How I Got My Agent: Lori Ann Levy-Holm
Today I am thrilled to feature my friend, Lori Ann Levy-Holm in my How I Got My Agent series.
I first met Lori Ann through Julie Hedlund's 12x12 picture book writing challenge; we were in a critique group together; and we were in the Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program together as illustration mentees. So I've had the great pleasure of enjoying her hilarious and wonderful company both online and in person.
Lori Ann writes and illustrates picture book manuscripts. She recently announced that she has signed with Jodell Sadler of Sadler's Children Literary.
Here she is to tell us about it.
Thank you so much, Lori Ann!
The website I help run, Kidlit411.com will feature Lori Ann in the Illustrator Spotlight on Friday, July 25, where we will explore her illustration work. In the meantime, here's a teaser of her one of her illustrations:
I first met Lori Ann through Julie Hedlund's 12x12 picture book writing challenge; we were in a critique group together; and we were in the Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program together as illustration mentees. So I've had the great pleasure of enjoying her hilarious and wonderful company both online and in person.
Lori Ann writes and illustrates picture book manuscripts. She recently announced that she has signed with Jodell Sadler of Sadler's Children Literary.
Here she is to tell us about it.
When I was in grad
school my first class was with Ted and Betsy Lewin. . . I know . . . right??? The
course was Your Dream Project. I decided to write and illustrate a picture
book. It was my first attempt and they helped me from start to finish. On a
later study tour that dream team invited us to visit them at their Brooklyn
home where Ted gave us a reference photography lesson. Ted and Betsy gave me
much encouragement and I haven't looked back.
What is your niche in writing? How did you figure this out?
When I started writing, I concentrated on developing characters
to illustrate and then came up with story lines to accompany them. Needless to
say, these stories were horrific. My friend Kristen Fulton read a story I had
written in grad school and asked me why I wasn’t writing nonfiction.
I’ve
always been fascinated with biographies. The first chapter book I read as a
child was about Abraham Lincoln. The cover was textured light blue linen with a
black line drawing of Abe’s childhood cabin. In my mind's eye, I can still see
the spine of the book in my elementary school library.
How did you learn about/ meet Jodell Sadler and what drew you
to her?
I read a post she did about pacing pictures books weeks before I
met her at the WOW retreat. I thought she was articulate, insightful and had a
great command of picture books. Basically, I thought she was a pretty sharp
tool in the kidlit shed. In person she
is kind, intelligent, a direct communicator and best of all she is happy.
Tell us about "the call" or the moment you got the
offer.
I didn’t get a call. Jodell looked me in the eyes and said, I
really want to work with you. I love your work and I think we would make a
great team.
What would you say are the one or two things you did that got
your work to the level that landed you an agent?
I stay connected to my need for learning. If I am not
discovering, then I am not living. Taking classes and doing the work are
essential for me.
I am not talented, people. I am a hard worker.
My critique partners have helped me hone my craft.
David Diaz and Jim Averbeck from the SCBWI Nevada Mentor program were instrumental mentors who continue to support me on my journey long after the program ended.
I am a lucky girl.
I am not talented, people. I am a hard worker.
My critique partners have helped me hone my craft.
David Diaz and Jim Averbeck from the SCBWI Nevada Mentor program were instrumental mentors who continue to support me on my journey long after the program ended.
I am a lucky girl.
How did you celebrate
getting an agent?
I cleaned my refrigerator, got a pedicure, and finished up the
excitement with grocery shopping. I stick with my motto . . . do the work.
Any parting words of advice to other writers and
illustrators?
See the above motto, do the work.
Thank you so much, Lori Ann!
The website I help run, Kidlit411.com will feature Lori Ann in the Illustrator Spotlight on Friday, July 25, where we will explore her illustration work. In the meantime, here's a teaser of her one of her illustrations:
![]() |
© Lori Ann Levy-Holm |
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:
Oh, yeah, right, Lori Ann...you're not talented like I'm not Asian! LOL!! Congratulations, you talented woman, you!!! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYou're Asian? I thought you were just fabulous!
DeleteHah! Not as fabulous as you!
DeleteCongratulations, Lori Ann! I agree, hard work is the key! I love that you cleaned your frig in celebration! When work is done, then one can finally relax for a few minutes. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Carrie.
