like meeting up with old friends!

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

Yes, I now think in layers when reading and writing everything. My agent had me explain the layers in the book to her. Thankfully, I watched Julie’s Layers in Picture Book video, so I had some idea. But when I had to really break down the layers myself, it was challenging. Since learning more about layers, and studying picture books containing multiple layers, I had a chance to grow more in this area.

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

Do it all, enter contests, pitch events, attend agent/editor workshops, get to know about agent’s tastes online, ask other writers about their agents and query away. Also submit to editors! You just never know when or how you will move onto the next level.

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

Not really, but I like that I had one, if she went looking for me.

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 want to go on a Highlights Retreat, it looks like a writer’s paradise! I also want to go to Egypt and explore via camel.

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

I am working on a sequel to the picture book that is going into submission. Having an agent believe in the work, really catapulted me to write the sequel! I’m currently waiting for the words, “In a two-book deal…”

Fingers and toes are crossed!

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