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Illustrated / Picture Books Literary Agents

285+verified agents172open nowLast reviewed19 Oct 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

Children's fiction, children's non-fiction, middle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, picture books, young adult

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

Looking for

She focuses on middle-grade fiction and nonfiction with the goal of amplifying underrepresented voices and experiences. She particularly loves stories with friendship ties, complicated family dynamics, and grief or loss. Being a New York native, anything based in NYC has her heart.

How to submit

Email queries to jky@cbltd.com with the first 10 pages of your manuscript in the body of the email with QUERY in the subject line.

Last checked 30 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, chick lit, mystery, suspense, thriller, picture books, middle grade, young adult, memoir, celebrity biography, arts, popular culture, self-help, health, spiritual

Wants: Query letter, first pages, synopsis, bio

Looking for

She seeks literary fiction with unique voices and commercial fiction including women's fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. For children's books, she wants picture books and character-driven middle grade and Young Adult with distinctive voices. In nonfiction, she represents memoirs, celebrity biographies, books about arts and popular culture, and empowering self-help titles.

How to submit

For fiction queries, send the first twenty pages in the email body to jenndec@aol.com with a one-paragraph bio and synopsis. For nonfiction, attach the complete proposal as a Word document with a sample chapter, plus bio and synopsis in the email body.

Last checked 30 Sept 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 30 Sept 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 30 Sept 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 29 Sept 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 29 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Children's (mg or ya or crossover), adult commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction

Looking for

Genre fiction and crossover children's, boy-led MG, teen fiction, graphic novel/illustrated MG or younger YA, quirky fantasy, dark/off-beat romantic comedy, domestic noir, cultural history/narrative non-fiction with strong voice

How to submit

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with a cover letter in the body of the email, a one-page synopsis and first three chapters or up to 50 pages as attachments. Mark the subject line FAO Gyamfia Osei. For non-fiction, send an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters.

Last checked 29 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, women's fiction, intelligent crime, thrillers, historical fiction, history, nature, science, self-development, biography, memoir, lifestyle, food

Looking for

Quality commercial and popular literary fiction with emotional heft, original voices and broad appeal, including twisty thrillers, ghost stories, and epic romantic stories. For non-fiction, experts in their fields writing about history, nature, science, self-development, biography, memoir, original thinking, lifestyle and food — particularly books that educate and illuminate worlds readers don't know, strong women's voices, and food writers with fresh perspectives or a built community.

How to submit

Email submissions@hhbagency.com with the genre in the subject line. Put your covering letter in the body of the email including a brief pitch, relevant background, and comparison titles. Attach the first three chapters or around 50 pages as a Word document, plus a synopsis. Fiction writers must have completed the manuscript before submitting. Non-fiction writers may submit before completion.

Last checked 28 Sept 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 28 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, author website

Looking for

Sara Megibow is President and Senior Literary Agent of Megibow Literary Agency. She represents authors who write picture books, fiction and nonfiction across subgenres, middle grade in all subgenres, young adult in all subgenres, adult romance in all subgenres, and science fiction/fantasy for the adult market in all subgenres.

How to submit

Email a query letter and the first 10 pages of the manuscript to saraquery@megibowliterary.com, along with an author website if available. Megibow Literary does not accept pitches by social media, phone, mail, or platforms other than email, and a pass from one agency agent is a pass from the agency.

Last checked 28 Sept 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 27 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Writers, presenters and journalists (books and related rights)

Wants: Background/career info and synopsis and first 3 chapters (~50 pages). not poetry, plays, original screenplays, scripts, or children's picture books.

Looking for

Books and related rights for writers, presenters and journalists, including TV and radio representation. Does not represent poetry, plays, original screenplays, scripts, or picture books for children.

How to submit

Email submissions@barbaralevyagency.com (or post to Barbara Levy Literary Agency, 64 Greenhill, Hampstead High Street, London NW3 5TZ) with background information and career history, a synopsis, and the first three chapters (approximately 50 pages), double spaced with numbered pages. For TV and radio representation, send details of your experience or expertise. Note if submitting simultaneously to other agents. Include an email address or stamped addressed envelope if you want material returned.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, author-illustrators, nonfiction picture books, middle grade, young adult, contemporary fiction, light fantasy, near-future dystopian, speculative fiction, psychological thriller, mystery, literary ghost stories, women's fiction, memoir, bipoc voices, diverse voices

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, picture book manuscript, portfolio

Looking for

Allison is looking for author-illustrator picture books, nonfiction picture books, middle grade with voice and a strong main character, YA contemporary coming-of-age, fantasy grounded in reality, near-future dystopian and high-concept speculative work, psychological thrillers, twisty mysteries, literary ghost stories, women's fiction, and memoir. She is interested in diverse and BIPOC voices.

How to submit

Email Allison Remcheck at the spelled-out SLS submissions address listed on the Stimola submissions page. Picture book manuscripts should be attached as Word documents, dummies or portfolios as PDFs, first ten pages of middle-grade, YA, and adult fiction should be pasted in the email, a synopsis attachment is welcome.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's books, adult contemporary fiction, upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, light fantasy, magical realism, romantic comedy, thriller, mystery, suspense, horror, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, full manuscript, full proposal, artwork samples

Looking for

Savannah Brooks is an associate literary agent whose official personal site says she joined KT Literary in 2022 and represents all of kid lit plus adult contemporary and upmarket fiction, speculative/light fantasy/magical realism, romcoms, thrillers, mystery, suspense, and horror. She is especially interested in stories that teach her something new, add to a larger sociopolitical conversation, and highlight underrepresented identities and cultures.

