Today, we are thrilled to bring Traci Van Wagoner’s How I Got My Agent to the world. Traci proves that it is indeed never too late to pursue your dream, but you definitely have to put in the work. These things don’t happen by accident! So, if you’re in the slog of querying, you don’t get to quit until you’ve reached Traci’s number of rejections, which she estimates to be 1,000. Keep honing your craft and keep submitting. Your perseverance is an inspiration, Traci!

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

I have spent many, many years writing (and illustrating), learning, developing, growing, submitting directly to publishers, and I have drawers full of rejections and laid-to-rest manuscripts. For a long time I didn’t want or think I needed an agent. Of course, when I started (20+) years ago, it wasn’t as necessary since the big 5 and all publishers were open to unsolicited submissions.

Mine has been a twisty, winding journey. In short, I started (or picked up again) my agent search in earnest a couple years ago. I realized I’m not getting any younger and my business had changed gears, and children’s book is my passion and has been the one thing that is constant since I first realized I could actually write and illustrate books. In addition, I’ve illustrated over 15 books, but I really want to write and illustrate my own books. I decided it was high-time I took this seriously, so I buckled down and did this right. I started by joining 12 x 12 Challenge and about the same time I joined a critique group focusing on picture books. Just the kick in the seat of the pants I needed. Both have helped me grow, learn, and create more stuff. I also found it harder and harder to submit to publishers and decided it would be great to have an agent to do the querying and managing the business side of things so I could focus on the creative side. Turns out, this is an awesome part of having an agent.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

So, so, so much research and a very haphazard approach over many years. First thing I did was join SCBW before Tomie Paola brought about the I for illustrators. Yay! Their list has always been so helpful. Also Writer’s Market with their full list of all publishers and agents. I went to conferences and tried to be bold and brave and actually talk to people. I spent hours scouring New York City’s small books stores sitting in the children’s book section reading everything, which often spurred whispered conversations between the sales staff. “She’s been here for hours. What is she doing?” Don’t mind me, I’m studying to be a children’s book writer and illustrator.

A couple years ago, I rededicated my efforts with more research through tons of websites (MSWL, Query Tracker, Literary Rambles to name a few), searching through Author’s notes and credits in books I like to find their agent, SCBWI listings, google searching names of agents with whom I was interested and then following them on social media and reading any interviews with them.

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

Oh my, too many to count. I have a two-drawer file cabinet full of old manuscripts and rejection letters. And then many file folders on my computer(s) full of more manuscripts, many that got submitted, many that didn’t. More rejection letters/emails until we moved into the age of “no response means not interested.” So, hundreds. A thousand? I’ve gone through spreadsheets filled out by hand to my first computer spreadsheet thingy, to a fancy-schmancy database my husband designed and each of those with probably hundreds of rejections. Please don’t make me go count. Numbers and I have a tenuous relationship.

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

Not for me because I’m also an illustrator which is a magic combo for agents. It also helped that I write MG and possibly YA. (I have a YA fantasy gathering dust at the moment, but it keeps haunting me, so I’ll probably get back to it soon.)

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

I’m thrilled to be represented by Samantha Wekstein at Thompson Literary Agency. It all started back on October 24, 2019 #PBPitch day. I scheduled my pitches for the day, including this one:

Boredom in the boonies is turned on its head when Fred visits Gram and Gramps and gets wrapped up in one of Gram’s wild yarns that strands them in space. It’s up to Fred’s rusty imagination to bring them home. Uh-oh! Topsy turvy fun in the vein of Are We There Yet. #PBPitch. And since I’m an author/illustrator, I attached a sample of art.

I went out to meet with a critique partner to enjoy NYC for a nice sunny day. I checked occasionally, not worrying too much if I didn’t get any hearts as that happens with so many pitches out there. But I got a couple likes from an agent on a couple of my pitches. Yay! I subbed both dummy books shortly after and didn’t hear back for a long time. Holiday chaos ensued, and I didn’t think about it until the new year when I started sending out queries again.

By February I was figuring it was a “no” since I hadn’t heard anything. I was about to send a nudge email when, lo and behold, I saw her name flash in my emails. I thought, “Okay, here we go, another rejection with a thanks for but not for me, others might think different, etc.” But… gasp! I threw my hands over my mouth and squealed, and my husband asked, “Good news or bad news?” Good news for sure! The agent wanted to set up a phone call, which turned out to be The Call! I asked a ton of questions, which I found on SCBWI’s Discussion Boards (formerly Blueboards). And bing, bang, boom, two weeks later the deal was final, and I now have an agent.

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

I have to be totally honest that I didn’t really know that. I was nervous because she is pretty new to agenting and new to Thompson Literary, and they do not specialize in children’s books, which is where I had been placing my focus. During The Call, she answered all my questions exactly in the way I wanted to hear. Also, I was able to communicate with several of her clients and they all gave her glowing reviews. Plus, my gut told me to go for it! I have now worked with her on several different manuscripts and am very happy. Her editorial notes have been awesome and have pushed me to make my writing better on many levels.

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 🙂 )

A resounding YES! I gave myself the gift of membership once I renewed my dedication to children’s books and to being an author and illustrator. I had been going around and around with a few manuscripts revising and revising. 12 x 12 Challenge infused fresh blood and gave me a kick in the seat of my pants to get more done and keep writing. It has been awesome to write at least one new draft each month and that has given me a pool of ideas to draw from to revise and create dummy books. I’ve now got a stockpile of drafts in various stages.

Also, this has encouraged me to read more, A LOT more — both buying and checking out stacks and stacks of books. Plus, I’ve gained so much from the great blog posts, encouragement from wonderful community, not to mention the fantastic webinars. I also have gained two wonderful critique groups thanks to becoming a member.

Have I gushed enough? Being a member has been well worth the money spent. Thank you, thank you!

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

Yes! Now I feel like I can give myself permission to write during “work” hours. So, I get to spend more time writing and illustrating. I have focused on finishing projects, and I have learned a great deal more about the craft. I have stepped up my mindset to a more professional level of getting things done so I can send them to my agent. A good fire under my butt.

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

If this is your passion than keep at it, but really if it is your passion you won’t be able to not do it. Be kind to yourself and don’t expect perfection, especially early on. I’m a reviser much more than a writer. Get one or two good critique groups or critique partners. Read a ton of books and study how other authors and illustrators accomplished this amazing fete of creating a children’s book. And probably first and foremost, follow your heart.

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

Yes. Samantha followed me on twitter a month or so before I pitched two picture books on #PBPitch of which she favorited both. She also loved several of the dragon illustrations I had posted. I think that got me some additional attention and notice.

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 🙂 )

Visit all the National Parks.

Raft the Colorado River.

Parachuting — although I’m pretty sure this one will remain a dream, because I’m too old and too poor if anything went wrong. It has nothing to do with being chicken. I’m not chicken. You are. Shh.

Visit Washington DC and see all the awesome things to see there.

Visit Machu Picchu and the Aztec temples.

Ride in a hot air balloon.

Okay I realized that several of things have to do with me getting high.

Moving on.

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

I have one picture project out on submission and another I’ll be sending to Samantha soon. If she’s on board, I’ll start the dummy book. I also have several other picture book manuscripts in various stages that I’m excited about.

I’m polishing a middle grade fantasy based on notes I received from Samantha and from a couple really great CPs.

I’m hunkering down and finishing several of the picture books I’ve written through 12 x 12, and writing new projects — PB, MG, and one dusty YA that keeps tugging at me to get back to it.

I recently self-published a personal project, Itsy Bitsy Teddy Bear’s Adventure which is a story told by my Mom. She is thrilled with it.

And now I better get back to work. Thanks for the kick in the seat of my pants!