SUBMISSION
GUIDELINES
Thank you so much for your interest in querying one of our agents at The Purcell Agency. In order to streamline your submission, please refer to these guidelines.
Tina is the best agent for Middle Grade and Young Adult contemporary fiction, LGBTQ stories, underrepresented stories, Women’s Fiction, Limited memoir and romance. Tina is NOT looking for Fantasy of any kind for any age group. Also, Tina is NOT seeking any Picture Books at this time.
Amy is the best agent for KidLit creators from Board Books to YA. She loves highly commercial Board Books, quirky and clever picture books, rich narrative nonfiction, commercial chapter books, and contemporary or genre-bent YA. She’s always seeking stories that center neurodiverse, disabled, and LGBTQ+ characters. She’s probably not your match for epic fantasy or big-idea sci-fi. For more details check out her full Manuscript Wish List.
Paige is the best agent for Commercial Horror, Thriller, Mystery/Suspense, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Western, Speculative Fiction, select Romance, and Informative Non-Fiction for Middle Grade to Adult. She is NOT a good fit for Picture Books, Memoir, Fairies, Outer Space, Poetry, Religion. For more details, check out Paige’s full Manuscript Wish List.
Once you’ve determined which agent is the best fit, here is the best way to structure your submission packet.
QUERY
Paragraph 1: Agent personalization—Why are you subbing this agent for this project? Examples: Did you meet at a conference? Does it fit their manuscript wish list? Did they request it? (50-ish words)
Paragraph 2: Metadata—TITLE in all caps, word count to the nearest thousandth, age range, genre, potential unique structure (novel in verse, dual POV, etc.) and 2-3 comparable (comp) titles in italics published within the last 3-5 years (include publication date) and why they are comp titles. (50-ish words)
Paragraph 3: Pitch (100-200 words) What happens in your story and to who without giving away spoilers.
Character-Driven Stories—Who is the main character (characters if dual POV)? What do they want? What is standing in the way (conflict, antagonist)? What’s at stake if they don’t get it? Often written if the character chooses A they risk B, if they chose C they risk D.
Concept-Driven Stories—What is the core concept. How is the book structured? Why will this engage readers? What is the purpose of this book? (Often for concept-driven picture books)
Paragraph 4: Author Bio. Who are you? Do you have any publishing credits or platform? Why are you the person to write this book? (50-ish words)
Entire query should be between 300-400 words max.
SYNOPSIS
A one page 500 or word less synopsis including spoilers of what happens in this story. First time a character is mentioned type their name in all CAPS. Include major plot points of A plot and sprinkle in B plot points if words allow.
SAMPLE PAGES
The first ten pages of your manuscript including any prologue or the full manuscript if a picture book.
All submissions should be sent through Query Tracker. Feel free to email TPA to ask questions, but submissions sent through email will not be read.
Thank you for trusting us with your work. It is truly an honor.