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Illustrated / Picture Books Literary Agents

280+verified agents168open nowLast reviewed20 Jul 2026

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Illustrated picture books are a specialist market that looks simple from outside and is anything but. Agents read for page turns, rhythm, age fit, humour, tenderness, visual potential, and a text that leaves room for the illustrator to do real storytelling. A 32-page picture book is engineered as carefully as a poem, in the lineage of Maurice Sendak, Mo Willems, and the contemporary illustrators reshaping the form. Authors who illustrate their own work follow a different submission path from text-only writers, and many agents handle those two cases separately. The market covers everything from concept books for the youngest readers to sophisticated narrative picture books with crossover adult appeal. 120+ agents on this page represent picture book work in some form. Check each agency's guidelines for whether they want finished art, dummies, or text-only manuscripts before submitting anything.

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Agents representing illustrated / picture books

Open agents first
Represents

Middle grade, ya, crossover, new adult, picture book, adventure, mystery, horror

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 20 pages

Looking for

Kat is actively building her own list from middle grade through YA, crossover and New Adult, with a character-led taste and interest in adventure, mystery, darker YA and select picture book authors.

How to submit

Email Kat directly at kat@darleyanderson.com. For novels, send the first three chapters or first twenty pages plus a one-page synopsis. Picture book writers may send up to three full texts.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Action or adventure, chapter book, diversity, funny, graphic novels, illustrated fiction, underrepresented voices, picture book, non-fiction

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 20 pages, proposal for non-fiction

Looking for

Lorna is looking for illustration-led children's books including board books, picture books, chapter books, highly illustrated fiction, graphic novels and non-fiction.

How to submit

Email Lorna directly at lorna@darleyanderson.com. For novels, send the first three chapters or first twenty pages plus a one-page synopsis. Picture book writers may send up to three full texts. Non-fiction submissions should include a proposal, full chapter list and up to three sample chapters.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Romance, women's fiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books, thrillers, mysteries, nonfiction

Wants: Querymanager form

Looking for

Cori Deyoe is actively looking to expand her list. She represents all subgenres of romance, women's fiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books, thrillers, mysteries, and select nonfiction.

How to submit

Submit through Cori Deyoe's official QueryManager link. 3 Seas does not accept email queries, asks writers to use the QueryManager links on agent pages or the submissions page, and says no response within 12 weeks should be considered a pass.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Illustrators, artists, children's illustration, picture books, publishing, art licensing

Wants: Jpg samples, art samples

Looking for

Professional children's illustrators and commercial artists for publishing, licensing, greeting cards, products, and related illustration work.

How to submit

Use the official artist submissions page. Submit JPG samples for consideration and state interest in Advocate Art Agency. Applications are reviewed with ITSme and Advocate Art agents.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Illustrators, artists, children's illustration, picture books, publishing, art licensing

Wants: Jpg samples, art samples

Looking for

Professional children's illustrators and commercial artists for publishing, licensing, greeting cards, products, and related illustration work.

How to submit

Use the official artist submissions page. Submit JPG samples for consideration and state interest in Advocate Art Agency. Applications are reviewed with ITSme and Advocate Art agents.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Illustrators, artists, children's illustration, picture books, publishing, art licensing

Wants: Jpg samples, art samples

Looking for

Professional children's illustrators and commercial artists for publishing, licensing, greeting cards, products, and related illustration work.

How to submit

Use the official artist submissions page. Submit JPG samples for consideration and state interest in Advocate Art Agency. Applications are reviewed with ITSme and Advocate Art agents.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Illustrators, artists, children's illustration, picture books, publishing, art licensing

Wants: Jpg samples, art samples

Looking for

Professional children's illustrators and commercial artists for publishing, licensing, greeting cards, products, and related illustration work.

How to submit

Use the official artist submissions page. Submit JPG samples for consideration and state interest in Advocate Art Agency. Applications are reviewed with ITSme and Advocate Art agents.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Illustrators, artists, children's illustration, picture books, publishing, art licensing

Wants: Jpg samples, art samples

Looking for

Professional children's illustrators and commercial artists for publishing, licensing, greeting cards, products, and related illustration work.

How to submit

Use the official artist submissions page. Submit JPG samples for consideration and state interest in Advocate Art Agency. Applications are reviewed with ITSme and Advocate Art agents.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Illustrators, artists, children's illustration, picture books, publishing, art licensing

Wants: Jpg samples, art samples

Looking for

Professional children's illustrators and commercial artists for publishing, licensing, greeting cards, products, and related illustration work.

How to submit

Use the official artist submissions page. Submit JPG samples for consideration and state interest in Advocate Art Agency. Applications are reviewed with ITSme and Advocate Art agents.

