Let’s spring into new submission opportunities for our 12 x 12 GOLD members! Check out each agent’s guidelines on the forum as you prepare your submission. Then be sure to read all the posts in the Submission Station of the forum, before you hit the send button. Little GOLDen Book members will be able to choose one of these two agents to submit their manuscript to in April. (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.)
Emily S. Keyes of Keyes Agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members April 1-15. Stefanie Molina of Ladderbird Literary Agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members April 16-30. Emily’s profile appears first, followed by Stefanie’s. Please read BOTH and then decide who would be the best fit for your work.
Emily S. Keyes of Keyes Agency
A little bit about Emily:
Emily S. Keyes is the founder of Keyes Agency, LLC. Previously she was a literary agent at Fuse Literary and a contracts manager/associate agent at L. Perkins Agency. Before entering the world of agenting, she worked in the contracts department of Simon & Schuster, Inc where she handled copyright, reversion of rights, and assisted with author contracts. In 2008, she graduated from New York University’s Center for Publishing. She uses her knowledge of contracts, copyright, and the publishing business to benefit her clients.
When asked what she’s looking for, Emily replied:
“I like all kinds of picture books but right now I am looking for lyrical writing and slice-of-life narratives like WATERCRESS. I love unexpected nonfiction books, about topics I have not seen before. I’d also love to see more diversity in the characters (whether race, religion, disability, neurodivergence, etc) that is part of the story but not the main focus. I am drawn to human characters for the most part, but make occasional exceptions for fun dragons, sea creatures, and the like. I am VERY picky about rhyme and like it to be unique and poetic, not sing-song. ”
Emily was a Featured Agent in 2021. You can see our previous profile of her here. Here are a few more resources for Emily:
- Check out the new Keyes Agency website
- Emily has a Bookshop.org site of books she’s sold here.
- Find Emily on Twitter
Stefanie Molina of Ladderbird Literary Agency
A little bit about Stefanie:
Stefanie Molina is an agent at Ladderbird Literary Agency. She is primarily looking for BIPOC stories across all age groups, especially urban fantasy, romcom, mysteries, and thrillers. In picture books, she loves stories that incorporate food, animals, and/or intergenerational relationships. Outside of agenting, she enjoys hiking, swimming, baking strange new things, and playing the piano. Her favorite place in the world is Yosemite National Park!
When asked what she’s looking for in picture books, Stefanie replied:
“I’m prioritizing BIPOC authors and I’m looking for stories especially about intergenerational relationships, gutsy girls making messes, and BIPOC in the outdoors. However, chances are if a story is about BIPOC people living their interesting lives, I’ll be overjoyed to read. I’m also open to nonfiction about BIPOC leaders, especially, again, in the outdoors.”
Stefanie is new to the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge. Here are a few resources for Stefanie:
- Check out Stefanie’s website
- The Ladderbird Literary Agency website
- Follow Stefanie on Twitter
- Interview with the Book Broker
- Profile on the Chesapeake Writing Workshop website
- Stefanie will be an agent-in-attendance at the San Diego Writing Workshop November 11-12, 2022.
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 Emily S. Keyes from April 1st at 8am ET/5am PT through April 15th at 6pm EASTERN/3pm PACIFIC.
Submissions will only be accepted for Stefanie Molina from April 16th at 8am ET/5am PT through April 30th 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!
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