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5 literary agents currently open to picture book submissions!

We are so excited to connect with Aashna Avachat, a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary, to chat about the world of publishing, and what advice she has for authors in the querying trenches!

I read so many manuscripts now that I can spot craft issues almost instinctively. I know why something works and why it doesn’t. I’ve seen enough submissions to recognize pacing problems, exposition dumps, and arcs that fizzle out instead of soaring. That level of immersion in story after story makes you sharper. It’s like living in a constant writing masterclass. But—and this is a big but—knowing something isn’t the same as being able to execute it. Because in writing

The moment a publishing offer comes in, everything feels electric. An author’s phone buzzes. I get to deliver the news: You did it. Someone wants your book. And for a minute, it feels like we both won the lottery. But almost immediately, the practical part of my brain kicks in. Because an offer is just the beginning. Now it’s time to talk numbers, rights, clauses, and timelines—the unglamorous fine print that shapes the author’s future.

You finally did it. You finished your manuscript, polished it until it gleamed, had a few beta readers swoon over it, maybe even worked with a freelance editor. You're confident it's strong—maybe even really strong. So why are the rejections still rolling in?

Querying feels incredibly complicated when you’re an author. (I’ve done it myself for years and know the pain!) Now that I’m an agent, it can be just as complicated, but for different reasons.

If you're a Latinx author with a story that celebrates your culture, honors your heritage, or amplifies your voice—you belong on these publishers’ shelves. Don’t wait for an agent to open the door when some of the best houses in the industry already have it wide open for you.

If you’ve been querying literary agents lately and feel like you’re shouting into a void, you’re not alone. It’s not your imagination—getting a literary agent has always been tough, but in today’s publishing landscape, it’s harder than ever. So what’s going on? Why does it feel like every “no” is coming faster, and every “yes” is even more elusive? Let’s break down what’s changed, what that means for you, and how you can adapt. 5 Reasons it's Harder Than Ever to Get a Literar

A query letter is the first piece of your writing a literary agent will read, so it’s important to get it right!

One of the biggest myths about traditional publishing is that a traditional publisher will take care of all of the marketing for you.

Paige Terlip is an agent at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She is based in Denver, Colorado and represents everything from picture books

At Home Author chats with literary agent, Adria Goetz about publishing and the querying process.

You’ve asked the big question.  The question that just about every author wonders about at some point in their writing career...

Want to hear a little secret? Rejection does NOT always = bad writing. I know; I was surprised when I learned that too! As writers (and human beings), we are taught that rejection means you are not good enough. Someone doesn't make the soccer team? They must not have the skills. Rejection from the college you applied for? Must not have the grades. So, after we pour our blood, sweat, tears, and time into a book only to have it rejected, we can't help but feel like our writing

If you’re reading this as a pre-published author, you’re in the best possible place to start building your social media presence. The earlier you start, the better off you’ll be.