GOLD members! Our new submission year begins February 2nd! Read on for information about our 12 x 12 February Featured Agents and decide who is the best fit for you and your work. Then read the guidelines on the forum as you prepare your submission. Be sure to double-check everything before you hit the send button.

Little GOLDen Book members can choose one of these two agents to submit their manuscript to in February. (If you are a SILVER member, you may use this info for research. Check out our How to Use 12 x 12 Featured Agent Posts article here.)

Christie Megill of the CAT agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members from February 2-15.  Jennie Dunham of Dunham Literary will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members from February 16-29. Christie’s profile appears first, followed by Jennie’s. 

Here we go!

Christie Megill of The CAT Agency

A little bit about Christie:

Christie Megill joined The CAT Agency as an Associate Agent in 2022 after interning with Writers House, Triada US, and Cardinal Rule Press. She previously worked in the editorial department at an academic press and as a children’s bookseller before gaining experience in elementary education as a classroom teacher, curriculum designer, and avid picture book reader. Born and raised in Connecticut, she now considers New York City her forever home.

Christie is eager to begin building a list of picture book authors and author/illustrators, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. While her taste is extremely broad, she’s especially excited to find fresh stories from voices that have previously been underrepresented.

When asked what she’s looking for in submissions, Christie replied:

“While my taste is broad, I’m very excited to find fresh stories and artwork from voices that have previously been underrepresented. I especially love clever humor, spooky stories, social emotional narratives, and I always like to see layers and depth, in addition to skilled writing. I’m not a good fit for books on grief; gross-out humor; or family changes like new babies, moving houses, or divorce. “

Christie was a 12 x 12 Featured Agent last year. You can find our previous profile on her here. Here are some additional resources for your research: 

Jennie Dunham of Dunham Literary

A little bit about Jennie:

Jennie Dunham has been a literary agent in New York, New York since May 1992. In August 2000 she founded Dunham Literary, Inc.

She represents literary fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Her clients have had both critical and commercial success. Books she has represented have appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers in adult hardcover fiction, children’s books, and children’s book series. Her clients have won numerous awards including: New York Times Best Illustrated Book, The Schneider Family Award, Boston Globe Horn Book Honor, and Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist.

She has been a member of AAR (Association of Authors Representatives) since 1993. She served on the Program Committee and was Program Committee Director for several years. She was also a member of the Electronic Committee.

She started her career at John Brockman Associates and then Mildred Marmur Associates. She was employed by Russell & Volkening for 6 years before she left to found Dunham Literary, Inc.

She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Anthropology and has a master’s degree in Social Work from New York University (although she only practices with characters on the page).

When asked what she’s looking for in picture book submissions, Jennie shared this:

• quirky, plucky, unusual characters – full of real emotions, making mistakes, and individual hopes, desires, and dreams
• strong narrative arc – unexpected twists, a rise in the climax, and a satisfying ending
• fresh premise – a story I don’t feel like I’ve read already, a different “take” on a topic
• strong voice
• own voices
• sense of playfulness, both in the story and in the use of language
• humor

“I like creative non-fiction that sheds new light on a topic, person, or event, especially if it shows a different perspective than readers have seen before.

“In both fiction and non-fiction I like diverse characters from less-represented cultures and heritages and stories that are unique to them.”

Jennie has been a Featured Agent with 12 x 12 since 2013! You can find our most recent profiles on Jennie here, here, and here. Additional resources are below:

• Find Jennie on Instagram. (You’ll find info on picture books AND queries!)
• Find Jennie on Twitter
• Check out the Dunham Literary website
• Jennie reflects on 30 years in publishing here
• Jennie has a list of book recommendations for writers here
• Jennie was a guest on the Writer on Writing podcast

Remember: Little GOLDen Book Members may only submit to ONE of these agents. Please choose the agent who is the best fit for you and your manuscript. Look for submission guidelines in the Submission Station on the 12 x 12 forum.

• Submissions will only be accepted for Christie Megill from February 2nd at 8am ET/5am PT through February 15th at 6pm EASTERN/3pm PACIFIC.
• Submissions will only be accepted for Jennie Dunham from February 16th at 8am ET/5am PT through February 29th at 6pm EASTERN/3pm PACIFIC.

Please double-check the times for your time zone on your submissions. Anything received before or after the submissions window is open will be disqualified and you will not be able to submit again this month.

Remember, it is NEVER okay to submit your manuscript twice. Contact Kelli if there is a problem with your submission.

Good luck to our new and returning GOLD members! We can’t wait to see your success!

Not a 12 x 12 member yet? Registration is open NOW! Come join the friendliest writing community on Earth. Click here.