We’re so proud of Tina! Time and again, she has shown the strength to work on her craft and make decisions that serve her career goals. We’re excited to see where this new partnership leads!

Congrats, Tina!  

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

I began writing seriously in conjunction with taking writing courses in 2017. When the pandemic arrived, I used the extra time to begin querying because I felt I had several solid, polished pieces that would be good submissions, and I felt ready to progress to this next, logical step.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

Like many of you, I devoted countless hours to researching literary agencies. This process started with agencies I came across on social media, followed by email links shared by writing colleagues, and extensive lists of agents from various sources. I meticulously organized all this information into a Google Spreadsheet, arranging agencies alphabetically. I included comments on whether my manuscripts aligned with their preferences and if they were open to unagented submissions. To refine my search, I delved deeper into their backgrounds, consulting Manuscript Wish List, the agency website, and Publishers Marketplace.

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

In 2020, following 68 queries and 37 rejections, I received one offer. I was genuinely drawn to this person, sensing a connection in our shared goals and values, and eagerly signed. However, after 13 months and observing no forward progress, I made the decision to part ways with the agency. The timing just wasn’t right, and by the end of 2021, I found myself back in the querying trenches.

Throughout the next two years, I sent out 42 queries and faced 28 rejections.

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

As I reentered the querying process, I realized that agents didn’t just represent picture books; their scope extended to chapter books, early readers, middle grade, and, in some cases, even young adult. However, a challenge I encountered from the beginning of my querying journey in 2020 was that many agents I admired only accepted author/illustrator submissions, excluding text-only works. This made thorough research a crucial aspect of my approach.

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

I feel incredibly grateful for the chance to speak with Sharon Belcastro. She initiated contact via email on December 31st, and a few days later, we had a phone conversation. I deeply appreciated her transparency, learning about how her personal journey led her to agenting, and understanding the workings of her agency. Our conversation shared working styles, communication methods, and mutual expectations, creating a positive and insightful exchange. I am thrilled to begin 2024 this way.

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

The piece she really liked was one I had drafted in an SEL course winter 2023. While the class supported the draft, they all gave me suggestions for ways to improve it. I spent a great deal of time reworking it last year. The aspects Sharon mentioned that stood out to her were the very areas I really worked hard to improve. She completely understood the story arc and the selection of obstacles. These types of connections in conversation helped me see we would make a great team.

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 🙂 )

Where would any of us be without 12 x 12? The community atmosphere is such an integral part of everyone’s journey. Meeting other writers that have become critique partners, or writers I may send a manuscript to for one-on-one critiques is all possible because of our community. Reading posts about successful and unsuccessful ventures with agents and agencies without giving names, helped to broaden my perspective on timing, selection, reworking my queries, and lastly the replays of wonderful authors sharing their craft. So much valuable information that has helped me grow and continue to grow.

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

For this question, I would have to go back to the 1^st agent in 2020 and yes, my process has changed. Through more courses during this time, I have learned to deepen the emotional arc showing more than telling. I have also branched out into other types of books such as SEL and developed manuscripts with this focus. While I read picture books often, now when I have an interest in pursuing a specific topic, I make a list of all the picture books on the topic. I purchase some, grab a few at the public library, and just sit at Barnes and Noble in the same space as the kids and read others of the same topic. I take notes in a notebook on the story structure of each, date of publication, publisher, language, and what each offered that was similar or different. I now have a more thorough idea if a topic of mine can add value to the market in a different way than what already exists. I did this before, but certainly not to this degree.

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

When you begin your writing and agenting journey try to remember it will have ups and downs, winding roads, and even days where you feel like you are running in circles. While the timing didn’t align as I initially hoped, I learned the importance of continuous growth, patience, continuous writing, and ongoing reading.

Throughout the past two years, I simply reminded myself that what is meant to be will find its way. Month by month, I began to understand, as we all do, that everything unfolds as it should. We cannot rush because we feel we are ready; we have to trust in and enjoy the journey. Looking back, I also feel I submitted some manuscripts before they were fully developed, a bit too early.

Always know you are not alone. Reach out to writers you know, follow posts from other writers here in 12 x 12 or somewhere else you may also be a part of. Listening and learning from one another is so very helpful. This community is amazing, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.

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

I would have to say no. Both times the manuscript opened the door, and while we did touch upon my social media, it was more of a conversation that let me know they were reviewing my credentials listed in the query.

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 🙂

Such a fun question! I would love to have a children’s series program for kids based on one of my books that would be fun and educational, and I coproduce!

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

I am waiting to hear from a publisher about 2 proposals, a nonfiction picture book and chapter book, my bimonthly podcast, @thelilleaderspodcast on IG, www.thelilleaderspodcast.com, is keeping me interviewing wonderful kids, and learning more technology. I am drafting a new manuscript and launching a course online for kids later this year. All good things.