What’s the journey to getting an agent *really* look like? We love Moni Ritchie Hadley’s unflinching breakdown of queries vs. responses vs. the ultimate result. Spreadsheets are your friend when you’re in the querying trenches. Moni already has one amazing book in the world and we can’t wait to see what comes next. Congratulations, Moni!

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

I started writing fifteen years ago when my daughter was a toddler. I worked as a home/hospital teacher full-time and wrote during my free time. About five years ago, I began to actively search for an agent. I felt that my stories were getting better, and I knew that I would eventually transition from teaching to writing full-time. I wanted an agent that I could partner with to help with my career goals.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I read anything I could find on picture book agents. This included interviews, agency websites, Twitter chat, and personal blogs. I also attended conferences, especially when an agent of interest was in attendance. Video conferencing during the pandemic opened up opportunities to attend SCBWI events across the states, so I took advantage of that also. I paid close attention to agents who weren’t ordinarily open to submissions but allowed attendees to submit. I searched MSWL for agents’ interests and followed their Twitter accounts for MSWL updates. Keeping a spreadsheet of my queries kept me organized. The documents included the story titles, submission dates, date of response, and any notes from the agent.

Industry publications kept me on top of who was selling what. I scanned Publisher’s Weekly to see which agents were signing book deals and compiled this information on a spreadsheet for quick reference and study. I also subscribed to Publisher’s Marketplace, which gave me access to agents’ publishing history. It is a valuable source. I still subscribe to this resource stay up to date on editors’ lists.

I took every opportunity to sub to agents that were a fit for my stories. I kept 3-5 stories as polished and up to date as possible. But most importantly, I kept studying, writing, and revising.

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

Here’s my breakdown.
84 agent submissions
15 years writing
5 years subbing to agents
10 different manuscripts /12 if you count the major rewrites
6 nice rejections w/notes
5 requests for more work
4 subs to agents at my current agency
3 oopsies (name snafus and misread guidelines – it does happen!)
2 calls
1 Referral
1 OFFER!

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

It was difficult, but most things worth having are. 🙂

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

A month after submitting to Red Fox Literary through the SCBWI San Diego Mayfest Conference, the agent I submitted to responded to my query and referred me to Sarah Stephens, who was new to the agency. Our phone conversation took place about a week after that, and she made the offer to represent me. I was over the moon and ran around my house for a few minutes before sharing the news! For years it felt like the hurdle was too high, and I’d never get over to the side —agented, but I did it! I took care of some loose ends. And a week later, I signed the contract! It is a dream come true!

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

It truly was a gut feeling but completely backed up with her belief in my stories and my abilities as a writer. She is new to the agency and has an enthusiasm that is fresh and apparent, and has inside knowledge of many facets of the book world. She’s editorial and gives great feedback on my manuscripts. She has the loveliest communication style, and I’m lucky to have her in my corner!

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! Last year was my first as a 12 x 12 member. My knowledge of the group before I joined was limited. I had signed up for a couple of webinars and had heard about being able to query agents. I wasn’t aware of the community and forum to post works in progress for critique. This was a tremendous help! Having the opportunity to post a story at any time with immediate feedback allowed me to revise faster and get my manuscripts agent-ready, especially when I got nibbles! While querying agents, I needed 3-5 manuscripts polished at all times, so the forum was incredibly helpful in getting fresh eyes on them! I also had a critique ninja give me awesome feedback on the manuscript that caught the agency’s attention.

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

I have more time to devote to stories now. I am not submitting to agents and publishers anymore, and consequently, I spend less time researching.

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

Before I became published or agented, I’d ask myself a question. If I was published or agented, what would I be doing right now? My answer? The same thing I’m doing right now! Writing! So keep writing, polish your manuscripts, and ENJOY THE PROCESS!

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

Indirectly. There’s a lot to be gained from being part of the writing community. Discussions, tips, support, and pitch parties all come into play and help you get ready for the querying process.

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’d like to swim with dolphins and illustrate my own picture book!

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

My second book with Albert Whitman and Co. releases in the spring of 2023. The announcement should be out soon!

Not a member of 12 x 12? Get notified when registration begins for our next challenge and receive a free 12 x 12 webinar replay here!