It’s a new month and time for two more agents to accept submissions from our 12 x 12 GOLD members in July. Our 2020 Little GOLDen Book members will be able to choose one of these two agents to submit their manuscript to this month.
Alexandra Weiss of Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members July 1-15. Laurel Symonds of The Bent Agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members July 16-31. Alexandra’s profile appears first, followed by Laurel’s. Please read BOTH and then decide who would be the best fit for your work.
Alexandra Weiss – Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency
Alexandra Weiss – Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency A little bit about Alexandra:
“Alexandra Weiss is an Associate Literary Agent at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Publishing from Columbia College Chicago, and currently resides in the Windy City. She has written for online publications and media websites such as Bustle as a Books and Features Writer, and has held several different positions within the Marketing and PR world. Previously, she was an Acquisitions Editor for an award-winning fiction and non-fiction anthology. Before joining as an Agent, Alexandra interned with JDLA for over two years. She has also interned for boutique book publicist, Kaye Publicity, where she assisted with numerous book publicity campaigns.
Here is what Alexandra had to say when asked what she is looking for in picture books today:
“I’m dedicated to representing marginalized creators and diverse books. I’m actively seeking work from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, genderfluid, and neurodiverse creators. I love heartfelt and thought-provoking picture books that capture real-life experiences as well as family and cultural traditions. Specifically, I’d love to see more picture books about blended families. I also love super wacky, witty, and hilarious stories that will make both children and adults laugh out loud. I’m a big science nerd and am always searching for picture books that introduce STEM concepts in an understandable and fun way for young readers. I’m actively building my list of author-illustrators and am open to all different art styles.”
Alexandra was a 12 x 12 Featured Agent in 2018 and 2019. You can find our previous posts here and here. Here are a few additional resources:
- Follow Alexandra on Twitter
- Alexandra’s website
- Profile on the Writing Workshop of Chicago
Laurel Symonds – 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 books, Laurel said:
“I’m looking for picture books full of joy, whimsy, and gentle humor. I’m not looking for rhyming texts, slapstick humor, or overly sentimental stories. I’m especially looking for picture books, and all projects in general, from marginalized or underrepresented communities.”
Laurel was a Featured Agent last year. You can find our profile on her HERE. Here are a few more resources for Laurel:
- Laurel on Twitter
- Profile on SCBWI Austin’s website
- Top 20 Children’s Book Agents on Bookfox
- Interview on Kite Tales
- Interview on Kathy Temean’s blog
- Part of the 2020 Colorado Writing Workshop
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 Alexandra Weiss from July 1st – July 15th at 6pm ET/3pm PT.
Submissions will only be accepted for Laurel Symonds from July 16th – July 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.
Good luck!
Want to make sure your submissions are tip-top? Grab this 7-Step Submissions Checklist.
One Response
Today, I went to the beach front with my children. Ifound a seea shell and gave
it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crrab inskde and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this iss completely
off toipic but I had to tell someone!
website