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Children's Literary Agents

388+verified agents227open nowLast reviewed21 Jul 2026

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Children's is not one market but several stacked together. Picture books, early readers, middle grade, and YA have different word counts, economics, shelves, and agents. A book for children is not a single target; the age category is part of the product. This page shows agents who explicitly represent children's books. The broad search toggle catches more who'd consider them under picture books, middle grade, YA, or a broader children's list.

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Agents representing children's

Open agents first
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, children's books, contemporary fiction, urban fantasy, magical realism, adventure, romantic comedy

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Kate represents middle grade and young adult fiction and fantastic stories for children and avid adult readers, including contemporary drama, urban fantasy, magical realism, adventure stories, and romantic comedies.

How to submit

Kate Testerman is currently closed to queries according to KT Literary's official agents page.

Last checked 4 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Children's books, commercial fiction, crime, lgbtq and, middle grade, mystery, picture books, psychological thriller, romance, thriller, young adult

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Analieze is interested in character-driven books with strong world-building, clear plot, and a gripping first page, especially contemporary romance, contemporary YA, cozy mystery, domestic suspense, romantic suspense, and suspense.

How to submit

Analieze Cervantes is currently closed to queries and on hiatus from agenting according to her current Manuscript Wish List profile.

Last checked 3 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, mystery, thriller, middle grade, young adult, history, biography, current events, long-form journalism, popular science, children's books

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

Gina represents literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction for adults and children. In fiction she looks for upmarket novels, mysteries and thrillers, middle grade, and young adult. Nonfiction interests include history, biography, current events, long-form journalism, and popular science.

How to submit

Gina Maccoby is currently closed to submissions. When open, email a query with the word QUERY in the subject line to query@maccobylit.com with no attachments. Check the official agency site for reopening.

Last checked 1 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's books

Looking for

Children's fiction and illustration: voice/style-first, strong hooks, diverse/own voices welcomed

How to submit

Email a short cover letter, a one- or two-sentence pitch including the hook and intended readership, and a writing sample pasted into the body of the email (a full picture book text or a couple of chapters of a novel) to submissions@thecatchpoleagency.co.uk. Illustrators should also include a link to their online portfolio. Do not submit by post. If own voices or diverse applies, include #ownvoices or #diverse in the subject line.

Last checked 29 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, graphic novels, middle grade, young adult, illustrated books

Looking for

Elizabeth Bennett represents a balanced list of picture book, graphic novel, middle grade, and YA authors and illustrators. She loves books that pull at the heart strings, make her laugh, make her think, make her smile, and make even a reluctant reader want to read.

How to submit

Elizabeth Bennett is accepting submissions by referral only and will not respond to unsolicited submissions.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026
Represents

Illustration, picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, thriller, romance, science fiction, horror

Looking for

Chelsea Hensley represents work across ages and genres, including illustration, picture books, middle grade, YA, adult fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, thrillers, romcoms, science fiction, horror, and BIPOC creators. Her official profile highlights lyrical prose, voice, intricate plots, complex emotional arcs, immersive worlds, bold formal or genre-blending work, smart mysteries and thrillers, arresting horror, fresh fantasy and sci-fi, and author-illustrator picture books.

How to submit

Chelsea Hensley is currently closed to queries. Her official Mad Woman profile links to QueryManager, and the linked form states that she is not accepting queries while focusing on existing clients and clearing her inbox.

Last checked 25 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, crime, women's fiction, narrative non-fiction, children's, picture books, ya

Looking for

Fiction: literary fiction, crime, women's fiction. Non-fiction: narrative. Children's: picture books to YA

How to submit

Email submissions to submissions@jennybrownassociates.com for adult work (or directly to jenny@jennybrownassociates.com or lisa@jennybrownassociates.com), or to childrens@jennybrownassociates.com for children's submissions. Write a covering letter in the body of the email. Fiction: attach first three chapters (around 50 pages) and a synopsis in a single document. Non-fiction: attach a proposal and a couple of sample chapters. Picture books: send three complete stories. Illustrators: send samples and a link to your website. Attach text as .doc, .docx, or .pdf, illustrations as .jpeg, .gif, or .pdf. Number your pages.

