PairPi

US Children's Literary Agents

259 agents · 146 currently open to submissions

Children's publishing spans picture books for preschoolers through middle grade novels for twelve-year-olds, with agents often specialising within these age bands rather than representing the full spectrum. Picture book agents typically seek stories under 1,000 words that work for read-alouds, while middle grade specialists look for novels around 20,000-50,000 words featuring protagonists aged 8-12 facing age-appropriate challenges. The success of series like Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants demonstrates how humour and accessibility drive sales in this market. Some agents handle author-illustrators differently from text-only picture book writers, so read the submission guidelines carefully before sending. Educational backgrounds in child development or library science appear frequently among children's agents, reflecting the market's focus on developmental appropriateness alongside commercial appeal. 149+ agents in the United States actively seek children's manuscripts across these categories.

Refine search
Represents

Adult books, children's books, illustrated projects, graphic novels, fiction, nonfiction, contemporary romance, romantic comedy, brands, illustrators, content creators

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, full picture book text, portfolio link, sample

Looking for

Kathleen Ortiz represents content creators, authors, illustrators, and brands from around the world, with a focus on books and media for adults and children, especially projects with a visual element. She loves media and books that bring humor and joy and inspire others. She is interested in illustrated projects, graphic novels or otherwise, that feature pop culture, joy, encouragement, and humor, and she is interested in fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. She is also actively looking for contemporary romance in all genres, especially rom-coms, K-drama feels, second-chance-love stories, and slow burn romance.

How to submit

Email query@komediamanagement.com with the subject line Query for Kathleen Ortiz: Title. Query only one KOMM agent. Paste the query and samples into the email body because attachments will not be opened. Authors should include the first 5 pages of text, or the entire text for a picture book. Illustrators and content creators should include a portfolio link.

Last checked 5 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Romantic comedy, women's fiction, ghost stories, thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, young adult, middle grade, picture books, graphic novels, children's books

Wants: Query letter, first fifty pages, proposal, sample chapter, complete poetry collection, full picture book text, graphic novel pitch package

Looking for

Katelyn Detweiler is a literary agent at Jill Grinberg Literary Management whose list spans all age groups and categories, with an emphasis on fresh perspectives and strong voices. She looks for voice and quality writing above all else. On the adult side, she wants smart, swoony rom coms, women's fiction with love in many forms, atmospheric ghost stories, thrillers or mysteries with emotional cores and compelling narrators, and sweeping historical or twisty dual-timeline intergenerational sagas. She is open to narrative nonfiction and memoirs that feel intimate, immersive, and as compelling as novels. In YA she likes fresh contemporary with humor and heart, magical realism, fantasy, speculative, historical, and light sci-fi grounded in teen experience. In MG she likes stories that capture the complicated moments of growing up, and she likes picture books that illuminate deeper truths in funny, inspiring, and unconventional ways.

How to submit

Email submissions to info@jillgrinbergliterary.com and address the query directly to Katelyn Detweiler. Use the subject format QUERY: Title of Project by Your Name or Your Book's Age Category and Genre or ATTN: Katelyn Detweiler. Paste the query letter in the email body. For fiction, send the first 50 pages as a docx attachment. For nonfiction, send a query letter and proposal with overview or outline, chapter summaries, comparable titles, a sample chapter, biography, and bibliography. Picture book submissions should include the full text, and graphic novels should include a full pitch package.

Last checked 5 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, young adult, middle grade, contemporary children's books, lgbtq and, stem

Wants: Query letter, bio, comparable books, first ten pages, full nonfiction proposal, ai disclosure

Looking for

Lauren Scovel represents fiction, nonfiction, and children's books. She is looking to amplify underrepresented stories and voices across genres, especially literary and upmarket-crossover fiction, narrative nonfiction, and contemporary middle grade and YA with a timely, distinctive story, propulsive plot, and diverse cast. In adult fiction she is drawn to off-beat or speculative projects and work aimed at a millennial audience; in narrative nonfiction she likes stranger-than-fiction stories with expertise, curiosity, and beautiful writing; in children's projects she is especially interested in LGBTQIA+ and STEM subject matter.

How to submit

Submit to Lauren Scovel through the official QueryTracker or QueryManager form linked from the LGLA submissions page. The form asks for author details, biography, book details, query letter, comparable books, AI disclosure, and the first 10 pages, or the full proposal for nonfiction.

