I entered 2026 with two goals: to find an agent to represent me as an illustrator, and to work on my first picture book as an author-illustrator.
The most logical next step for me was to get a literary agent. But to acquire one, I needed to present my own children’s book. So I did. I finished the manuscript for Project Café and began my querying journey.
I’m now more than a month into it, and I have to be honest… It’s been awfully humbling.
I went into this with confidence, only to be met with rejection after rejection. And honestly? I’m not mad about it. At first, I was, of course. But after some deep reflection, I realized that my book simply isn’t ready yet.
I finished the manuscript in three months, and if I’m being honest, it felt rushed. I think I was so eager to get an agent that the book unintentionally became a ticket to that goal. Later on, I discovered that there are literary agents looking for illustrators alone! I don’t have to bring Project Café into the world just yet.
Both dreams are equally important to me, but I realized that they have different timelines.
So, what’s the plan?
First, I’m sticking with my original plan— to query as an illustrator alone. Second, I’m still pursuing Project Café, but at a slower and more sustainable pace. And with that, I’ve also decided to rewrite the entire story.
Yes, I know that might sound silly… but rewriting is a normal part of the process when a story isn’t working yet. I feel that this story deserves more time and space to grow. Even though I’m its artist, I’m certainly not entitled to rush it.
I don’t know what the future holds. Every bone in my body tells me not to go for it, but my intuition says otherwise. It’s terrifying, but I believe with movement comes blessings.
So… I’m doing it anyway.