GOLD members! It’s time to talk May submissions! Our 2021 Little GOLDen Book members will be able to choose one of these two agents to submit their manuscript to in May. (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.)
James McGowan of BookEnds Literary will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members May 1-15. Laurel Symonds of The Bent Agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members May 16-31. James’s profile appears first, followed by Laurel’s. Please read BOTH and then decide who would be the best fit for your work.
James McGowan of BookEnds Literary
A little bit about James:
Since interning at BookEnds as an undergrad in the summer of 2015, James McGowan has (basically) never left. He’s just continuously leveled up inside of BookEnds. He’s worked as the Literary Assistant and Social Media Manager for the team, and now he is an Associate Agent.
James is a Staten Island native, and just recently graduated with his Master’s Degree in English from the College of Staten Island. He’s been a reader since his mom gave him the first A Series of Unfortunate Events book, and ordered the sequels regularly through Scholastic book orders. When he’s not reading/working, James can usually be found watching an unhealthy amount of sitcoms.
Here is what James had to say when asked what she is looking for in picture books today:
“I’m open to any and all picture books.”
- Find James on Manuscript Wishlist (#MSWL)
- Follow James on Twitter
- James writes for the BookEnds blog
- Check out James’ website
- Interview on The Loft
- James is giving a workshop with Inked Voices in June
- Don’t miss James on the BookEnds YouTube channel
Laurel Symonds of The Bent Agency
A little bit about Laurel:
Laurel Symonds launched as a literary agent at The Bent Agency in Fall 2018 after nearly a decade of experience in the publishing industry. She began her career in the editorial department of HarperCollins Children’s Books/Katherine Tegen Books in New York City and has also held positions in the marketing department at a small publishing house, in a library, and as a bookseller at one of the nation’s best independent bookstores. As a literary agent, she is seeking children’s fiction and nonfiction, from picture books to young adult, particularly focusing on voices that have previously been underrepresented and stories that have been overlooked.
When asked what she’s looking for in picture book submissions, Laurel replied:
“I am open to a wide range of picture books and keep an open mind to those projects that surprise and delight. Generally, however, I’m not the best fit for issue books, overly saccharine stories, rhyming texts, or body/slapstick humor. I’m especially keen for projects from underrepresented perspectives that elevate and explore the relationships within families and communities.”
Laurel has been a Featured Agent previously. You can see our past profiles here and here. Here are some new resources for Laurel:
- Follow Laurel on Twitter
- Interview on EasternPennPoints
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 James McGowan from May 1st at 8am ET/5am PT through May 15th at 6pm EASTERN/3pm PACIFIC.
Submissions will only be accepted for Laurel Symonds from May 16th at 8am ET/5am PT through May 31st 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!
