A book lover and hobby writer for most of my life, I officially entered the world of children’s literature in January 2020. (Yep, right at the onset of a global pandemic!)
I wrote a picture book manuscript before I knew much about picture books. Intending to share the story just with my family, I attempted to illustrate the book. It turned out to be a much more daunting task than I had imagined!
I then searched for a freelance artist to do some professional illustrations for my book, and also found a professional kidlit writer/editor to help me polish up my manuscript. From there on, I discovered the SCBWI, the Kitlit411 community, CANSCAIP, critique partners/groups, and Twitter!
As I continued to learn the craft and process of writing picture books, my goal changed from self-publication to the pursuit of traditional publication. A surge of inspiration also led me to churn out more manuscripts. After writing a few picture books, I attempted to draft a Middle-Grade historical fiction (incomplete and shelved indefinitely, but it taught me many valuable lessons about novel-writing), then a fantasy adventure Chapter Book series (first book complete, revisions pending), then a MG contemporary fantasy inspired by my favorite Chinese mythology characters (draft complete, revisions ongoing). After taking this detour, I returned to writing picture books.
I test-pitched my first PB manuscript on Twitter during a pitch event, submitted it to several contests, sent it out to editors of small presses who accepted unsolicited submissions, and even queried a literary agent with it. There were some encouraging feedback, but ultimately nothing solidified from them.
I read that the most important writerly qualities leading to successful publication are patience and persistence, and that the best things one can do after a project gets rejected are: 1) continue to revise it, and 2) write the next thing.
So I persisted. Writing and pitching. And still no luck.
When I participated in my 3rd Twitter pitch event with my 4th completed PB manuscript, I didn't expect anything to come of it. So, imagine my shock when the pitch got liked by several editors (including ones from the Big 5 Houses) and agents! This manuscript eventually got me my current agent (the wonderful Hilary Harwell of KT literary), and sold to HarperCollins within a short few weeks of being on submission.
I feel so lucky and blessed, because my journey to publication was not as long drawn and tortuous as those of many fellow kidlit writers. But I realize now this was only the very start of my journey. There is so much more to learn along the way. And that rejections will continue, and revisions will continue to be tough but necessary, no matter how many books you have written.
So make sure you connect with and support your fellow creatives as you go on this crazy publishing rollercoaster ride together. And don't hesitate to ask questions and seek feedback at any stage.
Best of luck with your journey!
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