Laurel Symonds, Agent - KT Literary
Laurel Symonds, Agent - KT Literary
Laurel began her publishing career in the editorial department of HarperCollins Children’s Books. She also worked in the marketing department at a small publishing house, in a library, and as a bookseller at one of the nation’s best independent bookstores. She began agenting in 2018 and joined KT Literary in 2022, representing picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, graphic novels, and select nonfiction. When Laurel is not reading, she enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Sherlock. Raised in rural New England and having spent a decade in New York City, London, and Chicago, she’s thrilled to have settled in the Pacific Northwest.
Laurel will provide WRITTEN-ONLY critiques
Laurel will provide 10 written-only critiques (5 picture books, 5 middle grade/graphic novels/young adult/new adult novels). If you purchase one of Laurel's critiques, you will need to prepare the following:
Genre – fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, fantasy, realistic, horror, mystery, science fiction, romance, biographies/memoirs, informational, humorous, STEM/STEAM, poetry/rhyme, folk tales/fairytales
Picture Books - send one complete picture book manuscript, no more than 800 words as a PDF file.
Novels - send 10 pages of the manuscript and a one-page synopsis for your better understanding of the work as a whole in one PDF file. Note: the 10 pages do not include the synopsis.
Your critique materials will need to be received no later than Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Post-Conference Submission Opportunity
Laura will accept submissions from attendees following the conference beginning Monday, November 16, 2026, to Tuesday, February 16, 2027.
She is open to submissions the following categories and genres.
Category – board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, graphic
novels, young adult, new adult
Genre – fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, fantasy, realistic, horror, mystery, romance
Attendees may submit their manuscripts and portfolios. Specific instructions will be provided at the conference.