Writing is a solitary profession. Sitting on our bed, laptop balanced on a pillow, wearing mismatched jammies all day (well, that’s how I work, anyway), we don’t gab at an office water cooler or take swanky lunches with colleagues. We’re alone with our characters—who can drive us nuts! We’re alone with our ideas, our words, and a vat of java.
Most writers I know are hard on themselves. We are our worst critics. We can spend all day writing and feel as though we’ve accomplished nothing. It’s nice to hear someone say what we’ve written has potential, has vision, has made someone spit all over their keyboard in laughter (the highest compliment, I think).
So today I bring you the story of three kidlit friends who came together with one goal in mind—to take an author’s career to the next step. To provide an encouraging, supportive environment in which she can thrive. Folks, you gotta have friends. Luckily, the kidlit community includes some of the best people around.
Please welcome author Brenda Reeves Sturgis, consulting editor Emma Dryden, and agent Karen Grencik!
TL: Brenda, your debut picture book TEN TURKEYS IN THE ROAD was released by Marshall Cavendish last year and quickly earned both critical and commercial success. Most people think you publish one book and you’ve got it made. But you felt your career needed a boost. How did you come to this conclusion?
BRS: Thank you for this thoughtful blog post, and for interviewing the three of us.
I sold 10 TURKEYS IN THE ROAD in 2008 and at that time I was represented by another agent, but in 2010 we parted ways and I was left trying to navigate the children’s lit world, alone.
I queried for many months and got personal, kind rejections. After a long period of going it alone, I knew that I needed to find out what was holding me back from finding my perfect-for-me agent. I had heard of Emma Dryden for years, and had great respect for her. She was and is knowledgeable in all aspects of publishing. I was confident that by hiring Emma she would know what needed tweaking, and what I needed to do to progress in my quest. I contacted Emma and she agreed to consult, we set up a phone call, and I sent her my manuscripts.
TL: Emma, what was your reaction when you read Brenda’s work? What did you propose as the next step in her career?
ED: When Brenda first contacted me, she explained her situation—she was a new writer with one book under contract; she’d been with an agent and was currently seeking a new agent; she was “trying to do everything right,” but it didn’t seem to be paying off and she was starting to question how she could keep her dream of being a children’s book author alive. There’s nothing that concerns and upsets me more than to hear an author or artist is questioning their dream. Coming up with a strategy to find an agent would be the easy part; helping a distressed author regain their confidence and adjust their outlook was something completely different—and that’s what our consultation was really all about.
Brenda’s ideas and writing are strong and smart. Her nervousness about doing everything right was what was holding her back, blurring her vision. We focused not only on figuring out a calm, focused strategy to query agents with her strongest possible manuscript, but we also talked a lot about how best to conduct oneself in a fickle marketplace, the importance of flexibility, the benefits of patience, and the significance of not giving up.
After several hours of email correspondence and phone conversations, I felt confident in encouraging Brenda to query Karen Grencik, an agent whom for various reasons I felt would not only be delighted by Brenda’s work, but who would have a compatible sensibility and outlook to suit Brenda’s own.
TL: Karen, what made you fall in love with Brenda’s work and make an offer of representation?
KG: First of all, a great big “thank you” to you for taking the time to tell our story. It is a bit unusual, the manner in which we all came together, and I hope your readers will find it to be inspiring!
It is an honor to receive a referral from Emma Dryden, as I know the thought she puts into everything she does. I talked with Emma right away and when she stated that she thought Brenda had an untapped talent similar to two of the best picture book rhymers in today’s children’s book world, I knew I had to look at Brenda’s manuscripts. Brenda and I set up a phone appointment to discuss expectations, as there is always some concern about this when a previously represented author is seeking a new agent. I was worried that I might not be able to meet Brenda’s needs and I knew Brenda was feeling a bit gun-shy to jump back into the fray, but right off the bat we developed a sense of comfort and comraderie that’s made working together quite easy.
