Query Submission

Send a query to Jordan Hamessley @ Jabberwocky Literary Agency

What I'm Looking For:

Picture Books:

At this time, I am only looking for author/illustrators in the picture book space (no text-only authors). I would love to find a picture book where the art drives the reader’s experience like Brendan Wenzel’s THEY ALL SAW A CAT and I adore the way Jillian Tamaki’s OUR LITTLE KITCHEN brings the reader into the cooking experience. If you have the next PINKALICIOUS or PETE THE CAT, I want to see it! Mo Willems’s ELEPHANT AND PIGGY and Pigeon books are frequently in the bedtime rotation in my house and I’d love to have something in that space. I love an art style that pops and makes me pay attention like A PATCH OF SKY by Nic Yulo. I’m known for working on picture books that make you weepy and would love to have more that make you laugh out loud!

Middle Grade and YA:

When it comes to fiction across all ages, I have a deep affection for contemporary stories with heart and humor. I represent a broad range a queer creators and want to feature stories that celebrate queer joy.

That said, I’m open to genre fiction, as well. I lean more into cozy, romantic fantasies more than sword and sorcery. Give me all of those Studio Ghibli/Miyazaki fantasy vibes. And I love a good horror story. Bring on your ghosts, creepy forests, haunted houses, and murder.

I have a deep love of space travel and NASA and would love to see children’s projects that explore space exploration. SEE YOU IN THE COSMOS by Jack Cheng will eternally be on my “I wish I’d worked on that” list.

I’m a big fan of novels-in-verse and believe they are a great way to hook reluctant readers and explore tough topics for kids. Sharon Creech’s LOVE THAT DOG and HATE THAT CAT are big favorites.

I’m always on the hunt for new graphic novel illustrators who can bring a visual angle to the interests listed above!

Non-Fiction:

I’m primarily looking for non-fiction in the middle grade and YA space that brings STEM to life for young readers. What is THE RIGHT STUFF for kids? (Space nerd, remember?) How can we make math and science FUN for kids? QUEER DUCKS (AND OTHER ANIMALS) by Eliot Schrefer is a perfect example of the kind of non-fiction I’m looking for in my inbox.

I also love bringing to light history that is underrepresented. I’d love to highlight more queer history in the youth space.

Step 1. Tell us about the author

Fill in these author-related fields.

First Name: (required)

Last Name: (required)

E-Mail Address: (required)

Biography: (required) Tell us a little about yourself and any writing credentials you may have.

Website Address: (if you have one)

Twitter Handle (if you have one)

Have you previously published other books? Yes No

Have you ever been represented by a literary agent before? Yes No

If this query is a referral, who referred you?

Step 2. Tell us about the book

Fill in these book-related fields.

Title: (required)

Genre: (required) This agent only represents the genres shown in this list. Selecting an inaccurate genre will result in a rejection. If your book's genre is not shown here, please go to QueryTracker for a list of agents who do represent your genre.

Word Count: (required) Enter the approximate WORD count of your book. Enter numbers only. Do not include any letters or special characters.

Query Letter: (required) Tips for formatting and pasting text Enter your query letter for this book. (Tips for formatting and pasting text) Do NOT paste images into this field. Pasting large blocks of text can take several minutes. Please be patient.

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The First 10 Pages of Your Book (or full book proposal if non-fiction): (required)
(If your book is shorter than this (such as a picture book) please include the entire text.) Tips for formatting and pasting text Paste in the first 10 pages of your book, or your full book proposal if your book is non-fiction. (Tips for formatting and pasting text) Do NOT paste images into this field. Pasting large blocks of text can take several minutes. Please be patient.

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Pitch: (required) Enter a one paragraph pitch for your book.

Describe the Potential Target Audience for Your Book: (required) Who will want to read your book. For example, girls under 12, fans of John Grisham, etc. (500 characters or less)

Similar Books: (required) List some books that are similar to yours. (500 characters or less)

Step 3. For Artists and Illustrators

Provide illustrations or art samples, if applicable.

Link to online art samples or portfolio: (if you have one)

Upload Sample Artwork or Illustrations

Acceptable file formats: doc, docx, pdf.
File Size Limit: 2 MB (same as 2,000 KB) (Get help for large files)

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Final Step: Submit Your Query

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