DeleteCongratulations, Lori Ann! You've worked hard and deserve this! I echo Teresa and Carrie's sentiments- hard work and time is the key! Hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteI'll be 54 next month so the time factor is ticking ;)! Thank you for your words of support.
DeleteLori forgot to mention that she is an idea-spinner with a killer sense of humor! Ka-ching! Congratulations, beautiful human!
ReplyDeleteAHHH - Lori ANN!!!
ReplyDeleteOh sweet Julie, future studio mate! Thank you very much!
DeleteLucky Jodell, she's signed a gem!
ReplyDeleteThank you Joanna!
DeleteWhat, you didn't strike a yoga pose? Jodell and you will make quite the team. Am over the moon to hear this.
ReplyDeleteKathy, no yoga pose, but I did shake my boodie.
DeleteThis is awesome, Lori-Ann. You rock. Congratulations :D
ReplyDeleteJackie, thank you. We all know that you rock sister from another mister.
DeleteI am so lucky to represent Lori Ann, Joanna. She is such a talent and we make one extreme, high-stepping KidLit team!
ReplyDeleteGo team!!!
DeleteCongrats, Lori Ann!!! Such a step up. So happy for you. Keep working!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. We are all on this path together.
DeleteSo happy for you Lori Ann! Well deserved indeed.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy. Keep writing!
DeleteSuch great news for Lori Ann! Looking forward to seeing the wonders of your continued hard work and learning. Your drawings, whether "doodle" sketches or finished paintings, are inspirational indeed.
ReplyDeleteGayle, I love seeing your images on Doodle a Day! Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteLori Ann, I am thrilled to hear this news! We have the same motto. Good for you for keeping your head down and getting the job done. Much deserved! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for celebrating with me Renee. Now if I could just get over to Italy to celebrate in person!!!
DeleteLori Ann- I love you. I am so proud for you. You are truly the most talented illustrator, I am not surprised that EB and David both wanted you as a mentor and Jim Averbeck became a kindred friend.
ReplyDeleteYour agent is the bomb- a true class act. She doesn't take, she gives and gives and gives.
The majority of this wonderful world of children's literature appreciate kindness and you are dearly appreciated.
Thank you for all your help and support along the way, Kristen. You brought Jodell to the WOW retreat, so kudos to you friend. It is an experience I will always treasure. XO
DeleteGreat story bursting with life! Congratulations and best of luck as you head into this new stage. Hope to meet you someday.
ReplyDeleteBeth, thank you for your kind words. I hope we do meet soon! Writers and illustrators rock!
DeleteHip-hip-hooray-yahoo-hot-diggity-dog! What fantastic news. Congratulations Lori Ann!
ReplyDeleteThank you Alayne! Continued success to you on your journey.
DeleteLORI ANN!!! YAY!!! So excited for you and Jodell! Happy happy happy!
ReplyDeleteThank you Marcie. It was so fun to laugh with you at the retreat. Can't wait 'til next year.
DeleteGreat interview! Congratulations, again! Very precise and true motto: Do the work.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tina! Keep writing.
DeleteCongratulations, Lori Ann. I love your story and your motto! :-)
ReplyDelete- Carrie F
I appreciate it Carrie. Good luck to you.
DeleteWell deserved congratulations Lori Ann! Your work is beautiful. Wishing you great success!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words Telaina. I like seeing your drawings on Doodle a Day. Keep up the great work.
DeleteCongratulations, Lori Ann! So exciting, and so well deserved! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for helping me along the way teach! You are wonderful.
DeleteCongratulations, Lori Ann. I'm another who loves your motto! It's the only way to go :-)
ReplyDeleteLet's keep working together Penny! Thank you for your thoughts.
DeleteCongratulations Lori! I am so excited for you, all that hard work is paying off! I am looking forward to seeing some of your work in print soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you Yvonne. I, too, look forward to seeing you books. Good luck to you.
DeleteHUGE congrats, Lori Ann! I was lucky to have you critique my stories at the WOW Writer's Retreat round tables and all I can say is that it takes a 'sharp tool' to know one. Wishing you every success! :0)
ReplyDeleteIt was great to share that time with you. I can't wait to see your guinea hen book in print! Keep writing friend.
Delete