Last checked 21 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction

Wants: Synopsis, writing sample

Looking for

Barrie James accepts work across a broad range of categories including General Fiction, Thrillers, Romance, Short Stories, Non-Fiction, Erotica, Supernatural, Fantasy, Children's, History, Science Fiction, Religion, Guides, Poetry, and Women's Fiction. The agency focuses on unpublished new writers seeking exposure for their work.

How to submit

Online submissions are preferred. Submissions should be approximately 1,500 words in total, with the first 200 words used as a synopsis and the remainder as a sample of the work. A one-off registration fee of £20.00 is required.

Last checked 20 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Illustrators, authors, children's books, picture books, middle grade, adult non-fiction

Looking for

Closed to submissions except referrals or requested materials. Represents children's books from toddler to teen and select adult nonfiction, and works with illustrators and creatives whose work can cross over to children's and adult markets.

How to submit

Full Circle accepts submissions through QueryManager only and does not review submissions sent directly by email or mail. Stefanie is currently closed except referrals or requested materials.

Last checked 19 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Adult general fiction, women's fiction, young adult, middle grade, chapter books, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Adult general fiction and debut, women's fiction, especially friendship stories and romance, young adult issue-driven, middle grade friendship stories and mysteries, as well as chapter books (both fiction and nonfiction), narrative nonfiction for adults on topics such as health, pop culture, and memoir.

How to submit

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

Last checked 17 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 17 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, first 10 pages

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 14 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Historical narrative, biography, offbeat fiction, nonfiction, children's books, nature writing

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

William has a long-running interest in historical narratives, biography, slightly offbeat fiction and nonfiction, children's books, and nature writing.

How to submit

William Reiss is closed to submissions according to the current John Hawkins and Associates agent profile.

Last checked 13 Jun 2026
Represents

Women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery, romance, romantic comedy, horror, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, humor, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Courtney represents women's fiction, historical fiction, mysteries, romance and rom-coms, horror, science fiction and fantasy, YA novels, humor, and nonfiction. Her list emphasizes work from underrepresented voices.

How to submit

Check Handspun submission status and submit through the agency query system when open. Query each project once with the agency.

Last checked 12 Jun 2026Via Form
Represents

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

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

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.

How to submit

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency is not accepting submissions.

Last checked 12 Jun 2026
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 12 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Picture books, children's fiction

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 10 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

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

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

Looking for

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+.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 8 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Contemporary fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction, lgbtq, fantasy, magical realism, science fiction, pop culture, memoir, humor, creativity, craft, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

She is primarily interested in fiction for adults, young adults and middle grade readers in contemporary fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction set in the 20th Century, LGBTQ issues, fantasy, magical realism, and science fiction. In non-fiction, she represents books by authors with demonstrable platforms in pop-culture, memoir, humor, creativity, and craft. She is also interested in graphic novels and memoirs for all ages.

How to submit

Submit query via QueryManager only. No snail mail submissions will be considered.

Last checked 4 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fiction, graphic novels, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, fantasy, science fiction, historical fantasy, magical realism, psychological horror, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

She is currently only open to graphic novel proposals. She seeks explorations of love, friendship, or familial bonds against fantastic backdrops, obscure retold fairy tales, women and girls in STEM, quirky middle grade, modernized mythologies, psychological horror/thrillers with speculative elements, literary and near-future science fiction, historical fantasy, magical realism, and internally consistent epic fantasy.

How to submit

All ALA agents use Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time. Include polished query letter, bio, and follow manuscript guidelines: novels submit 10-20 pages, graphic novels submit proposal with 10-20 sample pages and 2-4 full colored pages.

Last checked 4 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fiction, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first five pages

Looking for

Juvenile and adult fiction and eye-opening narrative non-fiction, particularly stories of the natural world, visible or invisible, including the human mind and body, or of people and events previously overlooked. She is also taking on a select group of illustrators.

How to submit

Visit the About Us page for information about agents, their individual interests, and their query guidelines. Include a brief summary of your novel or scope of your non-fiction project, a short description why you're writing the project, any specific credentials you have for writing the book, and the first five pages for fiction only.

Last checked 4 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, children's books, illustration

Looking for

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.

How to submit

Ariana Philips is an agent at the Jean V.

Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 3 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager

388+ agents we've verified represent children's specifically. Many others represent broader categories like commercial fiction or genre fiction — try Smart Search to find those too.

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