Finding an agent for your children's book manuscript

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Finding An Agent

Finding an agent who will work well with you and will represent your work well is a task that is just as difficult and involved as finding a publisher.  Agents are selective and will not accept work that is not publishable.  Often agents won't consider clients who have not had something previously published.

It will not be an easy task to find representation, but if your stories are publishable - TRULY publishable - you can submit to agents whether or not you have ever been published.  You will want to be careful to select an agent that you get along with and to check the credentials carefully of any agent you are considering.

You can begin your research by acquiring the list of agents from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.  This list contains reputable agents who specialize in the children's literature market.

The agents have different criteria and guidelines for submission.  You should follow the submission process specified.  If there are no guidelines given, it would be wise to write asking what the submission requirements are and if they are accepting new clients.

There are several good books which list agents.  I've provided a list containing variety of these books. Access our list of Guidebooks for Finding Literary Agents and Marketing Your Manuscript to view books that will fill your specific needs for marketing your book to an agent.

Once you have located agents whose terms are compatible with your needs, you can contact them with a query letter and/or submission.  Response times vary greatly so be prepared to wait.  If your work is publishable or compatible with the agents' tastes, you will get a positive response.
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Some agents work with a verbal contract, others require you to sign a written agreement. If you are uncomfortable working with a verbal agreement, you can always request a written one and most agents will comply. Be sure you understand the conditions and terms under which you can cancel the contract too.

Best of Luck,
Sandy Cook

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