Last checked 27 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Graphic novels, picture book illustrators, middle grade, young adult, new adult, adult fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Chelsea Eberly represents graphic novelists, picture book illustrators, middle grade, young adult, crossover new adult, and select adult novels. She wants high-concept hooks, high-stakes plots, vivid illustrations, unique voices, speculative fiction, sweeping fantasy, unforgettable settings, tight timelines, romance, graphic novels across ages and genres, YA love stories, fantasy, retellings, speculative twists, MG with emotional punch, underdogs, found families, ambitious POV choices, and picture book illustrators with distinct style.

How to submit

Submit through Chelsea Eberly's official QueryTracker or QueryManager link on her Folio Jr. profile.

Last checked 26 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, children's nonfiction, illustrated books

Wants: Contact information, bio, synopsis or proposal, sample chapters or manuscripts, portfolio link

Looking for

Emily Mitchell represents authors and illustrators from picture books to YA and is accepting new clients in all genres for children. Wernick & Pratt is most interested in author-illustrators in picture books, humorous young chapter books with strong voice, unique and compelling chapter books, and literary or commercial middle grade and YA novels.

How to submit

Email submissions to submissions@wernickpratt.com and indicate that you are submitting to Emily Mitchell. Send contact information, referral information if any, whether the submission is exclusive, background and publishing history, and format-specific materials: first three chapters and brief synopsis for novels, two different picture book manuscripts for picture books, full manuscript for chapter books, synopsis or proposal plus three sample chapters for MG or YA nonfiction, or PDF samples and a portfolio link for illustrators.

Last checked 26 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, picture books, fantasy, horror, women's fiction, science fiction, pop culture, humor, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first twenty pages or proposal, artwork or portfolio link

Looking for

Emily S. Keyes is actively searching for children's literature and select adult genre fiction that is not serious literature. She is generally looking for books for young readers and the young at heart, especially work that fosters the joy of reading in kids. In nonfiction she is looking for nonfiction picture books, interesting nonfiction for middle grade and YA readers, especially from creators with a platform, and select adult nonfiction.

How to submit

Submit through Emily Keyes' official linked QueryManager page. The form asks for author information, title, word count, genre, query letter, optional synopsis, target audience, comparable books, AI-use disclosure, first 20 pages or full nonfiction proposal, and optional artwork, illustrations, or portfolio link.

Last checked 26 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

New adult, young adult, middle grade, picture books, romantasy, mystery, speculative fiction, comedy, romantic comedy

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, picture book dummy, portfolio link

Looking for

Emily van Beek is looking for new adult coming-of-age stories with series potential, romantasy with a fresh hook, cozy mysteries with series potential, high-concept speculative fiction, family drama, comedy, rom-coms, high-concept and well-written YA with bold voice and emotional connection, exquisitely imagined middle grade, funny or mischievous middle grade, and picture books by author-illustrators with award-worthy artwork, character-driven series potential, and diverse creators featuring diverse stories.

How to submit

Email Emily van Beek at emily@foliolitmanagement.com with QUERY in the subject line. Send a query letter and the first ten pages of the manuscript in the body of the email. For picture books, attach a PDF dummy, portfolio links are welcome. Send queries to this address only because queries to other addresses may not be considered.

Last checked 26 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, fantasy, mystery, romantasy, horror, humor, narrative nonfiction, nature and ecology, pop culture, women's issues

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters or proposal

Looking for

Emelie Burl represents books for all ages and across many genres. She is drawn to cozy projects across fiction and nonfiction, found family, magic, nature, self-acceptance, folklore, diversity, queer joy, female rage, immersive storytelling, hopeful stories with edge, grounded fantasy, unusual or offbeat characters, journalistic deep dives with personal narrative, humor, and children's books that meet kids where they are.

How to submit

Submit to Emelie Burl through her official linked QueryManager form only. Direct email queries will be deleted unread. The form asks for author information, query letter, synopsis, AI-use disclosure, and the first three chapters or, for nonfiction, the full book proposal.

Last checked 26 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, ya, adult romance, adult romantasy, adult fantasy

Looking for

Extraordinary, diverse stories, strong preference for underrepresented voices, see on-site wishlist for specifics (MG/YA, adult romance/romantasy/fantasy etc.)

How to submit

Submit via QueryManager at http://querymanager.com or aliceashliterary, or by email to submissions@ashliterary.com. Do not submit via both routes simultaneously.

Last checked 25 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, illustrated non-fiction, serious non-fiction

Looking for

Novels across the literary-commercial scale and non-fiction from highly illustrated to serious non-fiction, with diversity within the list as an ever-present priority. Does not represent scriptwriting, high fantasy, or, in non-fiction, business, self-help or parenting books. Represents poetry and children's books (including MG and YA) only where she already represents the author.

