Literary Agent Interview: Syrone Harvey and Query Critique Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to have agent Syrone Harvey here. She is a junior literary agent at Belcastro Agency. 

Hi­ Syrone! Thanks so much for joining us.

Thank you so much for the invite. I love the Literary Rambles platform and the amazing resources that it provides! 

About Syrone: 

1. Tell us how you became an agent, how long you’ve been one, and what you’ve been doing as an agent.

I actually started agenting in a not-so-conventional way. For years, I juggled roles- as a non-profit caseworker, and as a writer/journalist/magazine editor. I balanced things for a while, then merged into writing, editing and proofreading. I eventually interned with several independent publishers, before finally stepping into agenting. It’s been an awesome journey. I also successfully wrote and published a 4-book children’s series with my twin sister. 

About the Agency: 

2. Share a bit about your agency and what it offers to its authors. 

Belcastro Agency is an independent, full-service literary agency. We represent and support a wide array of genre. The agency’s individual, client-oriented approach is what I really appreciate. We are an editorial agency, and enjoy the process of development with our writers. Belcastro Agency is hands-on and career focused. Our clients and their projects truly matter. 

What She’s Looking For: 

3. What age groups do you represent—picture books, MG, and/or YA? What genres do you represent, and what are you looking for in submissions for these genres? 

Right now, my wish list is pretty open. I represent creative, imaginative, PB’s. MG and YA’s that are real, emotionally driven, and offer strong, marginalized voices. With Adult Fiction, I am interested in rich, compelling stories, with multi-layered, characters. I especially love a family and friendship trope with heart-stirring concepts. 

4. Is there anything you would be especially excited to seeing in the genres you are interested in? 

Anything with surprises, especially stories that catch me off guard is appealing. Like most agents, I am looking for the unique factor, stories that keep me hooked and pulled in from the beginning to the end. 

What She Isn’t Looking For: 

5. What types of submissions are you not interested in? 

I’m not interested in horror, paranormal or sci-fi. Absolutely no sexual assault, abuse, graphic violence or erotica. No short stories, novellas or poetry collections. My wish list is available on the Belcastro website. 

Agent Philosophy: 

6. What is your philosophy as an agent both in terms of the authors you want to work with and the books you want to represent? 

The author-agent relationship is a unique one. It’s important that share a great working connection. Communication is key. I love the collaborative process, especially with debut authors. It’s an honor and a thrill to support the work and dreams of debut authors. 

Editorial Agent: 

7. Are you an editorial agent? If so, what is your process like when you’re working with your authors before submitting to editors? 

I am a developmental agent. I work closely with my clients to ensure the success of their manuscript. I focus on making sure that the manuscript is solid and ready to go on submission. Because this is a collaborative process, it’s important that there is a good working relationship. It’s also essential that my clients and I share the same vision for their project. It definitely has to be mutual.   

Query Methods and Submission Guidelines: (Always verify before submitting) 

8. How should authors query you and what do you want to see with the query letter? 

We use a submission link which leads to a query form. I suggest that querying writers check out my wish list on the Belcastro website before submitting. The query link is available on the webpage. The query form will request a query, bio, synopsis and the first 20 pages. I will send a request for more, if I am interested in reading the full manuscript. 

9. Do you have any specific dislikes in query letters or the first pages submitted to you? 

Get to the point. Balance and flow are essential. The query letter is about the story. It’s a turn off for me, when a writer spends more time talking about their background and writing process before actually introducing the story. I want to engage with the concept of the story and need to be drawn in from the beginning. 

Response Time: 

10. What’s your response time to queries and requests for more pages of a manuscript? 

My response time is based on my work flow. I periodically close my query inbox to new submissions, simply because I want to give myself sufficient time to review and read through each project that I receive. I realize that waiting is nerve-wracking, but sometimes a little extra time could be a good thing. 

Self-Published and Small Press Authors: 

11.  Are you open to representing authors who have self-published or been published by smaller presses? What advice do you have for them if they want to try to find an agent to represent them?

While I don’t represent projects that have previously been self-published, I do work with authors who have previously published with smaller publishers, or have a new project needing representation. Don’t be afraid to submit new projects. On rare occasions, a publisher may offer a second glance at a previously self-published project, but it’s more desirable to receive something that has not yet been published or has been previously represented. 

Clients: 

12. Who are some of the authors you represent?

Many of the writers that I represent are debut authors. I love working with novice authors due to the developmental aspect of things. I currently represent a variety of genre, which I love. It’s so much fun working with different types of projects, and the authors with different writing styles. 