How to submit

Submit through Savannah Brooks's QueryManager route. The live form asks writers to check her website before submitting, confirm whether the project has been submitted to her before, and include author details, title, word count, genre, query letter, synopsis, and full manuscript or nonfiction proposal, artwork samples may be uploaded if applicable. The form says she is only open to children's books by request or referral, so public unsolicited submissions should match the currently open adult categories.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, select adult

Looking for

Query Letter, Synopsis, One-sentence pitch, First 20 Pages, Book proposal for nonfiction

How to submit

Rebecca is only accepting submissions via her personal QueryManager link. Please include your title, word count, genre, one-sentence pitch, synopsis, and query letter. For fiction, please include the first 20 pages of your manuscript. For nonfiction, please include your book proposal.

Last checked 25 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fiction, non-fiction, picture books, graphic novels

Looking for

Query Letter, Synopsis, Sample Pages

How to submit

Direct submission to an individual agent. For fiction: send informative description, brief synopsis and first ten pages in email body. For non-fiction: send informative description, full outline, and first ten pages in email body. For picture books: send informative description, full outline, dummy as PDF and full-color samples as JPEGs or PDFs. For graphic novels: send 10 illustrated pages with text as PDF and synopsis in email body.

Last checked 24 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, contemporary novels, fantasy, science fiction, magical realism, horror, mysteries, middle grade fantasy, picture books, graphic novels, arts, pop culture, nature, psychology, cultural history, science, wellness, occult

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

Looking for

Literary and upmarket fiction, non-fiction book proposals, select children's books, and graphic novels. In fiction, she's looking for contemporary novels (with or without speculative elements), fantasy, grounded science fiction, magical realism, horror, and mysteries. In non-fiction, she's interested in projects that explore the arts, pop culture, nature, psychology, cultural history, science, wellness, and the occult

How to submit

Include the first ten pages of text only within the body of your email for adult fiction, adult memoir, adult non-fiction essay collection, or children's fiction and non-fiction. For graphic novels, Maria is only considering projects by a single creator both writing and illustrating the book.

Last checked 24 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult nonfiction, adult fiction, children's literature, picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels

Looking for

Cooking, drinks, health/wellness, lifestyle, self-help, women's issues, memoir, cat content, underrepresented voices. Occasional adult fiction for existing clients or via referrals. Select children's literature in special circumstances.

How to submit

Submit queries here: http:// queryManager.com or JenNewens

Last checked 24 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
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 24 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
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 24 Sept 2026Via Email
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 23 Sept 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 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, romantic comedy, memoir, psychology, narrative nonfiction, literary studies, art history, popular science, philosophy, cultural studies

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, picture book manuscript, referral note if applicable

Looking for

Alex Reubert is a literary agent at HG Literary. He is pursuing books that demand he keep reading by style or story, including literature in translation, novels set outside the U.S., upmarket and literary fiction, narrators looking back on their lives, upmarket romantic comedy, memoir, psychology, narrative nonfiction, literary studies, art history, popular science, philosophy, cultural studies, and prose by poets or musicians.

How to submit

Submit to Alex Reubert through his official QueryManager link. HG Literary asks for electronic submissions only. Unless an agent-specific form asks otherwise, send a query letter and the first five pages in the body of the query, no attachments. If it is a picture book, include the entire manuscript. Mention referrals in the first line. Query only one HG Literary agent at a time.

Last checked 22 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, novelty, pre-school, middle grade, narrative non-fiction, general non-fiction, gift, comics, graphic novels, activity books

Looking for

Exceptional children's book creators, with a particular interest in inventive approaches to familiar themes, passion projects from diverse and exceptional new talents, and innovative formats that push the boundaries of children's publishing. Books that spark curiosity and wonder, especially visually extraordinary objects that reward repeated reading.

How to submit

Review David Higham's submission guidelines before submitting. Send your work by email to isobelsubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk. If you do not receive a response within twelve weeks, the agent will not be pursuing your work.

Last checked 21 Sept 2026Via Email
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 21 Sept 2026Via Online Form
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 21 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Writers, presenters and journalists (books and related rights)

Looking for

Not poetry, plays, original screenplays, scripts, or children's picture books

How to submit

Email submissions@barbaralevyagency.com or post to Barbara Levy Literary Agency, 64 Greenhill, Hampstead High Street, London NW3 5TZ. Include background and career information, a synopsis, and the first three chapters (approximately 50 pages), double spaced with numbered pages. Note if submitting simultaneously to other agents. Include an email address or stamped addressed envelope if you want materials returned.

Last checked 19 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, crossover fiction, creative nonfiction, illustrated work

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Meredith represents literary and crossover fiction, creative nonfiction, and occasional illustrated work, with emphasis on bold, humane storytelling and literary-leaning narratives that incorporate genre elements.

How to submit

Email info@thegernertco.com with a query letter describing the work, author information, and a sample chapter if appropriate. Indicate which agent you are querying, do not email agents directly.

Last checked 18 Sept 2026Via Email
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 18 Sept 2026Via Email

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