Not only did Brenda take proactive steps to jump-start her career again, but she took seriously and applied each and every practice Emma discussed with her, putting aside her considerable worries about what had come before and focusing instead on what she needed to do to accomplish her goals as a picture book author. This laid excellent groundwork for her to secure new representation. Yes, Brenda did need an agent—a strategic partner who shares her goals—but what she needed more was validation and a positive, safe working environment, which I’ve been delighted to be able to help provide. Now it’s my turn to find good homes for her fabulous picture books!
Brenda appeared in my life at just the right time, as Red Fox Literary had recently opened its doors, and I had the kind of time available to service my clients in a way that most agents only dream about. Over the past year that we’ve been working together, Brenda has learned to trust that I will do everything I can as quickly as I can, and that has allowed her to relax during the times that I’m not immediately available. And I’ve learned to trust that Brenda is a very hard worker, a perfectionist about her writing, and will only send me her very best work. Trust is a significant element of the best author/agent relationships, as it is of the best author/editor relationships as well.
For authors out there who feel isolated and alone, we three want to remind you that the universe is preparing for your success. An editor and an agent might be just waiting for you to show up. Be sure to pay attention to the signs. We certainly do!
TL: Karen, thanks! Your story is indeed inspiring!
Now back to Brenda…what are your goals for your career?
BRS: My goal remains the same as it was 8 years ago, and that’s to write the best, most original children’s books that I can. It’s important to me to help and make a difference where doors are opened, I strive to inspire, educate, and work as hard as humanly possible. I feel innately blessed to work with Karen and with Emma, and look forward to all good things coming our way. Thank you for your time with this Tara, I am truly appreciative for this opportunity.
TL: Thank you for sharing your story! I know it will help many writers as they examine their career progress. We should all recognize when it’s time to make a change and be brave enough to take action.
Please visit Brenda Reeves Sturgis, Emma Dryden and Karen Grencik’s websites where you’re sure to receive even more inspiration!
34 comments
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May 24, 2012 at 10:18 am
Beth Stilborn
Inspiring and heartening to read this. Thanks, all of you, for sharing this with us.
May 24, 2012 at 10:41 am
Interview « Shirley Anne Ramaley
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May 24, 2012 at 10:42 am
Evie Robillard
Informative and inspiring! Thanks for sharing this!
May 24, 2012 at 11:05 am
Terri Hoover Dunham
This is such an inspiring blog post! Like Brenda, I too have one picture book under my belt and feel I need the right agent to represent me and my work. Also, like Brenda, I need someone to guide my career in the right direction. And so, I was disappointed upon studying Red Fox Literary’s website to learn they only take submissions from conferences and references. Everything Karen said in this interview and her blog post resonated with me.
May 25, 2012 at 10:17 am
Emma D Dryden
Terri, If you’re ready to seek agent representation, get a good strong query letter out there to lots of agents; do your homework to come up with an agent wish list, find out their specific submission policies, and then start querying according to their guidelines. There are many terrific, sensitive agents out there – and it will be a matter of finding the one for whom your work resonates! Good luck!
May 25, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Terri Hoover Dunham
Thanks, Emma. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I have my agent wish list and have been querying them. It just seems that many now only accept submissions from conferences. And everything Karen said really hit home for me.
May 24, 2012 at 11:19 am
Penny Klostermann
Oh! I loved this! I love that Brenda found Emma who helped her find Brenda, who seems to be the perfect “fit.” This is a great encouragement to those of us who are still looking! It was really nice hearing from all three parts of the equation.
May 24, 2012 at 11:59 am
Catherine Johnson
Thanks so much everyone for this wonderfully inspiring post. Turkeys in the Road is a fun book!
May 24, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Joanna
I love this story, and have read it several times, initially at Emma’s recommendation as an example of exceptionally good rhyming. I find this post so heartening that at the heart of so much kidlit is strong collaborative, supportive relationships. I too enjoyed hearing the three different perspectives. How we need people who will encourage and advocate for us as authors and illustrators.
Thanks for a great interview, Tara.