Interviews and Guest Posts: 

13. Please share the links to any interviews, guest posts, and podcasts you think would be helpful to writers interested in querying you. 

I often work with Writing Day Workshops- https://www.writingdayworkshops.com/ 

My wish lists can also be found on multiple websites: 

Query Tracker- https://querytracker.net/ 

Manuscript Wish List- https://manuscriptwishlist.com/ 

Links and Contact Info: 

14. Please share how writers should contact you to submit a query and your links on the Web. 

Use this link to follow my wish list and access my query form- 

https://www.belcastroagency.com/submit-a-story/ 

Additional Advice: 

15. Is there any other advice you’d like to share with aspiring authors that we haven’t covered? 

Make sure that your project ready and is well edited. When choosing people to review your work, be objective. Make sure that you choose beta readers that will be honest, and will openly share their thoughts. Family members and close friends aren’t always as objective as you might need. 

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Syrone! 

Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or email me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com 

Note: These agent profiles and interviews presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found here is subject to change.

 Giveaway Details

Syrone is generously offering a query critique to one lucky winner. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment through September 19th. If you do not want to enter the contest, that’s okay. Just let me know in the comments. If I do not have your email (I can no longer get it from your Google Profile), you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. Please be sure I have your email address.

If you follow me on Twitter or Bluesky or mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This is an international giveaway. 

Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or email me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com 

Note: These agent profiles and interviews presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found here is subject to change. 

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops 

Monday, September 14th, I have an interview with M.K. England and a giveaway of her MG Riley Dare: Slightly Witchy Sleuth 

Wednesday, September 16^th, I’m participating in the Falling Into Leaves Giveaway Hop 

Monday, September 21st, I have an agent spotlight interview with Tali Shammas and a query critique giveaway 

Monday, September 28th, I have an interview with Isaac Fitzsimmons and a giveaway of his MG Astra Fox and the Rise of the Wonderworkers

I hope to see you on Monday!

 

 

 

 

Literary Agent Interview: Jackie Garcia-Morales and Query Critique Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to have agent Jackie Garcia-Morales here. She is an associate literary agent at Storm Literary.
 
Query and Critique Giveaway Status Update: Jackie is offering a free picture book or graphic book through middle grade query critique giveaway. See the Giveaway Details for more info. She is also offering a special link for Literary Rambles followers to query her through DECEMBER 15: https://QueryTracker.net/query/JackieGarciaMorales/LiteraryRambles
 
Hi­ Jackie! Thanks so much for joining us.
 
About Jackie:

1. Tell us how you became an agent, how long you’ve been one, and what you’ve been doing as an agent.
 
I had the pleasure of interning at Writers House in 2025, where I developed a deeper understanding of the agenting process. Following that, I joined Storm Literary Agency in February 2026 and now serve in two complementary roles: Associate Literary Agent and Foreign Rights Agent.
Before moving into agenting, I worked in trade publishing across sales, promotion, publicity, and marketing. That experience shapes how I evaluate projects, consider their positioning, and identify opportunities for creators and their work.
As an associate literary agent, I am thoughtfully growing a list of authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators whose work I believe I can champion in the current market. As a foreign rights agent, I also pursue international opportunities for Storm clients and their work. Both roles require strategic thinking about how a project can reach the right editors, publishers, territories, and ultimately, readers.
About the Agency:
 
2. Share a bit about your agency and what it offers to its authors.
 
Storm Literary Agency is a boutique agency devoted to the long-term success of its clients. We represent authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators working across a wide range of genres, formats, and age categories.
 
One of the things I value most about Storm is the depth of experience across the team. Each agent has an individual list and distinct areas of expertise, but we can also draw upon one another’s knowledge and collaborate to maximize opportunities for our clients.
Our support extends well beyond submitting a single project. Depending on a client’s work and goals, that may include editorial development, career strategy, contract negotiation, domestic and international rights, and continued advocacy as their body of work grows. We want creators to build balanced, sustainable careers with a knowledgeable and supportive team behind them.
What She’s Looking For:
 
3. What age groups do you represent—picture books, MG, and/or YA? What genres do you represent, and what are you looking for in submissions for these genres?
 
