Today we get to celebrate author-illustrator Michele Ziemke and you know that means! Adorable illustrations! We love Michele’s story for so much more than the pictures, because Michele is all about building relationships. The care she took in crafting customized queries for agents paid off in champagne rejections that helped her refine her craft and eventually resulted in representation. Congratulations, Michele!

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

As soon as I could hold a crayon, I wrote and illustrated my own picture books! Sidelined with parenting and two careers, I began writing again in my 50’s. When I decided to take a break from a new novel, I jumped into a few picture book ideas. How hard could it be? (*insert laughter) Inexperienced, I sent agents “literary gems”, only to receive rejections. Filled with kindness, and maybe pity, an agent suggested I join SCBWI and the #kidlit community. I had so much to learn! Writing children’s books was challenging— like retelling WAR AND PEACE in less than 500 perfect words! When I started this process, I had no idea that being an illustrator was very different from being an artist. I rolled up my sleeves and took as many PB classes as I could afford.

After taking advantage of several courses, contests, and conferences, I worked on my craft for over a year until I felt ready to query again, taking breaks to revise and write new drafts.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

Before submitting to an agent, I researched as much as I could on the internet, social media, webinars, and Manuscript Wish Lists (MSWL’s). Most of my queries came from opportunities at conferences, seminars, and webinars!

I also researched old 12 x 12 featured agents and kept a list of those who might be a good fit and open to queries.

The dreaded questions: How many queries?

Honestly, I choose not to keep track. Later, I did have a spreadsheet, listing who I queried, what story I sent, and their response. Each query was uniquely written for each agent, so I didn’t focus on quantity, but rather, building relationships.

How many rejections?

Because each query was specially written for an editor or agent, I enjoyed many “champagne” rejections that were used to help me grow as a writer.

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

Drenched in the kidlit community through 12 x 12, Query Tracker, Twitter, and SCBWI, there were lots of opportunities to engage with PB agents who were seeking new clients and/or offering critiques. The challenge was finding an agent who loved both my writing and illustrations.

Who is your new agent?

The incredible Joyce Sweeney from the Seymour Agency. It feels like a dream that I get to work with her.

Tell us about getting the news. Do you think your platform (blog, social media) helped you find your agent?

This is a layered story that I hope is encouraging to authors seeking an agent. It wasn’t one event, or a platform, but a relationship that began when I won a spot in Mindy Alyse Weiss’ Twitter #PBParty contest.  Joyce decided not to offer me representation…yet…and encouraged me to query her again. Months later, I had another opportunity to interview with Joyce during a Seymour Agency zoom event. Joyce loved my stories, but suggested I work more on my lyrical writing. Taking her advice, I found an online course with Renee Tulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab, and an illustration course with Mira Reisberg, giving my manuscripts and dummies a refreshing lift!  A few months later I participated in Twitter’s #PBPitch, and one of my stories/illustrations received over 300 retweets and comments and several likes. Like the makings of a perfect storm, I sent a query and full manuscript to three amazing agents, followed by three offers of representation.

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

Joyce and I had developed a mutual admiration for each other, and so I contacted her to let her know about the other two offers, and sent her the revised manuscript that originally caught her attention. She contacted me right away to offer representation, and made an appointment to speak with me a few days later on zoom to give her my final decision. Feeling like a bachelorette, I knew Joyce would get my sense of humor, so I came prepared with a rose in hand— “Would you accept my final rose?” She was thrilled I chose her! The feeling was mutual!

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 🙂 )

While engaged on Twitter, I began to notice that the more accomplished writers had 12 x 12 listed on their profile. I had to know more about this group and how to get involved. That winter I participated in Julie’s 12 Days of Christmas, and signed up for membership on the first opportunity. The loving and helpful community was so encouraging, and the webinars enlightening. During the pandemic, Julie’s mini webinar series literally kept me sane and motivated! Thank you!

I also want to shout out for the amazing Perfect Pitch Book course that really helped me hone my pitches- so important when writing a powerful query letter. Sign up here:

https://juliehedlund.teachable.com/p/perfect-picture-book-hooks

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

Most definitely! Querying was very time consuming and stressful. Now I spend my time on writing and illustrating the stories Joyce wants to submit, so I’m so much more focused. I belong to three inspiring critique groups with published and emerging authors/illustrators, so when I need to take a break from my own writing, I enjoy learning from peer critiques.

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

1. Create as many opportunities for submissions as possible: Contests, pitch events, conferences, and seminars/webinars.
2. A rejection from an agent is never permanent—submit new and revised manuscripts according to the agency guidelines.
3. Keep learning and stay humble.
4. Always encourage other writers…We are all on a journey to provide beautiful books for children!

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 🙂 )

Gosh, at my age I’ve already worked through most of my bucket list, but have yet to travel to Europe. I’m hoping to one day spend time on a river cruise down the Rhine River!  I also have visions traveling across the United States in a small camper (maybe promoting my first published book?!!)

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

I’m working on several stories and book dummies at the moment, including a MG graphic novel manuscript, combining old PB ideas with new ones, and looking forward to an upcoming class on writing chapter books this fall. I love the 12 x 12 challenge to keep working on new story drafts and being open to planting story seeds in my writing garden.

Ready to be part of a writing community and see your writing improve? We’d love for YOU to join us in 12 x 12! Registration is going on now! Click here!