Tag: What questions to ask an agent on the call

Today, I’m talking with debut kidlit author-illustrator Kim-Hoa Ung. We’ll be chatting about paths to publication, sharing motivation and resources, and discussing the importance of having inclusive books for kids by creators of marginalized backgrounds.

But before we jump into our interview, if this is your first time visiting the blog, here’s the scoop on Feature Interviews.

THE SCOOP: WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS & WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.

Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.

What can these interviews offer YOU?

These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to:

●       stay current with market trends

●       hook an agent or editor

●       find writing community & other resources

●       discover workshops, contests, and other events

●       figure out which path of publication is right for you

●       know if your agent is a good match

And more!

AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month! *If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, scroll to the bottom of the interview for instructions.*

Now that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!

INTRODUCTIONS & BEGINNINGS

When did you first enter the kidlit publishing arena?

Hi, everyone! Thank you for having me on your wonderful blog, Chelsea! I discovered the kidlit publishing arena in the Fall of 2020. While reading a book with my daughter one night, she asked why I couldn’t write a book and dedicate it to her one day. So I was inspired to try for her.

What was your inspiration for wanting to be a publishing kidlit author-illustrator?

I heard that you’d have a better chance of getting published if you were both author and illustrator. So I tried to do both. I never thought of becoming either of those because writing was always hard for me. I am an amigurumi artist, so designing characters isn’t so hard for me. But to create a full-colored spread out of a blank sheet was nerve-racking for me. But I just had to try for my daughter’s dedication someday.

You recently had your debut picture book come out in December of 2023. Congratulations! Can you tell us a bit about your journey to publication?

Thank you so much, Chelsea! There was a writing competition happening, and I decided to join. It was the Fall Writing Frenzy hosted by Kaitlyn Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis. I won, and my prize was a critique from an editor. During our meeting, I was surprised when she said she would like to work with me. That’s how my book found an editor. At the same time, I found an agent through a pitch event on Twitter/X. After several revisions, my book was acquired.

Staying positive in query trenches: What were the query trenches like and what were some things that helped you to keep going?

The query trenches were tough for me. I remember receiving my first rejection during the Christmas holidays. I cried. After months of rejections from agents, I felt very down. One didn’t like my storytelling style. Another didn’t like my art. I was wondering what I was capable of. What kept me going was encouragement from my family and kidlit friends. The writing community has been so supportive. There are those few who always comment, like, or share my posts. It means a lot to know I’m not alone out there struggling.
 
Your book was published with a traditional house, Macmillan Feiwel and Friends. While publishing with a traditional publishing house doesn’t always require literary representation, oftentimes, it helps. And in your case, you did have literary representation. Who are you currently agented by, and what agency?

My agent is Miranda Paul of Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

Did you know from the beginning that you wanted to pursue traditional publishing with the help of a literary agent, or did that decision take place later? Explain.

At first, I thought about self-publishing, but there was so much to learn. I also didn’t have the income to invest in printing books or hiring editors/designers. After enrolling in Storyteller Academy and learning more about publishing, I thought traditional publishing might be possible for me.

How did you end up with your agent & agency? Was it a cold query? A special query opportunity at a conference or other writing event/contest? Etc.

I found my agent through PBPitch on Twitter. I decided to pitch my story and art in October of 2021. I was excited to receive three hearts that day, one of those being from Miranda Paul. I queried her and was offered representation, which I accepted. Thankful for Debra Shumaker and PJ McIlvaine for hosting such a great event for the kidlit community.

For writers and illustrators who are querying now, can you share a little bit about what to expect for that agent call?

I was very nervous because this was my big chance. I made sure to have my list of questions. Justin Colon and Kelly Rice Schmitt were kind enough to put together a list of questions for agent calls and share it with the community. 

-CHECK OUT THE LIST AT THE LINK HERE!

The list was very helpful.

-Thanks so much for sharing this awesome resource with readers, Kim-Hoa.

What made you decide to sign with the agent/agency you’re with? And why is signing with the “right” agent better than not having an agent all? Explain.

I decided to sign with Miranda because she was nice and enthusiastic about my work. Everything is so subjective in the publishing world. You just hope for someone supportive and passionate about your work. It is better to have an agent so that she can help guide you in the submission process and fight for your work.

What advice do you have to am querying author-illustrators who are looking to go into traditional publishing?

Keep writing and illustrating. Display and submit work that you truly love and are most proud of. Keep learning and being the best version of yourself. Find yourself kidlit friends who will give you helpful feedback and are supportive of you through all the ups and downs.

For author-illustrators who might be on the fence about whether or not to query for literary representation vs. submitting directly to publishing houses, what are some pros and cons of both routes?

I know that most publishing houses accept submissions from agented creators only. But I know a few creators who have successfully landed deals on their own. I, too, found my editor before my agent. So it is possible. 

There are many agents looking for author-illustrators, so you have a good chance with a good portfolio and writing samples. You do what you feel most comfortable with. Even though I had interest from my editor on my dummy, I still wanted an agent so that she could help me negotiate the contract and to help me with future work.

ROAD BUMPS AND CELEBRATIONS

What have been some of your favorite parts of the publishing journey? 

One of my favorite parts of the publishing journey was receiving my proofs. All of my works have been on screen or printed on regular copy paper, so seeing it big on nice glossy paper was an exciting moment for me.

Another favorite moment was seeing my children hold and read my book for the first time together. I’m grateful to be able to dedicate the book to them. Seeing all the friends and family who came to support me at my book events was heart-warming too. Grateful for all who have supported my book and journey!

-Those all sound like very exciting moments! Thanks for sharing those with us. And for sharing the picture. :)

What are some of the challenges you faced in your publishing journey? Explain.

Learning how to illustrate digitally was a challenge for me. Coloring is still difficult for me because I have a hard time seeing what colors work well together. I need to study and practice more. Writing has also been challenging. Finding ways to make your story or art unique is always tough. Just have to keep trying.

What has helped you the most to stay motivated and continue on the path?

Having wonderful family, kidlit friends, and critique partners help make the journey less frightening. Seeing other people’s work on social media has also been inspiring.

-Yes! They make the journey so much better.

In your words, could you share the importance of having diverse books with creators of marginalized backgrounds and voices for our young readers?

It is so important. I wish I had those diverse books growing up. The only one I knew was Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China by Ai-Ling Louie. I loved the book so much and was so touched when my college roommate got it for me as a gift. Diverse books are important so that other kids and adults have the opportunity to learn about other cultures. They are the windows, doors, and mirrors for the world.

“Diverse books are important so that other kids and adults have the opportunity to learn about other cultures. They are the windows, doors, and mirrors for the world.” – Kim-Hoa Ung @AutumnLeaflet

Tweet

Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China

For creators who are from marginalized backgrounds, do you have any favorite writing resources or communities that you’d recommend checking out?

Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s website has been very helpful, especially for new creators. 

Check out Debbie's website at THIS LINK HERE. She also conducts interviews with creators so that you can learn more about the publishing industry and other people’s creative journeys. 

Mia Wenjen also has a wonderful website that features many diverse books. For holidays and other occasions, she posts about collections of related titles. 

Check out Mia's website at THIS LINK HERE. 

Kaitlyn Sanchez has always been so supportive of writers and illustrators. I suggest you follow her on social media because she hosts/co-hosts writing competitions like Fall Writing Frenzy and Spring Fling Kidlit, and the community is so supportive of each other.

-Follow Kaitlyn on her X account at THIS LINK HERE, or visit her website at THIS LINK HERE to discover her Fall Writing Frenzy Contest, Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, and other resources. You can also learn more about The Fall Writing Frenzy on Lydia Lukidis website at THE LINK HERE.

BOOKS + EVENTS + PUBLISHING DEBUT

Your book has been out in the world for a little less than a year. How does it feel?!

I am very grateful for all the love and support I have received for A GIFT FOR NAI NAI. It is such a special feeling to see my book on shelves in bookstores, libraries, and readers’ homes. Thank you to everyone who has read, purchased, gifted, and reviewed my book.

What kind of response have you received from readers?

Readers have told me that A GIFT FOR NAI NAI reminds them of their loved ones, especially their grandmothers, giving them handmade gifts. They have said that my illustrations are so cute and that they love the Chinese writing characters dispersed throughout the book. A few readers have made Nai Nai’s hat too. So touching to see!

-How sweet!

Have you been able to host any local/or otherwise events? 

I was able to have storytime and book signings at Barnes and Noble at the Americana, Once Upon A Time Bookstore, Vroman’s Pasadena, and Bel Canto Books. I am grateful for everyone who came and was there in spirit!

Speaking of book events… this is your DEBUT book! How exciting. Could you tell us about your story and the inspiration behind it?

A GIFT FOR NAI NAI is about a girl who wants to make a special gift for her grandma’s birthday. I had not seen any picture books with crochet at the time, so that inspired me to create one. I used to crochet hats for my grandma, too, so this book is special to me.

-How special! I love that. And this picture is too cute.

Do you have a favorite illustration spread? If so, which one and why?

My favorite spread is when Nai Nai finds out the hat is for her all along, and she and Lyn Lyn hug each other. I love the sweet words Lyn Lyn has for Nai Nai. It is a blessing to have a grandma. 

-So beautiful!

Any final words of wisdom that you’d like to share with our readers today?

Keep writing. Keep illustrating. Agents either didn’t like my writing or my illustrations. It was tough because it made me doubt myself. I wasn’t sure what I was capable of anymore. But the kidlit community and my family were encouraging. So, I kept writing and illustrating. It is important to find yourself supportive friends and critique partners who will help you do better. Good luck with everything, kidlit friends! I am rooting for you all!

“It is important to find yourself supportive friends and critique partners who will help you do better.”

Thank you so much for joining us today, Kim-Hoa.
And now…
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY

For the month of October, Kim-Hoa Ung is offering the following giveaway prize(s) to (x amount of) winner(s):

One winner will receive a copy of A GIFT FOR NAI NAI picture book or a giant crocheted pencil plushie!

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

●     Leave a comment on this post!

●     And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter!

That’s it!

DEADLINE TO ENTER: 10/31/2024 11:59 PM CST

FAQ:

What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).

Did you enjoy this interview?

Thank the author & host by purchasing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored links below supports this blog.

BOOK LINKS

Purchase a copy of A GIFT FOR NAI NAI.

Purchase a copy of ADHD AND ME.

Looking for custom writer/library/book-lover-themed swag/accessories? Visit my Zazzle store! Want to see a curated list of my personal favorite books and recommendations? Visit my bookshop page! Want to browse favorite writing accessories, books by genre, and cozy reading must-haves? Visit my Amazon Storefront!

Looking for custom writer, librarian, or book-lover-themed swag and/or accessories? Visit my Zazzle store! Want to see a curated list of my personal favorite books and recommendations? Visit my bookshop page! Want to browse favorite writing accessories, books by genre, and cozy reading must-haves? Visit my Amazon Storefront!

Looking for a specific topic? Browse the list below to find a link to information on one of these topics:

• Where to find FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources.
• How to query agents and editors and what they’re looking for.
• Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators.
• Diversity, empathy, and kindness in kidlit and why it matters.
• Writing across genres.

Pros and cons of small publishers, hybrid (or indie) publishing, and being agented VS. unagented.