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US Illustrated / picture books Literary Agents

225 agents · 129 currently open to submissions

Picture book publishing remains intensely competitive, with 70+ agents representing everything from board books for toddlers to sophisticated illustrated narratives that appeal to both children and adults. The category spans traditional 32-page picture books, concept books teaching colours or numbers, biographical picture books like those in the Little People, Big Dreams series, and graphic novel hybrids that blur lines with early readers. Many agents specialise within narrower niches: some focus on diverse contemporary stories, others seek STEM-focused non-fiction, and several actively pursue picture book biographies or social-emotional learning themes. Author-illustrators often have different submission requirements than text-only writers, with many agents requesting finished art samples or detailed illustration notes rather than complete manuscripts. Before submitting, research whether agents prefer rhyming or prose texts, contemporary or classic storytelling approaches, and their recent deals to understand their position on trending topics like environmental themes or cultural authenticity.

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Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, food writing, cookbooks, nature, environment, biography, pop culture, travel, adventure, true crime, politics, health, fitness, picture books, middle grade, young adult

Wants: Pitch

Looking for

The Unter Agency is interested in quality fiction and general nonfiction, especially memoir, food/cooking, nature/environment, biography, pop culture, travel/adventure, true crime, politics and health/fitness, plus all types of children's literature.

How to submit

Email Jennifer Unter with a pitch at Jennifer@theunteragency.com. If there is no response within three months, consider it a pass.

Last checked 17 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, young adult, children's, adult projects, illustration, author-illustrators, fantasy, magical realism, contemporary, romance

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, synopsis, artwork samples, portfolio link

Looking for

Marissa is open to a wide range of children's book authors, illustrators and author-illustrators, and is especially looking for stories by underrepresented and marginalized creators.

How to submit

Submit through Marissa Brown's QueryManager form. Query only one Pippin agent at a time.

Last checked 17 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 17 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 16 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 16 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 16 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 16 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 16 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 16 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, young adult, children's, adult projects, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, synopsis, picture book manuscript

Looking for

Pippin Properties is devoted primarily to picture books, middle grade, graphic novels and young adult novels, while also representing adult projects on occasion.

How to submit

Email Holly McGhee at ExclusivetoHolly@pippinproperties.com. Holly accepts exclusive queries only and requires six weeks to consider.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, picture books, author-illustrators, mystery, thriller, romance, pop culture nonfiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Kristin represents middle grade, young adult and adult fiction, plus picture book author-illustrators. She is actively looking for adult mystery, thriller and romance, plus nonfiction focused on popular culture.

How to submit

Submit through Kristin Ostby's QueryTracker form. Submit to only one SLM agent at a time, no response within 12 weeks means pass.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, author-illustrators, early readers, chapter books, heavily illustrated middle grade, novelty books, comics, jewish culture, bipoc voices, lgbtq and

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Erica represents a selective list of authors and illustrators, especially illustrated books for children. She is interested in author-illustrator picture books, early readers, chapter books, heavily illustrated middle grade, novelty formats, comics, projects focused on Jewish culture and inclusive experience, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ bookmakers, and stories with zany heart and emotional depth.

How to submit

Email Erica Rand Silverman at the spelled-out SLS submissions address listed on the Stimola submissions page. Follow the agency's one-agent-at-a-time rule.

Last checked 12 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, non-fiction, picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, adult fiction, adult non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

She seeks marginalized creators and diverse stories, prioritizing BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, genderfluid, neurodiverse, and disabled voices. She wants stories about found families, cozy grounded fantasy, queer love and community, magic and witches, heartbreak with hope, dark moody Young Adult/Adult writing, and narrative nonfiction about sciences and humanity.

How to submit

Submit through Query Manager during the first week of each month (1st-7th). Select one agent at a time. Submit 10-20 polished pages for novels, complete manuscript for picture books, proposals for graphic novels and nonfiction.

Last checked 9 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Children's fiction, children's non-fiction, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

She is drawn to stories with a distinct voice, unexpected wit, aggressive pacing, punchy and/or emotionally resonant endings. She is especially eager to see authentic explorations of underrepresented cultures, relationships, and identities.

How to submit

Submit via QueryManager only during the first 15 days of each month. Include query letter, author bio, and sample pages as specified in agency guidelines.

Last checked 9 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, picture books, narrative non-fiction, commercial fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, synopsis

Looking for

For middle grade and young adult fiction, he seeks authentic kids' voices and rousing, high concept stories with realistic settings and science fiction preferred over fantasy. He is eager to find the next great picture book author/illustrator. For adults, he actively looks for narrative nonfiction in music, sports, history, popular science, big think, performing arts, health, business, memoir, military history, and humor, plus commercial fiction but is very selective.

