37 Comments

1. 

   BJ Taylor on February 14, 2023 at 7:48 pm

   I am a new author. I have completed a children’s picture book, no illustrations. it has a message I haven’t heard often in children’s books, but a necessary and interesting message. I am going through your list of literary agents/publishers/editors, and seem to hit a dead end often about picture books. Can you give me an idea of how to narrow down the search? I am most appreciative.

2. 

   Sandra McKay on October 11, 2022 at 3:13 pm

   This year, I released a historical novel, self-published, with modest success. My next project will be a children’s picture book, and everyone I have talked to believes the story is exciting and marketable, so I have decided to approach traditional publishing. My question is, if an agent or publisher requests my manuscript, should it include illustrations or is illustrating done internally by the publisher?

3. 

   Fergason on August 23, 2022 at 6:43 pm

   I am a new author for children’s books . I have a small book that is a first in a series of 8 imaginary characters I created starting with ” Treasure Chester ” Each book has a plush toy that can be purchased with it. Do you have any suggestions. Thank you DeeDee

4. 

   Dee marshall on July 12, 2022 at 8:25 pm

   Hello I am for a spanish speaking agent for easy readers my two children’s books are written in Spanish and english and promote positive adventures sailing the Caribbean . Looked through your list but none stood out. I created my own illustrations while onboard cruising. Thank you so much for any suggestions!

   • 

     Cole Salao on July 16, 2022 at 1:30 pm

     Hello Dee, I’m not familiar with each agent so I can’t give a specific suggestion. Have you looked at their manuscript wishlists? You might find something in line with your book.

5. 

   Suzanne M Lowe on May 26, 2022 at 7:58 pm

   Hi, I want to know if I can use unnamed pictures that I have collected in children book, those pictures are mostly about nature, places, animals, food, cars etc. nothing violent

   • 

     Kaelyn Barron on May 28, 2022 at 11:30 pm

     Hi Suzanne, I’m not sure I understand your question. Do you want to use the pictures in a new book? If so, where are they from? (Did you take/create them?)

6. 

   Abigail Lance on July 8, 2021 at 6:43 pm

   Hello, I am looking for an agent interested in children’s books. I have written several children’s books focusing on themes of inclusion, special needs, and the celebration of diversity. My stories are for any reading level because the stories are designed for adults to read to children but any child with an elementary level could read them independently as well. Thank you for your help. Kindest regards.

   • 

     Kaelyn Barron on July 10, 2021 at 5:52 pm

     Hi Abigail, thanks for your comment! I don’t know enough about each to make a recommendation based on your needs, but you can check out the agents’ manuscript wishlists to find ones looking for stories like yours.

     • 

       Tiffany Dobbs on September 13, 2021 at 11:08 pm

       Who is the best children’s book publisher? For a book series featuring teaching children to be brave and respectful?

       • 

         Cole Salao on September 18, 2021 at 9:49 am

         Hey Tiffany! We can’t really recommend you a specific publisher. As Kaelyn said, you can check out each of their manuscript wishlists to find your best fit :)

7. 

   Patricia DayHooks on April 16, 2021 at 3:43 pm

   I’m seeking to connect with successful fiction/children’s literary agents. Sample writing is available along with illustrative ideas. Are recommendations available? I’d like to reach Random House or Simon & Schuster for publishing.

   • 

     Kaelyn Barron on July 10, 2021 at 5:52 pm

     Hi Patricia, thanks for your comment! I don’t know enough about each to make a recommendation based on your needs, but you can check out the agents’ manuscript wishlists and also see who they’ve worked with before to find some that might be a good match.

8. 

   Patricia A. Black-Gould on March 22, 2021 at 4:53 pm

   Hi. I’m Pat. I wrote a short story that got published in a literary journal and also received both a state and national award. I’m turning it into a children’s book.
   It’s based on a true story of a young girl during the Holocaust. Her mother sent her to live in a convent in order to keep her alive. I was supposed to present the story in Washington DC at a conference but due to COVID, it was delayed until next spring. I do presentations on this work and it leads to powerful discussions about compassion and empathy. I would like to see the book contain a study guide to be used by groups in order to discuss the history and also topics that are relevant today.

   • 

     Kaelyn Barron on March 27, 2021 at 7:49 pm

     Hi Pat, congratulations on your story! I think your idea for a study guide sounds great.

9. 

   Apurva on February 8, 2021 at 5:41 pm

   Hi! I’m looking for an agent that would welcome a picture book for preschoolers that addresses power of positive thoughts and imagination. Can you please direct me to an agent? Apurva

   • 

     Dr. Theresa DeFranco on June 4, 2021 at 12:17 pm

     Good Day
     I just wrote my first chapter book (approx. 12,000 words). I am looking for a literary agent that is interesting in a story that includes aspects of fantasy, STEM, and a thread mindfulness tips throughout the entire book. Please advise.

     • 

       Kaelyn Barron on June 7, 2021 at 10:16 pm

       Hi Dr. DeFranco, thanks for your comment! I don’t know enough to make specific recommendations, you’ll have to check out the manuscript wishlists. But I’m sure you’ll find one that could be a good match for your story!

