We’re thrilled to bring you Christine Van Zandt’s How I Got My Agent story! As a long time 12 x 12 member, we’ve been watching her work and put in the effort to be successful. We especially love how Christine trusted her gut in her agent search. We can’t express enough that it’s better to have no agent than to have the wrong agent. Congratulations, Christine! We can’t wait to hear about your next picture book!

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

I queried for about three years. I realized that an unrepresented writer can only get so far—many of the bigger publishers work primarily with agents.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

I looked at the agency’s website and also searched out any information I could find on agents such as their social media posts, interviews, and their wish list (if they had one).

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

Around 50 queries. Most were rejected, some went unanswered, and a few gave feedback which was very much appreciated.

While querying agents, I sold my first manuscript, A Brief History of Underpants, to a mid-size, international publisher (via a Twitter pitch event). I worked hard to promote it—and am still doing so.

Pre-Underpants, I had four agents contact me asking for more manuscripts and to connect (via phone or Zoom). During that stage, one agent passed on me, with two there wasn’t that “click” so those were mutual passes, and one offered representation but I went with my gut and declined. I’ve heard so much about authors who accept their first offer even though it doesn’t feel like the best fit, then, later, they part ways and start again seeking a new agent. This advice from more experienced writers made me careful and I tried to be as sure as possible before I signed with someone.

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

No. I only queried agents who representing PB authors.

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

I’m thrilled to be represented by Liza Fleissig of the Liza Royce Agency. Liza was the August 2021 agent of the month on Children’s Book Insider (CBI). (This meant she was open to “Above the Slushpile” submission opportunities for CBI subscribers.) After I queried Liza, she emailed me back to connect by phone. When we spoke, she offered representation! She then took time to explain how they work; I could tell from the conversation that we were a great fit. Plus, since I was aware of LRA’s reputation and knew some of their clients, I officially accepted later that day!

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

After all the back-and-forth I’d had with other agents, when I talked to Liza, there were no red flags. I guess it’s true what they say about having to kiss a few frogs first! Liza is energetic, driven, and upfront with her expectations. We were on the same page. She’s a smart, experienced businesswoman who sees the long game. Two other plusses for me: she’s an attorney and her agency represents a full range of kid’s books and adult books. That mattered because my writing extends beyond PB.

If 12 x 12 helped you in any way during your agent search/development of craft, can you tell us how? (It is TOTALLY okay if the answer is no. I am not trying to “lead” you.)

Being a member of 12 x 12 motivates me to write a draft a month because of the monthly check-in accountability. I am also an active member of four workshop/critique groups so I’m always revising something. Deadlines inspire me. I also appreciate the 12 x 12 community because it provides instant access, a wealth of information, and camaraderie. I enjoy seeing the success of others and being part of a large group of other PB writers.

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

Yes, my process has changed because my agent provides insightful feedback and helps me strategize my manuscripts to best move my career forward.

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

My top three tips are:

• Have five polished PB manuscripts before you start querying because the agents who contacted me wanted to see a wider scope of my work.
• Participate in at least one critique group; workshop regularly. The feedback and support of others is so important.
• Read recent and read wide to stay engaged with picture book publications.

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

Yes, because authors today are expected to help sell their products. Having a relevant platform and engaging in social media shows that you are active in the writing community. You want to be out there interacting and supporting other writers so that when it’s your turn to announce your good news, people will know you and support you.

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 want to help save the Western monarch butterfly from extinction. I grew up seeing millions of these amazing creatures migrating along the California coast and was shocked to learn their numbers were down more than 99.9%; fewer than 2,000 butterflies were counted in 2020. I’ve been involved, volunteering, growing plants, and spreading the word that we need to plant milkweed (the only plant the caterpillars can eat). Insects around the world are in decline because of habitat destruction, soil degradation, and the spraying of harmful chemicals. I hope that we learn to appreciate and sustain nature.

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

Within a few months of being represented by Liza, she sold my second PB manuscript! It hasn’t been announced yet but 12 x 12 will be among the first to know.

Meanwhile, I’m still actively promoting A Brief History of Underpants. In April, it won an Honorable Mention award at the Los Angeles Book Festival. In May, I was thrilled to be chosen to do an individual presentation at the hugely popular Bay Area Book Festival in Berkeley, California; my book demonstrated how nonfiction can be funny and engaging for kids but also relevant as a STEM teaching device in the classroom.

Beyond that, I’m always writing, reading, and workshopping with my critique partners.

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