It’s always super special when we get to share a 12 x 12 scholarship recipient’s news about finding an agent. We knew they had a special voice and soon the world will know too! We’re especially proud of Sabrina and her tenacity around achieving her goal. It can be hard to keep going amidst the rejection, but Sabrina shows us how to handle it with grace.

Congratulations, Sabrina!

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

Cliche as it may sound, I’ve been writing forever, but my focus was ultimately primed on trying to do life! I guess my official writing journey started in 2018 and it was in 2020 when I decided I was done with all these stories living rent free in my head and started my querying journey.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?

A number of things. I read a lot, in all the formats and genres my author’s voice was naturally falling into. I made sure I was researching agents/agencies as well as independent publishers so I could understand where the publishing industry was directing its energies. Everything from mentor texts, guides on submission packages, and writing forums were my go-to, to make sure I had a good, solid foundation to hit the trenches.

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

Gosh, I had to work this one out – ouch! I queried 74 agents/small presses with my PBs and got 60 rejections. Many after full/additional manuscript requests so that was a double ouch. Not to mention the other 20 odd that never replied. I got another 7 who stepped aside after nudging them with my offer news and that stung because many had been sitting on my work for months. Ah well, they don’t call it the query trenches for nothing!

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

I think the querying world has changed over the last few years. With the now amazing talents of author-illustrators, it is hard for a writer (solely writing picture books) to break into the light. I understand how agents may be looking for more in a client and overall package. I write other older fiction too and perhaps that may have helped me get signed.

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

My agent is the fabulously supportive Regina Bernard-Cerreno of Ladderbird Literary.

It was a normal submission through the query trenches in the spring of 2022. I had a rollercoaster year after that. I won various writing awards, made a few shortlists and even achieved a picture book mentorship, whilst in the trenches still. But in the summer I faced the devastating reality of losing my mother. It broke me and I took a break from my writing life. It was only in the autumn that I got my head back into the game; to help refocus my life if anything, and so I started to touch base on my queries.

That’s when floodgates opened with interest from agents, but it was when I opened my inbox to find an email saying “can we chat” that sealed the deal with Regina. Funnily enough I was on holiday in Thailand, trying to arrange a call with about 11 hours difference. That was fun, trying not to freak out with nerves in a quiet hotel lobby when all I wanted to do was fly-dive into the pool with sheer jubilation! I was over the moon that I had my own cheerleader, someone to help champion my voice.

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

Right away I found Regina easy to talk to, passionate, supportive and we share the same work ethos about championing diverse voices. Sometimes you just feel the vibe, and it came so easily to us. For me, her drive really resonated with mine. We both have publishing industry experience so it felt natural to be talking to someone in the know. We simply just clicked.

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

I was over the moon to win the 12 x 12 PB scholarship in 2022 which spearheaded my passion to hone my craft. Just having someone believing in my writing was the opportunity I needed. Being able to have the monthly agent submissions put accountability on my querying mission. I didn’t want to miss the chance, so this made me practice my query letter and so I tweaked it on a monthly basis.

I’m now taking over the Diversity Divas critique group which was formed on the 12×12 forum for BIPOC / unrepresented author voices, so I thank 12×12 for creating that dialogue, from which this amazing critique group was born.

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

The process is always changing and I’m always learning but now I have to be patient in the whole new world of submission. I’m still chugging away at ideas in the picture books but I do miss the events and twitter pitches. It was such a big part of my life for a year plus, but that momentum dies down a little once you hit sub-ville. Of course I’m beyond thankful I have representation, it’s just a new set of rules to try and live by (meaning I can’t constantly refresh my inbox anymore – even though I totally still do…)

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

Build your village. Without all my CPs and writer friends across the board, I think the querying journey can be an extremely lonely journey to be on, without them.

There will be many lows as the query trenches are hard. Take that much needed break when you need it – even from social media, if all the other positive news gets a bit overwhelming, because let’s be honest, seeing everyone else’s wins can sometimes be a tough pill to swallow. It’s natural to think ‘why not me’ and after a while, all the passes and rejections can play with your confidence. That’s where the village will be there to pick you back up, tell you your worth and kick start that fire again.

So keep going, have faith in your voice and take time when you need it.

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

My website only went live a month back so that’s a no. But my other socials I think played a huge part in me just knowing what’s happening. It may not have helped me find an agent but it sure helped me build my portfolio on what I was capable of and what I had achieved thus far. Perhaps that helped in demonstrating that I’m serious about this profession, which lends well to any agent/editor knowing you’re in it for the long haul.

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 🙂 )

For me, I’m just waiting for an opportunity for my kids to be a little older and then head for a huge road trip across the US (Route 66 or something) or head downunder and go to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and do a big road trip across Australia. Either that, or as I’m turning 40 soon, a solo trip where I can eat breakfast at my own pace and not need to pack for four people! *My typical mum life

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

Oooh so much bubbling away! I’m hoping to announce some PB news shortly but other than that, I have projects cooking away with a series of chapter books, a spooky middle grade which won the Golden Egg Academy award and taken over my life (but I love it) plus other pb projects I’m tinkering with. You know, because I have all the time in the world to do all this…not!

But I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t put my all into making this dream real.