Congratulations to AJ Irving! AJ has been a 12 x 12 member for several years and we love that her journey to find an agent came to fruition. As AJ’s story reminds us, the journey is filled with rejections and self-doubt, but if you stick with it and continue to work on improving your craft, your dreams can come true. Welcome, AJ!

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

I started writing picture books in 2012. I submitted to a few houses that accepted unsolicited manuscripts. I read a ton of picture books to my son, but I didn’t know how to write one. After receiving form rejection letters, I started reading books on craft. I joined SCBWI and became active in the online kid lit community. I have learned so much from folks in Kid Lit 411, Sub It Club, PiBoIdMo (StoryStorm), ReFoReMo, and 12 x 12. My writing gradually improved over the next few years. In 2015, I felt that my writing was strong enough to start seeking an agent.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I read every interview I could find and followed agents on Twitter. I signed up for QueryTracker. I reached out to writers who were represented by agents. But I often found the 12 x 12 agent submission information the most helpful because of the interview links, past 12 x 12 participation, How I Got My Agent blog posts etc.

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

I sent 12 x 12 submissions, slush queries, participated in Twitter pitch parties, entered contests, and participated in webinars that included submission opportunities. I’d say probably 80+ submissions from 2012-2018. I received 25+ form rejections, a dozen champagne rejections, and a whole lot of no responses.

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

I’ve heard of agents who only represent author-illustrators or picture book writers who also write other genres. It wasn’t difficult for me to find an agent as a picture book writer. I experienced a few happy dancing moments when I received requests for more work from agents. I also received requests from editors in PBParty and Twitter pitch parties. I had this feeling in my gut that something exciting was going to happen soon.

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

My agent is Jordan Hamessley of New Leaf Literary. I queried her on a Friday. She responded right away and asked to read another manuscript. I had received requests for more work from agents before, but this email felt different because she mentioned setting up a time to talk on the phone. Was I finally going to get the call?! I was at the library with my kids when I read her email. It was difficult to be on my best library patron behavior. I think I may have squealed. Jordan called me the following Monday. After we hung up, I danced in the kitchen with my kids. Then I called my husband, my parents, and my best friend. I would have called my mentor too, but she was on a trip in South Africa!

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

I woke up at 5 am to prepare for the 10:30 am phone call. We lost connection a few minutes into the call. I just about had a heart attack. I thought I hung up on her! But it turns out it was her office phone, so she called me back on her cell. I had a huge list of questions. I was terrified, but Jordan made me feel so comfortable. We both laughed a lot, talked about family, and discussed future projects. I loved her editorial style, submission strategy, and focus on communication. I told Jordan that developing a relationship with my agent was important to me. By the end of the call, I felt like I had made a new friend.

If 12 x 12 helped you in any way during your agent search/development of craft, can you tell us how?

12 x 12 has helped me immensely! The webinars are fantastic, and the community is amazing. I’ve made so many picture book pals through 12 x 12. It blows my mind how quick and helpful folks are when you ask a question or want to brainstorm an idea. But I’d say my 12 x 12 critique group has helped me more than anything. My critique partners are talented writers and incredible human beings. We have all grown so much. It has been a joy to get to know them.

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

My writing process hasn’t changed, but I feel less pressure. I write a draft and revise it several times before I send it to my critique group. I also swap manuscripts with fellow Writing with the Stars mentees and Inked Voices members. And my fabulous mentor, Laura Gehl, frequently checks in with me and offers feedback on all my WIP. She really is amazing. So, my manuscripts are in pretty good shape before I send them to Jordan.

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

The submission roller coaster is a wild ride. I’ve shed so many tears and experienced so many dark moments of self-doubt. Am I good enough? Will I ever make it? Should I take a LONG break? My motto: dream big and never give up. If you want it bad enough and work hard enough, it will happen.

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

I am very active on social media. I have a website, blog, Facebook author page, Twitter and Instagram accounts etc. But no, I don’t think my platform helped me get my agent. Jordan is all about the writing.

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 🙂 )

Well, I already crossed off learning how to belly dance. 😉 I would love to take a trip abroad with my husband and kiddos. We almost moved to Peru a few years ago. I’m still eager to visit Manchu Picchu.

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

I have exciting news that I hope to be able to share soon. I’m working on several fiction picture books. I am also excited to explore some nonfiction topics that I’ve been thinking about for some time.