So, about that agent thing.
I’m pleased to report the following:
As of yesterday (when I put the signed contract into the mailbox), I am officially represented by Stephen Fraser of the Jennifer deChiara Literary Agency in the bustling berg of Manhattan.
*still can’t believe it*
He and I have been chatting for several months, and we’ve been actively editing a picture book – tentatively called THE STORY OF LUCY NEEDLES. Like SEEDKEEPER, it has an environmental theme, and I loves it very much. haha.
SEEDKEEPER is also in edit mode, but I’m working my way through that on my own, so I can give Stephen a sparkling new draft he can really dig into.
Did I say that he’s an editorial agent?
Have I mentioned that I both need and love that?
YEAH.
But here’s the really cool part: also as of yesterday, LUCY NEEDLES has left the nest!
It is officially on submission, and I’m still so blown away by all this that I’m not even refreshing my email like some kind of obsessed weirdo to see if there have been any offers!
Calm yourself, grasshopper, this too will come.
hahaha.
After the first draft 
That’s so amazing Katie!! I knew this time in your career would come! I can’t wait to buy Lucy Needles and read it to my kids! The Seedkeeper has a very special place in my heart and I’m really looking forward to reading stories transformation and the growth of the characters!
Way to go girl!!
Julia
oh my god Julia, you’re so sweet. You won’t believe how much Seedkeeper has changed since you read it last! I’m really pleased with how it’s morphing in this edit round. I can’t wait to have it all polished and sparkling and then give it to you to read again! (I’m such a nerd.)
Hi Katie,
I’m a relatively new client of Steve Fraser’s as well. Congrats in your success–and here’s hoping you’ll be drinking that second champagne bottle soon!!
Hi Michael! Thanks so much and pleased to meet you!
Awesome! Congrats on getting an agent. My picture book MS grabbed the attention of Jennifer DeChiara and I signed with her in November. Even though it’s been a few months, it still feels new and sparkly every time I think about it. 😉
Welcome to JDLA! I look forward to reading Lucy Needles when it comes out (here’s hoping for a quick sale)!!
Hi Joan!
I hear you on the quick sale – and for you as well!!!
Katie,
What an awesome story! I’m so excited you’re on submission. It seems like quite a few of us are at JDLA. Looking forward to lots of sales soon! Keep us posted and congratulations on signing with Stephen!
Thanks Stephanie! I hope there’s good news for all of us soon!
That’s really great news! I’m very happy for you. Good luck with everything.
Thanks John – and good luck with your self-publishing adventure! I hope it is fabulously successful.