September is coming! Fall into your submission opportunities with our September Featured Agents. GOLD members, read on to learn more about our 12 x 12 Featured Agents. Decide which one 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 September. (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.)

Karly Dizon of Fuse Literary will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members from September 1-15.  Emily S. Keyes of the Keyes Agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members from September 16-30. Karly’s profile appears first, followed by Emily’s. 

Here we go!

Karly Dizon of Fuse Literary 

A little bit about Karly:

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

“I’m looking for stories that have taken a new perspective on an already written tale, mythology/lore for the younger reader that not only entertains but educates, a unique concept or angle that I haven’t seen before.”

Karly has been a 12 x 12 Featured Agent in previous years. (Be sure to watch the current replay of her recent critique session. Link will be in your email.) Find her previous profile posts here and here. Here are some additional resources for your research: 

Emily S. Keyes of Keyes Literary

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 in picture book submissions, Emily shared this:

“I love picture books that are surprising and feel like the stories haven’t been told before. I’m looking for stories about BIPOC and queer children, particularly ones that center BIPOC joy (ex JABARI JUMPS, MY PAPI HAS A MOTORCYCLE). I’d love to find a stand-out character that could be a franchise. I like non-fiction and informational picture books with lyrical writing about fresh topics. I’m not usually the best fit for anthropomorphic animals, potty humor, or biographies.”

Emily was a Featured Agent previously. You can find her previous profile post here, here, and here. Additional resources are below:

• Keyes Literary Website
• Find Keyes Literary on Instagram
• Find Emily on Bluesky
• Find Emily on Twitter/X
• Emily’s Manuscript Wishlist

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 Karly Dizon from September 1st at 8am ET/5am PT through September 15th at 6pm EASTERN/3pm PACIFIC.
• Submissions will only be accepted for Emily S. Keyes from September 16th at 8am ET/5am PT through September 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 to our GOLD members! We look forward to your success stories

Not a 12 x 12 member yet? Join our waiting list here.