Picture Books Literary Agents

Board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, contemporary, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

She loves highly commercial Board Books, quirky and clever picture books, rich narrative nonfiction, commercial chapter books, and contemporary or genre-bent Young Adult. She's always seeking stories that center neurodiverse, disabled, and LGBTQ+ characters.

All submissions should be sent through Query Tracker. Query should include agent personalization, metadata with title or word count or age range or genre or comp titles, pitch, and author bio. Include synopsis and first ten pages.

Children's fiction, adult fiction, picture books, graphic novels, pop culture non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, first 10 pages

She values diversity and inclusion, in fiction she enjoys ensemble casts with distinct voices, stories about poor characters and communities, and formats that are specific to a story and give it its own context. She is particularly interested in art/art history/art conservation, archaeology, mythology, language/translation, and criminal justice reform.

Submit query addressed to Alyssa Jennette at submissions@stonesong.com. Include the word "query" in the subject line. For fiction, include the first chapter or first 10 pages pasted into the body of the email. For nonfiction, include bio, credentials, social media analytics, and previous publications. Do not send attachments.

Fiction, nonfiction, children's, illustration, memoir, journalism, political nonfiction, literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, poetry

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency represents fiction, nonfiction and children's book authors and illustrators, with a focus on diverse voices and previously untold stories through its SLM partnership.

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency is not accepting submissions.

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, adult fiction, middle grade nonfiction, young adult nonfiction, adult nonfiction

Award-winning authors and illustrators of picture books and chapter books that present the world in unique and unusual ways, with characters that live vividly on and off the page. In nonfiction across middle grade, young adult, and adult categories, book ideas and platforms that tell untold stories by creators offering a distinctive perspective on current issues, hopes, and fears of both today and tomorrow.

Tricia accepts queries by request or referral, or from people who have attended conferences where she is faculty. Submit your query through the contact page on her website or through the agency's contact and submissions form.

Picture books, children's fiction

Voice and style come first — the agency needs to fall for your voice above all else. Ideas are secondary and can be developed, but the voice must draw them in immediately. Particularly interested in hearing from diverse authors and illustrators, and those writing own voices stories. Also interested in illustrators who write or intend to write, as they benefit most from the agency's editorial input.

Email submissions@thecatchpoleagency.co.uk with: a short cover letter with a couple of details about yourself, a one- or two-sentence pitch setting out the hook of your premise, a brief note on intended readership, and a writing sample pasted into the body of the email (a complete picture book text or a couple of chapters of a novel). Illustrators should also include a link to work viewable online plus some writing. No postal submissions accepted. If own voices or diverse applies to you, include #ownvoices or #diverse in the subject line. Note: submissions are closed until June 2026.

Picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first chapter, complete manuscript

Kaitlyn is looking for children's books (picture books through middle grade) in all categories, including fiction, graphic novels, nonfiction, and illustration. She is incredibly eclectic in her tastes, with a great affinity for emotional stories as well as funny stories. She is always looking for diversity in all forms, including but not limited to BIPOC, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+.

Queries only accepted through QueryManager. Fiction requires query letter, first chapter, and synopsis. Picture book submissions should include short query and entire manuscript. Feel free to send 2-3 picture book submissions at one time.

Children's books, adult fiction, picture books

Query Letter, First Five Pages

Send a query letter and the first five pages of your manuscript within the email with no attachments. If it is a picture book, include the entire manuscript.

Fiction, nonfiction, children's books, illustration

Ariana Philips represents a diverse range of award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and children, as well as talented illustrators. She loves to find new talent and work with clients to develop strong manuscripts and proposals. Her philosophy is to take on an author for the duration of their career and help guide them through the ever-changing publishing landscape.

Ariana Philips is an agent at the Jean V.

