We’re so glad Shruthi Rao joined 12 x 12 when she did because now we get to celebrate her success with her! If you are an international member of 12 x 12 and thinking about breaking into the US market, you’ll find Shruthi’s post today especially helpful. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Shruthi! We can’t wait to cheer on your continued success!

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

I’ve been writing for nearly 15 years, with more than a dozen books for children published in India. I don’t have an agent in India: Indian kidlit publishers accept direct submissions. After I moved to the US, I dug around, trying to understand the American kidlit ecosystem. When I discovered how important an agent is on the path to publication and beyond, I knew I had to try and find one.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

My research was in three phases.

The passive phase, about two or three years before I started querying: I revived my dormant Twitter account and followed agents, editors and some of the movers and shakers in the American kidlit world. It helped me get a sense of the dynamics of the industry. At this point, I hadn’t yet thought of trying to get published in the US. I was just curious.

The semi-active phase, about a year before I started querying: This was when I decided to try and get published in the US. I still had contracts and commitments in India, but I began wrapping them up, in order to focus on breaking into the US market. I started a spreadsheet in which I noted down names of agents and agencies whenever I came across them on Twitter, in deal announcements, webinars, and so on. I watched videos and read articles about agents and agencies, querying and query letters. I also listened in to Twitter conversations among members of the kidlit writing community.

The active phase, 2-3 months before I started querying: As I honed my submission package, I opened a new page on my spreadsheet, and made a shortlist of agents I wanted to query. I specifically looked for agents who liked both fiction and nonfiction, and those who supported diverse voices. I ended up with a short but solid list. I read their MSWLs, followed them on Twitter, watched/read interviews to get a sense of what they like and what they are like, and tailored my queries and submission package accordingly.

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

About 10-12 queries. 3 full requests, 2 offers of rep. 3-4 were direct rejections. The others either didn’t respond, or bowed out after I nudged them with the offer.

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

It’s a smaller pool of agents, comparatively, but they are out there!

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

My agent is Emily Forney of BookEnds Literary Agency. She wasn’t the first to ask to see more of my work, but she was the first to get back asking for “the call”, which I couldn’t believe could be the call, and kept telling myself she just wants to let me down kindly. (Thank you impostor syndrome.) We had a great chat. It’s always lovely to hear how much someone loves your work! Towards the end of the call, she offered rep. In my long-ish writing career full of highs and lows, I’ve learned to take any kind of news with equanimity. Yet, I felt floaty that entire week!

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

This is one of those things hard to put into words. Both agents who offered rep were wonderful and sweet and both of them loved my work and had clear visions for it. I felt extremely honored. I also felt sure that no matter whom I went with, it would be okay. But there was this intangible, inexplicable feeling deep within me, that at this point in my career, Emily was the right fit for me.

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 🙂 )

Most of my work in India has been in chapter books and middle grade nonfiction. Though some of my PBs have been published, I knew I still had a long way to go. So initially, my plan was to study and improve my craft in 2021, and then query in 2022. I heard about 12 x 12 and it intrigued me, but I told myself that I would join in 2022 when I was “more serious and committed to picture books.” But at the last moment, just as the sign-up window was closing, I thought, well, maybe joining 12 x 12 in 2021 is what will make me serious and committed. And I was right. All of a sudden I was in this warm, helpful, knowledgeable community that was passionate about PBs. I was so inspired that I completely gave myself over to PBs. It was like a wave that enveloped me and carried me forward faster than I had expected. I felt ready to query in the fall of 2021, and here I am!

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

Querying is intense, and takes up a lot of mindspace. Now I have more space and time to just write. And of course, having my agent on my side has made this journey easier. Being on sub could have been as intense, but since I’m confident Emily has my back, I can focus on writing.

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

There’s a lot of good querying advice out there, so I’ll just say this: I know querying can affect you mentally and emotionally, especially if you’ve been at it a while. If it gets to be too much, take a step back for a bit. Remember your worth isn’t tied to whether you have an agent or not.

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

I don’t have a social media following, and I don’t think my status as a published author in another country carried over to this country. I’m certain both agents who offered rep did so based on just the work I submitted.

But, being on Twitter (even without any followers!) helped me get familiar with the industry, and find my agent.

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 🙂 )

Running a marathon!

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

More PBs, and a couple of MGs. I have so many more ideas popping up that I’m Whac-A-Mole-ing them, asking them to wait their turn.

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!