We recently connected with Vicky Weber and have shared our conversation below.
Vicky, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
Burnout is a real concern when juggling multiple roles—being a literary agent, an author, and handling the business side of things. For me, avoiding burnout has been about setting clear boundaries and being intentional with my time.
– Passion and Purpose: I love what I do, and that helps keep me motivated. Whether it’s helping an author land a deal or crafting a picture book that will inspire kids, remembering why I do this keeps me going.
– Time Management: I batch my work whenever possible. If I’m focusing on agenting, I dedicate blocks of time to reviewing manuscripts and client needs. When I’m writing, I give myself uninterrupted creative space.
– Saying No: Not every project is the right fit. Early on, I learned that taking on too much—even if it seems like a great opportunity—can lead to exhaustion. Now, I’m selective about the projects I take on, especially in my agenting work.
– Knowing When to Rest: I used to push through exhaustion, but now I recognize when I need a break. Sometimes that means stepping away from my desk, reading a book purely for fun, or spending time with family.
– Financial Stability: Being able to write full-time and make more than I ever could in education has given me the freedom to focus on what matters most. Having multiple revenue streams helps reduce stress and allows me to prioritize work that brings me joy.
Ultimately, balance is key. I remind myself that I don’t have to do everything at once, and by pacing myself, I can sustain my career for the long run.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I wear a lot of hats in the publishing world, but at the heart of it all, I’m passionate about storytelling and helping authors succeed. I’m a literary agent at Creative Media Agency, Inc., where I represent talented authors across genres, from horror and thrillers to middle grade to heartwarming picture books. I’m also a bestselling children’s book author myself, with dozens of published picture books, including works written for Disney. In addition, I’ve ghostwritten over 50 picture books, many of which have gone on to win awards.
What excites me most about my work—both as an author and an agent—is the impact that books have on readers. I love discovering fresh voices, helping authors shape their careers, and seeing stories come to life in a way that connects with audiences. On the author side, I focus on highly giftable, commercial picture books that bring joy, laughter, and heart to young readers. As an agent, I’m always looking for high-concept, unique stories that stand out in a crowded market.
Beyond my own writing and agenting, I’m also the founder of At Home Author, a resource designed to help aspiring and established children’s book authors navigate the publishing industry. Through At Home Author, I provide practical guidance on writing, marketing, self-publishing, and traditional publishing strategies. I know firsthand how overwhelming the industry can feel, so I love equipping writers with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
Whether through my agency work, my own books, or coaching through At Home Author, my focus is always on championing great stories and helping authors thrive in an ever-changing industry. There’s always something new on the horizon, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three key qualities have had the biggest impact on my journey: adaptability, strategic thinking, and persistence.
The publishing industry is constantly evolving, and being able to pivot has been crucial. From writing to agenting to founding At Home Author, I’ve had to learn new skills and adjust to industry shifts. What worked five years ago might not work today, and staying open to learning has helped me grow. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace change. Read industry news, follow publishing professionals, and don’t be afraid to adjust your approach as needed. The more you understand the landscape, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate it.
Strategic thinking has also played a huge role in my success. Whether it’s crafting a strong book pitch, helping an author position their work, or building my own brand, thinking long-term has been essential. Publishing isn’t just about writing a great book—it’s about knowing your audience, understanding market trends, and making informed decisions. For new authors, I always recommend approaching their careers with strategy in mind. Set realistic goals, research the industry, and think beyond just one book. A well-planned path makes all the difference.
Of course, none of that matters without persistence. Rejections happen. Setbacks happen. But the difference between those who make it and those who don’t is perseverance. Every successful author, agent, and entrepreneur has faced challenges. The key is to keep going, keep improving, and keep believing in your work. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community—whether that’s critique partners, mentors, or industry groups—can make all the difference.
For anyone just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to take consistent action. Whether that’s writing regularly, learning about the industry, or networking with others in your field, every step forward matters. Success in publishing isn’t just about talent; it’s about resilience and strategy.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and focus on prioritization, boundaries, and mindset shifts. With so many responsibilities—agenting, writing, running At Home Author—it’s easy for everything to feel urgent. But not everything is urgent. I’ve learned to identify what truly needs my immediate attention and what can wait.
One of the biggest strategies that helps me is breaking things down into manageable steps. When I have a big project or a packed schedule, I list out tasks and tackle them one at a time instead of trying to do everything at once. Small progress is still progress, and that shift in mindset helps prevent burnout.
I also make sure to set boundaries around my time. In the past, I’d push through exhaustion because I felt like I had to, but I’ve realized that taking breaks actually makes me more productive in the long run. Whether it’s reading for fun, spending time with family, or just stepping away from my desk for a bit, I give myself permission to rest.
That said, I’m human. Sometimes things slip through the cracks. I miss an email, forget a task, or don’t get everything done as quickly as I’d like. And while that used to stress me out, I’ve learned to give myself grace. Instead of beating myself up over what didn’t get done, I focus on what can be done next. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.athomeauthor.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@athomeauthor
- Other: Agency website: https://cmalit.com/
Personal website: https://www.vickyweber.com/
Image Credits
Lake County Journal – Candice Johnson
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