I’m excited to announce that I recently signed with a literary agent for my writing: Don Pape of Pape Commons! Meanwhile, I’m still illustrating children’s books, for which I remain happily represented by MB Artists.
I met Don Pape virtually decades ago. He was working at one of the big publishing houses, editing a book written by a friend. Don doesn’t remember me from those days, but I will never forget him! My friend shared samples of my writing with him, and he was very encouraging—so encouraging that I kept at it, through motherhood and professor-ing, through illustrating and writing picture books, and several international moves.
A Serendipitous Meeting
While on a tour for my picture book Alithia Ramirez Was an Artist in 2023, I was one of several speakers at an Author Breakfast at the Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Association Meeting in Denver. Don was behind me in line for the breakfast buffet. When I saw his name tag, I almost tipped over.
“You’re Don Pape!” I said.
“Yes, I am!” he agreed.
Don ended up at my table. In fact, we sat next to each other. He explained his new role as a literary agent; I explained my recent interest in writing fiction for older kids.
Since then, I’ve completed two young adult novels and am finalizing my third. Don has graciously agreed to represent me for all of them, and I am thrilled!
Finding an agent, of course, is only the first step on the road to publication. Stay tuned for news here and on my social media channels. (I’m @violetlemay pretty much everywhere.)
Are you agented, or querying agents? Share your stories, comment and questions below… and happy writing!
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