GOLD members! It’s May! Read the following profiles carefully, click the links for more info on each agent, and decide who 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 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.)
Stefanie Molina of Ladderbird Literary Agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members from May 2-15. Rick Margolis of Rising Bear Literary will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members from May 16-31. Stefanie’s profile appears first, followed by Rick’s.
Time for your submissions to bloom!
Stefanie Molina of Ladderbird Literary
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 submissions, Stefanie replied:
“I’m looking for humor (witty and/or ridiculous, mainly) as well as the sweetest books with lots of heart. I love picture books that incorporate the outdoors, environmental stewardship, etc. with an emphasis on BIPOC in the outdoors. I’m always on the lookout for unique settings. Finally, I’m recently enjoying informational fiction by BIPOC and other marginalized authors.
No-gos for me at the moment include: lesson-driven picture books and food-centric picture books (although I enjoy these and can embrace them as part of a portfolio, I don’t lead with them at the moment for market reasons)
Overall, I continue to prioritize marginalized perspectives.”
Stefanie was a Featured Agent last year. You can find her previous profile post here. Additional resources are below:
- Check out Stefanie’s website.
- Find Stefanie on Twitter.
- Take a look at the Ladderbird Literary website
- Eastern PennPoints Interview
Rick Margolis of Rising Bear Literary
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. As SLJ ’s executive editor, he had the pleasure of interviewing many remarkable children’s book creators.
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.
When asked what he’s looking for in submissions, Rick replied:
“We’re most attracted to picture books with memorable characters, terrific writing, and a fresh or new take on things. We’re not the right fit for educational materials or stories that are mainly message-driven.”
Rick was a Featured Agent in previous 12 x 12 years. Read his past profiles here, here, here, and here. Here are a couple of additional resources:
- Check out the Rising Bear Literary website
- Rick Margolis on LinkedIn
- SLJ articles by Rick Margolis
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 Stefanie Molina from May 2nd at 8am ET/5am PT through May 15th at 6pm EASTERN/3pm PACIFIC.
- Submissions will only be accepted for Rick Margolis 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!
Not a 12 x 12 member yet? Join our notification for free events and be among the first to hear when registration opens for next year’s picture book writing challenge. Click here.