I seek to represent authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators working across children’s and adult categories.
In illustrated children’s literature, I am especially interested in illustrators and author-illustrators who hope to build versatile careers across picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and other visual formats. I am drawn to distinctive artwork, strong visual storytelling, and portfolios that demonstrate both a recognizable point of view and an understanding of the market. 
In middle grade, young adult, YA crossover, and New Adult, my tastes lean toward commercial stories with strong hooks, memorable voices, and meaningful emotional cores. I am especially drawn to mystery, suspense, epic adventure, complicated relationships, and stories that are hard to put down.
For adult nonfiction, I am interested in knowledgeable writers who can make complex, unconventional, or specialized subjects engaging and accessible to general readers. My interests broadly encompass science, health and wellness, the natural world, spirituality, and unexplained or thought-provoking phenomena. I may also consider select lifestyle projects.
Across every category, I am looking for books and artwork with a clear audience, confident execution, and a compelling reason to exist in today’s market.
4.  Is there anything you would be especially excited to seeing in the genres you are interested in?
 
I am most excited by work that has a strong, easily communicated premise but still offers emotional depth, substance, or something meaningful for the reader to carry away.
For younger readers, I love humor, imaginative mysteries, high-stakes plots, STEM and STEAM concepts, and culturally grounded stories that center the child’s experience rather than prioritizing a lesson. I am especially drawn to unusual protagonists, clever problem-solving, friendship dynamics, and children discovering their own agency or power.
For older readers, I enjoy edge-of-your-seat storytelling, genre blends, psychological tension, layered motives, complicated relationships, antiheroes, and morally gray characters on quests who make readers question where the story goes next.
Across age categories, I respond strongly to confident voice, witty or fast-paced dialogue, carefully planted clues, atmospheric writing, unexpected twists, and stories that balance entertainment with a deeper emotional or intellectual layer. I am also always interested in compelling, well-researched nonfiction and striking visual work that tells a story of its own.
Some of my random specific asks are:

• The next Dexter or Hannibal with FMCs

• Soulmates that aren’t sure why they’re soulmates

• An epic mystery/whodunnit

• A “How To” for an apocalypse and a guide to crunchy/non-tox life

• Something awesome with UFO/UAPs and aliens

• A silly kid graphic novel that makes you laugh so hard you can’t breathe

• Art with universe building 

 
What She Isn’t Looking For:
 
5. What types of submissions are you not interested in?
 
I am not currently considering text-only picture-book authors, rhyming picture books, or authors whose work is limited exclusively to chapter books or middle grade.
I am also not the best fit for period or historical fiction, poetry anthologies, short-fiction collections, high fantasy, portal fantasy, fae or vampire stories, or books centered on a monster-school premise.
I am generally not interested in highly political books or work that is primarily religious and intended to proselytize. I am also not the right fit for stories containing explicit sexual assault, endings in which the main character dies, or work that teaches its message in a belittling or overly didactic way.
Although I appreciate animal characters in the right project, I generally prefer human protagonists in fiction. I am also cautious about queries that draw heavily from the identities, cultural experiences, or meaningful motifs of real communities when the creator does not have the relevant lived experience or demonstrated expertise to approach them responsibly.
Writers should review my current wish list on the Storm Literary Agency website or my personal website before querying. A broad category appearing on my list does not mean every type of project within that category will be right for me.
One practical note: if a category is not available on my QueryTracker form, I am currently closed to it, even if it appears on my longer-term wish list.
 
Agent Philosophy:
 
6. What is your philosophy as an agent both in terms of the authors you want to work with and the books you want to represent?
 
I view the creative-agent relationship as a professional partnership built on trust, communication, flexibility, and shared long-term goals. Writers and illustrators who are still learning how that relationship works should speak with other represented creators and consult reputable industry resources before seeking representation.
Because I come from a trade-publishing background, I value creators who understand the industry or are actively learning about it. I do not expect anyone to know everything before signing with an agent, but I do want clients who respect publishing’s realities: long timelines, a competitive market, the need for resilience, and the importance of receiving feedback thoughtfully.
I want to work with creators who care deeply about their craft, communicate openly, and remain receptive to thoughtful feedback. They should also feel comfortable explaining which elements of their work are especially meaningful to them and recognizing when a strategic pivot may serve the project or their broader career.
I also believe creators should develop their own platform presence over time. That does not mean everyone needs an enormous social-media following. It means finding thoughtful, sustainable ways to connect with readers, peers, educators, booksellers, librarians, or others relevant to their work. An agent is an advocate and strategic partner, but a lasting career is something we build together.
My role is not to take control of a client’s work or career. It is to offer informed guidance, protect their interests, advocate for their goals, and help them recognize or access opportunities they might not have reached alone.
The books and artwork I represent should have something meaningful at their center while also understanding and connecting with their intended audiences. I am looking for stories, projects, and art I can champion enthusiastically and position clearly in the marketplace.
Editorial Agent:
 
7. Are you an editorial agent? If so, what is your process like when you’re working with your authors before submitting to editors?
 
