It’s our pleasure to bring you some fantastic Featured Agents for May! Get to know these agents and then read the guidelines on the forum as you prepare your submission and decide which one is the best fit for you and your work. 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 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.)

Leslie Zampetti of Open Book Literary will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members from May 1-15. Sally M. Kim of Andrea Brown Literary Agency will be accepting picture book submissions from 12 x 12 GOLD members from May 16-31. Leslie’s profile appears first, followed by Sally’s. 

Here we go!

Leslie Zampetti of Open Book Literary 

A little bit about Leslie:

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

“At this time, I’m seeking more funny picture books with dry, sly humor—wordplay and visual humor are also a plus. Hopeful, encouraging stories are needed for difficult topics. I always enjoy picture books that hit the sweet spot between immediate kid appeal and appeal to teachers, librarians, and caregivers. And I always seek underrepresented authors and stories, particularly those with a disability.”

Leslie is new to 12 x 12! Here are some additional resources for your research: 

Sally M. Kim of Andrea Brown Literary Agency 

A little bit about Sally:

Sally M. Kim is an Associate Agent with Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She is looking to represent a wide range of children’s book authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators in the picture book, chapter book, and middle grade categories. Across the board, Sally is eager to see authentic explorations of underrepresented cultures, relationships, and identities. She is drawn to stories with a distinct voice, unexpected wit, aggressive pacing, punchy and/or emotionally resonant endings. When it comes to illustration, she gravitates to versatile artists using traditional mediums and those with a unique take on color, texture, perspective, and thoughtful details.

Prior to becoming an agent, Sally spent more than fifteen years in children’s book marketing and publicity at a variety of publishers including Macmillan, Penguin, and Chronicle Books. More recently, she has worked as an independent consultant for global children’s book publishers and literacy-related non-profits. Sally lives in San Francisco, California.

When asked what she’s looking for in picture book submissions, Sally shared this:

“I am eager to find picture book creators (authors, illustrators, and especially author-illustrators) whose work has a strong voice, memorable characters, and/or series potential. More specific things I’m on the lookout for include a holiday picture book series, stories with surprise endings, and witty read-alouds. Please don’t send me rhyming picture books. And I’m drawn to illustrators who skillfully blend traditional mediums with digital tools and who have their own take on texture, color, and emotion.”

Sally was a 12 x 12 Featured Agent last year! Read her previous profile post here. Additional resources are below: