Saturday, March 21, 2020

You Heard it Here First: Dorothy Price signs with Agent, Miranda Paul

It's always fun to share publishing news with my blog readers--particularly if it's news from one of my own writing friends. I first met Dorothy Price 10 years ago when she joined my SCBWI-Carolinas critique group. I've read her manuscripts and she's read mine. Today I'm thrilled to share her story of how she recently signed with an agent. 

Take it away, Dorothy!

*****

I am so excited to share my agent success story, after 11 years of writing kidlit!

This story began in October 2018, when I got a nudge from my writing friend, Tara Luebbe. She suggested I apply to the 2019 We Need Diverse Books Mentorship Program, to which I had zero interest. I was at a place in my writing career where I had gotten discouraged by rejection, and simply planned to stop submitting, to everyone and everything. But something about Tara’s nudge forced me to apply anyway, on October 31st—the very last day to submit. 

Two months later, I received an email from WNDB that I had been selected as a picture book winner, out of more than 100 entries! The amazing Samantha Berger became my mentor, and beginning in January 2019, we edited and revised three of my PB manuscripts.  

In November 2019, I decided to participate in NaNoWriMo, even though I had failed to finish three times before. On November 30th, I finally completed my first middle-grade novel. 

Armed with three completed PBs and a finished MG, I was confident this would attract an agent. In January 2020, I began agent submissions. I had a list of six agents, but one, in particular, was by referral only. This agent was also on the WNDB team, so she had seen my PB submission that won the contest; however, her agency only accepted referral submissions. Enter Samantha Berger, who graciously referred me, which opened the door for me to submit to Miranda Paul with Erin Murphy Literary Agency. 

Although I had two other agents to consider, when Miranda emailed me back a couple hours later and said she was happy to receive my query and asked to speak two days later, I knew she was the agent for me. Her intensity, energy, and passion were something I truly wanted in an agent.

Before we ended the call, Miranda offered representation, and after praying on it, a few days later, I accepted. If it hadn’t been for Tara’s nudge to enter that contest, I’m not sure I would have an agent today. The plug for that is, contests DO help, and I strongly encourage writers to submit! 

Things have been going well so far and I am enjoying every minute of the process. I can honestly say, if you put in the work, believe in yourself, and never quit, dreams will come true. 

*****


Dorothy H. Price is a long-time member of SCBWI Carolinas. Two of her nonfiction stories were published in Teaching Tolerance’s 2019 Teaching Hard History: American Slavery series. Her first picture book, Nana’s Favorite Things was published in 2016. You can connect with Dorothy on Twitter




16 comments:

Linda Phillips said...

Congratulations, Dorothy! And thanks for sharing yet another inspirational story of how persistence pays off in the writing world!

Theresa Milstein said...

Congratulations, Dorothy! I'm glad opportunity came when you were feeling demoralized.

Young Authors Program said...

Thank you, Linda and Theresa! Persistence is key!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks for your comments, Linda and Theresa--and to Dorothy for giving me the honor of announcing her news!!

Sandra Warren said...

Congratulations Dorothy for your success in landing an agent AND for sharing your Author's Journey with all of us. You are proof positive that persistence pays off.

Enjoy your success.

Young Authors Program said...

Sandra, thank you so much!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Sandra. We all need each other for encouragement and support--don't we!

Rosi said...

That is great news. Congratulations to Dorothy.

Unknown said...

Wonderful news. I'm glad you never gave up!!

Barbara Younger said...

What wonderful news! I love how you needed a nudge. Nudges help!

Carol Baldwin said...

WHoever is unknown--thanks for commenting. and yes, Barbara. We all need nudges!!!

Cindy C said...

Congrats Dorothy! I’m so happy for you. Good luck to every writer during this new era.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks for stopping by, CIndy. It is indded, a new era.

Young Authors Program said...

Thank you to unknown and Barbara for your kind words! Hey, Cindy! Looks like online writing groups will be our new norm for some time.

Kathleen said...

Dorothy, Congratulations! I'm so very happy for you!I look forward to reading your books!

Unknown said...


Hi Kathleen, thank you!

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