Come on in and celebrate with Tonnye Fletcher! Tonnye recognized that writing from your passion was the ticket to success and that passion (and excellent writing skills) attracted an amazing editor and awesome agent. Way to go, Tonnye!

Congrats!

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

I’d been writing forever, LOL.  I wrote my first picture book over 20 years ago, and I’ve dabbled (and even submitted :-O) ever since then. I got very serious about my writing in 2019 and jumped into the Twitter writing community on Leap Day of 2020. The goal was always to get published, and while I was open to publishing without an agent, that was always my preference.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I spent lots of time on QueryTracker and MSWL; watched many interviews and webinars from various agents and agencies, followed many agents on Twitter, and more.

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

Like most authors I queried too early, and then took a very long break. I was a bit tentative when I began querying again, so my total number of queries  is less than 100, and of course they were all rejections. I don’t feel like that’s a true picture of how hard it is and how much work is required.  I think that number is relatively low compared to what most people endure while seeking an agent.

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

The landscape for picture book authors-only is definitely challenging, and there are times it feels like a very narrow field for sure. I’m a firm believer in writing what is right for you.  So much of this business is simply the right story, right person, right place, right time. Once we write what we love, and learn to write it well, we simply have to be persistent until we find the right combination and the right time to get our stories into the world.

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

You know how we hear every journey is different? That is 100% true!  My agent story starts with PBPitch in February.  I got my very first like ever in a pitch event (and there were quite a few.) An editor from Reycraft reached out and wanted to read the manuscript. She called me just a couple of hours after I sent the story and said, “I want to buy this story.”  Since I wasn’t yet agented, she was kind enough to give me a referral. In fact, Joyce Sweeney was her recommendation. After Joyce read this story, they emailed me using the word “stunning”, which was  amazing, especially since it was my birthday!! (Talk about a fabulous birthday present?!). After reading a few more of my stories, we had a zoom call, during which they offered me representation. I took a few days to pray about it, but it felt incredibly right.

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

Well, that “stunning’ comment really helped ;-). Seriously, though, our conversation was so easy, and their reputation is stellar, so it didn’t take very long to know it was the right decision. I think the fact that Winsome Bingham at Reycraft recommended them so highly was impacting, too. The fact that Winsome is an author and an editor and recommended Joyce because they really “fight for their clients.” As cliche as it may sound, it truly “felt right.”

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 x 12 has been a great part of my journey! The webinars alone make it worthwhile, and I learned so much from those trainings. I also really love the Book Chat features.  There is much more available in 12 x 12 that I’ve never found the time to utilize. It is a treasure trove of helpful resources!

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

I’m still working that out (LOL). It has definitely changed things. Removing the need for querying has been amazing, although rejections are still a reality since the first book that went out on submission was a no-go. I still aim for 2 new drafts a month and I still work with critique groups and partners. Joyce is always happy to look at drafts, so I think the biggest change is what I choose to work on. I depend on their honesty to let me know which direction to take revisions or which book is “most likely to succeed.” Having their expertise and knowledge of how the market works is truly invaluable. Having an agent who is aware, invested, honest, and willing to take a look at manuscripts on the fly has definitely made the process easier.

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

I would say to take advantage of every opportunity you can. I had pitched many times using this same exact pitch. You never know when or how your yes will come, so take all the chances you can. Perseverance is also key. You have to be willing to “keep on keeping on,” even when things get hard or overwhelming. Having said that, this world is tough and self-care is so important. Listen to your heart and body for when you might need to take a break from querying – sometimes it might be because your writing needs more work or sometimes it might be that your heart needs a break to heal from the rejection and fatigue. Take a break, but then jump back in. Surround yourself with people who understand the business and will lift you up when you’re down. Don’t give up. Period. Your yes will come if you keep learning and growing and giving your best.

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

In my case, I don’t think so, but I think it will come into play in other ways. I do know that for some agents/agencies, platform is huge.

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 🙂 )

It’s funny how your dreams and visions change with each stage of the process.  Now that I’m at this stage, everything seems possible, and with every milestone a friend hits, you start to wonder, “Can I do that too?” So there are lots of little and big dreams I’m hoping for. One local one is to be a keynote speaker for our statewide reading conference. It would also be fantastic to have a book on a bestseller list of some kind or win an award, but I’m especially looking forward to hearing positive things about my books and resources from teachers, students, and parents. Having kids love your books seems like the ultimate booky (bucket) list item.

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

Well, my debut picture book was recently announced, so that’s super-exciting! GREEN MAGIC is the working title, but it will change. It’s non-fiction, a lyrical retelling of the concert for an audience of plants in Barcelona, Spain during the pandemic. It’s not publishing until 2026, so that is quite a wait. While I’m waiting, I have plenty to keep me busy in my day job, my family, and my part-time freelance work with local magazines. And of course, there’s my volunteer work with the NC Reading Association, and my PBJamz blog series.  Joyce and I are continuing to comb through the manuscripts I have written to determine the best ones that are ready to go out on submission. I have tons of fantastic picture book ideas that I’m working on and revising.