Agents'-Eye View

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If one of your 2021 goals is to get agent representation for your picture books, look no further than this course bundle for guidance. With the market contracting somewhat due to the pandemic, it's essential that you know what makes a picture book submission stand out from the crowd, what agents look for in new picture book clients, and how you can make a career (yes - a career!) out of writing picture books.

Learn directly from three top literary agents with 50+ years of collective experience.

The AGENTS'-EYE VIEW OF PICTURE BOOKS bundle includes the following courses:

STANDOUT PICTURE BOOK SUBMISSIONS: An Agent's Perspective

Agent Adria Goetz of Martin Literary Management answers your burning questions about submissions, including:

  • What makes an agent take notice of a picture book submission?
  • What will get your submission thrown out?
  • What are the market trends for picture books submissions in 2020?
  • What is Adria looking (and not looking for) in picture book submissions?

HOW TO BUILD A CAREER AS A PICTURE BOOK AUTHOR

What does it take to build a long-term career as a picture book author and/or illustrator? Creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt as the market evolves.

Veteran literary agent Jennie Dunham, of Dunham Literary, shows how two of her clients have kept up successful careers over the 15-20 year period she's been working with them. In the process, she offers tips on how to navigate changes in the market and maintain a great relationship with an agent.

In addition, Jennie shares:

  • How many picture books you should write before seeking an agent;
  • How to evaluate an agent to determine if they are a fit for you;
  • Submission do's and don'ts; and,
  • To rhyme or not to rhyme, the perennial question.

FROM THE AGENT'S DESK: What Makes a Picture Book Great?

In this webinar, agent Sean McCarthy, of Sean McCarthy Literary Agency, shares what picture books look like on his side of the desk, including:

  • What separates a good picture book from a great one
  • Submission pet-peeves
  • How prolific should picture book authors be
  • His wishlist for fiction and nonfiction picture books
  • Plus, lots more!


Your Instructor


Adria Goetz, Jennie Dunham, Sean McCarthy
Adria Goetz, Jennie Dunham, Sean McCarthy

Adria Goetz is a Literary Manager at Martin Literary Management, currently accepting queries for picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, adult fiction (specifically female-driven thrillers/suspense and women’s fiction), quirky gift books, lifestyle books, cookbooks, and devotionals. She represents books for the general market, as well as the Christian market.

She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in English with a Creative Writing emphasis, as well as the Columbia Publishing Course. Adria worked for the Pierce County Library System for two years. Prior to becoming a Literary Manager, Adria fostered her knack for developing creative work during her three years as an intern and assistant at Martin Literary & Media Management. In 2019, she was selected as a Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree.

If you’re not sure if your project is right for Adria, she hopes you send in a query anyway because she would love to take a look at your labor of love!

Adria lives in an old Victorian home in the Seattle area with her husband Alex and their two darling cats, Maple and Mulberry. To learn more about Adria and what she is (and isn’t) looking for, check out her wish list. She tweets at @AdriaMGoetz.

Jennie Dunham has been a literary agent in New York, New York for more than 25 years. In August 2000. she founded Dunham Literary, Inc.

She represents literary fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Her clients have had both critical and commercial success. Books she has represented have appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers in adult hardcover fiction, children’s books, and children’s book series. Her clients have won numerous awards including: New York Times Best Illustrated Book, The Schneider Family Award, Boston Globe Horn Book Honor, and Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist.

She has been a member of AAR (Association of Authors Representatives) since 1993.


She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Anthropology and .has a master's degree in Social Work from New York University (although she only practices with characters on the page).

She frequently speaks at writers conferences and events.

Before founding Sean McCarthy Literary Agency, Sean began his publishing career as an editorial intern at Overlook Press and then moved over to the Sheldon Fogelman Agency. He worked as the submissions coordinator and permissions manager before becoming a full-time literary agent. Sean graduated from Macalester College with a degree in English-Creative Writing, and is grateful that he no longer has to spend his winters in Minnesota.


He is drawn to flawed, multifaceted characters with devastatingly concise writing in YA, and character-driven work or smartly paced mysteries/adventures in MG. In picture books, he looks more for unforgettable characters, off-beat humor, and especially clever endings. He is not currently interested in issue-driven stories or query letters that pose too many questions.

You can follow Sean on Twitter for his thoughts on publishing news, the inevitable hipsterfication of Astoria, and the Mets' starting lineup.


Course Curriculum


  First Section
Available in days
days after you enroll

Courses Included with Purchase



Stand-Out Picture Book Submissions
An Agent's Perspective
Adria Goetz
$67
How to Build a Career as a Picture Book Author
Jennie Dunham
$67
From the Agent's Desk
What Makes a Picture Book Great
Sean McCarthy
$67

Original Price: $201


"Adria Goetz was amazing! I love her advice about querying - 'Don't let fear hold you back. Self-doubt can be paralyzing, and I think we all feel it. When you watch (Adria's) webinar I think you'll be inspired by her no fear message."

- Stephanie Gibeault, Author

"(D)on't miss the (Sean McCarthy webinar), friends! It’s well worth it! Thank you Sean for great info and guidance!"

- Shelly Cummings, Author

"Jennie, WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! Thank you for all your insights and knowledge. You are a rock star!"

- Lucy Staugler, Author

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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