Welcome, Natasha Khan Kazi! We love Natasha’s How I Got My Agent story because it shows that when you put yourself out there to get feedback, great things can happen. We can’t wait for Natasha’s book to hit the shelves in 2023! Congrats, Natasha!

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

Before focusing on children’s writing, I worked in social media, content creation, and journalism. In 2017, I started creating and sharing children’s activities on my blog, Islamimommy. I loved creating enrichment content for kids, and in 2019, I decided to focus on writing children’s books. Outside of work and family, it became my singular focus. I enrolled in online courses and spent a few hours a day reading and writing. Then the pandemic hit, and I channeled all my free time into writing and illustrating.  I felt ready to query once I had three polished manuscripts under my belt. Each of my polished manuscripts had been critiqued by 10+ people, gone through several revisions, and had multiple professional critiques.

What kind of research did you do before submitting it?

I made a spreadsheet to track agents and publishers that seemed interesting. Next, I researched agents who championed the types of stories I wanted to write. I am a Bangladeshi Muslim immigrant, and my stories are rooted in my experience, so it was important for me to find an agent who represented marginalized authors and illustrators. Most of my research was on Twitter, following #MSWL (https://mswishlist.com/),  diverse twitter pitch events such as #DVpit, and book announcements. I also attended “Ask An Agent” events through writing organizations.

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

I sent out 16 queries to agents and five submissions to editors. 389Literary, a student-run literary agency pop-up, sent my manuscript to 3-5 additional agents and editors. I only queried around Twitter pitch contests or professional workshops. I wanted to reach out to “warm contacts.” Unfortunately, even in those situations, I often never received a response.  In the end, I had 20 rejections, five requests for additional manuscripts, two offers for representation.

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

For my first 16 queries, I pitched as an author only and didn’t see any interest. I was working on my illustrations but afraid to put myself out there as an author-illustrator. When I decided to pursue picture book writing, I didn’t immediately choose to illustrate my books. I was always a strong and eager art student, but as a first-generation immigrant, going to art school or even being an English major was not an option. After getting some solid advice from a working illustrator, I enrolled in intense study and fell back in love with illustrating. Then during #PBpitch in 2021, I held my breath and tweeted a pitch with an image and a manuscript. The response floored me. I had so many editor and agent hearts!

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

My agent is the incredible Tanusri Prasanna of DeFiore & Company. When I got “the call” from Tanusri, I had another offer for representation in hand (from a wonderful agent I met through #PBpitch). But when you get an offer for representation, it is common practice to notify agents with your manuscript that they have a short time to respond. When I sent that notice, I had a few agents that asked for more time. Then, unexpectedly, one agent responded and said she was no longer representing picture books, but she knew the perfect agent for my book. I was excited to make the connection.

Tanusri and I got on a video call, and I knew immediately Tanusri was the one. She is a force! Tanusri is a former human rights lawyer who radiates passion, authenticity, and determination. Side note: I hope that referring agent is blessed with abundant good juju.

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

When I met Tanusri, I knew in my gut that she was a kindred spirit. If I weren’t in the room, she would be able to represent my values and wishes. Also, Tanusri had a wealth of experience. She had an editorial style that I valued, and she’s also a savvy business person. I tend to be very laid back and sometimes too optimistic. I loved that she was so grounded and such a boss.

It goes without saying; it meant a lot that she loved my story.  After so much self-doubt and rejection, it is an overwhelming feeling to know someone believes in you. Tanusri says she gets goosies when she reads a great manuscript and felt that when she read mine. I hope to evoke the goosies again soon!

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 🙂 )

12 x 12 has been an invaluable community! I posted my debut book (yes, I sold a book!) to the 12 x 12 critique forum and received great feedback.  I also love the webinars. As a former ELL student, I connected deeply with the language webinar with Aixa Pérez-Prado. I’ve learned so much from 12 x 12 presenters and the peer community. When I was preparing for submission, 12×12 member and author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury gave me amazing feedback on my art. I hope she gets abundant good juju, too!

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

Absolutely. I wanted an editorial agent because even when I love a manuscript, I enjoy the revision process and want to be pushed to bring out my best work. I trust Tanusri’s opinions and experience in the industry as well as her vision for my work. And I feel encouraged to tap into my best writing self!

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

This is an endurance game. You will reach your goal if you take critiques constructively, listen, learn, grow, pivot, and never give up. Also, it’s not just about being a great writer. It’s also about the story. If your story is not resonating, try something new. I’ve spent hundreds of hours on stories that might never be published. But you just need that one story that connects with people.

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

I don’t think it helped me find an agent. My agent is all about the text and connection with voice. But I do hope my platforms will help me market and promote my books so that I can impact the widest audience possible!

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 support educators championing more science, social studies, and arts education in elementary school. There are no common core standards for social studies for K-5, but kids are exposed to and aware of diverse histories, religions, cultures, communities from a young age. Kids, regardless of socioeconomic status, should have access to knowledge, along with reading and math skills.

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

I finished the words and art for my debut picture book, MOON’S RAMADAN, launching in 2023 with HarperCollins. My editor, Ann Rider, and I chose our second book, and I am thrilled to release it with HarperCollins in 2024.

Ready to be part of a writing community and get helpful critiques on your work? We’d love for YOU to join us in 12 x 12! Registration is only open for a short time. Join is by 2/28/22! Click here!