We are absolutely thrilled for Writing Barn success story Jessica Milo who is celebrating signing with her dream agent, Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates!
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal? I began my writing career in 2021 and have been passionately pursuing it ever since. In fall 2022 I signed with my first agent, and we went out on submission with one picture book, but ultimately didn’t get to acquisitions. But my first agent helped grow my confidence and my writing craft and helped me be in this position to now work with Wendi. I’m so excited to go on submission in the new year with a picture book that Wendi and I both love and feel strongly connected to. I feel very hopeful about it, and it would be so wonderful if we
sell this book together.
What fears/hopes did you have before participating in WSS or a WB class/intensive? Before taking classes at The Writing Barn, I wasn’t sure what my next step or goal was in terms of leveling up my craft. The Writing Barn provides specific classes to help with all different areas of craft and I found the perfect ones I needed at those moments to help guide my craft and improve. Beforehand, I was worried that I wouldn’t figure out what I should do next. Then I registered for Bethany’s Courage to Create program and found my footing again. Bethany is amazing at helping you determine your goals, and the community aspect is especially helpful to openly share your doubts, fears and hopes without judgement. You’ll find that you aren’t alone in them! I can truly say after attending WB webinars and classes as well as the CTC program, my writing craft, self-confidence, and visions for my career have improved and become so
much clearer.
Did the WB programming aid you in the craft and business of writing? Absolutely! For example, I took Lisa Katzenberger’s Writing SEL Picture Books course and it strengthened my SEL PB drafts, and I learned how to make them more heartfelt and relatable to my target audience. I would say for the business side, the Courage to Create program was wonderful. The webinars with agents and editors are insightful because you get to learn how they work and what they know about the current state of the business. Also, the discussions posted by members opens conversations you can participate in. I learned so much from these classes and programs! I really wouldn’t be the writer I am without them. Anytime I take a course and attend a program, I see it as a stepping stone I’m adding to go further down my author career path.
Did the atmosphere (online or in person) of The Writing Barn aid you in achieving your goals? The online atmosphere felt so warm and inviting. You know that Bethany and the guests, attendees, and staff are all there to support and help one another. Having that support is so critical to staying motivated and positive in this tough industry. Learning about other members’ goals and viewing their successes helped clarify what my goals were and what I wanted to strive for. There are so many talented people in this community to look up to, and the best part is they are so open to answering your questions and sharing their knowledge.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build and develop your career?The takeaway I’ll carry with me as I work with my Wendi is that supporting others in the kidlit space not only helps them but helps you in return. Writing can feel so lonely at times. I’m happy that I’ve built wonderful connections that have all helped me to get where I am, and I know they will help me as I further my career. And the best part is that those connections can turn into long-lasting, incredible friendships. You’ll grow together, celebrate together, commiserate together, and feel supported all along your journey. If I am excited about something or feel bummed about a rejection, I can email or text my kidlit friends and they will respond and lift me up, and I strive to do the same for them. We’re all in this together!
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course while pursuing their goals? Build your community and get involved at your own pace and comfort level. That’s why programs at the Writing Barn are so lovely, because they feel so accessible and welcoming to everyone, not matter what level you are and where you are in your career. I highly suggest taking classes to improve your craft and make connections with others. I also love participating in the kidlit community on social media, so find a platform you enjoy and start commenting and sharing others’ posts. But only do what you feel comfortable with! Following my friends’ journeys and seeing what they are working on and want to work on makes me so excited and inspired to try new things, push myself, and continue growing to be the writer I want to be.
About Jessica Milo
Jessica Milo is a preschool teacher and passionate children’s book author. A member of SCBWI and Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, she is also a Children’s Book Academy, The Writing Barn, and Lyrical Language Lab graduate. Jessica is a 2023 #SunWriteFun winner and a 2023 #SpringFlingKidlit winner. She currently serves as the newsletter editor for her local SCBWI chapter and resides in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and two cuddly cats. She writes picture books, MG, and YA, and is represented by Wendi Gu of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.
Such an inspiring interview! Congrats Jessica!
Congrats Jessica! So happy to be agent mates!