How would you recommend writers proceed if their stories are too big in plot and character to be a picture book, but it’s not enough story for early middle-grade?
It’s exciting when you’re at the beginning of a foray into children’s publishing. It’s also confounding to newcomers. There are submissions, guides, query letters and a marketplace in constant flux. The good news? Many published children’s authors were where you are now. They lived to learn from their first submissions by going through a practical series of steps. That process often starts with literary agents.
In this post you’ll find a New Author Survival Checklist that should help you get organized before shipping off your first manuscript. You’ll also get valuable writing tips that take you behind the scenes of what it’s like to work with top literary agents (you can’t find these things anywhere else). And a glimpse at our Top 10 Literary Agent List as well as the most successful Literary Agent Companies in children’s books today.
One Reason Literary Agents Matter to Children’s Writers
It is one of the most competitive categories to break into: children’s publishing. Big publishers almost never take even see unagented stuff. Agents act as business partners. They’re the ones who complete contracts, defend your rights and put your book where it’s most likely to land on its feet.
Agents also understand trends. Some know picture books. Some are particularly strong in middle grade or YA. Picking the right match ups your odds dramatically.
New Author Survival Checklist (Children’s Books Version)
Before you query, make sure you can tick these things off your list:
Finish the Manuscript
Most rookie writers send out too soon. Children’s books depend upon rhythm, readability and voice. Even the shortest of picture book manuscripts require multiple revisions. Readi ng outloud WillPointoutpace hic-ups. Beta readers also offer a degree of emotional separation from your draft.
Maintain an age-appropriate word count at the end. The industry has norms:
- Picture books: 300–700 words
- Chapter books: 4,000–10,000 words
- Middle grade: 25,000–50,000 words
Agents know these benchmarks well.
Understand Your Market
Children’s books sell in categories. Agents can’t pitch your work If you don’t know what category you write in, agents are going to have a more difficult time pitching your work. Walk into a bookstore and look up the competition. Just feel out illustrations, tone and subject matter.
Do not attempt to write for everyone. Concentrate on the ages you enjoy being around.
Craft a Strong Query Letter
Your question file is often read before your manuscript. A good one includes:
- A concise story pitch
- Why the book matters
- Comparable titles
- A short bio
- Contact information
Avoid gimmicks. Professional tone wins.
Research Literary Agents
Never send blind submissions. Every agent is looking for something different. Many don’t represent children’s literature at all. Still others are interested in graphic novels or YA only.
This is where a good Top 10 Literary Agents List can come in handy. Check submission windows. Some agencies close seasonally.
Prepare Your Submission Package
Submission requirements vary. Some agents want full manuscripts. Others want ten pages. Follow directions exactly. Agents believe guys who write us and refuse our guidelines will be hard to work with on edit rounds.
Top 10 List of Literary Agents (Children’s Books)
Following are agents and agencies that have represented award-winning children’s books. This list crosses commercial and literary markets so debut authors can find where they fit:
- Steven Malk – Writers House (https://www.writershouse.com)
- Erin Murphy – Erin Murphy Literary Agency (https://emliterary.com)
- Holly McGhee – Pippin Properties (https://www.pippinproperties.com)
- Molly O’Neill – Root Literary (https://www.rootliterary.com)
- Jessica Regel – Helm Literary (https://www.helmliterary.com)
- Brent Taylor – Triada US (https://www.triadaus.com)
- Jennifer Laughran – Andrea Brown Literary Agency (https://www.andreabrownlit.com)
- Tracey Adams – Adams Literary (https://adamsliterary.com)
- Charlie Olsen – Inkwell Management (https://www.inkwellmanagement.com)
- Rebecca Sherman – Writers House (https://www.writershouse.com)
Those agencies have everything from Newbery Medal winners to picture-book best sellers.
Top Five Literary Agent Companies Owning Children’s Publishing
Here are some of those bigger firms to consider, because they have reach and long-time reputations in the industry.
- Writers House — International reach, with blockbuster children’s authors.
- Andrea Brown Literary Agency — They are great with finding new voices in YA and middle grade.
- Hemingway Publishers — Children’s books only. Highly selective.
- Pippin Properties — Concentrates on art-driven, emotionally engaging storytelling and illustrators.
- Root Literary — A contemporary agency, with a heavy editorial touch.
Larger agencies offer wider networks. Smaller boutique agencies provide dedicated service. There is no “right” answer, just the right fit.
Avoiding Common Submission Mistakes
New writers too often make mistakes that have nothing to do with talent. Here are frequent deal-breakers:
- Submitting before revision
- Targeting the wrong category
- Ignoring word count norms
- Not reading current titles
- Overexplaining plot in queries
- Lack of comparable titles
- No publishing awareness
Passion is something agents love, but professionalism is what divide the authors who are in it as a hobby and those who mean business.
How Long the Process Takes
Publishing moves slowly. Here is a typical timeline:
- Query responses: 1–6 months
- Revision rounds: 1–3 months
- Submissions to editors: 3–12 months
- Book production: 1–2 years
Children’s books in particular are an investment because of illustration cycles. Smart new writers are hip to this rhythm, so they’re not disappointed.
The Inspiration Factor
Children’s literature changes lives. Children remember the books that helped make them. Many writers began because one book made them feel seen. Do not lose sight of that goal. The industry can be slow. Rejections will come. But the best stories can outlive fashions.
Internal & External Resources
To deepen your research, explore:
- SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) — https://www.scbwi.org/
- Publishers Weekly (Children’s Books News) — https://www.publishersweekly.com/
- Bookwritingpioneer — https://bookwritingpioneer.com/
- Manuscript Wish List — https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/
Utilize internal guides, too, if your platform can provide them. When you invest in learning, new authors get confidence faster.
Technical FAQs
- Do children’s publishers require agents?
Major publishers do. Independent or educational presses do sometimes read unagented work, but not often.
- Should picture book writers contract with the illustrators instead?
No: Publishers generally match authors with house illustrators. Art portfolios should be submitted by author-illustrators only.
- How many manuscripts do I query with?
Most of us query one shiny manuscript at a time, but having doable projects waiting in the wings demonstrates long-haul commitment.
- Are multiple submissions acceptable?
Yes. Simultaneous submissions are standard. Only tell agents if the manuscript receives an offer.
- What is the file format that agents like?
Many request PDFs or Word documents in industry standard manuscript format with 12 point legible font and double spaced lines.
Guest Post Contributor: Author House Media