May 24, 2012 at 12:40 pm
Nancy Viau
Nice interview!
May 24, 2012 at 1:01 pm
Julie
Such a great post – so inspiring!
May 24, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Christie Wright Wild
Thank you for such an inspiring and informative post. Perseverance is powerful. I didn’t know you could “hire” editors, though.
May 25, 2012 at 10:14 am
Emma D Dryden
Christie, there are many many highly qualified freelance children’s editors and consultants out there; we’re often hired by authors who are trying to figure out why their work is being rejected by agents and how to make their work stronger.
May 24, 2012 at 2:26 pm
Darshana
Thank you all for this inspiring interview!
May 24, 2012 at 3:29 pm
DianaM
Great interviews. Brenda, you are one talented, inspiring lady! Congratulations on all your success!
May 24, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Charlie Eve Ryan
Wonderful, what a great act of collaboration and inspiration!
May 24, 2012 at 7:33 pm
Karen Kallis Cheesman
You made my day with this positive message…
“For authors out there who feel isolated and alone, we three want to remind you that the universe is preparing for your success.”
May 24, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Ellen L. Ramsey
Wonderful story–very inspiring!
May 24, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Lori Degman (@LoriDegman)
What an awesome interview and a great trio! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story!
May 24, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Donna Martin
Lovely interviews…thank you ladies for giving us the inside scoop on how a new writer becomes a published author…
Donna L Martin
http://www.donasdays.blogspot.com
May 24, 2012 at 11:24 pm
tinamcho
I enjoyed how the 3 of you came together! Brenda, I have your first turkey book and looking forward to reading this second one. Thanks, Tara, for the interviews.
May 25, 2012 at 5:58 am
Mona Pease
Oh, an inspiring interview.
Brenda has been a good friend to me and a great encourager. She has faith in my written works and has literally pushed me along the way to pursue my “dream”. I won’t go into everything, but need to thank you Brenda for being that friend and mentor through the “almosts” in the past year or so.
This interview has once again given me another strong push to make a move or two today.
Thank you girls so much.
Also, I once won a critique from Tara that was spot on. I have your advice posted, Tara.
What a wonderful sharing world we children’s writers live in.
May 25, 2012 at 6:46 am
Alexa
Would Karen take submissions from blog readers? I noticed she has closed submissions to all but those she’s met at conferences/had referrals for.
May 25, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Sharon K Mayhew
Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing Brenda’s story. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend/
May 26, 2012 at 8:57 am
Karen Grencik
Thanks so much for taking the time to Tara’s wonderful blog! I’m so happy to have been a part of it!
For Alexa and others who wonder if I might be open to submissions from blog followers, that’s a very good question and something I am considering. The reason I am not currently open is because I have a personality quirk in that I can’t stand to keep anybody waiting. Even as a cocktail waitress I had nightmares when customers had to wait too long for their drinks! So to be comfortable I need to work in real time, not a day or a week in the past. Going to bed leaving dozens (if not hundreds!) of emails unanswered just does not work for me. But I do thank you for asking, and should my workload ever change to be able to accommodate submissions as a result of blog postings, I will certainly let everybody know! Karen
May 26, 2012 at 8:59 am
Karen Grencik
Oops! “…read Tara’s wonderful blog!” I haven’t had my second cup of coffee yet! Karen
May 26, 2012 at 11:28 am
Brenda Sturgis
Thank you so much everyone for taking your time to write these wonderful and thoughtful e-mails. I had two agents prior to Karen, and it was discouraging when we parted ways, because they were both amazing agents. I wanted to quit at times, but I KNEW in my heart of hearts that if I kept climbing that I would reach the summit at some point. Since Emma matched me with Karen, Karen and I have achieved phenomenal success this past year, starting with a toy deal that we’ve been offered. We’re in the throes of negotiating a contract, and we have other good news to share soon. Whoever said rhyming doesn’t sell, I say, “It totally does!” Hopefully we’ll be able to tell you more next week. I say that so you’ll know that it’s not impossible. Nobody is going to walk your journey for you, you have to do that yourself, and that is the hard part. I know how exhausting and disheartening all the rejections can be, but keep your eye on the goal. Be proactive, not reactive. If you don’t have an agent, find a way to get your work to a well targeted editor. Sometimes that means attending a conference. Network through twitter, and facebook. You NEVER KNOW who is reading. Don’t give up. You’ll be glad that you kept on in the face of the challenge. I most certainly am!