How to submit

Email submissions@philippasitters.co.uk with a cover letter in the email body. For fiction, attach the first 30 pages (double spaced) and a 1-2 page synopsis (single spaced) as Word documents or PDFs. For non-fiction, attach a proposal with a detailed chapter outline and up to three sample chapters (double spaced), information on target market and comparable titles is helpful but not required.

Last checked 23 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Poetry, picture books, young fiction, middle grade fiction, ya fiction, children's non-fiction, author-illustrators

Wants: Children's fiction/non-fiction; picture books; first 3 chapters for fiction

Looking for

Poetry, picture books, young fiction, middle grade fiction, YA fiction and non-fiction for children, and author-illustrators who both write and illustrate their own work as well as illustrate for other authors

How to submit

Send a short synopsis, first 3 chapters for fiction (excluding prologues), or full manuscript for picture books, plus a covering letter with full contact details including email address. Submit electronically to john.mclay@btinternet.com or by post, if posting include a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Last checked 23 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, bio, manuscript or proposal, portfolio link

Looking for

Abigail Frank wants weird, expansive books for young readers, including original picture books, chapter books with big personalities, and novels about unforgettable teens falling in love. She is especially interested in author-illustrators, lyrical and inventive picture book texts, distinct visual art, stories by marginalized creators, and select adult projects including visual nonfiction, gift nonfiction, genre-defying nonfiction, lightly speculative fiction, commercial rom-coms, and work about labor and capital.

How to submit

Query Abigail Frank at afrank@sjga.com with the subject line QUERY - project title. Include a brief bio in the cover letter and attach the manuscript or proposal. Visual artists should include a portfolio link. Greenburger accepts email queries only and asks writers not to query more than one Greenburger agent simultaneously.

Last checked 22 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Graphic novels, picture books, illustrated books, general fiction, authors, illustrators, content creators

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, portfolio link

Looking for

Kate represents authors and illustrators for graphic novels and picture books. KO Media welcomes all ages, including children's, middle grade, young adult, and adult, as long as there is a visual or illustrated component.

How to submit

Email query@komediamanagement.com with the subject line Query for Kate Rogers: Title. Paste query and samples only, attachments are not opened. Authors should paste the first five pages, picture book authors should paste the full text, and illustrators or content creators should include a portfolio link.

Last checked 21 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Horror, mystery, thriller, romance, cultural criticism, true crime, pop culture, lifestyle, illustrated books, general nonfiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Claire represents a wide range of adult fiction and nonfiction, especially horror, standalone psychological thrillers, mysteries, romcoms, diverse characters and authors, friendship stories, revenge stories, sharp voices, cultural criticism, true crime, pop culture, lifestyle guides, and illustrated gift books for adults.

How to submit

Follow the instructions on Helm Literary's submissions page.

Last checked 21 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Illustrators, children's illustration, educational publishing, religious publishing

Wants: Pdf portfolio, website link, art samples

Looking for

Children's education and religion illustration projects, with a focus on pairing artists with children's publishing clients.

How to submit

Use the official Bright submissions form. Illustrators should upload a PDF portfolio with at least 10 samples and a website or social media link. Author-illustrators should follow the relevant picture book or Middle Grade instructions and include art samples.

Last checked 20 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Author-illustrators, picture books, board books, middle grade, young adult, children's books, poetry

Wants: Query letter, portfolio link, picture book dummy, first three pages, bio, comparison titles

Looking for

Authors and author-illustrators of books for children and teens, including board books, picture books, fiction, literary nonfiction, poetry, Middle Grade, and Young Adult. She does not want adult projects and does very few chapter books or Young Adult projects.

How to submit

Email the full text for board books or picture books in the body of the message. Author-illustrators should include a link to the dummy and sample illustrated pages, with no attachments. Longer works should include the first three pages, project description, bio information, relevant experience, recent comparison titles, audience notes, and why Mary Cummings may be a fit.

Last checked 19 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Author-illustrators, picture books, graphic novels, middle grade, young adult, children's books

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, portfolio link, art samples, picture book dummy, first 20 pages, graphic novel sample

Looking for

Author-illustrators who write their own picture books and graphic novels, Middle Grade fiction and nonfiction, and Young Adult fiction. LK Literary Agency does not represent adult work, picture book text-only authors, or illustrators who are not yet writing their own work.

How to submit

Email a cover letter with pitch, synopsis, contact information, and online presence in the body of the message. Novel submissions should paste the first 20 pages into the email. Emailed illustrator portfolios are accepted at 72 dpi, online portfolios are welcome, picture book dummies should be PDF attachments, and graphic novel submissions should include a PDF of two to three illustrated chapters with text.

Last checked 19 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Illustrators, author-illustrators, children's illustration, picture books

Wants: Pdf portfolio, website link, art samples

Looking for

Trade children's book illustrators and author-illustrators, with a focus on visual storytelling, portfolio development, and author-illustrated picture book stories.

