When a charter 12 x 12 member (that’s means they’ve been a member since 2012!) gets an agent, this is our first reaction:

Stacy, we could not be more proud of you for reaching this milestone and we can’t wait to buy your books!

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 picture books for 11 years. I’ve queried over the years. I’ve taken some time off in recent years, due to some life changes — a family move and house renovation —and some volunteer obligations kept me too busy.

What kind of research did you do before submitting? How did you know your agent was “the one”?

Since I knew my agent before I signed with her, it was a little different. I know her work ethic, her communication style, and her keen editorial eye. She knows how to get to the heart of a story. I know her organization skills and dedication.

Since I’ve been querying for several years, I knew what I wanted in an agent. Ana checked all those boxes for me.

The dreaded questions: How many queries? I found 93. There may be more somewhere in my email.  

How many rejections?  92

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

My task was always to find someone who wanted to represent my picture book manuscripts.  So, I always focused on the ones who were willing to accept author manuscripts.

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

Ana Crespo, Assistant Agent at East West Literary Agency, Inc.

Her Publishers Marketplace member’s page details what she’s looking for and how to query. https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/AnaCrespo/

I’ve known Ana for years. We have shared our enthusiasm for picture books and swapped stories for critique over my breakfast sandwiches and her healthier choices. When she became an agent and invited me to submit work to her, it was an easy decision.

I sent stories. We discussed revisions. I submitted revisions. She sent a contract. When the contract was executed, we scheduled a call to get to work.

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 🙂 )

12×12 has been instrumental. The enthusiasm is contagious. The knowledge is unmatched. The support is wonderful.  While the forum and the webinars are great, the members are a true treasure whether veterans or first-time members.

I am one of the original 12 x 12 members and volunteered as an elf for a few years.

Julie Hedlund asked me how many drafts I’ve written over the years in 12 x 12. A few years were more prolific than others. I’ve written 187 drafts. I focused more on revisions in recent years. Of those drafts, I have a list of around 30 that are beyond drafts.

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

I’m in a revision phase right now, as I wait for feedback from the first story sent out for submission. I recently joined a new critique group through the 12 x 12 forum and that will motivate me to polish up new drafts.

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

Keep your ears open when writers are talking about their agent experiences. If someone is candid, listen and be grateful.

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

No, but writing and showing up for my critique group did.

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 🙂 )

12 x 12 bucket list: I want to attend one of the 12 x 12 crafting sessions!

Regular life bucket list: I want to take my son on safari in the Serengeti.

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

I’m puzzling my way through several revisions. I chose three story ideas to draft from Story Storm.