Debuting Without an Agent
Hello, Hello, PBRisingStars Family!
And happy October! We love all things fall, and for those of you who are on the northern hemisphere with us, we hope you’re enjoying cooler weather, all things pumpkin, and some cozy vibes.
Now, before we jump into our October feature, make sure you’re all caught up on our past blogs. You can read last month’s post which is all about the behind-the-scenes looks at PBRisingStars with 2023 Mentees Tunisia Williams and Nancy Stark Lee HERE.
And if you’ve landed on our page and like what you see, or if you want all the details when we launch year three of our mentorship, make sure you’re subscribed to the PBRisingStars Newsletter! Subscribe here!
And now, the reason you came here! This month we are really excited to for guest author Anna Orenstein-Cardona, one of our 2023 Mentees. Anna has an incredible journey debuting without an agent, and we are really excited to share her experience so that everyone knows there is NOT only one way to publication!
So join us in welcoming Anna Orenstein-Cardona to the PBRisingStars blog today!
Debuting Without an Agent
||
Debuting Without an Agent ||
Written by Anna Orenstein-Cardona
2023 PB Rising Stars Mentee
Author of THE TREE OF HOPE, illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno
For every creative soul embarking on the rollercoaster journey of becoming a published children's author, the path is woven with threads of adaptation and the unwavering perseverance to never give up.
Today, I’m thrilled to share my story with you as inspiration because, often, we find ourselves confined to a single pathway towards our goals.
However, the reality, my friends, is that our journeys, intertwined with opportunities and timing, echo the sentiment that success isn’t confined to a solitary path but dances through diverse roots.
In the vast expanse of publishing, a common belief echoes — that the only doorway to traditional publishing swings open through literary representation. While I firmly believe that good literary agents are worth their weight in gold, I recognize that the journey to securing one can be a formidable challenge for many.
As such, it’s crucial to know that an alternative route to traditional publishing exists — directly securing a book deal with a publishing house.
Yes, it's not the norm and comes with its own intricacies.
But success stories like mine stand as vibrant proof that unconventional paths can lead to dreams come true.
My journey to publication began to take form in the summer of 2020, a season marked by profound grief, introspection, and renewal following the loss of my beloved Mamá.
Despite a thriving finance career spanning over two decades, it was her legacy of courage that sparked a flame within me, serving as a poignant reminder of my lifelong dream —
to share stories that capture the beauty of my culture and heritage with the world.
Previously, I had taken creative writing courses and worked tirelessly on my craft, whilst balancing my day job. I even followed “protocol” by attending numerous children’s books conferences to refine my skills and queried various literary agents,
but doors didn’t open.
(I now believe it was divine timing).
However, my unwavering dedication to traditional publishing stood resolute.
Enter LatinxPitch…
In September 2020, the discovery of #LatinxPitch (an online pitching event that celebrates the rich tapestry of kidlit talents within the Hispanic community) on Twitter marked a pivotal moment in my writing journey. It's a place where dreams are nurtured, connections are forged, and voices are heard—a testament to the enduring power of storytelling within our community!
LatinxPitch realized my dream of representing Puerto Rican heritage through my writing by allowing me to be discovered by my fabulous editor, Naomi Kruger from Beaming Books, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Now, a word of truth —
being published without an agent introduces nerve-wracking moments, particularly in navigating book deals. I had to do my own research and confidently negotiate a few terms in my contract. Thankfully, I leveraged the benefits of being a member of the Society of Authors who provided indispensable advice on my contract.
With one published book under my belt (and many manuscripts on my desktop), my passion for storytelling not only endures but continues to evolve as I actively refine my craft.
While the journey of securing a book deal directly with a publishing house has been rewarding, I'm eagerly anticipating the prospect of finding a literary agent to join me on this exciting journey and become my “partner in crime” – in the most positive and creative sense possible! : )
Before wrapping up, I want to extend my gratitude to #PBRisingStars for empowering diverse voices through mentorship.
Special thanks to Ebony and Kailei for their unwavering dedication and support, along with the exceptional mentorship provided by Lissette Norman. Your collective guidance has propelled me forward on my ever-expanding journey of storytelling and growth!
Finally, I’d like to share a few tips I’ve learned along the way:
1. Hone Your Craft:
Read, read, and then read some more. Work on your writing, take online writing courses, learn about the industry through organizations such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Seek mentors and programs like #PBRisingStars to guide and support you!
2. Educate Yourself About the Industry & do your Research:
Invest time in learning about the publishing industry. Understand the various publishing paths available (traditional, self-publishing, hybrid) and research which one aligns with your goals.
Remember, not all publishers accept direct submissions, so conduct thorough market research to identify suitable publishers and follow their submission guidelines meticulously. And of course, explore organizations and/or events that offer opportunities to pitch your stories and amplify your voice!
3. Perfect Your Manuscript(s):
Ensure your work is polished. This can be achieved by joining a critique group, and/ or seeking mentorship.
4. Build A Supportive Network:
Having a supportive community can make a significant difference in your journey as a children’s author! I am eternally grateful to SCBWI, SOA, Las Musas, and #PBRisingStars for allowing me to build a network with creators who are passionate about building a more equitable world where children can see themselves reflected. Not only have they all been great resources of knowledge, but also of inspiration and friendship.
5. Believe in Yourself:
Don’t forget that rejection is redirection. Every rejection letter, every closed door, is NOT a testament to your inadequacy as a creative, but an invitation to refine, reshape, and grow. The stories of perseverance and eventual triumph are woven into the fabric of literary history.
So, friends, in this symphony of words, let our stories be the compass that guides us. Embrace the unpredictability, trust the process, and let the melody of your narrative resonate with the hearts of readers worldwide.