I consider myself moderately editorial, although the level of editorial involvement depends on the project and what it needs.
In my view, signing with an agent should not be the starting point for learning one’s craft. I am not a writing coach, introductory craft teacher, or art instructor. I am seeking writers and illustrators who have already invested in developing their skills and who are committed to continuing that growth throughout their careers.
That professional development can look different for every creator. It might include classes, critique groups, portfolio reviews, SCBWI webinars, wide reading and visual study within the category, trusted readers or art directors, careful study of comparable books and portfolios, or meaningful participation in the creative community to the best of one’s capacity.
Before submission, I review manuscripts and portfolios work through both craft and market lenses. For manuscripts, my feedback may address pacing, structure, characterization, audience, positioning, or clarity. For illustration portfolios and book projects, I may consider visual storytelling, consistency, range, character development, market fit, and how effectively the work communicates its intended audience and format.
I am kind but frank. When I believe something is weakening a manuscript, portfolio, or project, I will explain what I am seeing, why I think it matters, and what possibilities we might explore. I encourage clients to remain flexible without compromising the elements that are truly meaningful to them.
Ultimately, I would rather a client receive difficult but constructive feedback from me while we still have the opportunity to address it than encounter the same concern for the first time from an editor.
Query Methods and Submission Guidelines: (Always verify before submitting)
 
8. How should authors query you and what do you want to see with the query letter?
 
When I am open, creatives should query me exclusively through the QueryTracker. They should always verify my current status and submission guidelines immediately before submitting because my open periods, wish list, and requested materials may change.
I know there is considerable pressure to personalize every query with several lines about the agent. As someone who has also queried as an author, I do not expect everyone to produce a dissertation proving how thoroughly they researched me. Your time is valuable too!
The most meaningful form of personalization is sending work that genuinely aligns with my wish list and respecting the stated submission process. 
In a query letter: I want the project’s essential information presented clearly. Title, age category, genre, word count, and whether it is a standalone or has series potential. I also want a compelling elevator pitch, relevant comparison titles, and a true synopsis that includes the ending rather than a teaser that withholds it. For short work, I ask for the full manuscript. For longform work, I ask for 50 pages or a proposal. 
In opening pages, I am looking for confidence and control. I love a hook in the first line. I love being placed right in the action or the hypothesis. Always show, don’t tell! Shared pages should give me a reason to care, create curiosity, and establish a clear sense of voice and direction.
I value a strong, relevant biography section as well. Help me understand why you are the right person to create this book or body of work. Share the experience, expertise, lived connection, professional background, publication history, client work, platform, or credentials that meaningfully contextualize you and the project. Don’t be afraid to brag.
 
9.  Do you have any specific dislikes in query letters or the first pages submitted to you?
 
Although it is not an automatic deal-breaker, I strongly recommend learning the standard presentation expectations for your submission type. A manuscript or portfolio does not need elaborate design, but professional, readable presentation demonstrates familiarity with industry expectations.
In the query itself, I prefer clarity over cleverness. Do not bury the premise beneath a long introduction or rely entirely on vague promotional language. Phrases such as “nothing is what it seems” or “everything changes forever” tell me very little unless they are followed by concrete information about the characters, conflict, and stakes.
Personal details can be charming, but a bio focused primarily on pets or unrelated hobbies does not help me understand your creative background or connection to the work, or if you are marketable as a whole. Prioritize information that is relevant to you as a professional and to the project you are submitting.
Typos happen, and an occasional mistake will not cause me to reject an otherwise compelling project. What matters more is whether the submission is thoughtful, professional, appropriate for my list, and responsive to the stated instructions.
Response Time:
 
10. What’s your response time to queries and requests for more pages of a manuscript?
 
I ask querying creators to allow approximately four to six months for a response.
My QueryTracker form asks whether the creator would prefer the submission to be automatically declined after six months so they can move forward rather than wait indefinitely. Requests for additional material may come much sooner, depending on the project and my reading schedule.
If another agent offers representation while I am considering the work, the creator should follow the notification instructions included in the form.
Self-Published and Small Press Authors:
 
11.  Are you open to representing authors who have self-published or been published by smaller presses? What advice do you have for them if they want to try to find an agent to represent them?
 
