Agenting
Besides being an author and illustrator, Jim is a literary agent with East/West Literary Agency. Here’s what Jim is looking for:
In picture books, Jim is looking 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 Jim is 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.
As a long-time volunteer for We Need Diverse Books, Jim gives special attention to stories that represent the true diversity of our world.
If you are interested in submitting, please adhere to the following East/West guidelines:
*The most productive query will include an “elevator pitch” or description of your book in sound bites that are clear, compact and commercial . Sell us, don’t just tell us! Include your credentials, any publishing history, and how you were referred to us; if you are querying several other agencies simultaneously, we ask that you indicate this in the query form.
*If you are a novelist, you may include the first three (3) chapters of the work; please do not submit the entire work unless specifically requested.
*If you are a graphic novelist, you may include up to 20 pages of your project; please do not submit any additional work unless specifically requested.
*If you are an illustrator, please include website portfolio links. Please do not send original artwork under any circumstance; we do not take responsibility for damage or loss of any original artwork that may be sent to us.
*If additional work is requested following the query, we prefer exclusive consideration of the requested work for one (1) month.
*Unsolicited e-mail query letters or submissions may not be responded to. While we have always striven to provide the courtesy of a response to all queries, you will hear back from us only if we’re interested; we’re not responsible for manuscripts submitted without regard to this policy, which supersedes any information listed in writers’ guides or on other websites.
You’ll be best served by an agent/agency who feels as passionate about the Work as you do–a necessary requisite of the book’s best advocate–perhaps that’ll be us!
F.A.Q.
For all your frequently asked questions needs.
I prefer to use Zoom for remote visits due to its stability as a platform. However, if your school uses a different platform, I am happy to accommodate. Just let me know in advance which platform to use, and I will make sure I will be able to present with it.
For remote visits, I do a test run 1-2 days before the presentation itself, which allows me to be sure that the set-up will work for the real presentation.
To arrange an in-person or single-school remote visit, just use one of the above buttons or the “contact” menu item to contact me. We can then figure out specifics together via email.
Yes! If you refer me to another school, and that school books a visit, I will give your school a 15% discount. If you are a district representative and book me for a multi-day visit, I will give you a 15% discount.
If you have any further questions or concerns, contact me. I am willing to answer questions, consider requests, and accommodate what I can.