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US Illustrated / picture books Literary Agents

224 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

Serious nonfiction, literary fiction, children's books, graphic novels, history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, medicine, cultural criticism, popular culture, journalism, african american work, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult

Looking for

Tanya McKinnon is Principal at McKinnon Literary. She represents serious nonfiction, literary fiction, children's books, and graphic novels. She is always looking for work that takes her beyond current boundaries, including history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, medicine, cultural criticism, popular culture, journalism, and sheer whimsy. In fiction she looks for story- and character-driven engrossing work with a strong voice. She has a particular interest in multicultural and African American work, has a passion for graphic novels for adults or young readers, and represents children's books from picture books through chapter books and middle grade readers to young adult.

How to submit

McKinnon Literary's official Tanya McKinnon profile confirms her interests but did not expose stable public submission instructions or a public query route in this run. No third-party submission details were imported.

Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, science fiction, fantasy, narrative nonfiction, history, memoir, biography, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, children's fiction, children's nonfiction, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, credentials, synopsis, first ten pages

Looking for

Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, women's fiction, science fiction and fantasy, narrative nonfiction, history, memoir, biography, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult and juvenile work, picture books, and illustration.

How to submit

Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and 10 pages in the body of the email. Consult the agent's Publishers Marketplace profile for any agent-specific requirements. Do not query two Writers House agents simultaneously.

Last checked 18 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, children's fiction, children's nonfiction, ya, illustration

Looking for

Writers and illustrators across children's publishing, from picture books through young adult novels. Beautifully written stories and nonfiction that connect, inspire, and affirm the lives of young people.

How to submit

Submit via the Aevitas Creative Management contact and submissions form on their website.

Last checked 10 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Adult fiction, ya, grounded speculative stories, contemporary romance, illustrated picture books, middle-grade fiction, nonfiction

Looking for

Grounded, speculative stories, page-turning contemporary romance, non-linear storytelling, and elevated writing across the board. In children's books, Rebecca's looking for illustrated picture books with humor or heart that would work well for story time and middle-grade fiction that discusses big life moments. In the non-fiction space, Rebecca is interested in millennial experiences and perspectives, especially ones that challenge societal norms, or that feel fresh and from underrepresented voices. She's also interested in food, pop culture, psychology, and social commentary with hints of humor

How to submit

Email: rrodd@lgrliterary.com

Last checked 9 Jun 2026Via Email

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