Preferred Pronouns: he/him
Agent: East West Literary
Bio:
Jim Averbeck is an agent for East West Literary Agency, where he loves to help authors with books that foster critical thinking and anti-authoritarian attitudes get their books in print. He works, plays, and evades the law in Colorado, eight miles west of the continental divide. His first book, In a Blue Room, was a Charlotte Zolotow Honor book. His popular books Except If and Oh No, Little Dragon! feature charming protagonists with pointy teeth. His book, The Market Bowl and his middle grade novel A Hitch at the Fairmont were Junior Library Guild Selections. His most popular book, One Word From Sophia, was an IndyNext Top 10 for Summer 2015. Spy agencies can find Jim online at jimaverbeck.com
What I'm Looking For:
Prefer PB, dummies and portfolios, but will read everything except chapter books and early readers.
I’m looking for submissions that feature marginalized voices, foster critical thinking and focus on questioning authority. In picture books, I am look for illustrators with a strong, unique illustration style who also have well-developed writing skills and whose stories have a strong emotional core with an ending that evokes a feeling of comfort, closure, or epiphany.
In middle grade, YA and graphic novels I am interested in science fiction, low or historical fantasy, and literary fiction with memorable, quirky protagonists and steadfast supporting characters who break stereotypes and tropes.
All submissions should feature strong, smart young protagonists who cleverly overcome obstacles and should bring a fresh spin or outlook to the story.
I accept submissions from picture book author-illustrators, graphic novelists, middle grade and YA authors, and illustrator portfolios. For SCBWI attendees, I’m willing to look at picture book writers who do not illustrate, but it is a very high bar at the moment. I’m hoping that will change in the future. I do not take on early chapter books or easy readers.