Query Submission

Send a Query to Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary Agency

Miranda Paul is open to queries for board book, picture book, chapter book, middle grade, and young adult through a referral (please name who has referred you). I will also look at queries if you received a pitch like or request from me directly (please name where/how I requested), or through a conference or event you attended where I spoke (please name which one). Furthermore, I am ALWAYS open to queries from any/all creators who identify with an underrepresented group/background/identity within children's literature through YA—no referral needed, since I am always open to these diverse queries. (Underrepresented categories include race, ethnicity, nationality, immigrant status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, etc. Representation matters!) I am also open to author-illustrators who have at least one prepared dummy and a robust online portfolio geared to illustration of children's/teen books. **If you have accessibility needs and prefer to email your query directly to me ore request accommodations, you are welcome to do so. Please visit emliterary.com/contact to send me a message.**

Unfortunately, if your query does not fit one of these scenarios such as being a referral/conference or within the scope of the paragraph above, it unfortunately may slip down in priority or be or deleted altogether. The same is true if you query more than one agent at my agency simultaneously (even with different manuscripts). Please only query one EMLA agent at a time. Thank you to all creators for understanding my limitations. I look forward to reading and considering your work.

Step 1. Tell us about the author

Fill in these author-related fields.

First Name: (required)

Last Name: (required)

E-Mail Address: (required)

Phone Number: (required)

Street Address:

City:

State/Province:

Zip/Postal Code:

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

Website Address: (if you have one)

Blog 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 you previously self-published a book, about how many copies were sold in the first year?

If this query is a referral, who referred you?

Do you identify as someone from underrepresented race or ethnicity? Are you deaf, blind, neurodivergent, or disabled? A member of the LGBTQIA+ community? Please share your background if you feel comfortable. These queries are prioritized. (required)

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.

Is this book currently published or has it ever been published before? Yes No

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.

Before you query, get your query letter critiqued for free at qtCritique.com

Synopsis: Tips for formatting and pasting text Enter a short synopsis of your 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.

Before you query, get your synopsis critiqued for free at qtCritique.com

The First 20 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.) Upload the first 20 pages of your book, or your full book proposal if your book is non-fiction..

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

Before you query, get your pages critiqued for free at qtCritique.com

Pitch: Enter a one sentence pitch for your book.

Describe the Potential Target Audience for Your Book: 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)

Optional: Sign into QueryTracker

A QueryTracker account is NOT required to send a query. If you are not a member of QueryTracker, you can skip this section.
Or join QueryTracker, a free service that helps authors find agents and keep track of queries.

Signing into QueryTracker will link this query to your QueryTracker account, allowing it to be automatically tracked and displayed in QueryTracker.

Your QueryTracker Username or Email Address: Your QueryTracker Password:

Forget your credentials? Recover them at QueryTracker.

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Learn more about auto-tracking queries.

Final Step: Submit Your Query

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Important: After submitting your query, you will receive a personalized link to a special page that you can visit any time to check your query's status.

If the recipient of your query would like to read more, they will contact you through that page as well as through email.