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Tina M. Cho, Children's Writer
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How I Got My Agent + Update

3/28/2017

27 Comments

 
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​I'm really bad. I haven't blogged for many months. Same excuses--teaching and writing. But hey, it's Spring Break, so I wanted to update my blog for many reasons.

In December I signed with a literary agent, Adria Goetz of Martin Literary. How did I get an agent, that famous question everyone usually asks? The short answer: Twitter. I simply responded to the tweet of a different agent!

If you want to know the LONG answer, keep reading. I also was able to land an agent because of many years of reading and writing and studying the craft, taking picture book classes, attending webinars, participating in critique groups, and connecting online in writing Facebook groups, mainly one called 12x12, which I've blogged about before.

I had submitted to many agents and was getting personal feedback and very close, even had a phone call with one, but it didn't work out. Then, you know that phrase, when it rains, it pours? Two agents had my requested manuscripts, and then I saw an interesting tweet from another agent I follow on Twitter.
She announced there was a new agent at her agency, a children's agent who would specialize in the Christian market. My eyes took notice, and I started researching her. My stories weren't specifically for the Christian market, but they could be tweaked to lean that way. I queried Adria with two stories I felt she might like. The next day she said to send them over. About three weeks later, she emailed that she had read my stories that same day I emailed them and hadn't been able to stop thinking about them. And she asked for THE CALL! I was thrilled. So that weekend (working out time zones) we talked, and I printed out those lists of questions to ask an agent, and she offered representation. I signed the contract on December 5th, after first querying her on October 30th. To God be the glory!

It's been wonderful having Adria by my side, my advocate, cheerleader, and one to submit for me. If it wasn't for her, I think I would have given up on one of my stories. We've gotten good feedback from editors and are pushing my story to be the best it can be. I've learned that real, true, revising is HARD.

Adria will also help negotiate my Scholastic Asia contract for my novel coming out next summer 2018! I heard from my editor and have received a list of things to revise. 

Meanwhile, my husband & I just finished proofreading a Korean/English pocket dictionary for a publisher. Who knew there was such a job? And because of my blogging about guided reading books, a publisher from Australia discovered my site and just commissioned me to write 22 books for them. I guess I might not have another blog post until summer. :P
​Thanks for bearing with me!  What have you all been up to?
27 Comments
Evelyn B. Christensen link
3/29/2017 10:53:46 am

Tina, you so very much deserve all the wonderful things that are happening to you!! You've worked hard, are an excellent writer, and have the dedication needed to continue to be a successful author. Any agent and any editor should feel blessed to be able to work with you! I'm very happy for you and am wishing you the best.

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Tina Cho link
3/29/2017 06:23:58 pm

Thank you, Ev! And I'm glad you were there in the beginning.

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Teresa Robeson link
3/29/2017 11:03:49 am

Congratulations on your success story, Tina! You worked hard to get to this point and I wish you continued success on your writing career!

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Tina Cho link
3/29/2017 06:24:32 pm

Thank you, Teresa! And blessings on your writing, too!

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Annette Bay Pimentel link
3/29/2017 11:26:44 am

Good work, and congratulations!

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Tina Cho link
3/29/2017 06:24:55 pm

Thank you, Annette!

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Robin Newman link
3/29/2017 11:36:51 am

Congratulations, Tina!

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Tina Cho link
3/29/2017 06:25:13 pm

Thanks, Robin!

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Cathy Ballou Mealey link
3/29/2017 01:28:53 pm

So happy for you Tina! Wonderful news all around.

And yikes - I have to update my blog too! Thank you for the reminder. :)

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Tina Cho link
3/29/2017 06:25:58 pm

Yes, do update your blog. Who knows what will come from it?!

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Mirka Breen link
3/29/2017 02:46:29 pm

I've watched and I waited with you, Tina. What a glorious journey it's been, and it will only get better.

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Tina Cho link
3/29/2017 06:26:33 pm

Thanks, Mirka, for all your help and advice!

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Jarm Del Boccio link
3/29/2017 06:48:14 pm

I'm so happy for you, Tina!!! And so thrilled about the 22 book contract. Wow! What a blessing, my friend! May God continue to use you for His glory . . .

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Tina Cho link
3/29/2017 07:27:56 pm

Thank you so much, Jarm. Blessings upon your writing as well!

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Trine
3/29/2017 07:43:15 pm

Tina, I could not be happier for you. You are an inspiration and so generous to share your knowledge and experiences.
You are blessed!

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Tina Cho link
3/29/2017 09:37:48 pm

Thank you, Trine. And I'm blessed to have you in my critique group.

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Diane Tulloch link
3/30/2017 03:37:14 am

It's such a joy to hear of all the wonderful things coming your way. So happy for you Tina.

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Tina Cho link
3/30/2017 03:34:47 pm

Thanks, Diane. Couldn't do it without you.

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Pam Brunskill link
3/30/2017 05:56:18 am

Congratulations, Tina! This is such wonderful news. Your hard work is definitely paying off!

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Tina Cho link
3/30/2017 03:35:15 pm

Thanks, Pam. How's your writing? Miss talking to you.

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Claire Annette Noland link
3/31/2017 09:42:35 am

Tina - thanks for sharing all of your wonderful news. Yours is a great story of persistence and hard work. I can't wait to read your upcoming books. Your agent seems like a match made in heaven.

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Tina Cho link
4/1/2017 05:36:54 am

Ah, how sweet. Thank you, Claire!

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Sylvia Liu link
4/2/2017 03:48:04 pm

Such great news! I'm very happy all your work has paid off!

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Tina Cho link
4/3/2017 02:10:37 am

Thank you, Sylvia. It's been fun seeing how our writing grows.

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Kirsten W. Larson link
4/4/2017 06:52:28 am

Woo hoo! I am SO thrilled for you, Tina. I was on vacation when you posted, so I had to postpone my dance party. Can't wait to see what you and your shiny new agent are able to do.

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Tina Cho link
4/10/2017 03:52:54 am

Thanks, Kirsten! And, I, too, am looking forward to hearing about your future sales!

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Tracy link
4/26/2017 02:02:25 pm

I'm so very happy to hear that you snagged an agent, Tina. You deserve it after all the hard work you do. 😀👍

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    Tina M. Cho, children's author

    I'm a children's author and freelance writer for the educational market. Welcome!

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