I realize that ever since the 12 x 12 in 2012 challenge went live, the “How I Got My Agent” series has been a bit stagnant. Well, no more! Today I breathe new life into the series by welcoming Natasha Wing, a fellow Colorado author. Natasha is the wildly successful author of the “The Night Before” series, with Halloween, Easter, New Year’s and Mother’s Day just a few of the titles available. What is even more exciting is that her latest book in the series — THE NIGHT BEFORE FATHER’S DAY — releases today! I am so glad to host Natasha and not only hear her agent story, but also help celebrate her book birthday! Welcome Natasha!
Natasha, how long had you been writing before seeking an agent, and what made you decide it was time to look for one? What kind of research did you do before submitting?
I had been writing for about 5 years and decided I needed an agent when I discovered that I had accepted less for my advance than I should have. The other thing I was looking for in an agent was to head off rejection letters. Didn’t like getting those in the mail. So I got the name of an agent from a friend and submitted to her after publishing my first book, but the agency didn’t take me, even though we had a mutual friend! In all fairness, they wanted to see that I had published more than one book. The other agent I contacted was through a movie industry friend’s agency, but they weren’t interested either. So I put looking on hold until I had more books.
The Night Before series are rhyming books, and we always hear that agents and editors don’t want rhyming manuscripts. How did you break that particular barrier?
It was a personal challenge when I took a class at a university about writing for children and the instructor said don’t submit rhyming stories, so I set out to prove him wrong and sold Hippity Hop, Frog on Top, my first book – a counting book that rhymed. With the Night Before series, I wasn’t submitting original rhymes so to speak, because it was based on a poem that had been part of our culture for over 100 years, so it was an accepted form of storytelling. I just put my twist on it.
Likewise, editors and agents often say not to pitch book series. How did you come up with the idea for the T’was the Night series? Did it start as one book or did you always plan it as a series?
It began as one book, The Night Before Easter. I thought, yeah! I sold a bunny book! And that’s all I thought would come of it. But I have a very astute editor at Grosset & Dunlap – Jane O’Connor of Fancy Nancy fame – who saw that sales went well for the Easter book, and asked me to write a Halloween version, then a Valentine’s Day version, then later we added school-related themes. It’s the series that keeps on giving! So no, it wasn’t planned, and you can see by the number of illustrators who have illustrated along the way that the style wasn’t pre-planned either. Fortunately, there is a connective feel to the art that ties the books together. Now Grosset & Dunlap is using Amy Wummer exclusively, and I enjoy her art. Today, The Night Before Father’s Day is being released, and another one, The Night Before My Birthday, is in the works. So this series has sort of defined my place in the children’s book industry.
How did you know your agent was “the one?”
I met my agent at a conference in New Orleans quite accidentally. I had a major migraine (which I never get), but I wanted to go to the Newbery dinner so I forced myself to attend. After the dinner, I was hanging out in the lobby and happened to be standing next to Linda Pratt who at the time was representing Sheldon Fogelman Agency. We started talking and she asked me to submit samples and a career goal summary. I wasn’t actively looking for an agent, but I wanted to take the submission part off my shoulders, so I submitted to Linda. Her agency accepted me. That was 1999 and we’re still together – I followed her to her new agency, Wernick & Pratt. I knew she was “the one” because she was very calm and patient, and smart and willing to listen. She also “gets” me and knows how to motivate me and unlock my blocks. So it’s like having a friend who gives you unconditional love without judgment. Plus she’s been in the business for longer than I have so I trust her insight.
Has your writing process changed since signing with an agent?
Well, I just talked to my agent this morning, and after 20 years of writing, I apparently still need some direction and reining in! I tend to write whatever moves me: picture books, concept books, biographies, middle grade, easy reads…you get the picture. So it’s hard for me to focus on one genre and develop a Natasha Wing niche. The only thing that comes close is my Night Before series where I’ve jokingly dubbed myself The Night Before Queen. But that grew organically so it’s not something I planned. With an agent though, I write more freely without the dred of getting rejection letters out of the blue or dealing with having to research where to send the manuscript next. That part I always hated because it took away some of my energy from writing. I also try to write in a more directed way now. If I know an editor is looking for a certain type of story, I can cater it to her in hopes that she will contract it. No guarantees these days! So I guess I would say that I write with more purpose and direction, yet if you ask Linda, she might not agree! I can be like an ADD puppy sometimes who wants to fetch every opportunity!
What advice would you give to picture book writers looking for agents today?
Have a variety of picture books ready, don’t bank on just one to land an agent. He or she needs to see that you’re serious and a career writer, not a hobby writer. The agent will get a better idea of your writing style if you have more manuscripts to show. One other way to show that you are serious about your career is to join the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators or Children’s Book Insider.
What’s up next/what are you working on now?
I work on several things at the same time because they are in various stages of completion. Right now I am researching a new biography, waiting to hear if I still need to revise end notes for my upcoming biography on Jackie O, rewriting the first chapter (for the millionth time) of a middle grade novel, and fleshing out a middle grade underwater fantasy. That plus promoting my new book, The Night Before Father’s Day. This year I actually wrote out a list of goals and it feels good to check stuff off.
As a fellow Coloradan, what is your favorite place to visit in Colorado and why?
I love Rocky Mountain National Park in any season for its beauty and wildlife. My husband and I have so many more trails to check out still. I also love skiing at Steamboat Springs and Copper Mountain. And we always find ourselves in Old Town Fort Collins for happy hours. We’ve only been here two years, so there’s lots more to explore!
Natasha Wing has been writing children’s books for 20 years and has 21 books to her name. Her best-selling Night Before series regularly makes best-seller lists. An Eye for Color: The Story of Josef Albers was an ALA Notable. She is the Picture Book Expert for Children’s Book Insider and a mentor for Rocky Mountain SCBWI. Like her on Facebook at Fans of Natasha Wing books (https://www.facebook.com/natashawingbooks), or read Natasha’s News at www.natashawing.com. Natasha also does free Skype visits to schools.
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