GOLD members! November is creeping in and with it your last chance to use your 12 x 12 submission opportunity this year. Take a close look and decide who is the best fit for you and your work this month. 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 November. (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.)
Look for information in December and January on renewing your GOLD membership for 2023. There is a very limited time to renew, so be sure to read all 12 x 12 emails as we head into registration in early January.
Becca Langton of Darley Anderson will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members November 1-15. Amy Stern of Sheldon Fogelman Literary will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members November 16-30. Becca’s profile appears first, followed by Amy’s. Please read BOTH and then decide who would be the best fit for your work.
Becca Langton of Darley Anderson Literary Agency
Becca Langton of Darley Anderson Literary AgencyA little bit about Becca:
Becca is based in London but has a US focus and is the North American agent for the Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency. She’s looking for new stories in all shapes and sizes, from middle grade and graphic novels to teen and YA fiction. Becca reads widely but loves books with compelling voices, unexpected twists, and unforgettable characters.
For younger readers, she loves/hates the books that make her cry and is on the search for stories with emotional depth, dark humour, and clever wit and stories that stay with you beyond the final page.
When asked what she’s looking for in submissions, Becca replied:
“I am looking for stories that do more than just the words on the page, humour should appeal to children and adults, a little darkness goes a long way! I am looking for stories that are layered with writing and art for both the child and their grown-up. I love emotionally intelligent stories that explore issues that affect children and will resonate in their everyday lives. The stories that appeal are those that feel fresh but have a timeless quality. I am not the right person for pirate stories. I’m particularly looking for creators from underrepresented and marginalised backgrounds.”
This is Becca’s first time as a 12 x 12 Featured Agent. Here are a few additional resources:
- The Darley Anderson Literary Agency website
- Becca’s Manuscript Wishlist (#MSWL)
- Announcement about Becca’s US-focused role at Darley Anderson
- Profile on Published to Death
Amy Stern of Sheldon Fogelman Literary
A little bit about Amy:
Amy Stern has been at the Sheldon Fogelman Agency since 2010, working her way up from agent assistant to taking on her own clients. After developing her passion for children’s and young adult work while studying creative writing and English at Bryn Mawr College, she got masters’ degrees in children’s literature and library science at Simmons College, where she learned how to critically analyze children’s books. Her eight years in publishing have taught her how to read them with an eye for marketability as well.
When asked what she’s looking for in submissions, Amy replied:
“I’m open to any kind of picture book, but I always respond best when the creator is utilizing the form to the best of their ability. If the creator wants to work in rhyme, for example, I trust them to know the best form for their work, but I will hold them to high standards for rhyme and meter…Lines that don’t seem to add much to the story except provide a rhyme to a line that does will detract from the manuscript for me. Similarly, I really enjoy nonfiction, but I’m pretty particular with it; if there’s dialogue, I want there to be a citation for it.”
Amy has previously been a 12 x 12 Featured Agent. Please find previous profiles HERE and HERE. Here are a few additional resources for Amy:
- The Sheldon Fogelman website
- Amy’s Manuscript Wishlist (#MSWL)
- Profile on Chicago 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 Becca Langton from November 1st at 8am ET/5am PT through November 15th at 6pm EASTERN/3pm PACIFIC.
Submissions will only be accepted for Amy Stern from November 16th at 8am ET/5am PT through November 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!
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One Response
Question: When I read a bio like Becca’s, I mark those agents as “Not Picture Book.”
Am I eliminating too many agents? How would I know she reps picture books? (Sometimes I see an occasional PW deal for a PB from a non-PB agent, but I don’t see much of it.)
Thoughts appreciated!