How to submit

Send query letter via email with full query in body, include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in body below query. For picture books include full text and dummy or sample art as PDF attachments no larger than 20MB. Query only one agent at agency at a time.

Last checked 9 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, chapter books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages, portfolio link

Looking for

Middle grade in all genres with children finding their space in their world, especially strong-willed underdogs or quirky, misunderstood, or overlooked children. Picture books that are funny and character-driven, beautifully written, or milestone moments with emotional endings. Commercial action-packed chapter book series for emerging readers.

How to submit

Query via QueryManager with query letter, author bio, contact information, and sample pages. For picture book texts, must submit 3 completed texts and query only on the 1st day of each month. For illustrators, include portfolio link.

Last checked 9 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Contemporary, fantasy, horror, romance, picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 20 pages

Looking for

Books with pain-in-the-ass heroines, dark and creepy settings with lyrical voices, and books with well-thought out twists and turns. Fantasy should be easily accessible and horror should not make her need to keep the lights on. She seeks LGBT+ books that are about more than just a coming out story and is particularly keen to grow her adult list in rom-coms and fantasy/romantasy.

How to submit

For Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult novels: paste the first 20 pages into the sample text field. For picture books: include a link to the full dummy. For Author or Illustrated graphic novels: include a link to a few sample spreads. Note that for picture book and graphic novel creators, she is only considering author or illustrator projects at this time.

Last checked 8 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Adult commercial fiction, young adult, middle grade, graphic novels, adult nonfiction, picture books, dual-language projects

Wants: Query letter, sample pages, proposal

Looking for

Jenna is seeking adult, YA and MG commercial fiction in most genres, graphic novels from middle grade to YA, adult nonfiction, very selective picture books, and dual-language English/Spanish projects.

How to submit

Follow Jenna Satterthwaite's Storm Literary submission guidelines when available, no current direct query route was confirmed in this pass.

Last checked 19 Oct 2026
Represents

Thriller, suspense, horror, fantasy, romantasy, magical realism, speculative fiction, romance, mystery, women's fiction, historical fiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Vicky is interested in adult thriller and suspense with psychological, paranormal, supernatural or gothic elements, horror, dark fantasy, romantasy, magical realism, mystery, women's fiction, historical fiction, young adult horror and fantasy, middle grade, and picture books from author-illustrators.

How to submit

Vicky's CMA profile links to QueryManager but states that she is currently closed to queries. CMA asks writers to query only one CMA agent at a time.

Last checked 19 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Children's books, picture books, middle grade, young adult

Wants: Query letter, sample pages, portfolio

Looking for

Essie White is founder/literary agent at Storm Literary Agency, a boutique agency focused on quality literature from authors and illustrators, especially children's books.

How to submit

Essie White is closed to submissions according to Storm Literary Agency's official submission guidance.

Last checked 19 Oct 2026
Represents

Upmarket fiction, literary fiction, speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, dystopian, middle grade, young adult, picture books, lgbtq and, marginalized voices

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

Lisa likes upmarket and literary fiction with lyrical prose, memorable characters, and fast-moving plots, especially stories about friendships, parents and children, or people facing hardship due to gender. She is also interested in speculative fiction with literary/upmarket writing, cozy fantasy, sci-fi/fantasy partly set in our world, middle grade and young adult speculative work, and high-concept picture books.

How to submit

Lisa Gouldy is currently closed to queries, and email submissions will not be considered.

Last checked 19 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, picture books, illustration, author-illustrators, children's

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 18 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, new adult, adult fiction, illustrators, contemporary fiction, magical realism, fantasy, horror, romance, romantic comedy, romantasy, women's fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, spirituality, self-help, health and fitness, parenting, business, celebrity, lifestyle, pets, psychology, relationships and dating, true crime, bipoc voices, lgbtq and voices

Looking for

Lynnette Novak is an agent at The Seymour Agency. When she reopens, she is especially excited about BIPOC, diverse, and LGBTQ+ projects; illustrators for board books, picture books, illustrated MG, and illustrated covers; fiction and nonfiction picture books; MG contemporary, magical realism, contemporary or grounded fantasy, and horror; YA romcom, romantasy, fantasy, magical realism, and horror; NA contemporary romance, romcom, and romantasy; adult horror, dark romance, contemporary romance, romcom, romantasy, and women's fiction; and adult nonfiction including memoir, narrative, spirituality/New Age, self-help, health/fitness, parenting/family, motivational/inspirational, business, celebrity, lifestyle, pets, psychology, relationships/dating, and true crime by experts with platforms.

