Please welcome 12 x 12 member Samantha Gassman to our How I Got My Agent series! For you spreadsheet lovers, you’re going to love Samantha’s commitment to organization throughout her search. If you’re wondering why you should have multiple manuscripts ready to go before you submit to agents, pay attention to the freedom Samantha has in her creativity as you get into the interview. Congratulations, Samantha!

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 picture books seriously in July 2019 and, in those early days, was simultaneously sending queries. I was new to the whole process and didn’t yet understand the need to have several PBs on hand before querying! As I became more experienced, both at writing and at querying, I shifted from sending queries just to see what would happen, to being more deliberate in my approach. This included more research, more reading/writing, and more Twitter contests!

What kind of research did you do before submitting?
Prior to submitting, I looked up the agent, the agency’s website, read any agent interviews available, checked out their MSWL, and followed them on Twitter. I used QueryTracker and a spreadsheet to keep track of those I thought would be a good fit and why. I kept detailed notes on who I queried, when, which story and his/her response. This came in handy when I got the offer email because I knew exactly who to inform.

The dreaded questions: How many queries? How many rejections?
Prior to signing with Erica Christiansen at the Metamorphosis Literary Agency, I collected 48 rejections, many of which were repeat rejections from the same agent. Three separate times, I received the exciting request to send more manuscripts, but they all turned into rejections.

Was it difficult to find an agent who wanted to represent an author focusing on picture books?
No, I don’t think it’s difficult to find the agents who want to find picture book authors; however, it does seem like more of them are looking for author/illustrators. For those who are willing to take on authors only, the competition is really steep!

Who is your new agent? Tell us about getting the news.
I signed with an agent back in November for project-based representation for one manuscript which was wonderful! But I wanted (and she encouraged me) to find a true “career” agent who would be willing to work with me on a larger body of work.

I participated in the December #PitMad event last year and received likes on two of my pitches from Erica Christiansen at the Metamorphosis Literary Agency. She asked me to send her the queries in January when she reopened, which gave me a few weeks to double and triple check that the stories were ready to go. After I submitted (the day she opened), I didn’t have to wait long before hearing back that she was interested and wanted the Word docs of the stories. On March 4th, I received the offer of representation email!!!

March was a crazy month for all of us as we started to understand and navigate this new normal with COVID-19. During that period of scary and overwhelming world news, the offer was a welcome, positive distraction!

How did you know your agent was “the one?”
When I had the opportunity to chat with Erica, I knew she was “the one” when she gushed over my books with the same level of enthusiasm I do! After only a few minutes chatting her, I felt as if I’d known her for years already and we had an instant connection. Since then, she has continued being wonderful and super supportive!

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. )
I had just joined 12 x 12 when I was offered representation, so I would say no. However, I have been enjoying the forums and webinars!

Has your writing process changed at all since signing with an agent?
No, I wouldn’t say it has changed. Fortunately, by the time I accepted Erica’s offer, I had 10+ manuscripts ready to go so I don’t feel the pressure to produce. If anything, I’d say the offer gave me more confidence in my writing, making it a bit easier for me to brainstorm and write drafts.

What advice would you give to picture book writers looking for agents today?
I would say to remember that agents are people too. They are looking for great talent and they want to hear from you! On the same token, treat querying like a job interview: be punctual, polite, patient, and professional.

Do you think your platform (blog, social media) helped you find your agent?
My social media presence on Twitter definitely helped me find my agent! I had sworn off social media several years ago, but realized last summer how many opportunities I was missing out on in the writing community. I’ve found a great community online, including a support system and critique partners, not to mention all the great writing contests and pitch events.

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 write a novel one day, maybe within kid’s literature or maybe in the adult realm. I have so much respect for those writers who can churn out tens of thousands of words and weave a captivating story for their readers.

Aside from that, I would love to own my own home in a place my husband and I want to live. Since we are an Air Force family, we move every 2-3 years. It will be nice when we can call the shots and choose where we want to go!

What’s up next/what are you working on now?
Erica and I have one book on submission now. Depending on how that goes, we may go out with another one or do another round. I’m also excited to chat with Erica about the manuscripts I have ready to go and get her thoughts on those!