Illustrated / Picture Books Literary Agents

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Illustrators, middle grade, young adult, picture books

Closed to submissions except referrals. Represents primarily Middle Grade fiction, Young Adult fiction, and illustrators. Her wishlist includes illustration with a distinctive perspective, magical realism in Middle Grade and Young Adult, Young Adult fantasy, and diverse character-driven fiction.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, graphic novels, ya, middle-grade, poetry, picture books

Fiction that breaks her heart, non-fiction that blows her mind. Literary fiction, commercial or upmarket fiction, funny or whimsical middle-grade fiction, contemporary or speculative YA fiction, narrative-driven non-fiction

Rachel is currently closed for submissions

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.

Board books, picture books, early readers, middle grade fiction, middle grade nonfiction, graphic novels

Strong and diverse voices that tell stories for all children, graphic novels (middle grade and younger), illustrators with polished distinctive portfolios, engaging and idiosyncratic nonfiction, books about the power of the natural world, slices of life with well-drawn characters, magic embedded in the real world

QueryManager form only

Horror, speculative fiction, romantasy, fantasy, gothic, magical realism, contemporary romance, picture books, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 20 pages for graphic novels

#OwnVoices Horror, Speculative, and Romantasy; Horror including body horror, femgore, horror romance, monster horror, folk horror; Gothic romance; Magical Realism; Indigenous/First Nations works; Cozy fantasies; Picture books with climate change and environmental STEAM themes

Submit through QueryManager

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.

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, upmarket fiction, political journalism, graphic books, memoirs

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, full manuscript for picture books

She typically looks for picture books that straddle piercing humor and heart, lyrical middle grade, and daring, sharp Young Adult. She loves graphic novels and memoirs that share lesser-known pieces of history and those quieter slices of life. She especially adores stories of all genres if they are from around the world and speak to multigenerational diaspora experiences.

Send a query letter and the first five pages of your manuscript within the email. If it is a picture book, include the entire manuscript. Only submit to one agent at a 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.

Upmarket literary fiction, literary non-fiction, picture books, middle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, young adult fiction, young adult non-fiction

Wants: Query letter

She seeks first and foremost voice, a strong narrative, memorable characters, unusual premises, and underrepresented people, places, and perspectives, including #OwnVoices writers and stories.

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

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.

Women's fiction, thriller, speculative fiction, commercial fiction, horror, mystery, historical romance, poetry, picture books

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, bio, title/genre/word count

She seeks stories that surprise and delight with characters readers can't stop thinking about and sharp writing. She wants high-concept, twisty stories with strong voices in women's fiction, thriller, and speculative fiction. She's particularly interested in timely commercial fiction where the personal intersects with world events, stories about female rage and friendships, complex family dynamics, incisive horror with social commentary, and atmospheric mysteries set in close-knit communities.

Submit through Query Manager with a brief bio including writing credentials, title or genre or word count, query letter, and first ten pages.

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, middle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, young adult fiction, young adult non-fiction, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter

High concept stories with high level writing that bring something new to shelves. For middle grade, she loves books with ensemble casts, books about good kids making bad decisions, quests and hijinks, spooky stories and mysteries, and historical novels that feel relevant. For young adult, she seeks books with atmospheric settings, lush writing, and romance threaded through but not primary. She is particularly interested in fantasy told from unique perspectives, ghost stories, accessible science fiction, magical realism, and contemporary stories that challenge assumptions.

Submissions through QueryManager only. Fiction requires completed manuscript. No simultaneous submissions to multiple agents at the agency.

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.

Middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, picture books, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages

Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction from perspectives that may often feel left out of publishing, including stories from LGBTQIA and BIPOC creators. Kids/teen Graphic Novel and Picture Book illustrators and author-illustrators whose art has wit, heart, style and flair. She prefers upbeat stories and seeks queer, weird, funny, heartfelt, beautiful, nerdy projects.

Submit through QueryManager with a short query letter, author bio, contact information, and sample pages (first 10 pages for novels, full text for picture books, 10-20 sample spreads for graphic novels).

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.

Prescriptive nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, spirituality, food and drink, lifestyle, creativity, personal development, business, illustrated gift books

Maria Ribas is a literary agent and Executive Director of Book Packaging at Stonesong. She represents prescriptive and narrative nonfiction in spirituality, food and drink, lifestyle, creativity, personal development, business, and illustrated gift books. She particularly enjoys working with writers, photographers, illustrators, bloggers, and influencers with strong platforms who understand how a thoughtfully produced and promoted book can grow their brands and businesses.

Maria Ribas is not accepting new clients according to her official Stonesong profile. The official Stonesong submissions page asks writers to query only listed open agents, Maria Ribas is not listed among the agents to query there.

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.

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, illustrated projects

Work that is fierce, sharp, nuanced, and uncompromising. In fiction, she is looking for work with that is inventive and strange, brave and honest, with humor and heart. She especially loves fiction that employs genre elements—whether evocatively surreal, slightly askew, or supernatural. In nonfiction, work that investigates culture, identity, sexuality, disability, and mental health is especially welcome

Check agent's submission page

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.