Absolutely. I believe strongly in supporting independent authors and small presses. A history of self-publishing or working with a smaller publisher does not prevent someone from pursuing literary representation.
My first piece of advice is to be clear about what you are asking an agent to represent. Are you querying a new, unpublished manuscript for traditional publication? Are you seeking audio, translation, or other subsidiary-rights opportunities for a successful self-published book? Are you traditionally published but currently unrepresented and looking for support with audio, translation, or other world rights? These are different requests and require different information.
For a new manuscript, query it clearly as a new project and include your previous publishing experience in your bio. For an already self-published title, be prepared to provide meaningful sales figures, formats, pricing, publication history, distribution information, reviews, audience growth, and a clear account of which rights remain available.
On a case-by-case basis, I may consider successful self-published authors seeking audio or translation opportunities, as well as traditionally published but unrepresented authors seeking audio, translation, or other world-rights support. The book’s performance, available rights, and the creator’s long-term goals all factor into whether that partnership makes sense.
Do not hide your publishing history. Explain it accurately and confidently. Help the agent understand what you accomplished, what you learned, and what you hope to achieve next.
 
Clients:
 
12. Who are some of the authors you represent?
 
I am honored to represent a select cohort of amazingly talented illustrators. However, I don’t want to steal their thunder before they formally announce their agented status to the public. Thus, instead of listing them here, I’ll direct you to peek at the Storm website over the next few weeks to see the list of people I represent!
 
Interviews and Guest Posts:
 
13. Please share the links to any interviews, guest posts, and podcasts you think would be helpful to writers interested in querying you.
 
You can learn more about my background, publishing philosophy, manuscript and illustration interests, and current work through:
·       JackieGarciaMorales.com 
·       My Storm Literary Agency profile
·       The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast
 
Again, because interests and availability can change, writers should prioritize my current Storm profile, website, and QueryTracker form over older interviews or social-media posts.
Links and Contact Info:
 
14. Please share how writers should contact you to submit a query and your links on the Web.
 
When I am open to submissions, creators should query me exclusively through the QueryTracker form linked from my Storm Literary Agency profile and website. I do not accept queries through personal email, agency email, social media, or direct messages. 
Storm asks authors and illustrators not to submit to more than one Storm agent at the same time, so anyone considering querying our team should carefully determine which agent is the strongest match before querying.
You can find me through:
·       Storm Literary Agency
·       QueryTracker
·       JackieGarciaMorales.com
·      Instagram: @hellojaymorales
 
 You’ll also find me (less actively) here: LinkedIn | BlueSky | Newsletter 
*Important security notice: Storm Literary Agency has received reports of individuals impersonating me and other Storm agents. All initial query communication will take place through QueryTracker, and any legitimate email from me or another member of the Storm team will come from an official @stormliteraryagency.com address. Please use caution with messages from any other domain or unofficial channel.
 
Additional Advice:
 
15. Is there any other advice you’d like to share with aspiring authors that we haven’t covered?
 
Always. Here are a few things I’ve learned that I keep in my back pocket as an author myself:
Take craft seriously. Read extensively within your category, seek thoughtful feedback, revise carefully, understand the market, and remain willing to learn. Understand that, at some point, however, you must allow the work to leave your hands. 
Querying requires courage because it means inviting someone else to respond to something you have worked hard to create. The rejections that follow are unavoidable, but it is not always a judgment of your talent or potential. A manuscript, portfolio, or project may not fit an agent’s list, the market may be crowded, the timing may be wrong, or the agent may simply lack the right vision or relationships for that particular work.
Remain open to feedback, but do not reshape yourself or your work in response to every individual opinion. Look for patterns. Protect what is meaningful to you. Learn to distinguish between a change that serves the book or artwork and one that removes the reason you created it.  
As a professional, I also encourage creators to think beyond a single manuscript, portfolio piece, or project. Develop new ideas, explore your range, and consider the body of work and career you hope to build. A sustainable publishing career rarely rests on one project, one submission round, or one opportunity.
Lastly, always remember that publishing can move slowly, and the need for growth never truly ends. Build a professional presence that feels authentic and sustainable, remain resilient, learn to pivot with purpose, and keep creating as you adapt and evolve. 
 
Thanks for sharing all your advice, Jackie!
 
Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or email me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com
 
Note: These agent profiles and interviews presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found here is subject to change.
 

Giveaway Details

Jackie is generously offering a query critique free picture book or graphic book through middle grade to one lucky winner. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment through August 29th. If you do not want to enter the contest or don’t write picture books or middle grade grade graphic novels, that’s okay. Just let me know in the comments. If I do not have your email (I can no longer get it from your Google Profile), you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. Please be sure I have your email address.
If you follow me on Twitter or Bluesky or mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This is an international giveaway.
 
Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or email me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com
 
Note: These agent profiles and interviews presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found here is subject to change.
 

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops

 
Monday, August 25th, I have a guest post by Paige Classey and a giveaway of her MG Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer
 
Monday, August 31st, I’m participating in the Glam and Glitz Giveaway Hop
 
Wednesday, September 2nd, I have an interview with Dinesh Thiru and a giveaway of his YA My Killer Family Reunion
 
Monday, September 7th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Syrone Harvey and a query critique giveaway
 
Monday, September 14th, I have an interview with M.K. England and a giveaway of her MG Riley Dare: Slightly Witchy Sleuth
 
Wednesday, September 16^th, I’m participating in the Falling Into Leaves Giveaway Hop
 
I hope to see you on Monday!

Literary Agent Interview: Andrea Colvin and Query Critique Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to have agent Andrea Colvin here. She’s the president of and an agent at Andrea Colvin Creative Agency. 

Status Update: Andrea will be reopening to queries in June 2026. 

Hi­ Andrea! Thanks so much for joining us. 

About Andrea: 

1. Tell us how you became an agent, how long you’ve been one, and what you’ve been doing as an agent.

I’ve been an agent for just over four months! I started my agency at the end of 2025 after being laid off from my job as editorial director at Little, Brown Ink. But for a long time I’ve been what I call “agenting curious.” I was always a bit jealous of the ongoing relationships agents got to have with authors, whereas editors aren’t always able to acquire their next books, for a variety of reasons. My favorite part of being an editor was always working with authors, and now I get to essentially do that full time! 

About the Agency: 

2. Share a bit about your agency and what it offers to its authors. 

My agency represents authors and illustrators in the children’s space, from board books through YA, from heavily illustrated projects to prose-only projects. Because of my background in graphic novel publishing, my client list has graphic novelists strongly represented, but I also love working with picture book creators and middle-grade and YA authors. My overall goal for the agency is the same as most agencies—to make my clients money and get their work in front of the largest audience possible. But I do think a lot about the experience my clients will have working with me. I want everyone represented by ACCA to feel fully confident that I am working as hard as I can to advance their careers. I want them to know that I will respond to their emails right away. I want them to feel supported! 

What She’s Looking For: 

3. What age groups do you represent—picture books, MG, and/or YA? What genres do you represent, and what are you looking for in submissions for these genres? 

As noted above my agency represents authors and illustrators in the children’s space, from board books through YA, from heavily illustrated projects to prose-only projects. I’m looking for both literary and commercial projects. And I am looking for illustrators who want to illustrate other people’s projects, whether they are graphic novels or picture books, covers or interior illustrations. 

It’s harder than ever to break through the submissions noise these days, so I am looking for projects that connect with readers right out of the gate, where the first page plunges us into the story, tells us what to expect, and instills that urge to keep reading. 

4.  Is there anything you would be especially excited to seeing in the genres you are interested in? 

I’d love to see a very voice-y middle-grade prose novel or nonfiction manuscript. And a very innovative picture book or early reader with lots of layers. 

What She Isn’t Looking For: 

5. What types of submissions are you not interested in? 

I do horror or creepy stuff sparingly (though I have some clients who are terrific at it, I get scared reading it!). And I am taking on picture book authors (who do not also illustrate) only very sparingly. 

Agent Philosophy: 

6. What is your philosophy as an agent both in terms of the authors you want to work with and the books you want to represent? 

I want to represent diversity in every sense of that word. So I’m looking for authors of different backgrounds (to my own and to each other) and illustrators with different styles. I’m looking for books that are about diverse topics and are different from other books I represent. 

Editorial Agent: 

7. Are you an editorial agent? If so, what is your process like when you’re working with your authors before submitting to editors? 

Very much so (I always say, editors are gonna edit, and I am still an editor on the inside). And it’s getting so difficult to make it through the submissions process that I want all of my clients to be putting their best feet forward. What this usually means is that we have editing rounds before we go on submission. It’s not enough anymore that an editor can see the promise in a project; they must also see the execution. 

Query Methods and Submission Guidelines: (Always verify before submitting) 

8. How should authors query you and what do you want to see with the query letter? 

I am closed to queries for the time being while I work through my backlog, but I plan to open back up this summer. My submission guidelines are available on my website here. 