       • 

         Vince Cleghorne on August 26, 2021 at 8:58 pm

         Hiya.
         Thanks for this list. It’s the most informative I’ve found to date, and very helpful. Despite my picture books selling 92,000 copies in 6 months, and being the “For the kids: Spotlight author” in Publishers weekly (July 19th), I still can’t get an agent. On some websites my book ‘Bug Soup’ is named as the second bestselling children’s book in the US (I think they might be exaggerating lol).
         I received 2672 rejections off publishers and agents over an 8 year period, then I caught the attention of a US publisher and the rest is history. But the agent thing is puzzling. I have 5 published books, and my publisher is about to publish 4 more.
         Thanks again for the list, maybe it will get me an agent at last…fingers crossed :)
         Vince

         • 

           Cole Salao on August 28, 2021 at 9:42 am

           Wow! Those are awesome achievements, Vince. We hope you finally get the agent that’s right for you. Keeping our fingers crossed too!

       • 

         Anim on March 14, 2023 at 2:44 pm

         Hi, my four year old boy just recently self published 2 books and retains all rights. His attempt for Guinness Records requires that these books be traditionally published. My appeal is to get a publisher with whom we can go about and get this record.

10. 

    May on February 7, 2021 at 7:34 am

    Hi,
    I am interested in the world of children’s book writing/illustrating, and have been creating some fun-loving, rhyming children’s books. I would like to know the benefits of having a publisher vs self publishing? Thanks!

    • 

      Kaelyn Barron on February 8, 2021 at 6:26 pm

      Hi May, thanks for your comment! We actually have a post on traditional vs. self-publishing that you might find interesting. If you have any specific questions, please let us know! :)

11. 

    Mary Cicitta on January 2, 2021 at 6:39 pm

    This inquiry is for my daughter who writes creative, original children’s stories that she then develops into audiobooks. They are very creative and as she narrates them, one or two people act out the characters. Who would be an appropriate agent for her to work with for these audiobooks? Thanks, Mary Cicitta

    • 

      Kaelyn Barron on January 6, 2021 at 12:57 am

      Hi Mary, thanks for your comment! I really don’t know off the top of my head, and that’s a pretty specific question, so I think it would be best to start with a few agents from this list who are looking for books that have similar themes to your daughter’s, then explain this idea in a query letter and maybe send a sample if they accept samples. :)

12. 

    Brent Ruby on December 3, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    I am a research scientist that has been working with wildland firefighters for 25 years. My work has developed a comprehensive understanding of the physiology of the job. I have written a children’s picture book about a unique wildland fire crew from Montana (all dogs). It is a fun story that takes the crew through their pre-season training and into the fire season. It also includes learning objectives and could be used as an educational tool. http://www.wrangoandbanjo.com

    • 

      Kaelyn Barron on December 5, 2020 at 12:10 am

      That sounds like a great book, Brent! Thank you for sharing! :)

13. 

    Adele on December 2, 2020 at 8:51 pm

    I’m looking for an agent who knows the educational (social and emotional learning) market. So far, I have a series of 4 books suitable for parents, teachers, and group leaders to use as stories that stand on their own or as workbooks and/or a springboard for group discussion. They’ve been “kid-tested” in many elementary schools. Can you suggest someone?
    Thanks!

    • 

      Kaelyn Barron on December 10, 2020 at 12:33 am

      Hi Adele, thanks for your comment! I don’t know any off the top of my head, but I’m sure if you browse the manuscript wishlists you’ll find at least a few that could be a good match :) a lot of them are interested in nonfiction/educational books as well as fiction

14. 

    Herbert Stirling on November 9, 2020 at 12:34 am

    I have three books:
    One a children’ s book, about 30 pages, needs artistic work.
    Second, a book on religion, needing a wee bit of revision. About 360 pages.
    Third, a book on religion, needs full attention 300 plus pages.

    Might you be interested.

    With kind regards,
    Herbert Stirling

    • 

      Kaelyn Barron on November 12, 2020 at 9:36 pm

      Hi Herbert, thanks for your comment! We currently don’t publish children’s picture book (in case your book is a picture book). However, you’re welcome to submit your books on religion for our review. You can check out our submission guidelines here.

    • 

      hazel williams on November 18, 2020 at 1:42 pm

      Hello,

      I am new to this but have a concept and have written three children’s books along the lines of the 64 Zoo Lane series and wonder which agents would be my best option to approach.

      I don’t believe there is anything at the moment with the same concept.

      I’d be grateful for your thoughts on who to approach.

      Hazel

      • 

        Kaelyn Barron on December 10, 2020 at 12:36 am

        Hi Hazel, thanks for your comment! I think if you browse through the manuscript wishlists you’ll find at least a few potential matches. Many of the agents on this list are open to a variety of concepts and subgenres :)

15. 

    Marge Silvestri on November 5, 2020 at 4:04 pm

    Hi! I’m looking for an agent that would welcome a picture book for preschoolers that addresses racism through a positive , pro-diversity message. Any thoughts? Marge

    • 

      Kaelyn Barron on November 5, 2020 at 7:17 pm

      Hi Marge! Your idea sounds great! It looks like Elana Roth Parker (#23) is currently interested in picture books.

16. 

    JASMINE LAMBA on September 30, 2020 at 4:09 pm

    I want to share stories written by me 9 old year old daughter. Kindly direct me to the right person

    • 

      Kaelyn Barron on October 9, 2020 at 1:56 pm

      Hi Jasmine! That’s so cool that your daughter writes :) Unfortunately, we’re not open to fiction submissions right now, but you can check out this list of children’s book publishers currently accepting submissions: https://www.tckpublishing.com/childrens-book-publishers/. I hope this helps :)