Finding a literary agent

by Careen O'Neill
25th June 2024

Hi,

After 5 months, I completed a manuscript for a children's picture book. I sent out to a handful of publishers and literary agents but so far have only had an offer from one suspected 'vanity publisher'. 
 

Most literary agents don't seem to be accepting children's picture book submissions and so I'm wondering if anyone can help with next steps or where is a good place to look? Any help at all would be appreciated as this is my first time doing this.

Thank you,

Careen

 

 

Replies

Hi Careen,

Congratulations on completing a manuscript! That's the first hurdle, so I hope you've allowed yourself a celebration.

There are, in fact, lots of literary agents who represent picture books in children's fiction, and are actively looking for new clients in this area.

The main word I can give you is: research! All agencies have websites, where there are usually detailed profiles from literary agents stating what they're after.

There's also a website called #MsWishList that a lot of agents use to list what they're looking for: https://mswishlist.com/agents/picture-books

However, it's also worth making you aware of a new addition to our Listings Subscription: Agent Pages. This product allows you to search our databse for agents who are currently accepting submissions for children's fiction/picture books. I've just ran a search and can find five pages of results of agents who are looking for picture book creators: https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/shop/subscriptions

Of course, you don't need to buy our product to access this information. It exists on the internet/agency websites/individual agent social media profiles, but the onus is on you - the writer - to do this research as you're the person who knows your work best.

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