This is my 2nd MG book. (My 1st book got 4 full requests, 0 offers, & I learned a lot.)

While I wait, I try to focus on writing a different project. Someone once told me that the best way to increase odds is to keep writing more books :)

I found this data inspiring: hannahholt.com/blog/2017/10...

I also sought out extra feedback from other writing friends—beyond my crit group and beta readers—on my query and opening pages.

Thanks so much!

I started with ~10/batch. In early batches, I tried to include enough agents with high response rates & quick response times (based on QueryTracker data).

After my first few full requests, I increased batch size. As of now, I’ve sent 61 total queries for this MG book.

I just hit 10 full requests! Here’s what has worked for me so far:

DETAILS (more specific = more likely to stand out)

STAKES (why does it matter?)

REVISIONS (my first batch of queries got 0 requests, so I revised before my next batch)

#kidlitchat

With the arts under attack, what happens next is up to us. We still have the power to keep creating, to speak up for libraries, and to support the next generation of artists and writers. (4/4)

It meant everything to me to see people—even at the highest level—supporting the arts. As a result, a decade later, I’m still writing poetry and children’s books. Writing expands my world and helps me escape into a better one… (3/4)

Over ten years later, I still remember our appointment ceremony at the White House. I remember the First Lady of the U.S. saying that she loved my poem. I remember getting back to school and a classmate asking, “All that, just for poetry?” Yes. All that. For poetry… (2/4)

Thanks so much!!

Thanks for doing this raffle - great idea!

Love these charts 📊 Thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much!

thank you!! 😊

Thank you!!

My HOPE (fingers crossed) for 2025: get an agent by querying book 1

My GOAL (in my control) for 2025: finish rewriting book 2

#kidlitchat

Some of my favorite reads this year:

THE SWIFTS by
@bethatintervals.bsky.social

A WIZARD'S GUIDE TO DEFENSIVE BAKING by
@tkingfisher.com

IMPOSSIBLE CREATURES by Katherine Rundell

#kidlitchat

Mapmaker is available straight from our publisher: www.gotoysandgames.com/product/mapm...

And on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Lafair-Famil...

Thank you! :)