SCBWI Exclusive with... Kimberly Latrice Jones, Associate Agent, LCS Literary

Kimberly also served a significant TV deal with Warner Bros TV from 2020 to 2022 and is currently a skit writer for the Kountry Wayne Universe. She has penned op-eds for Time, Marie Claire UK, Essence, Pop Sugar, and i-D Magazine, and authored several books, including Why We Fly, a Sydney Taylor honoree, and How We Can Win: Race, History, and Changing the Money Game That's Rigged. She contributed a short story to the anthology Game On: 15 Stories of Wins, Losses, and Everything in Between.

A dedicated mother, Kimberly has appeared on The Breakfast Club, CBS Mornings, The Daily Show, and TMZ. Her contributions to literature have earned her places on several selection committees and advisory boards, including the Library of Congress' National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, and various honors such as GQ Germany's “Voice of the Year”-Award 2020, Black Women in Media Honoree 2020, The Root 100 Most Influential African Americans 2020, SEGL Golden Mug Award 2021, and Books All Young Georgians Should Read for I'm Not Dying With You Tonight (2021) and Why We Fly (2022).

What was your path to becoming an agent?

My path to becoming an agent began while I was primarily representing adult non-fiction. However, my collaboration with Connie Schofield-Morrison, who beautifully captures the rhythm of her neighborhood in her picture books like *I Got the Rhythm* and *Stitch by Stitch: Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom*, piqued my interest in children's literature. Inspired by her work and the vibrant stories I encountered, I expanded my focus to include children's books. 

When you are reading a submission, what is it that makes you want to represent the author/illustrator?

What compels me to represent an author is a strong narrative voice and the ability to resonate with young readers. I look for stories that celebrate culture and community, and that bring a fresh perspective to children's literature.

What can a client expect when they are working with you?

Clients can expect a thoughtful and supportive partnership when working with me. I take my time to provide detailed feedback and ensure that each manuscript is polished to its fullest potential, without rushing the creative process.

What's on your manuscript wish list? 

I am particularly interested in manuscripts that celebrate community, culture, and history. I'm looking for engaging picture book biographies and rhythmic texts that can inspire young readers.

SCBWI members who have a manuscript that fits Kimberly’s wish list can query her for the month of April: [email protected]