How to submit

Use the official Bright submissions form. Illustrators should upload a PDF portfolio with at least 10 samples and a website or social media link. Author-illustrators should follow the relevant picture book or Middle Grade instructions and include art samples.

Last checked 18 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Authors and illustrators across all genres and age ranges, non-fiction

Looking for

Picture books with strong characterisation, genuine emotional impact, and artwork and stories that feel full of life; non-fiction where artists and authors bring fresh energy to familiar subjects through a new perspective or by experimenting with style and format

How to submit

Online form - https://thebrightagency.com or uk or submissions or new?division=literary

Last checked 18 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, young adult, children's books, biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, adult illustrated, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, fashion, art, design, popular culture

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Thompson Literary is always on the lookout for both commercial and literary fiction, as well as young adult and children's books. Nonfiction is their specialty, with interests including biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, adult illustrated, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, fashion, art, design, and popular culture.

How to submit

All agents at Thompson Literary Agency are now accepting queries through Query Manager. Please click to view agent bios, which have specific query instructions for each.

Last checked 17 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Non-fiction, adult fiction, picture books, young adult

Wants: Synopsis, first 50 pages, proposal

Looking for

She is especially interested in nonfiction including memoirs, true crime, self-help, business, nature, travel writing, medical, STEM, psychology, health and fitness, music and film, food and drink, investigative journalism, social theory, and cultural commentary. She is also looking for adult fiction, specifically psychological thrillers, suspense, horror, and humor. Kelly also represents a limited number of children's projects, including picture books and young adult titles, with a particular interest in stories that feature Vikings, pirates, or mythology.

How to submit

Complete a form available on genre submission pages. No query letter required though welcome in addition to the form. Submit synopsis and first fifty pages or first three chapters for fiction, proposal for nonfiction.

Last checked 14 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Short, punchy picture books that are humorous and have a strong marketing hook. Non-fiction picture books, especially biographies or stories with a historical angle. Literary and commercial middle-grade and Young Adult across all time periods and genres.

How to submit

Submit a query letter, three chapters and a brief synopsis in a single document. For picture books, submit the entire manuscript. Use the online submission form and select Rachel Orr as your agent.

Last checked 14 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Children's fiction, children's non-fiction, picture books, graphic novels, ya, middle grade, adult sff, adult fantasy

Wants: Children's: fiction/non-fiction/picture books/graphic novels; not currently taking picture-book-text-only creators. adult: imaginative SFF with thoughtful society/humanity themes; cosy or dark; witches/magicians/werewolves/teashops welcomed

Looking for

A middle grade or YA standalone reflecting the experience of growing up in a multicultural or multifaith household. A character-led teen series in which the protagonist pursues an exciting career, in the vein of Geek Girl or Alex Rider. Dark academia for YA or adult with detailed worldbuilding and an emphasis on the dark. Palestinian voices in any age group or genre.

How to submit

Email christabelsubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk with your submission. Note that writers focusing solely on picture book texts are not currently being taken on.

Last checked 14 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, new adult, fantasy, thriller, mystery, adventure, contemporary romance, horror, paranormal romance

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, author bio, comparable books

Looking for

Lindsey is building a list in picture books, middle grade, young adult and new adult. She is open to fantasy, thriller, mystery, adventure, contemporary romance, horror and paranormal romance, with fresh concepts, strong voice, high stakes and emotional drive.

How to submit

Submit through Lindsey Aduskevich's QueryTracker form. Query only one Martin-Newens representative at a time.

Last checked 13 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Adult nonfiction, illustrated books, cookbooks, lifestyle, design, art, pop culture, travel, humor or gift, health and wellness, self-care, personal finance, personal or professional development, select memoir

Wants: Query letter, sample manuscript pages for fiction, full proposal for nonfiction

Looking for

She loves working on illustrated books of all stripes—including cookbooks, lifestyle, design, art, pop culture, travel, humor/gift, health and wellness, and self-care, as well as personal finance, personal/professional development, and select memoir. She is drawn to fresh voices and perspectives and books that help people live better, more meaningful lives. She is not currently taking on fiction projects.

How to submit

Send a query letter and sample manuscript pages (for fiction) or your full proposal (for nonfiction)

Last checked 13 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult nonfiction, graphic novels, picture books

Wants: First four pages of graphic novel or complete graphic novel proposal, self-illustrated picture book manuscript with at least two pages of full-color illustrations

Looking for

Visual storytellers and their captivating art-driven literature. Adult non-fiction writers who are determined to break apart conventional wisdoms

How to submit

Please *only submit* - attached as a pdf to a brief email introducing yourself, including 'Query' in the subject line

Last checked 11 Jun 2026Via Email

280+ agents we've verified represent illustrated / picture books specifically. Many others represent broader categories like commercial fiction or genre fiction — try Smart Search to find those too.

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