• Please send all queries via the Submission Form or to andrea@andreacolvincreative.com with “Query” in the subject line.
• Novels (middle-grade and YA): Please send a query letter, bio, and the first 10 to 20 pages of your manuscript.
• Picture books: Please send a query letter, bio, and your manuscript and/or dummy as an attachment. If you are an illustrator, please also include a link to your portfolio.
• Graphic Novels: Please send a query letter, bio, and your pitch packet which should include sample pages. Please also include a link to your portfolio.
• Illustrators: For illustrators seeking illustration representation, please send a bio and portfolio, and a brief description of your career goals.

*Though we do our best to respond to every submission, please note that our response time is currently 8-12 weeks.

 9.  Do you have any specific dislikes in query letters or the first pages submitted to you? 

Ask me again in a year! 

Response Time: 

10. What’s your response time to queries and requests for more pages of a manuscript? 

I’m running closer to 3 months right now, but I’m hoping to get this back down to 8 to 12 weeks. 

Self-Published and Small Press Authors: 

11.  Are you open to representing authors who have self-published or been published by smaller presses? What advice do you have for them if they want to try to find an agent to represent them? 

Absolutely. They should query the exact same way as unpublished authors. 

Clients: 

12. Who are some of the authors you represent? 

https://www.andreacolvincreative.com/illustrators

https://www.andreacolvincreative.com/authors 

Interviews and Guest Posts: 

13. Please share the links to any interviews, guest posts, and podcasts you think would be helpful to writers interested in querying you. 

https://youtu.be/cwYwsrVT51g?si=Z44zSXl9KEo5Um2G 

Links and Contact Info: 

14. Please share how writers should contact you to submit a query and your links on the Web. 

See above in the query submissions and guidelines section 

Additional Advice: 

15. Is there any other advice you’d like to share with aspiring authors that we haven’t covered? 

Try to remember that agents and editors are all human beings with busy jobs. They want you to be successful and they don’t want to ignore you! They are all making decisions about how to spend their time every day and they are often prioritizing existing clients and projects. And trust me, they are all well aware that you could have written the next Twilight or Smile or Harry Potter and they just haven’t found time to read it yet, and yes, they feel terrible about this! 

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Andrea! 

Giveaway Details 

­Andrea is generously offering a query critique to one lucky winner. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment through May 23rd. If you do not want to enter the contest, that’s okay. Just let me know in the comments. If I do not have your email (I can no longer get it from your Google Profile), you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. Please be sure I have your email address.

If you follow me on Twitter or Bluesky or mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This is an international giveaway. 

Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or email me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com 

Note: These agent profiles and interviews presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found here is subject to change.

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops 

Saturday, May 16th, I’m participating in the Moms Rock Giveaway Hop 

Monday, May 25th, I’m off for Memorial Day 

Monday, June 1st, I’m participating in the Very Berry Giveaway Hop 

Wednesday, June 3rd, I have an interview with Dana Swift and a giveaway of her YA When Dealing With Dragons and my IWSG Post 

Monday, June 8th, I have a guest post by Rebecca Caprera and a giveaway of her MG Eva to the Max 

Tuesday, June 16th, I’m participating in the Dad-o-Mite Giveaway Hop 

Wednesday, June 17th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Madelyn Knecht and a query critique giveaway 

I hope to see you on Saturday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Literary Agent Interview: Rob Broder and Query Critique Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to have agent Rob Broder here. He’s a literary manager at Martin Literary Management. 

Status Update: Rob just reopened to queries.

Hi­ Rob! Thanks so much for joining us. 

About Rob: 

1. Tell us how you became an agent, how long you’ve been one, and what you’ve been doing as an agent. 

I’ve been an agent for a few months now, and I became an agent after talking with my agent, Jen Newens about being an agent. We discussed everything involved and she knew my background, so it was a nice fit. I was considering becoming an agent when I sold our press, but other things at the time took over. I have received hundreds of submissions since becoming an agent and have signed to represent my first picture book author.

About the Agency: 

2. Share a bit about your agency and what it offers to its authors.

Martin Literary Management, founded in 2003, is a full service literary and media management agency. We focus on representing authors of adult nonfiction, fiction, and books for children and young adults. Our clients’ titles have appeared on the New York Times bestseller and other national bestseller lists, earned strong reviews, received many awards, and garnered national media attention. Many of our clients’ works have been optioned and developed for film and television projects and have helped promote speaking engagements.

 

We pride ourselves on providing thoughtful and considerate management of our clients. We also pride ourselves on being a modern literary agency capable of developing the many potential ancillary opportunities that exist outside of the book world.  

What He’s Looking For: 

3. What age groups do you represent—picture books, MG, and/or YA? What genres do you represent, and what are you looking for in submissions for these genres? 

