We all know how important it is to do extensive research on agents before subbing to them, but 12 x 12 member Yusuke Watanabe suggests something more: “Listen to your voice and understand yourself to know who could be your potential agent with a good fit. Above all, immerse yourself in creating your work!”

Congrats on pairing up with the right agent, Yusuke!

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

I had been creating short animated films during my four years at California Institute of the Arts, so I had experience in storytelling and was always coming up with ideas for short films. But I never actually wrote scripts. I used to think, “There’s no way I could do this, especially in my second language, English!” But deep down, maybe I wanted to. Later, I started writing picture book manuscripts. Before I knew it, I was writing them in English—something I had always avoided! I had sworn I’d never write in English, but my desire to create stories became too strong to ignore. In early 2024, I decided to take my learning seriously and joined 12 x 12. I also took a writing class at The Writing Barn and got really great feedback from there that really pushed me to query agents as an author/illustrator.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I believe I first started reading blogs, such as How I Got My Agent, to research how to research. Then I moved on to watching webinars, reading more blogs, and checking Manuscript Wishlist and the agents’ websites. As I mentioned in another question below, I think it’s also important to search within yourself: What kind of story do you want to create? What kind of agent are you looking for? How is your writing different from others? Perhaps that is even more important!

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

I think my case is a little bit different from others because I was originally an illustrator. I initially sought an agent as an illustrator and faced around 40 rejections during that time. Eventually, I did find an agent, but for various reasons, I felt we weren’t a good fit. After giving it enough thought, I decided to leave that agent and search for a new one, this time as an author/illustrator. Fortunately, I didn’t encounter any rejections in my queries this time, and Jem was my first choice!

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

I was looking for an agent who represents authors/ illustrators so I’m not sure about this.

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

My amazing new agent is Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary Agency. I first reached out to Jem in 2022 when I was seeking an agent as an illustrator. Though it didn’t work out, Jem’s response was so kind and thoughtful—unlike anything I had experienced before. After that, another agent contacted me, expressing interest in representing me, and I ended up signing with her. Around the time I had left that agent, I had finished my manuscript, so I decided to look for a new agent who would represent me as an author/illustrator. Just then, I found out that Jem was open to queries, so I immediately sent her mine. Soon we had a zoom call, and I was offered representation!

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

I’ve known Jem for two years, ever since I watched her webinars and I felt a strong connection. During our zoom chat, I really felt comfortable, safe, and found that I could be vulnerable. She told me that while receiving feedback might be terrifying for artists, giving feedback can be just as scary for agents. I truly appreciated her honesty. Her words made it clear just how seriously she takes both the writers and their works. That’s exactly when I knew—she was ‘the one.’”

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 🙂 )

The 12 x 12 community has been incredibly helpful, especially thanks to my wonderful critique partners! Joining a critique group and trying to share a manuscript every month has pushed me really well, and it’s always good to have fresh eyes on my work. I’m pretty sure that my writing has improved a lot through both receiving and giving critiques. I’ve also learned a lot about the industry from the 12 x 12 webinars and Facebook group, which deserve a shout-out as well. Additionally, I took a writing class at The Writing Barn, and I must mention that it was absolutely helpful!

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

Nothing has changed that much. It’s always important to go as far as you think you can before showing it to your agent. I do write, revise, and revise. I show it to my critique partners and revise it again. But having another person to ask for feedback/thoughts on my manuscript is really amazing and helpful. Also my agent encourages me to work on sketches first before the text if that works or when I feel stuck, so having a new approach is really fun and exciting!

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

I know this is a bit of a cliché, but not having an agent is way better than having a bad one, so really take your time and research potential agents to find the right fit for you! Look into their manuscript wish lists and only submit inquiries to agents you feel are a great match. Also it’s really important to listen to your voice and understand yourself to know who could be your potential agent with a good fit. Asking yourself what your ideal agent would be like is helpful too. And above all, immerse yourself in creating your work!

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

For my first agent, yes. I won the SCBWI “Draw This!” contest and was featured on their social media. That’s how she found me. Then she visited my Instagram and website to see more of my work, which led to an offer from her. But I don’t think social media could be a big factor. I believe your manuscript and portfolio are definitely the key elements.

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 🙂 )

I’ve never participated in a writing retreat, so that’s on my list—maybe somewhere overseas!

Also, I’d love to teach a drawing or illustration class at an art university abroad. I’ve done short-term workshops before, but I haven’t had the chance to teach a full semester course yet. It would be amazing to make that happen!

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

I’m currently working on and revising my picture book manuscripts, and one will be finished soon so that’s really exciting!

I’m also willing to illustrate other writers’ stories and it would be really amazing to collaborate with 12 x 12 fellows! That’s definitely one of my dreams! I can’t wait to collaborate with you!