Welcome back to the How I Got My Agent series! Today we get to celebrate with Stacey Corrigan! Stacey’s story proves there is life after parting with an agent and her advice about not taking the submissions process personally is like a balm to the soul. 

Congratulations, Stacey!

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 9 years ago. I had no idea what I was doing and certainly did not realize how much went into writing. I found a few websites online and eventually found the KidLit community which led me to groups like 12 x 12. I started looking for an agent after my first book was published in 2018. I realized I needed a partner in the process.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?
This agent is not my first agent. I had been represented by another agent who left agenting for personal reasons. She transferred her clients to someone else at the agency. I parted ways with that agent a few months later. Yikes, right? It stunk at the time, but the whole experience taught me that no agent is a lot better than the wrong agent so I promised to take my time finding a better fit this time around.

I researched a ton. I read every article I could find about agents, followed agents on Twitter, and talked to clients, my CPs, and other writers. I participated in Twitter pitches, PBParty, workshops, joined CBI, Rate Your Story, and 12 x 12 Gold. I started getting full requests from agents and although these requests led to rejections, I started building personal relationships with a few of them. Their feedback and encouragement kept me going but also showed me the kind of agent I was looking for. This business is tough so finding the right person was important. I knew that I wanted to find an agent from an established agency. I was open to signing with a new agent, but realized it was very important that that agent had a mentor. I also liked the idea of having an agent that was also a writer.

The dreaded questions: How many queries? How many rejections?
I queried this manuscript 34 times. I had 4 full requests and 2 offers but I have racked up at least a hundred rejections over the two years I queried other manuscripts.

Was it difficult to find an agent who wanted to represent an author focusing on picture books?
No. There are a lot of agents who represent picture books. I did find it challenging to find agents who were open to queries though (this last year especially), that is why I started joining groups that offered “above the slush” opportunities.

Who is your new agent? Tell us about getting the news.
My agent is Jonathan Rosen at the Seymour Agency. He is wonderful. He has a great sense of humor and communicates regularly. He is also an author so he understands both sides of the agent-author relationship. Timing and luck played a huge role in signing with him. I had queried another agent at The Seymour Agency when he announced that he was a new agent looking for picture book authors. By the time I heard back from the other agent, he was closed to pbs. I was bummed because I read his MSWL and thought that he might like one of my manuscripts. When I saw CBI featured him for an “above the slush” pitch opportunity, I jumped at the chance. A couple months passed and I received an offer from another agent. I reached out to him and he responded!

How did you know your agent was “the one”?
When I tried to accept Jonathan’s offer immediately, he wouldn’t let me. He said, “no, you should think about this decision over the weekend. An author-agent relationship is important and is not a decision you want to rush.” I really appreciated that.

If 12 x 12 helped you in any way during your agent search/development of craft, can you tell us how? 
Yes. The 12 x 12 Facebook Group has been a wealth of info. It has helped me navigate offers, identify schmagents, and vent. The support I have received from 12 x 12 is second to none and the webinars are great too.

Has your writing process changed at all since signing with an agent?
It hasn’t really. I have 2 amazing critique groups and a number of individual CPs that I use to revise, edit, and polish my manuscripts. I send manuscripts to Jonathan when they are ready.

What advice would you give to picture book writers looking for agents today?
Rejection is part of the process and it isn’t personal. Keep your replies to agent rejections respectful. I am always amazed at the number of agents who report rude responses to rejections. Don’t be that writer.

Do you think your platform (blog, social media) helped you find your agent?
I don’t think my platform helped me find an agent but being active on social media helped me make connections within the writing community and helped me learn more about agents in general.

Tell us something that is on your “bucket list.” Something you’ve dreamed of doing all your life but have yet to accomplish.
I really want to see sea turtles hatch in Florida. I am a teacher and am usually teaching during the sea turtle hatch so I will have to wait for that until I retire in a few years.

What’s up next/what are you working on now?
My manuscript is out on submission right now and I am so excited! I can’t wait to see what happens next. I am working on several projects to keep me busy until then.