For those of you wondering if it’s too late to get an agent and get your books published, Shirin Shamsi’s story is for you. You’ll also notice that while Shirin didn’t receive a lot of agent rejections, she was constantly working on her craft. That continuous work to improve, listen, and write allowed her to be ready when the time was right. Always be working on your craft. Shirin’s first book ZAHARA’S BLESSING will debut in Spring 2022! Congrats, Shirin! We’re so happy you found the right agent for you!

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

My writing journey may possibly be the longest of any 12×12-er!

I took my first writing course in 1994 and sent out assignments to my instructor at the Institute of Children’s Literature. That is how snail’s-paced my journey has been. I plodded along, hoping, and dreaming of becoming a children’s book author.

I was busy raising my children at the time, so I did not prioritize my writing. It was a distant dream I held onto, a quiet dream. I wrote at times, though not regularly. Then, when my youngest went off to college, I joined SCBWI in 2010. It was time to pursue my dream with a passion!

I had many rejections – too many to count! I was focused on publishing and never even thought of finding an agent. I was afraid of the commitment it required. It did not help that I heard experts compare the relationship between author/agent to that of a marriage. I did not feel ready for an agent.

In January 2017 I joined 12×12. I also took many classes to improve my writing. I had also joined a critique group.

My debut middle grade novel was published in 2019 (Clear Fork Publishing).

I did not actively pursue agents until 2019, when I met an agent at an SCBWI event. I felt an instant connection to her, so I submitted to her but did not hear back. I was disappointed, but content with the way things were. So, I did not actively seek another agent.

In April 2020, the early days of the pandemic, because I had nothing better to do, I participated in DVPit on Twitter. Within hours I had interest from seven agents and editors. I was blown away – AND so nervous. I was not prepared for this.

I took advice from my critique partners and submitted to almost all the agents over the next few days. I heard back from Agent Saba Sulaiman within 12 hours. We scheduled a phone conversation and talked for over 90 minutes. I could not believe someone else could love my story so much. I could not believe that my story had made her cry. She offered representation immediately but advised me to wait until I heard from the other agents, to whom I had also submitted. I got off the phone, bursting with excitement! My gut feeling told me she was the one. I discussed it with my husband. I decided I did not want to shop around, nor did I want to wait to hear back from the other agents. I had connected with Saba –  she understood my story and felt what I felt. I was so comfortable with her; I did not need to keep searching. I accepted representation that day – and withdrew my submissions to other agents and editors.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

After DVPit, I reached out to 12×12-ers on Facebook and also my critique partners. I was so flustered as I had no idea about any of the agents. I received good advice, but still did not have a preference. I had heard some pretty bad horror stories of agent/author relationships. So I was still unsure and a bit fearful of the commitment.

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

I have not had many rejections from agents like I said, I usually submitted only after meeting an agent if I felt some connection. But with editors, I can say I have had too many to count.

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

My agent is the wonderful Saba Sulaiman of Talcott Notch Literary. I am so thrilled. It happened at the right time. I am so glad and so happy.

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

When we spoke for the first time, I felt she “got” my story. She loved it as much as I did. She told me she read it twelve times and loved it more each time! The fact that she felt emotional about something that  I wrote- that just blew me away!

I felt this was meant to be.

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 🙂 )

Since joining 12 x 12, my life has been enhanced in ways I cannot quantify. I believe everything is connected. I owe Julie, Kelli and everyone at 12 x 12 so much. I have grown as a writer because of 12 x 12. I love the webinars. I continue to learn and grow as a writer with all our KidLit community. I cannot pinpoint any one thing, but it all matters. Everyone I know, has impacted my writing journey in some way. The story that got me my agent was on the back burner for many years. Esther Hershenhorn told me many years ago “That’s the story you should write” but I had such an emotional connection to it that perhaps I was not ready to share it with the world.

It was meant to be written now. I was ready now because I recently visited my mother. It is based on her childhood experience. She related it to me on my last visit in England- pre COVID- and as she told me the story that I had heard all my life, I felt it differently. This time I listened to it as a writer – and I felt in my heart that the world needed to hear it.

I’m so honored that my mother’s story is the story my agent loved –  for it is so incredibly special to me. I hope the world will appreciate it and love it as much as my agent and I do.

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

Not a lot. I begin my work as soon as my husband leaves for work. I write, read, edit, sketch- amid lots of cups of tea. I pretty much work all day now. I feel so grateful to be doing what I love, so honored that I have this opportunity.

Having said that, I feel more relaxed knowing I have someone who is my advocate. I just heard that the story that got me my wonderful agent, has been announced on PW.

THE MOON FROM DEHRADUN (pronounced DARE-AH-DOON)

Will be published by Atheneum in the fall of 2022. Alyza Liu is my wonderful editor. I cannot imagine working with a more wonderful team. Tarun Lak is the illustrator. He is the most talented Pixar animator. I am honored, humbled and incredibly grateful for everything.

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

Keep writing, keep learning. Be open to opportunities that present themselves. It will happen at the right time. You will know when you are ready. Send the work that is closest to your heart. My test is “Does this make me feel a strong emotional tug?” I love stories with heart.

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

YES! Even though I am as low- tech as they come. I participated in DVPit and found my agent. So, Twitter helped me! I would never have thought that could happen as I still struggle with social media.

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 🙂 )

My dream would be to also illustrate my books – but that’s a long-term plan, as I need to learn to draw first!!!!

My greatest joy would be to see my books inspiring empathy and tolerance in the world. It’s a BIG WISH, but my heart is hurting with all the hate in the world. I know that hate is learned in the home. Learning begins at birth- in utero even- and if we get books into children’s hands early on in their lives; books that teach empathy, kindness, love, and inclusivity; and if my books can make a difference, it would be my dream come true.

I feel so blessed I cannot wish for anything for myself, except to make a positive lasting difference in the world, one book at a time; one child at a time; with the hope that our children will grow up in a better world –  a more caring world.

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

I am working on a nonfiction picture book biography of a person who lived during the Second World War. It has been a long and arduous journey. Research for material and synthesizing it all into one book has been tough. I would say even more challenging than my middle grade novel. I cannot share much, but my critique partners know how much it tugs at the heartstrings. I hope it can find a home and be out in the world soon.

Thank you for inviting me to share my story.