Emily van Beek, Literary Agent Emily van Beek is an active literary agent at Folio Literary Management, specializing in children's and young adult literature. She is currently open to queries and accepts submissions via email.
Folio Jr., the division of Folio Literary Management devoted exclusively to representing outstanding children’s book authors and illustrators, is committed to providing clients with thoughtful, individualized representation. The agency seeks to discover and cultivate compelling new voices and distinctive styles of illustration while strategically supporting established writers and artists as they develop their careers in publishing.
What We’re Looking For
Please note that my colleague Estelle Laure and I work very closely together. Any query submitted to me should also be considered a query to her.
New Adult
We would love to see:
Coming-of-age stories with series potential
Romantasy series with a fresh, irresistible hook
Cozy mysteries with series potential
High-concept speculative fiction
Juicy family dramas
Comedies, romantic comedies, and other genuinely funny stories
There is a great deal to explore in stories about first attempts at adulthood, and we are actively expanding our list in this area.
Young Adult
We’re looking for high-concept novels that are also exceptionally well written—bold, fresh stories with unforgettable voices and a strong emotional core.
We’re especially drawn to manuscripts that combine excellent writing with compelling plots and leave us either puffy-eyed or laughing out loud. We want emotional connection, drama, and hope.
We are probably not the best fit for message-driven books or hard science fiction.
We would especially love to discover a funny manuscript in the spirit of Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner.
Favorite YA titles include:
Tyrell by Coe Booth; I Will Save You by Matt de la Peña; I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson; The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley; Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor; Mosquitoland by David Arnold; Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow; Damsel by Elana K. Arnold; Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean; A Million Junes by Emily Henry; The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton; This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab; Dig by A.S. King; Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky; All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson; and Fable by Adrienne Young.
Middle Grade
We are selectively looking for exquisitely imagined middle-grade fiction.
We would particularly love:
Stories about crushes and the first stirrings of romantic feelings
Comedy and humorously mischievous stories
Strong, engaging plots suited to a middle-grade readership
We are not a great fit for road-trip stories or quest-through-the-forest-style adventures.
Favorite middle-grade titles include Far From Home by Jasmine Warga, Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Keeper by Kathi Appelt, Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell, and Pet by Akwaeke Emezi.
Picture Books
At this time, we are exclusively interested in author-illustrators, particularly those creating:
Award-worthy artwork
Character-driven series
Diverse stories by diverse creators
We are not currently looking for board books, novelty books, picture-book texts without illustrations, or chapter books.
Hints
No response within six weeks means a pass.