Join us in welcoming Steena Hernandez to our first How I Got My Agent post of 2024. We love Steena’s commitment to polishing her work and only submitting her absolute best. That’s the kind of advice that gets you closer to landing an agent.

Congrats, Steena! We can’t wait to read your new book later this year!

How long had you been writing before seeking an agent, and what made you decide it was time to look for one?
I used to read many picture books to my kids, and I noticed more and more that when they were fast asleep, I was still reading and loving them by myself. I wondered if I could write stories of my own, and I began jotting down ideas. Soon, I had written several stories, and I started writing picture books seriously in January of 2020. I joined SCBWI, and there I found my critique group that I’m still a part of today. As I had been writing and revising manuscripts and working with critique partners, I had always thought about one day getting an agent. It wasn’t until late 2022, that I started seeking an agent in hopes of finding the right match to represent my work.

What kind of research did you do before submitting?
I searched for agents online and on Manuscript Wish List to research the best fit for me. I paid close attention to social media and found that it was also a great resource. My agent specifically used Query Manager for submissions, so I spent some time researching those query forms as well.

The dreaded questions: How many queries? How many rejections?
I had not queried many agents because, honestly, I knew I wasn’t ready. I didn’t have enough strong manuscripts that were polished, and I knew I would need three to four polished manuscripts for my submission package. I kept writing and working on my craft. I attended conferences, worked with two critique groups, read hundreds of picture books, entered writing contests, took writing classes, and immersed myself in my writing. I also joined the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge in 2022. All in all, I queried about thirty agents, and only ONE replied with interest.

Was it difficult to find an agent who wanted to represent an author focusing on picture books?
No, not really. I find that there are many agents who represent picture books. Luckily, my agent represents different age categories and genres as well. This is important to me since I would like to branch out someday.

Who is your new agent? Tell us about getting the news.
I’m thrilled to say that Lynnette Novak from The Seymour Agency is my agent. She responded to my Query Manager submission and then asked to see more picture book manuscripts. I sent her an additional four manuscripts that I had worked on with my critique partners. Shortly after that, she asked to have a call with me. During that call, she answered all my questions, and by the end, she offered me representation. It was an amazing day, and I won’t ever forget it! I called my husband, and yes, there were many happy tears.

How did you know your agent was “the one”?
I knew she was the one when I heard her enthusiasm for my stories. I was also so excited to hear her interest in representing diverse stories. It meant everything to me, and it felt like a natural fit right away.

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 🙂 )
Being a part of the 12 x 12 community has absolutely played a pivotal part in my writing journey. Having access to the forum, book chats, and the most wonderful webinars, where authors share their publishing experiences and more, is invaluable. As a mother of two children, with a busy homeschool schedule, I appreciate the video replays that are available. I’m so grateful for this uplifting community and for all of the support, and I’ve even made many new friends here. It makes the journey more meaningful to share it with other like-minded creatives!

Has your writing process changed at all since signing with an agent?
I do feel like my writing process has changed to some degree, but not in the sense of how I write my stories. I still draft my story, share my work with my critique partners, and polish, polish, polish. But the one change comes when I share the manuscript with my agent. Her editorial feedback and suggestions are something that I didn’t have before. At that point, we work together to make the manuscript the best it can be, and hopefully submission-ready someday. I’ve enjoyed this constructive addition to my writing process so much.

What advice would you give to picture book writers looking for agents today?
Every writer’s journey takes a different path. I would say keep polishing your manuscripts before submitting. I think submitting TOO early is something we have all done. Eek! Instead, take your time perfecting your stories, share them with critique partners, and attend a few classes to continue strengthening your work. Then, I suggest manifesting your goals by putting your strongest manuscripts into a folder on your desktop that’s named: My Agent Submission Package (Mine also read, My Dreams.) Keep the online search going and make a list of agents that look like a good fit. As mentioned before, check Manuscript Wish List and social media often.

Do you think your platform (blog, social media) helped you find your agent?
Even though I didn’t connect directly with my agent on social media, I do think it helped me. I found the writing community on the platform formerly known as Twitter, now X. I think having an online presence, and being involved in the community is important. It’s a way to connect with and support other writers along the way. Also, I think that having a simple author website can be helpful. It’s another place that an agent can search to find out a little more about you as well.

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 🙂 )
Something on my bucket list is, I would love to direct a play someday. I have a Theatre Arts degree, BFA, and have performed in many shows, but directing a show has always been something I’ve dreamed about. And bonus points in my bucket if it’s a musical!

What’s up next/what are you working on now?
I’m so excited that my debut picture book, Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers, will be out in the Fall of 2024 with Beaming Books.

I recently went on submission with a picture book manuscript, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed! I’m also having fun working on a chapter book series and a middle grade novel-in-verse.

This was so much fun! Thank you for having me on your blog!