Why You Need a Literary Agent (and How to Find the Right One)
One of the questions I’m asked most often by students, editing clients, and fellow picture book creators alike, is: Do I really need a literary agent? And if so, how do I find the right one?
The answer is yes—you do need one. Especially if you’re writing picture books. And finding the right agent is one of the most important career decisions you’ll ever make as an author.
Last week I touched on the submissions process just a bit in my post on getting started writing children’s books. This week I’m going to take a deeper dive into the importance of literary agents and how to find the right one to represent your work.
A good agent is more than just a middleman. They’re a business partner, career coach, and advocate—someone who knows the market, has direct connections to editors, can guide your manuscript into the right hands, and can negotiate the best terms on your behalf. Most major publishers won’t even look at un-agented submissions. Agents know what’s selling, who’s buying, and what individual editors are looking for.
And here’s the best part: agents only get paid when you do.
That said, you don’t want just any agent—you want the right one. Someone with a proven track record in picture books, a passion for your work, and the connections to help it succeed. A great author-agent match is like a marriage: the wrong one can do more harm than good.
Do Your Research
Here’s a piece of vitally important information: A pass from one agent usually means a pass from the whole agency. So before submitting, it’s essential to take the time to research thoroughly. Look for:
– Agents who represent picture books.
– Agents whose preferences align with your manuscript’s style and content.
– Red flags—like agents who don’t like anthropomorphic animals, when your hero is a talking dog.
It might be tempting to outsource this part—to ask a friend for agent recommendations or referrals, or rely on a list someone else compiled—but doing the research yourself is essential. You’re the best judge of which agents align with your voice, your goals, and your stories… and submitting to just any agent without doing the proper research can actually cost you a valuable submission opportunity. This is a professional relationship that will shape your entire writing career, and the time you invest in making an informed choice is time well spent.
Where to Look
There are a number of places to research agents to learn more about them, their preferences, and their submission guidelines. Here are just a few…
Print Guides
Print guides like Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market (published by Writer’s Digest) and Literary Marketplace are a great place to start. Just make sure you’re studying the most current edition, and always cross-reference with the agent’s website before submitting.
Online Tools
Publisher’s Marketplace – Worth the $25/month for info on deals and who repped what.
QueryTracker.net – Helps track submissions and includes agent data and user feedback.
Manuscript Wish List – Searchable database of agents’ wish lists.
Other resources include AgentQuery.com, Association of American Literary Agents, and Kidlit411
Organizations & Conferences
Agents who aren’t open to submissions often make exceptions when they appear at conferences, workshops, or writing programs. Check out last week’s post on getting started in children’s publishing for a list of the best ones, as well as a list of podcasts that focus on children’s literature and feature or discuss agents.
Social Media & Pitch Events
Follow agents on platforms like Instagram and Bluesky. Search hashtags like #MSWL, #Kidlit, and #QueryTip. Look out for pitch events like #PBPitch and #DVPit—but follow the rules carefully!
Ready to Submit?
Once you’ve done your research:
- Build and prioritize your agent list.
- Track your submissions using QueryTracker or a spreadsheet.
- Submit in small batches (3–5 at a time) to assess responses and adjust if needed.
- And of course… polish that query!
The right agent can open doors and help you build a thriving, sustainable career as a picture book author. They’re not just gatekeepers—they’re champions. Do your research, be thoughtful, and aim high.
And if the process feels overwhelming? You don’t have to do it alone.
The Complete Picture Book Submission System is a step-by-step roadmap to the submissions process, co-created by Julie Hedlund and me. It’s packed with information, resources, templates, checklists, real-life examples, and a supportive community to walk you through every stage—from query to contract, every time you submit. It’s everything we wish we’d had when we started out, and it’s there to help you succeed.
To your success!
