It’s a new month and time for two more agents to accept submissions from our 12 x 12 GOLD members in September. Our 2020 Little GOLDen Book members will be able to choose one of these two agents to submit their manuscript to this month.
Rick Margolis of Rising Bear Literary Agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members September 1-15. Kaitlyn Sanchez of Olswanger Literary will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members September 16-30. Rick’s profile appears first, followed by Kaitlyn’s. Please read BOTH and then decide who would be the best fit for your work.
Rick Margolis – Rising Bear Literary Agency
A little bit about Rick:
“For nearly 15 years, Rick Margolis worked for School Library Journal, the world’s largest reviewer of books for young readers. Five years ago Rick launched Rising Bear Literary Agency, specializing in what he most loves: picture books, early- and middle-grade fiction, and young adult literature. Rick is constantly looking for outstanding picture books and novels for kids and young adults. He represents everyone from award-winning authors and illustrators, such as Gary D. Schmidt, Kate Banks, Ron Koertge, and Jennifer Yerkes, to gifted newcomers. Rick is especially attracted to people who have something to say to children and teens, and he admires creative risk-takers who aren’t afraid to try something new or to shake things up.”
Here is what James had to say when asked what he is looking for in picture books today:
“I like to be surprised, and I’m a sucker for great writing and stories that are truly kid-friendly. I don’t have any particular style in mind for picture books, and I’m open to both fiction and nonfiction.”
Rick was a 12 x 12 Featured Agent in 2019. You can find our previous post here. Here are a few additional resources:
- Rick participated in Picture Book Party 2019
- An interview with one of Rick’s clients Josh Allen
- The Rising Bear website
Kaitlyn Sanchez of Olswanger Literary
A little bit about Kaitlyn:
“Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez is an associate agent with Olswanger Literary. She’s also a mom, wife, junior high school math teacher, and picture book author of humorous stories. She’s the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, creator of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest, and co-creator of Kidlit Zombie Week.
In her free time, Kaitlyn loves to play soccer, binge-watch shows on Hulu, and, of course, read. Her favorites are historical fiction, short stories, dramas, fantasies, mysteries, and of course picture books! She especially loves it when her husband, daughter, and her all cozy up and read together.”
When asked what she’s looking for in picture books, Kaitlyn said:
“I LOVE emotion, not super saccharine though. I adore super funny and playful! The biggest thing to break into the picture book scene is something very unique and different. I do love STEM, but I can tell you from reading submissions and writing myself, it sure is hard to do a math picture book well. I’m open to writers and author-illustrators. More info here: https://kaitlynleannsanchez.
Below are a few more resources for Kaitlyn:
- Kaitlyn’s website
- Interview on Only Picture Books
- Interview on PB Spotlight
- Kaitlyn on Twitter
- Kaitlyn’s interview with our own Dani Duck!
- Interview with Story Catcher Publishing
Please note: Kaitlyn is closed to submissions but she’s open to submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members during this submission window. Please check the forum for submission guidelines.
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 Rick Margolis from September 1st – 15th at 6pm ET/3pm PT.
Submissions will only be accepted for Kaitlyn Sanchez from September 16th – 30th 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.
