I’ve signed on with Jacaranda Literary Agency!
Here’s the short why and how.
I was briefly agented (with a top U.S. children’s literary agency) after I wrote my first picture book Prince Bear & Pauper Bear in 2007 as a Book Council winner. For timing and other reasons, it didn’t work out and our agency arrangement ended.
Following that, I went on to write and publish another 3 picture books, with grants from Media Development Authority Singapore, to complete my Toy Series (helmed by Prince Bear & Pauper Bear) which has sold 40,000 copies.
Shortly after, many opportunities to write commissioned picture books came my way. Timing was perfect because I was at the point of graduating from children’s books to children. First-time motherhood did not give me as much time to write or publish my own books. But I was able to take on several writing commissions with most of my clients undertaking their own publishing work.
I started seriously thinking about finding an agent again in 2013 after I joined Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 picture book challenge. Being in a writing community so invested in their personal and professional development gave me a chance to revisit my writing goals. And I decided I wanted to get back into a more regular momentum of personal writing. As a 12×12 Gold Member, I also had the opportunity to make submissions to literary agents, bypassing the slushpile.
And as I did, I started thinking about what might be the best fit for me. When it took 3 attempts to set up a skype call for a paid critique with a U.S. literary agent, I started thinking that perhaps an agent closer to home and time zone (ie UK and Asia) better suits my needs.
Right at that time, my friend and fellow author David Seow told me that he had just signed with Jacaranda Literary Agency. They have successfully represented novelists based in our home region and were just opening up to children’s books authors. If I signed on, we would form the pioneer batch of children’s writers, which is a good thing.
As I sat on my hind still thinking, David prodded me, poked me and then organized his next catch up meeting with Jacaranda around my schedule (ie Caleb’s schedule). It was great having David and Emma (another author friend) present to lighten the mood so it didn’t feel like I had to do a hardcore pitch.
I had a few discussions with Helen Mangham of Jacaranda over the next few months and things clicked into place.
I liked that they have 3 agents across Asia and Europe. That they have existing co-agent relationships already in place. That they share the client list. You mean I get the attention of more than 1 agent? Yippee!
That I would be in the pioneer batch of children’s authors being represented. That they are willing to give me editorial inputs till I am submission-ready.
That we are on the same time zone and at this stage, there’s one agent living in Singapore so I don’t lose sleep having to make calls at unearthly hours. Especially at this point when I have a feisty 3-year old who thinks play is paramount and cannot see the logic of waking up only when the sun wakes up.
Thank you, David for your introductions and even organising my first meeting for me.
Thank you Julie for creating the 12×12 community and my 12×12 friends and critique group who have me working my personal writing muscles again.
I’m now looking forward to this new chapter of writing beside the lovely Jacaranda tree!
Congratulations, Emily! What wonderful news…I am so very happy for you. 😉
Vivian, thanks for always sharing the excitement of my news updates!
Your news updates are always so newsworthy, Emily! You’ve worked so hard and overcome so many obstacles…you are truly an inspiration!
Vivian, thanks for always being such an encourager. You’re the best 1st blogger friend I could possibly ask for!
Congratulations, Emily. What great news, and it sounds like a perfect match.
Sylvia, thanks! It’s a happy development for me 🙂
I am SO happy for you Emily!! Sounds like a perfect fit. Congratulations!!
Julie, thanks! The 12×12 community has been a perfect fit for me too!
Wonderful news!
Thanks Julie!
What fantastic news Emily, so delighted for you. Keep us posted on your publishing journey. Best wishes,
Julie, thanks! And thanks also for our manuscript swops 🙂
Congratulations, Emily! Sounds like a win-win situation!
Tina, thanks! I’m excited at entering this new chapter in my writing 🙂
This is fantastic news. Congratulations, Emily!
Beth, thanks for your well wishes!
Yay, Emily! I am so excited for you! 🙂 You deserve this!
Carrie, thanks! Very excited at this new chapter 🙂
Congratulations Emily!! So happy to hear your good news.
Darshana, thanks for your cheers and also our manuscript exchanges!
That sounds just wonderful, Emily. Well done.
Kaye, thanks for your encouragement!
Great news Emily. Sounds like a great fit.
Stacy, thanks! I’m learning that compatible goals are important 🙂
Congratulations on the baby and the agent! Hope both grown happy and healthy with your love and nourishment!
Juliana, thanks! My agent will keep me disciplined as I keep my preschooler disciplined!
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