Last checked 5 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Looking for

Fiona Kenshole represents children's and YA authors from picture books to older teenage. She is hungry for middle grade, especially animal stories, stories about the natural world and saving the planet, funny books, commercial YA page-turners, quirky contemporary, humor, unreliable narrators, wilderness adventures, immigrant stories, sister stories, practical feminism, ghost stories, and funny picture books, especially clever British-style humor and author-illustrators.

How to submit

Submit to Fiona Kenshole through the official Submit Here link on her Transatlantic profile, which points to QueryMe. Transatlantic asks writers to review each agent's mandate, submit to one agent at a time where possible, disclose simultaneous Transatlantic submissions, and not submit by mail.

Last checked 4 Jul 2026Via QueryMe
Represents

Nonfiction, faith, business, leadership, culture, personal development, children's books

Wants: Query letter, proposal, sample pages

Looking for

Alexander Field founded The Bindery and represents nonfiction, faith and culture, business, leadership, personal development, and selected children's projects.

How to submit

Use the agent-specific submission link from Alexander Field's profile on The Bindery about page. The agency states every project submitted is considered.

Last checked 3 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Adult literary fiction, book club fiction, narrative non-fiction, children's books, historical fiction, family sagas, memoir, self-help, young adult, middle grade

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, brief bio, book description

Looking for

She responds to voice and character-driven stories that draw her in and give her a new perspective on a world she doesn't know, or make her think more deeply about a world she does know. She seeks books with a heart and writers with wonderful storytelling abilities. She is particularly interested in finding emerging and underrepresented voices, and loves books that focus on diversity and explore the experiences of BIPOC people.

How to submit

Send an email query to querymiriam@defliterary.com with a brief description of your book, a brief relevant bio, the first chapter pasted in the body of your email, and what you feel the heart of your book is in one or two sentences. Attachments will not be opened.

Last checked 2 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, non-fiction, children's, memoir, biography, natural history, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, women's fiction, health, fitness, young adult, faith, popular culture

Wants: Query letter, first 50 pages

Looking for

Laura represents a wide range of fiction, nonfiction and books for children. Her interests include memoir and biography, natural history, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, women's fiction, health and fitness, children's and young adult, faith issues and popular culture.

How to submit

Email Laura directly at lbp@cbltd.com and attach the first 50 pages of your project. Include 'lbpquery' in the subject line.

Last checked 1 Jul 2026Via Email
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 1 Jul 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

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, 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

Debut fiction, horror, mystery, new adult, paranormal fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, middle grade, young adult, children's fantasy

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Kesia represents debut fiction, horror, mystery, new adult, paranormal, science fiction/fantasy, thriller, romance, general and literary fiction, middle grade, young adult, and children's fantasy.

How to submit

Queries are considered only via QueryTracker.

Last checked 21 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
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

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

Narrative non-fiction, memoir, historical fiction, literary fiction, history, pop culture, cultural studies, women's studies, natural history, children's

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Katherine loves books that explore the lesser-known territories of human experience.

How to submit

For fiction, include a cover letter listing previously published work, a one-page summary and the first five pages in the body of the email (not as an attachment). For non-fiction, query first. When a proposal is requested, include an author biography, overview, chapter-by-chapter summary, marketing and publicity plan, analysis of competitive titles, and sample chapters or text.

Last checked 17 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's, young adult, romance, science fiction, fantasy, middle grade

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

She enjoys clever, heartfelt, and commercial middle grade and Young Adult in prose or graphic novel format across genres. In adult science fiction and fantasy, she seeks contemporary fantasy, near future science fiction, and romantic fantasy. She's drawn to character-driven stories about family and friendships from diverse protagonists, especially those passionate about arts, STEM, activism, and geeky fandoms.

How to submit

Submit through QueryMe.Online or thaole platform. Do not send queries to multiple agents at SDLA. Include query letter, 1-page synopsis, brief bio with publishing history, and first 10-15 pages for fiction.

Last checked 15 Jun 2026Via Online Form

More US Genres

US Age-Led Searches

Children's Agents in Other Countries

Find the right literary agent

Filter the full directory by genre, country, submission method, and open status, then save agents and track your submissions.

Browse all agents