I have an agent!

(but not an FBI agent)

Dear friends,

You may have seen the news floating around on Instagram or Twitter, but I’ve signed with a literary agent! I had two great offers on THE BOTANIST, but I was won over by Andrea Morrison at Writer’s House. During our zoom call she dug deep into the story and highlighted the characters, plot elements, and themes she absolutely loved. It was a very surreal moment, and a memory that won’t fade for a long, long time.

So what is an agent? To those who are far removed from the publishing world, this can be confusing. I get it. When my husband tries to talk to me about computer programming my eyes glaze over (sorry, JB—I love you!).

Literary agents serve as a bridge to the big publishers and their imprints. If I am an unrepresented writer, I can’t simply email Penguin teen or Harper Collins. The editors at those kind of big publishing houses have working relationships with agents. And agents help their clients (authors) get their books seen, and hopefully distributed to a bigger audience.

Though I have become very open to where my books land (smaller publishers and self-publishing have just as much worth!), I’ve always loved the idea of having someone being with me and for me. Publishing is a roller coaster.

Since I began writing books in 2018, I’ve been sending my books to agents hoping one would like to come alongside me, to champion my work, and to see the merit of telling good, true, and beautiful (and sometimes weird) stories.

Andrea was that person!

SO, here’s the moment I “signed” with Writer’s House. However, the documents were all online, so my signing was more “clicking” on a keyboard. but I love this photo for a few reasons: the stickers.

Here’s why…

-The rabbit with pipe sticker: I began writing in earnest again after hearing a Rabbit Room talk by Andrew Peterson on story and imagination. His books, music, and talks have inspired me more than he will ever know.

-The fern frond sticker was given to me by my extremely supportive husband after I finished writing The Botanist. He not only encourages me to pursue this crazy dream, but gives me time to write when needed!

-The FFM sticker stands for “flash fiction magic”. A sweet community I started a few years ago, which has grown into some of my favorite writer friends who spur me on to great things. (thanks for making it, Andrea!)

-The “keep growing” floral sticker. Writing starts with a little talent, but it takes practice and honing one’s craft to actually get your work out there. It also takes a lot of stretching emotionally, spiritually, mentally. It is growing. And I like that. I never want my writing or life to become stagnant. I hope I look back at my first books in ten years, and think, “huh, I could do better now.” So I write, write, write. And keep growing.

-Other artwork from talented artists and writers who inspire and encourage me (looking at you, Ellie).

-The Narnian “Courage, dear heart” sticker was from my friend and critique partner Kate who encouraged our writing group to keep going—that we aren’t meant to dream small.

-And a Bible verse that reminds me not to fear. At the end of the day, I do this all for God’s glory. And whatever happens is because of his hand guiding me.

You see, writing happens solo, but it shouldn’t be done alone. There have been a plethora of people holding me up, pulling me along, pushing me forward. Encouraging me when I felt like giving up. My laptop is evidence of that. My life is evidence, too.

I can’t wait for you all to read this young adult regency fantasy. (Even if you’re an older adult). Below is Ambrose’s song (thanks for finding it for me, Rachel!). It encapsulates his longing for the sweet days of childhood that have now been marred by pain and heartache.

Thank you for coming along on this journey with me. Whatever happens with this book, I’m just glad for this moment; this opportunity to step into something big even though I’m equal parts excited and terrified.


Keep seeking wonder,
Emily Barnett