Julie Romeis Sanders

Please read query guidelines carefully. I only accept unsolicited submissions via Query Manager.

I am currently seeking picture book author/illustrators, graphic novel author/illustrators, and chapter book/middle grade writers. I am selectively seeking picture book texts that are humorous, character-driven, have a unique point-of-view, or bring under-represented voices to the table. Fiction is my primary focus. 

My interests lean to books that are well-written, accessible, and have wide-appeal. I am eager to discover new twists, charmingly quirky characters, and writing so compelling it makes me want to dive into an unfamiliar topic or genre.

I appreciate stories with layers, stories of empowerment, stories of real kid life, stories about our relationship with nature and ourselves, and the occasional fantastical escape. I enjoy a clever mystery.

Global perspectives, untold stories, and inclusive approaches are particularly welcome!

I have a soft spot for heart and humor, evergreen read-alouds, quirky characters, rhyme (if it’s really, really good–think Julia Donaldson), and am a sucker for books about tacos or a character that gets eaten.

I don’t like to be a stickler about categories because every time I say I would never do a certain kind of book then one shows up on my desk that I completely fall for and I eat my words. 

I am not currently seeking Young Adult fiction or institutional non-fiction.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions are accepted solely through the Query Manager (QM) platform. Professional, polished, and personalized queries make a strong impression. Send your best work, and craft a query letter to include a hook or log line, introduction, short synopsis, selling points, recent comps, and your biography for best consideration.

Please include complete picture book texts or the first 10 pages of novel and graphic novel texts as part of the query.

Artists may attach files or share a link for with dummies and art samples. Please include a link to your portfolio as well.

If you have a special event QM link, referral, or we met during a conference/critique, please indicate on the referral line.

Please note that manuscripts emailed or posted will not receive a reply.

Guidelines & Details