I gravitate toward picture books, because it’s my comfort zone, but I represent any kid lit and graphic novels. I also like graphic memoirs. I first am looking for something well written, and the writing really knows the genre they are writing for. And then it’s the story. Something fun, creative and unique. If I read a submission I’ve never seen before, I get a little excited and want to reach out to that author. 

4.  Is there anything you would be especially excited to seeing in the genres you are interested in? 

Something extremely unique while showing me that you read the genre you write. 

What He Isn’t Looking For: 

5. What types of submissions are you not interested in? 

I’m generally not interested in rhyming picture books, and books about how much I love you to the moon and back. I’m not interested in how you rescued your dog or anything too violent or disturbing. 

Agent Philosophy: 

6. What is your philosophy as an agent both in terms of the authors you want to work with and the books you want to represent? 

I would say honesty and transparency. Be open to edits and rewrites to make your story the best possible story. If I want to represent you, it’s because I believe in you and see something in your writing.  

Editorial Agent: 

7. Are you an editorial agent? If so, what is your process like when you’re working with your authors before submitting to editors? 

I’d like to say I’m not, but with picture books, I can’t help myself and give constructive edits on making it the best possible manuscript possible. 

Query Methods and Submission Guidelines: (Always verify before submitting) 

8. How should authors query you and what do you want to see with the query letter? 

I would like authors and illustrators to query me through query-manager. If I request direct email, please do so. I’d love to see the query short and sweet and to the point. Get me hooked and make me what to scroll down to your manuscript. If I like what I’m reading, I’ll scroll back up and check out your bio. 

9.  Do you have any specific dislikes in query letters or the first pages submitted to you? 

You do not need to start your query with, “Hello my name is . . .” Because I know who you are based on the email or I’ll see your name on the signature.  So, I want to get hooked, so just start describing your story. 

Response Time: 

10. What’s your response time to queries and requests for more pages of a manuscript?

I try to say two weeks, but with the number of queries I’ve been receiving its more like three to four weeks. 

Self-Published and Small Press Authors:

11.  Are you open to representing authors who have self-published or been published by smaller presses? What advice do you have for them if they want to try to find an agent to represent them? 

I’m fine if they have been self-published or published with a small press.  If they have something new they are working on, I’d be interested in taking a look. 

Clients: 

12. Who are some of the authors you represent? 

I am currently building up my client list. 

Interviews and Guest Posts: 

13. Please share the links to any interviews, guest posts, and podcasts you think would be helpful to writers interested in querying you. 

I hope this link comes through… here are a bunch of articles and interviews through Writers Rumpus when I was a publisher. Hope this helps. https://writersrumpus.com/?s=broder 

Links and Contact Info: 

14. Please share how writers should contact you to submit a query and your links on the Web. 

Please submit through QueryManager listed here: https://www.martinlit.com/robbroder 

Additional Advice: 

15. Is there any other advice you’d like to share with aspiring authors that we haven’t covered? 

Like I said, please read the genre you write. Be authentic and your true self. And be open to rewrites and edits, while standing ground on your story if you really believe in it. 

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Rob! 

Giveaway Details 

­Rob is generously offering a query critique to one lucky winner. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment through April 4th. If you do not want to enter the contest, that’s okay. Just let me know in the comments. If I do not have your email (I can no longer get it from your Google Profile), you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. Please be sure I have your email address.

If you follow me on Twitter or Bluesky or mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This is an international giveaway. 

Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or email me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com 

Note: These agent profiles and interviews presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found here is subject to change. 

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops

 Monday, March 30, I’m participating in the Honey Bunny Giveaway Hop 

Wednesday, April 1st, I have an interview with Christopher Roubique and a giveaway of his MG Mythspeaker and my IWSG post 

Monday, April 6th, I have an interview with Jill Tew and a giveaway of her MG Rayana Johnson’s Giant Leap

Wednesday, April 8th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Saritza Hernández and a a 45-minute Ask-Me-Anything giveaway 

Monday, April 13th, I’m reviewing Jennifer Nielsen’s MG The Free State of Jax and Magnitude with a book giveaway 

Thursday, April 16th, I’m participating in the Rain Drop on Roses Giveaway Hop 

Monday, April 20th, I have an interview with Van Hoang and a giveaway of her MG Auntie Q’s Golden Claws Nail Salon 

Monday, April 27th, I have an interview with Gareth P. Jones and a giveaway of his MG Solve Your Own Mysteries 

Wednesday, April 29th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Erica Bauman and a query critique giveaway 

I hope to see you on Monday!