You Heard it Here First: Lori Keating Signs with a Literary Agent!

Introduction

I love sharing my friends’ publishing news. This post is particularly special because it’s about my guest blogger, Lori Keating. I think you’ll agree that signing with a literary agent is a wonderful way for her to end 2024 and begin 2025!

Lori posted this picture on Facebook with the caption, “I just Docusigned something exciting.” I couldn’t wait to hear about it.

Lori agreed to share highlights of signing with literary agent, Sherry Wilson Johnson. So, take it away, Lori!

How did you discover your agent?

I first came across Gardner Literary on Instagram about a year and a half ago. I did some research on the agency and its agents. At that time, I didn’t have a story to submit since their website stated they do not accept children’s literature, which was what I was writing. 

How long did getting an agent take?

The entire journey from when I began querying to securing my agent spanned three years. For most of that time, I sought representation for my picture books and chapter books. Nearly every query resulted in a rejection. I did receive one request for additional picture books from a new agent, but that ultimately ended in a rejection.

Then, in November 2023, I noticed a Twitter post about NANOWRIMO and felt intrigued enough to participate. During that November, I wrote a draft of an adult romance novel, finishing it with 50,000 words. I decided to take my querying efforts seriously, hoping to find an agent within a year. However, I still thought this would involve children’s literature, so I set my adult novel aside and queried picture books.

By June of 2024, after facing several more rejections, I revisited my novel for revisions and edits. After a couple of months of work, I sent it to an editor to ensure there were no plot issues. Following that, I shared it with a few beta readers, made additional revisions, and prepared to query again.

Initially, I submitted my book to agents who were not well-suited for my work. My story is a sweet romance, rather than a spicy one, and most agents seek out spicy narratives. After receiving several rejections, I turned to QueryTracker to search for agents interested in “Sweet Romance.” That led me to two options. One was closed, but the other was Sherri at Gardner Literary. The agency name sounded familiar, and upon further research, I realized she would be an ideal match for my book.

I received a response from Sherri just a few days after she received my query. She appreciated my premise and recognized potential in my story, but pointed out that my word count was too low. She encouraged me to resubmit if I decided to make revisions. Initially, I was uncertain about how to approach this. However, after considering various options and spending some time in prayer, I woke up one morning with new ideas for an additional chapter and ways to further develop the storyline with two side characters.

These additions were the crucial elements that the story needed to make it “just right.” I sent the revised version to Sherri before Thanksgiving, and a few days later, she responded that she wanted to see the full manuscript! She mentioned needing a bit more time due to the holidays, so I honestly expected to hear from her after New Year’s. However, she reached out before Christmas, inviting me to a Zoom meeting to discuss my novel!

How did you know Sherri was the right agent for you?

Going into the meeting, I was unsure if Sherri would be the right fit for me. Instead of a “want this in an agent” list, I had more of a “don’t want this” list. From the moment Sherri appeared on the call, I would describe her in one word: delightful! Her warm smile and genuine enthusiasm immediately put me at ease. As we talked, it became clear that Sherri not only understood my story, but she was also passionate about it. She asked insightful questions that showed she had carefully considered my manuscript and was invested in its potential. Her feedback was both constructive and encouraging, which reassured me that she would be a supportive partner in my writing journey.

Sherri’s vision for the book aligned perfectly with mine. She had an exciting plan for how we could bring it to the right audience and shared my enthusiasm for exploring new themes and ideas in future projects. It was evident that she cared deeply about nurturing my growth as an author, which was exactly what I was looking for in an agent.

By the end of our conversation, I felt a strong sense of trust and camaraderie with Sherri. Her professionalism, combined with her warm and approachable demeanor, made me confident that choosing her as my agent was the best decision. I left the meeting knowing that I had found someone who truly believed in my work and who would champion my stories with passion and dedication.

What was Sherri’s reaction to your book?

Sherri’s response to my book was exactly what I had hoped for. She connected with my characters, and I loved hearing her praise the aspects I executed well. She highlighted the emotional depth and authenticity of the relationships I had crafted, which meant a lot to me, as those were elements I had poured my heart into. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it was clear she understood the vision I had for the story. Her suggestions felt like a perfect fit for my writing style, and I appreciated how she struck a balance between recognizing the strengths of the manuscript and identifying areas for improvement.

During our conversation, Sherri talked about how she saw potential for the book to resonate with a wide audience, and she had some great ideas for marketing and reaching the right readers. Her passion and commitment to the project were evident, and I couldn’t help but feel that I was in capable hands. By the end of the meeting, I was more convinced than ever that Sherri was the right agent for me, someone who would champion my work and help me grow as an author. It was the beginning of what I believed would be a fruitful and inspiring partnership.

What future projects will you work on together?

Our upcoming projects will likely focus on more adult romances, as I am currently writing another one. However, I also learned that the agency represents children’s books as long as I remain a client! So there may be opportunities for those stories to develop as well! 

I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead with Sherri’s guidance. With her expertise and enthusiasm, I feel confident in exploring new themes and expanding my writing repertoire. My next adult romance, which I’m currently drafting, promises to delve deeper into the complexities of love and relationships, offering readers a fresh perspective with characters who are both relatable and inspiring.

At the same time, I’m thrilled about the chance to revive my passion for children’s literature. The idea of weaving enchanting tales for young readers fills me with joy, and I look forward to potentially revisiting some of my earlier works or even crafting new stories that captivate the imaginations of children.

This dual focus allows me to balance my love for both genres, creating a diverse body of work that can touch the hearts of readers across different age groups. With Sherri by my side, championing my stories, I’m eager to embark on this creative journey and see where it leads us. Whether it’s through tender romances or whimsical children’s tales, I hope to continue connecting with readers, bringing a little magic and heart into their lives.

What advice would you give to querying writers?

Take your time to find the right fit. The journey to securing an agent can be long and filled with ups and downs, but it’s important to stay persistent. Research agents thoroughly to ensure they align with your writing style and genre. Don’t rush the process; instead, focus on honing your craft and ensuring your manuscript is in the best possible shape before sending it out.

Embrace feedback and use it to grow. Rejections can be disheartening, but they’re also an opportunity to learn and improve. Listen to any constructive criticism you receive, and be open to revising your work to make it stronger.

Consider engaging with writing communities. Platforms like QueryTracker or writer forums can provide support, feedback, and a sense of camaraderie. Connecting with other writers can offer insights and encouragement that keep you motivated.

Finally, believe in your story. Your passion and dedication will shine through in your work, so stay true to your voice. Remember, finding the right agent is about building a partnership with someone who understands and champions your vision. Keep writing, keep querying, and trust the process—you never know when the perfect opportunity will present itself.

Congratulations, Lori! We’re excited for you!

Want to find out more about Lori? Check out her website and her new middle grade novel, Angels in the Sand, that comes out January 7! Remember– pre-orders help authors!

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