Adult fiction, adult non-fiction, children's books, historical fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, romance, fantasy, science fiction, biography, memoir, middle grade, young adult, picture books

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 10 pages

In Adult Fiction she seeks captivating settings and relatable characters that highlight virtues like empathy and self-sacrifice in historical, literary/upmarket, romance, or fantasy/science fiction genres. In Adult Non-fiction she wants well-researched titles that make complex topics accessible, biography and memoir that connect diverse readers, and books about poverty and justice. For children's literature, she loves books that can be read aloud and shared with families, especially middle grade, and seeks books with hopeful, informative, or lyrical tones.

Starting January 2026, queries must be submitted through QueryManager only. Address your query to the specific agent you think would be the best fit. Only send one query to Dunham Literary as agents share queries with each other when appropriate.

Children's fiction, picture books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, middle grade non-fiction, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, writing sample

Offbeat projects that break the mold, with particular interest in queer and BIPOC literature and writers. He wants to read something that moves him and connects on an intellectual, emotional or spiritual level. He specifically wants to see more middle grade fiction and nonfiction, and graphic novels.

Submit only via Query Manager. Include query letter in body and first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction. For picture books, include full text and dummy or sample art if available. For graphic novels, include first 25 pages of script plus illustrated pages if author or illustrator.

Science fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, picture books

Wants: Query letter

Kurestin wants to work with creators who are creatively ambitious, who have a wide range of ideas and are always pushing themselves to write what's most interesting and challenging to them. She's particularly drawn to illustrators with a strong sense of dynamic use of panels and movement on the page, and always loves a creature.

Submissions should be sent via Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time at Root Literary.

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, children's literature, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages

Kelly champions writers and artists in nearly every category, format, and age group within children's literature. She works with debut authors and illustrators as well as bestsellers and award-winning creators.

Click on the QueryManager link in the agent's bio, follow the prompts, and complete all required fields including a short query letter with description of your work, previous publishing credentials, short author bio, contact information, and sample work as specified for your format.

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, contemporary, fantasy, romance, suspense, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages

She loves both contemporary and fantasy as well as the spooky and unexpected. She loves multi-generational stories, matrilineal magic, and is always happy to see high-concept contemporary romance. She also enjoys darker suspenseful reads and loves atmospheric settings that feel like a character. For picture books, she works on both fiction and nonfiction with interest in environmental and STEM themes, animals, emotional intelligence, and books for youngest readers including vehicle books.

Submit through QueryManager with query letter, author bio, publishing credentials, contact information, and sample pages. For novels: first 10 pages. For picture books text only: full manuscript. Response even if passing.

Children's books, preschool, picture books, novelty, middle grade, young adult, thriller, science fiction, speculative fiction

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages

Jamie looks for an intense emotional experience in all categories. She seeks manuscripts that stay with her, whether the sweet pang of an 'Jamie Weiss Chilton love you' picture book or the shock of recognition of an honest window to the tween or teen psyche. For younger age groups, she looks for the hook that will make a book a must-have parenting or educational resource.

Visit agent's bio page, click on QueryManager link, and complete all required fields including a short query letter with work description, previous publishing credentials, short author bio, contact information, and appropriate sample materials based on format.

Picture books, middle grade, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, sample pages, author bio

Caryn looks for authentic, kid-appealing stories and art that disrupt the prevailing narrative in some way. She seeks characters that stick with her long after she has closed the book and loves stories that bring a good, cathartic cry, a huge belly laugh, some outrage, some new knowledge, and above all, hope. Social justice has been at the heart of her list since she started agenting.

Select one agent to query via QueryManager link on agent bio page. Submit query letter with work description, publishing credentials, author bio, contact information, and required sample materials based on format.

Fiction, nonfiction, young adult, middle grade, graphic novels, picture books, pop culture, music, comedy, science, journalism, history, health, wellness, lgbtq and

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Allison represents fiction and nonfiction for all ages, with interests including YA, middle grade, graphic novels, select picture books, pop culture, music, comedy, science, journalism, history, and health and wellness. Her submissions page says she is not currently looking for picture books or illustrators.

