Christal Presley: Signing with an Agent
A Milestones Met Interview
Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc.)!
In April, I received offers for representation from three different literary agents. I am now represented by Sara Crowe Literary.
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal and how has the Courage to Create program/tools served you in reaching this milestone?
I’ve been writing children’s picture books for about 3 years now. The Courage to Create events in particular have helped me feel more connected to and less intimidated by the publishing industry. These events have also helped me to continue to hone my craft, and in general, have given me confidence and hope. The Verge, and especially the Deep Reads and Spotlight Salons therein, have helped me take my writing to the next level. It was because of a Spotlight Salon that I was invited to submit to Sara Crowe Literary, as she was closed to submissions.
When we reach a milestone, it means we may encounter new fears and challenges, as well as joys along the journey. How has being a part of the CTC community prepared you for both enjoying the celebration of a milestone reached and the work that is next to come?
I love that I have the ability to ask questions in the CTC feed, and I always get quick answers from people who are either in the same place–or further along in their writing journey, and who have been where I am. The Verge event, “The Call,” was instrumental in preparing me for my calls with agents. And it came at exactly the right time. Bethany was also a godsend, patiently answering questions, giving me great advice, calming me down, and cheering for me all the way.
In the Courage to Create, we call on our Big Why as we engage in the ups and downs of the literary life? What’s your BIG WHY and how does it keep you motivated to keep working towards new milestones?
I write stories for the overlooked. My Big Why keeps me motivated to keep working towards new milestones because I believe it matters to bring historically excluded stories into the light.
It’s not easy to keep creating courage when it comes to our literary lives. Did you ever encounter a low point or period and did you lean on any of the CTC tools or practices? What did the no/not yets, or near misses/champagne rejections teach you in hindsight not that your YES is here?
My PBs always took longer than I thought they would to write. My lowest points came at hearing that after months and months of work, some of my manuscripts still weren’t ready to query–or even worse, when I needed to re-envision them completely. I leaned hard on the belief, “It takes as long as it takes,” during these times. It was also helpful to hear other authors’ journeys during our CTC events because it made me realize that this is a test of perseverance even more-so than a test of talent. When I received rejections, and especially champagne rejections, I learned to read the feedback, take some time and space away from it, and then come back to it to look for nuggets that may be worth considering.
As we celebrate your milestone reached, what thoughts can you share with other writers who may doubt they will reach their first or next milestone?
I’m a big believer in finding the stories that only YOU can tell. When you do that, your heart is already inside your story, and that connection can help you find motivation, patience, and perseverance in low moments.
What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?
CREATIVITY is not a competition.
I write stories for the overlooked, and have been fortunate enough to have my work appear on “CBS Sunday Morning,” CNN, NPR, Canada AM, and more. My wife and I live on a donkey farm in the mountains of Virginia. I have a PhD in education and have been a teacher for 24 years.
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