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May 18, 2021

What Literary Agents Look For in Children’s Books: Insights from Adria Goetz

Literary agents occupy a unique position in the publishing industry. They evaluate thousands of submissions, identify promising talent, negotiate publishing deals, and help shape books that ultimately reach readers around the world. In this interview, literary agent Adria Goetz shares insights into querying, children's publishing, author platforms, book pitches, illustrator portfolios, and the qualities that help writers stand out in a highly competitive market. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or simply hoping to better understand the industry, her perspective offers a valuable behind-the-scenes look at how literary agents evaluate books and creative careers.

February 13, 2018

Lessons from Debbie Dadey: 166 Children’s Books, 42 Million Copies Sold

Debbie Dadey is one of the most successful children's authors of the modern era. Best known as the co-creator of The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series, she has published more than 160 traditionally published books and sold over 42 million copies worldwide. A former teacher and librarian, Debbie has spent decades helping young readers discover a love of books. In this interview, we discuss writing perseverance, traditional publishing, critique groups, finding time to write, working with co-authors, mentoring aspiring writers, and what it takes to build a long-term career in children's publishing. Although this conversation took place in 2018, the lessons about creativity, persistence, and professional growth remain just as relevant today.

January 1, 2018

How to Query Literary Agents: Examples, Templates & Mistakes to Avoid

Querying a literary agent is the process of pitching your manuscript to agents in hopes of securing representation. In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a query letter, what agents actually want, common mistakes to avoid, query letter examples, and how to track submissions professionally. Whether you’re querying fiction, nonfiction, or children’s books, this guide walks you through the entire process step-by-step.