Stimola Literary Studio says Allison Hellegers is closed to unsolicited submissions and is only open to queries from industry professionals, existing clients, and authors who attended a conference or seminar where she was on staff. Referral or conference authors may email the spelled-out SLS address with query materials.

Middle grade, young adult, picture books, illustration, author-illustrators, children's

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Jennifer represents authors, illustrators and author-illustrators with a distinct point of view and layered stories. She is interested in middle grade and YA with mind-expanding premises, survival stories, Dickensian sagas, puzzling plots, and middle grade about resilient kids sorting out messy lives.

Jennifer is currently closed to queries. Andrea Brown Literary Agency asks writers to select one agent, check that agent's bio and query status, and not query multiple ABLA agents simultaneously.

Picture books, middle grade, ya, illustrated children's books

Children's books across all formats, including picture books, middle grade, and young adult, with a particular interest in diverse voices, nonfiction narratives, and illustrated works for young readers

Submissions should be directed through the Aevitas Creative Management contact and submissions form. The agency handles queries for Children's, Middle Grade, and Young Adult categories.

Picture books, chapter books, children's illustration

Picture books and chapter books with strong narrative in both text and illustration, particularly work by illustrators. Stories with suspense, emotional depth, and structural integrity.

Submit your work via email to millie@rcwlitagency.com. Due to the volume of submissions received, individual responses are only provided if the agent wishes to discuss your work further. If you do not receive a response after eight weeks, please consider it a decline.

Self-help, pop culture, music, memoir, history, science, politics, social justice, narrative food writing, faith, true crime, commercial fiction, psychological thrillers, horror thrillers, children's books, picture books, ya

Rick Richter represents self-help, pop culture and music, memoir, history, science, politics and social justice, narrative food writing, and faith. He is also interested in select true crime, commercial fiction, and psychological/horror thrillers and diverse voices in all categories. He has extensive experience in children's books and represents illustrators and children's authors writing fiction and non-fiction from picture books through YA.

Rick Richter only accepts queries through Query Manager. Please check his Query Manager profile for more information.

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, children's literature

Erin Casey Westin is a literary agent at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. She is open to all kidlit age groups, from picture books through YA, and is especially drawn to work that shows world- and character-building ability. She wants to believe in the world of the book, whether familiar or fantastic; she wants authentic, thoughtful representation so every kid can find a book that speaks to them; and she likes dialogue that feels perfectly written for the character.

Erin Casey Westin is open to queries from the 1st to the 7th of every month through QueryManager according to the official Gallt and Zacker submissions page. Query only one GZLA agent at a time.

Fiction and non-fiction, children's books

Currently (Jan 2026) only open to: non-fiction (adult or children) from experts, and non-rhyming picture books (especially author-illustrators)

Email charlotte@greyhoundliterary.co.uk with a cover letter and pitch in the body of the email. For fiction, attach the first three chapters and a synopsis. For non-fiction, attach a proposal and sample writing. For children's picture books, attach the full manuscript and sample illustrations if you are also the illustrator.

Picture books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, children's nonfiction

Middle-grade and young adult fiction, including novels celebrating unlikely underdog alliances, close siblings, fierce friendships, and found families, with particular interest in stories centered on queer and BIPOC community and joy. In middle-grade: cozy, emotionally resonant fantasy and literary-leaning multi-layered mysteries. In young adult: sweeping fantasy set in fully realized unique worlds, especially those inspired by non-European cultures, as well as thrillers with strong hooks. Also open to well-researched, propulsive narrative nonfiction for both categories, especially from authors from marginalized communities.

Query Erin Murphy through Query Tracker only. Include a query letter and sample pages as requested through the platform.

Illustrators, authors, children's books, picture books

Children's book illustrators and authors represented by Catbird Agency. The official site does not publish creator submission requirements.

Official Catbird pages verify Kirsten Hall as founder of a boutique agency representing illustrators and authors.

