50 Shades of Chapter Book Grey

When I first started writing chapter books I didn't realize what a small world it was! It's sandwiched between the two gods of picture books and middle grade. Most people consider chapter books a picture book because each chapter usually has a B&W illustration. I've seen others, who say early middle grade. I don't know the answer, but I do know that it's the place for me to be. I've recently submitted to a wonderful contest #PBParty hosted by Michelle Hauck and Sharon Criscoe on Twitter. They've helped me to connect with more chapter book authors and get some questions answered. We've definitely identified that there is a grey area with agent submissions. As hard as I try to research, it's hard to know who is interested in chapter books. I've found many at the Bent Agency, Andrea Brown Lit., Nancy Gallt Agency, Pippin prop. and Brandt&Hochman agency. Yesterday, I took a field trip to the library to look at CB acknowledgements to see if I could find who agented their series.

Interesting findings: 1. 50% of CB were self-sub to publishers because that was how it was back then, 2. I did not find even ONE acknowledgement to an agent (serious sad face), 3. My internet searchings were successful, but limited (mentions above).

So, what I would love to find, is those out there that accept CB queries that may not advertise it as much. The ones who say PB and that includes CB, or ones that say MG and would be willing to look at CB. Thus, my new # is born. #CBagenthunt. If you find or know of any CB agents please tag them or add them using the #CBagenthunt. Let's get the 50 shades down to maybe 25...