High-concept, character-driven middle grade and young adult novels with strong writing, compelling plots, and unique settings. Picture books that are character-driven with a strong narrative arc and surprise twists. Nonfiction about little-known historical periods or the natural world and STEAM concepts.
Sci-fi, stories that center grief, contemporary issue books, books dealing with sexual violence.
Kelly Dyksterhouse is a literary agent at The Tobias Literary Agency representing middle grade and young adult novels, narrative nonfiction, and author-illustrator picture books. She seeks high-concept, character-driven stories with strong writing and compelling narratives across genres.
Submissions should be emailed through Query Manager. Please check Query Manager for the days that submissions are open. For novels, please submit: - Query letter - One-page synopsis - First ten pages of your work For Author-Illustrators, please submit: - Query letter - Link to your portfolio or website - Entire picture book manuscript - Dummy or artwork
Last verified: March 13, 2026
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