May 26, 2012 at 11:31 am
Brenda Sturgis
Thank you all for the e-mails, these blog posts, and friending me on Twitter and facebook as well.
May 26, 2012 at 1:42 pm
clarbojahn
You three are deeply appreciated in this message that this blog gives. It makes my believe even more strongly in our kid lit community. We are not alone! As Kristen Lamb says. 🙂
The comments were most helpful, too. Thanks so much, everyone. 🙂
May 26, 2012 at 10:08 pm
Brianna Soloski
Thanks for sharing this, Tara! It was very inspiring. Brenda, I admire your courage and confidence to keep going, even when it seemed too tough to handle.
May 27, 2012 at 3:52 am
Brenda Sturgis
Brianna, it is tough to handle at times. I think it’s tough for everybody whether we have no books, one book, or a hundred books. The rejections, (at least in the beginning) make you question your own talents. BUT, as time goes on, you learn not to take the rejections personally. That doesn’t mean your work isn’t great. It just means it’s not right for a certain agent or editor. That’s why it’s imperative to keep on and not lose the faith. There is often times, a whirl of frenzy in the air when things are getting ready to break. You can almost feel it. At least I can. That energy kept me pushing through. But you must, and I do mean must, make every effort to get your work out there. Everybody is trying to get into the castle over the drawbridge, go around the castle, look for different ways in. An open window, a service door, a loose brick. Tunnel you way through just like Andy tunneled out in Shawshank Redemption. In writer speak that means attend a conference, hire a consultant, join a critique group, get on facebook, on twitter. Prioritize. I love to attend conferences, but the year that I hired Emma as a consultant I had to make a choice. A consultant that year, or a conference? And some things cost no money at all. Networking through social media opens doors. Sometimes you might have a friend, a critique partner that has friends, editors or agents friends. Often times they’ll ask their friends to read your work if they feel your work has merit. I have one good friend that sent me her manuscript. I read it, LOVED it! Knew exactly who it would be perfect for. E-mailed the editor, told her about it, and she was given the okay to send. It resulted in her first book deal! So, keep on, keepin on. Feel the energy in the air, and breath it all in. Things will happen when your work is ready, and you make the right connections and everything is aligned. It’s not supposed to be easy. If it were easy everybody could do it. It’s supposed to be difficult because that’s what builds our personal character. We are the stories. We suffer the internal and external conflicts. We take those external and internal conflicts and become better writers because of them. Write on! Believe! Don’t quit. You might be a brick away from breaking through.
May 28, 2012 at 5:41 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Tara, as always, thanks for bringing writers stories of inspiration. Of course, before I read these comments, I right away checked out Red Fox Literary and was so disappointed to find Karen closed to submissions. There are so few agents that take picture books. I will continue to submit on my own, and feel blessed that two book deals worked without an agent…but Karen I am ready and you sound amazing…so I’ll be watching for when you are open to submissions. Thanks to all of you for sharing your story.
May 29, 2012 at 9:07 pm
SevenAcreSky
For authors out there who feel isolated and alone, we three want to remind you that the universe is preparing for your success.” Wow, how encouraging this is! Thanks you three for these glimpses of success.
July 2, 2013 at 7:08 pm
viviankirkfield
Tara…many thanks for producing this triathlon post…it is inspiring and encouraging to see how three people can work together so beautifully. Not surprising though, because I have found that the members of this kid lit community are generous and anxious to help each other succeed. 🙂 Thanks to Brenda, Emma and Karen for sharing their journey!