An Updated Monster List of Picture Book Agents!

Logo by Dana Carey

I've finally done something that is way past due. I have updated the Monster List of Picture Book Agents! It was fun to finally dig in and get it done. And things have definitely changed! Not only some of the agents and agencies but the way I put the list together.

I used to do a lot of research for the Monster List. I tracked down interviews and linked lists of all the different places you could go to research the listed agent. It was a lot of fun and the way I feel that a writer should do their research when considering which agents to submit their work to.

Those old posts are still up but they are no longer linked on the list. Unfortunately, I don't have time to do that research anymore. And really, if you're looking for an agent it is good for you to do it! So, I've changed the list. It is easier for me and now, because I am not doing so many links, it is a much more monstrously big list for you!

Now you will find a list of agencies with links going directly to the agency submission page. If an agency has pretty clear and easy to find submission wants I simply have that link that takes you to the agency submission page. From the agency website, you can read the agent bios to see which agents are open to picture book submissions, learn about who they represent, and find any links they have provided. Of course, I recommend doing some internet searching as well. Searching keywords such as the agent name + interview or represented by can bring up good current information. Also checking if the agent has a blog or Twitter feed you can peruse can be helpful. There is a bit more information that you'll see at the top of the page when you go there. I have a 'For Writers' page in the works on my blog here where I'll list some helpful links for research. Of course, I'll post when I have it up.

In the meantime, head on over to the Monster List of Picture Book Agents. I hope you have a good time digging into research.

Happy agent hunting!

More Unicorn and Yeti Books!

It has been so much fun writing the first three Unicorn and Yeti books! Katie Carella at Scholastic is the best editor I could ever hope for. Hazel Quintanilla brings Unicorn and Yeti to life so fantastically with her fun illustrations. Sarah Dvojack designs the books! And so many other people at Scholastic do so many things that I don't even know about. It is amazing! I have gotten fan letters and photos and nice reviews. After many years of writing, it really has been a dream come true. Of course, this is many thanks to my awesome agent, Sean McCarthy.

So, I am thrilled to share that Katie Carella has acquired three more Unicorn and Yeti books! We're working on them now and I'm looking forward to sharing more details when I can. I absolutely love the look and feel of the entire Scholastic Acorn line and am thrilled to get to be a part of bringing three more Unicorn and Yeti books into the world! Yippee!!!

Friends Rock

Unicorn and Yeti book 3 releases today! Friends Rock makes the Unicorn and Yeti series a sparkly trio of books for kids who are learning to read (or just like fun stories!) Like the first two books, there are 3 stories in this third book. In Friends Rock, Unicorn and Yeti are learning to share… a swing, peaches and ice cream, and a sparkly rock, and of course they figure things out in their Unicorn and Yeti way.

My agent, Sean McCarthy, is doing a giveaway of all three books in the series to celebrate. If you’re on Twitter then hop on over to enter. Here’s his tweet:

Sean McCarthy@mccarthylit

Happy #bookbirthday to UNICORN & YETI: FRIENDS ROCK by @heatherayris & @HazelQuintanil9! To celebrate, I’m doing a #giveaway for all THREE Unicorn & Yeti books! To enter, simply: 1) Follow @heatherayris and @HazelQuintanil9 2) Retweet this! A winner will be chosen on 10/4/19

"Friends Rock"

A Good Review for A Good Team

Unicorn and Yeti Book 2 – A Good Team, is set to release in July and I am thrilled that Kirkus gave it a good review!

“Quintanilla’s colorful, expressive art and Burnell’s infectiously whimsical tone make their own good team.”

Kirkus Reviews

I could not ask for a better team than the one I have at Scholastic Acorn! I do so love this second book in the Unicorn and Yeti Series. Unicorn and Yeti play ball, have a race, figure out how to ice skate, and of course, they have some silly and magical fun. You can read the full Kirkus review here.

Unicorn and Yeti: A Good Team is available for preorder from your favorite book retailer!

A Sparkly Review for Sparkly New Friends

Woohoo! Unicorn and Yeti received a Kirkus review! It’s my first ever so I’m extra excited, and it’s a good one too. My favorite quote: “Sparkly, innocent, feel-good fun for readers needing just a bit of extra support before moving on to chapter books.” Indeed! You can read the full review here.

I am so looking forward to this book making it out into the world. I love the characters. I love the way Hazel Quintanilla brought Unicorn and Yeti to life with her adorable illustrations.

Unicorn and Yeti: Sparkly New Friends will hit the shelves in May 2019. You can preorder it now, of course, from your favorite book retailer!

Unicorn and Yeti are Coming to a Scholastic Book Fair Near You!

Announcing Acorn and... Unicorn and Yeti!

I’m so excited to share the news! Scholastic is launching a brand new line and a book I wrote, UNICORN AND YETI: SPARKLY NEW FRIENDS is part of the launch! I can’t help but be thrilled to have a book publishing not only with Scholastic at a new imprint, but alongside amazing author/illustrators Jonathan Fenske, Norm Feuti, and Dav Pilkey. Illustrator Hazel Quintanilla has brought Unicorn and Yeti to life and it’s the perfect match. I just can’t imagine Unicorn and Yeti any other way.

Read the Publisher’s Weekly announcement to learn about this fun and unique new line for early readers!