Authors, illustrators, children's books, picture books

Children's book authors and illustrators through Folio Jr. The public page does not list agent-specific interests for this agent.

Review the Folio submission page and follow the instructions for the selected agent. Do not submit to more than one Folio agent at the same time.

Authors, illustrators, children's books, picture books

Children's book authors and illustrators through Folio Jr. The public page does not list agent-specific interests for this agent.

Review the Folio submission page and follow the instructions for the selected agent. Do not submit to more than one Folio agent at the same time.

Authors, illustrators, children's books, picture books

Children's book authors and illustrators through Folio Jr. The public page does not list agent-specific interests for this agent.

Review the Folio submission page and follow the instructions for the selected agent. Do not submit to more than one Folio agent at the same time.

Authors, illustrators, children's books, picture books

Children's book authors and illustrators through Folio Jr. The public page does not list agent-specific interests for this agent.

Review the Folio submission page and follow the instructions for the selected agent. Do not submit to more than one Folio agent at the same time.

Authors, illustrators, children's books, picture books

Children's book authors and illustrators through Folio Jr. The public page does not list agent-specific interests for this agent.

Review the Folio submission page and follow the instructions for the selected agent. Do not submit to more than one Folio agent at the same time.

Children's authors and illustrators

Picture books, young fiction (5-8, series/character-led), MG (incl mystery/spooky/diary-format/graphic novel), YA (gritty realism, romance with twist, some spec elements), children's non-fiction

Email (to agent) - https://www.unitedagents.co.uk or etalbotunitedagentscouk

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, young adult, graphic novels, picture books, latinx voices, african-american voices

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Johanna is a senior agent at Writers House. Public profiles describe her as building a list across literary and commercial fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, YA fiction, graphic novels, and picture books, with interest in diverse voices, particularly Latinx and African-American writers.

Writers House asks writers to email an individual agent with a query letter, credentials, what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and 10 pages in the body of the email. Writers should consult the agent's individual profile for any specific requirements and should not query two Writers House agents simultaneously.

Children's books, nonfiction, science, nature, stem, picture books, middle grade

Wants: Query letter, sample pages, proposal

Lisa is a literary agent at Storm with a background in biology, environmental science, educational/trade writing, and children's publishing. Her interests align strongly with children's nonfiction, science, nature, STEM, and kidlit.

Follow Lisa Amstutz's Storm Literary submission guidelines when available, no current direct query route was confirmed in this pass.

Science fiction, fantasy, children's books, middle grade, young adult, picture books

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Michelle is a literary agent at Storm with strong interest in heroic stories, science fiction, fantasy, and children's/young reader projects informed by her school and writing-contest background.

Follow Michelle Hauck's Storm Literary submission guidelines when available, no current direct query route was confirmed in this pass.

Serious nonfiction, literary fiction, children's books, graphic novels, history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, medicine, cultural criticism, popular culture, journalism, african american work, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult

Tanya McKinnon is Principal at McKinnon Literary. She represents serious nonfiction, literary fiction, children's books, and graphic novels. She is always looking for work that takes her beyond current boundaries, including history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, medicine, cultural criticism, popular culture, journalism, and sheer whimsy. In fiction she looks for story- and character-driven engrossing work with a strong voice. She has a particular interest in multicultural and African American work, has a passion for graphic novels for adults or young readers, and represents children's books from picture books through chapter books and middle grade readers to young adult.

McKinnon Literary's official Tanya McKinnon profile confirms her interests but did not expose stable public submission instructions or a public query route in this run. No third-party submission details were imported.

Humor, children's, picture books, middle grade, young adult

Creative, proactive, and friendly artists working across all genres and age ranges, particularly projects that are humorous, quirky, or designed to spark meaningful conversations

Send all enquiries to mail@thebrightagency.com.

Fiction, children's books, illustration

See source page for more info

Email davinia@andlynliterary.co.uk for all enquiries.