It’s a new month and time for two more agents to accept submissions from our 12 x 12 GOLD members in August. Our 2020 Little GOLDen Book members will be able to choose one of these two agents to submit their manuscript to this month.
James McGowan of BookEnds Literary Agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members August 1-15. Erzsi Deak of Hen&ink Literary Studio will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members August 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 – 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 he is looking for in picture books today:
“My tastes really run the gamut in picture books, but right now I’ve a focus on non-fiction picture books, laugh out loud funny, and as always, picture books by BIPOC creators.”
James was a 12 x 12 Featured Agent in 2019. You can find our previous post here. Here are a few additional resources:
- Follow James on Twitter
- Interview on PBSpotlight
- Interview with Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
- James’ website
Erzsi Deak – Hen&ink Literary Studio
A little bit about Erzsi:
“Erzsi Deak is the founder of Hen&ink and looks for a terrific original story with an unexpected inevitable ending in fresh language that leaves room for an illustrator — and multiple re-reads.”
When asked what she’s looking for in picture books, Erzsi said:
“I’m particularly open to author-illustrator stories at this time.” Erzsi does not want rhyme, anthropomorphic inanimate objects (talking refrigerators), slice of life stories, or moralistic stories aka “Be Kind.” She does like diverse & #ownvoices, LOL funny stories, stories with huge heart, and books with multiple hooks/great hooks.”
Erzsi was previously a Featured Agent. (She’s also Julie’s agent, but don’t ask for any help. Just submit your best work!) You can find our previous profiles HERE and HERE. Below are a few more resources for Erzsi:
- Erzsi on Twitter
- Erzsi’s Manuscript WishList (#MSWL)
- Find Erzsi on Facebook
- Interview on Duotrope
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 tomorrow (7/31).
Submissions will only be accepted for James McGowan from August 1st – August 15th at 6pm ET/3pm PT.
Submissions will only be accepted for Erzsi Deak from August 16th – August 31st at 6pm ET/3pm PT.
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!
Want to make sure your submissions are tip-top? Grab this 7-Step Submissions Checklist.
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