How to submit

Lynnette Novak is currently closed to all queries according to the official Seymour Agency about page. The page says to watch her MSWL page for updates when she reopens, but no current open official query route is listed.

Last checked 18 Oct 2026
Represents

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

Looking for

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.

How to submit

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.

Last checked 18 Oct 2026
Represents

Children's fiction, adult fiction, children's nonfiction, adult nonfiction, picture books, graphic novels, middle grade, young adult, literary fiction, romantic comedy, author-illustrated graphic novels

Looking for

Sara Crowe is founder of Sara Crowe Literary. She has 25 years of publishing experience and 20 years representing clients. She represents a diverse group of children's and adult fiction and nonfiction, from picture books to graphic novels to literary fiction and adult romantic comedies. Her official submissions page says she is looking for author-illustrated graphic novels, middle grade and YA fiction, children's and adult nonfiction, and adult fiction, specifically romantic comedies and literary fiction, with special interest in underrepresented voices.

How to submit

Sara Crowe is currently closed to queries according to the official Sara Crowe Literary submissions page.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026
Represents

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

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Looking for

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency represents fiction, nonfiction and children's book authors and illustrators, with a focus on diverse voices and previously untold stories through its SLM partnership.

How to submit

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency is not accepting submissions.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026
Represents

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

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

Looking for

Kaitlyn is looking for children's books (picture books through middle grade) in all categories, including fiction, graphic novels, nonfiction, and illustration. She is incredibly eclectic in her tastes, with a great affinity for emotional stories as well as funny stories. She is always looking for diversity in all forms, including but not limited to BIPOC, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+.

How to submit

Queries only accepted through QueryManager. Fiction requires query letter, first chapter, and synopsis. Picture book submissions should include short query and entire manuscript. Feel free to send 2-3 picture book submissions at one time.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Authors, illustrators, picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult nonfiction, adult fiction, children's nonfiction, gift books, middle eastern voices, disabled voices

Looking for

Lilly Ghahremani represents a wide range of authors and illustrators on both the adult and children's book sides. Her wishlist includes illustrators from the African diaspora and lesser-represented cultures, worldly children's books and art, children's stories rooted in cultural settings or personal experience, traditional cultural wisdom in modern children's books, children's nonfiction by experts, funny but smart picture books, books for kids of any age that center disabled characters, high-concept gift books with illustration or photography, and picture book, middle grade, and YA with Middle Eastern characters, settings, or themes.

How to submit

Lilly Ghahremani is closed to submissions at this time according to her official Full Circle profile, and the official submissions page says Lilly Ghahremani is closed except referrals. Full Circle accepts submissions via QueryManager only and does not review direct email or mailed submissions.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, children's nonfiction, board books, novelty books, kidlit

Looking for

Joyce Sweeney is Director of Kid Lit and Agent at The Seymour Agency. They have a passion for all kinds of picture books, especially nonfiction projects and lyrical, emotional texts, and will consider tough subjects in picture books, board books, and novelty books. In middle grade they prefer younger, shorter projects and chapter books. They are actively looking for genre YA of all types, especially from underrepresented voices and queer perspectives. Graphic novels should be young, realistic, and preferably illustrated.

How to submit

Joyce Sweeney is currently closed to submissions according to the official Seymour submissions page, so there is no open query route for Joyce at this time.

Last checked 16 Oct 2026
Represents

Kidlit, picture books, middle grade, young adult, contemporary romance, mystery, thriller, illustrators, author-illustrators

Looking for

Rosa Frazier is a literary agent at The Seymour Agency. Her official Seymour profile says kidlit is her passion, with emphasis on picture books, middle grade, YA contemporary romance, mystery, and thrillers. She is drawn to underrepresented BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled creatives, and encourages Caribbean and South American stories, folklore, and mythologies with representation of second languages and dialects. Illustrators and author-illustrators are also welcome when she is open to them.

How to submit

Rosa Frazier is currently closed to queries according to her official Seymour Agency profile and linked QueryManager status. Do not send unsolicited queries while closed.

Last checked 16 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

Rachel is currently closed for submissions

Last checked 15 Oct 2026
Represents

Science fiction, fantasy, children's books, middle grade, young adult, picture books

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Michelle is a literary agent at Storm with strong interest in heroic stories, science fiction, fantasy, and children's/young reader projects informed by her school and writing-contest background.

How to submit

Follow Michelle Hauck's Storm Literary submission guidelines when available, no current direct query route was confirmed in this pass.

Last checked 15 Oct 2026Via QueryManager

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