[jennifer-papageorge Posts: 1 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

I am new here so I am looking for any advice. I have written two beautiful children's stories that I am in the process of looking for an agent.
Are query letters the way to go? Do you ever send out the story? Do you email even though the website says submissions closed. Is it safe to send out your story? Where do I start? Help!!

[Vijaya Posts: 7,331 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

Jennifer. Here you go: https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?action=faq;sa=show;faqid=8

[dewsanddamps Posts: 2,327 Status: Offline]

Welcome, Jennifer! Vijaya's link will get you to all sorts of answers, but quickly yes, you send queries to agents. You want to polish your query and have other people look at it, too. Sometimes something that's very clear to the writer...isn't to a reader. No, definitely don't query an agent who's closed. You can make a notation on your spreadsheet to check back on them later, but your query would simply be deleted if sent now. And follow the submission guidelines on their website. If they say to past the PB manuscript below your query letter, do that. If it's a novel, they may ask for the first ten pages, or the first fifty--whatever they ask for, give them. You're auditioning to work with them and they want to know you can follow instructions.
 

[DianaM Posts: 971 Status: Offline Writer, rhymer, runner, punner. WWW]

Hi Jennifer! Each agency/agent has their own submission guidelines. You can research each one separately. You can take a look at agents who rep authors with work similar to yours, perhaps. Some writers get a temporary subscription to Publishers Marketplace to see what's selling. Sometimes Google helps, too. And yes, it's safe to send your story to reputable agencies. Do not send if they are "closed" as that would be a waste of time.

Are you a scbwi member? They'll send you lots of useful info in this regard. You can also get a copy of children's writers and illustrators marketplace (cwim) at your library.

Definitely check out the link Vijaya posted!