Remember, your journey is unique, your voice is needed, and your dreams are within reach! 🌟
About Anna Orenstein-Cardona
Anna Orenstein-Cardona is a bilingual Certified Financial Educator (CFEI), Wealth Coach, and Children's Author. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and spent over two decades working in finance in the USA and Europe, before turning to writing for children.
Her debut picture book, The Tree of Hope, was published in 2022 by Beaming Books and was awarded a STAR by the School Library Journal. It was also recognized as one of the “Best Children’s Book of the Year – 2023 edition” by Bank Street College of Education.
Anna shares her passion for financial literacy, creativity, and empowerment through her financial education & coaching business Wear Your Money Crown®.
You can learn more about Anna and her Author work at www.annaorensteincardona.com or follow her on Instagram (@wearyourmoneycrown) and Twitter (@BoricuaAnna).
Debuting Without An Agent
||
Debuting Without An Agent ||
***
THANK YOU, Anna! That was such a wonderful reminder that all publishing journeys are valid and there is no one “right” way to be published.
We hope that each of our readers will take the time to research and plan which path is right for them on this wild publishing journey.
And, for our UK Readers, we wanted to let you know that Anna will be appearing at the Margate Bookie 2023 Festival on Sunday, the 22nd of October! Check out more information and snag your tickets HERE.
Now, it’s about that time to update you all on what Ebony and Kailei have been up to!
AND keep reading to see how you can WIN A MENTORSHIP with Ebony or Kailei…AND how you can support Kailei during her debut month!
We truly appreciate each and every one of you! Ebony and Kailei are creators FIRST so the fact that you support them, their businesses, and books is HUGE and helps them keep this community going!
EBONY’S HALLOWEEN MERCH IS HERE! HER COURSES ARE JUST WEEKS AWAY! AND HER BIG VIRTUAL LAUNCH EVENT IS BACK ON!
Keep reading to see how YOU CAN WIN A MENTORSHIP WITH EBONY!
Please join us to celebrate the launch of Ebony’s new on-demand course community and fall merch collection at her virtual launch event on October 26th at 8:00pm Eastern!! There will be a virtual fashion show featuring her fall merch collection, special guests, and…
If you attend the event WEARING something from Ebony’s limited or Halloween collection…
YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN A MENTORSHIP WITH EBONY!
You will develop a FULL 3-manuscript + query letter SUBMISSION package with Ebony starting THIS November!!
That’s right! For a chance to win:
1) Buy something from Ebony’s merch line here.
2) Register for free AND attend the launch event on October 26th WEARING your item! *Previously purchased items are eligible!
Can’t buy any merch right now? Don’t worry! There’s no purchase necessary for ALL other giveaway opportunities, including critique giveaways, signed books, free merch, and a ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP IN EBONY’S ON-DEMAND COURSE COMMUNITY! Just attend the launch event and you’ll be entered!
Do we even need to say any more this point?
Register here to attend the fall launch to celebrate with Ebony and have a chance to WIN!
SPOTS ARE VERY LIMITED!
AND THERE’S MORE TO GET EXCITED ABOUT…including another mentorship opportunity, but this time…with Kailei!
October is DEBUT MONTH for Kailei’s first book, THE MONSTER ABOVE THE BED, illustrated by Steph Lew.
While it would mean the WORLD to Kailei if you would order the book or request it from your local library, she also wants to celebrate each and every one of YOU who has been a huge part of this journey.
So…
Kailei is hosting a MONSTER giveaway!
If you wondered what it was like to work with Kailei during the PBRisingStars mentorship, now is your chance to find out!! Kailei is offering one lucky entrant their choice of a MINI MENTORSHIP, including two (1.5 hour each) zoom calls, multiple rounds of edits and revisions on a PB Manuscript, and work on pitches and queries!
And if mentorship is not your thing, you can choose an author visit instead, and additional drawings will include signed book, swag, and AMA phone calls!
Don’t miss this awesome chance! ENTER HERE!
*IMPORTANT NOTE: When using RAFFLECOPTER to log your points, PLEASE use a computer and not a mobile device!
And yes, we just told you how you can win a mentorship with Kailei or Ebony, BUT…this is our BIGGEST MONTH YET because we are still hosting our regular monthly giveaway too!
***GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY***
One of the coolest giveaways EVER!!!
Because…SURPRISE!!!
MONSTER ABOVE THE BED SIGNED COPY AND SWAG!
To enter the MONSTER ABOVE THE BED SIGNED COPY AND SWAG giveaway:
Comment on this blog post below letting us know how you liked this topic AND confirming that you’ve done all of the steps above (you must be subscribed to all THREE newsletters to be entered…or just let us know if you were already subscribed to all three!)
For Bonus entries:
Follow Anna, Kailei, and Ebony on Instagram (one bonus entry per follow.)
Follow Anna, Kailei, and Ebony on Twitter (one bonus entry per follow.)
Like, Retweet, and comment on THIS tweet (one bonus entry per item.)
If you do EVERY bonus item, that’s TEN extra entries! But every bonus entry counts! If you complete any bonus items, let us know in the comments!!!
Thank you, friends, and good luck! Entries will be accepted until November 6th and a Winner will be announced via our newsletter on November 7th.
ABOUT PB RISING STARS
The #PBRisingStars Mentorship program started with a tweet, a huge response from the KidLit community, and two authors with book deals looking for ways to pull other picture book creators up the turbulent publishing ladder.
This program pairs agented picture book creators that are knowledgeable about querying, agent calls, author-agent relationships, being on submission, book deals, and contract language, with the next generation of children’s book authors and illustrators for an immersive, custom-made mentorship experience that is more than just a critique.