Ashlee MacCallum

Ashlee MacCallum joined Howland Literary after interning at Triada US. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Ashlee is passionate about championing marginalized creators and uplifting historically underrepresented voices. She gravitates toward high-concept, commercial fiction with bold storytelling, standout pacing, and a distinct voice that grabs you from the first page. Ashlee has a soft spot for speculative stories, mysteries, and anything delightfully weird.

At this time, I am open to submissions from picture book author/illustrators, graphic novel author/illustrators, and illustrators only. I’m searching for illustrators who specialize in the following categories: Board Books, Picture Books, Chapter Books/Early Middle Grade, Graphic Novels.

Illustrator MSWL

This is not an exhaustive list of what I’m looking for in the illustrator space and I’m open to art styles not mentioned below, but here is an idea of my taste and what I’m hoping to find:

• Character-driven storytelling (clear emotion, interaction, and narrative context)
• Commercial illustrations with steady child appeal
• Warm color palettes, textured styles, and soft graphics
• Clear, consistent visual voice
• Whimsical and playful spreads
• Controlled chaos depicting everyday moments
• Digital art that feels handmade and original

Graphic Novel MSWL

• Graphic novels across all genres and age categories
• Commercial hooks with layered characters
• Series potential
• Strong sense of mood, color, and design
• Creators who understand page turns, panel rhythm, and visual silence
• MG (8–12): Character-driven stories with humor, heart, and visual energy; friendship, identity, school dynamics, and adventure.
• YA (13–18): Emotionally rich, visually ambitious narratives that tackle identity, belonging, power, love, grief, or moral complexity.

Picture Book MSWL

I am searching for author/illustrator picture books with multiple, distinct hooks, clear/concise writing, and original concepts. Again, this is not an exhaustive list, but rather suggestions of what I’d most like to see in my inbox:

• Heart-warming picture books that celebrate community and resilience
• Whimsical stories that honor individuality and what makes us unique
• Stories that highlight culture, traditions, and belonging
• Silly, quirky stories with few words and unique storytelling
• Inventive and clever nonfiction, particularly STEAM themes and lyrical, narrative nonfiction that sings
• Gentle storytelling that tackles tough topics like grief, racism, chronic illness, divorce, or anxiety
• Humorous stories that stretch the imagination—puns are a plus!
• Holiday books with a fresh take or a unique twist
• Retellings of lesser-known fairy tales or legends
• Horror! Creepy picture books that allow young readers to explore fear, tension, and the unknown in a safe and fun way

Think: I Just Ate My Friend, The Book of Rules, A Hat for House, Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden, Tricky Chopsticks, Everyone Loves Lunchtime but Zia, Great Carrier Reef, Pando, A Place for Pluto, Love Grows Here, Missing Violet, Grumpy Monkey, Vampire Vacation, Stumpkin, Bone Soup

Submission Guidelines

At this time, I am open to submissions from picture book author/illustrators and illustrators only. I’m searching for illustrators who specialize in the following categories: Board Books, Picture Books, Chapter Books/Early Middle Grade, Graphic Novels.

Query Link: https://QueryTracker.net/query/queryashlee

Guidelines & Details