What Literary Agents Look for in Kidlit Submissions, with Erin Casey Westin

Note: For the most up-to-date information on Erin’s submission status, interests, and availability, visit https://erincaseywestin.com.Episode SummaryIn this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk with Erin Casey Westin, associate agent at Galt & Zacker Literary Agency, about the current kidlit market and how agents evaluate queries and manuscripts. Aspiring authors will gain insight into writing stronger query letters, understanding agent decision-making, and knowing when a manuscript is truly ready to submit.Guest BioErin Casey Westin is an associate agent at Galt & Zacker Literary Agency, where she represents children’s literature. She is especially drawn to projects with strong voice, vivid worldbuilding, and authentic, thoughtful representation. Erin is passionate about stories that allow every child to see themselves reflected on the page. She is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Key Discussion PointsThe state of the kidlit marketErin shares what she’s hearing from editors, including cautious optimism around middle grade and continued demand for humorous, character-driven picture books.How sales track records affect authorsWhy prior sales aren’t everything, how agents strategize around them, and when switching publishing houses can make sense.What makes a query letter stand outClear, specific stakes; strong voice; and careful attention to submission guidelines—plus why vague, high-level stakes often fall flat.Common query mistakes to avoidWriting queries in first person as the character, misquoting agents, careless personalization, and over-reliance on AI-generated text.How Erin evaluates manuscriptsThe step-by-step mental checklist: polish, voice, character connection, plot and pacing, and whether the story sustains momentum beyond the opening pages.When a manuscript isn’t ready yetWhy rushing to query out of frustration can hurt your chances, and when putting a book away for a few months can actually help.What Erin wants to see more ofMiddle grade and YA survival stories—especially fresh, modern takes featuring underrepresented protagonists.ConclusionThis episode reminds writers that strong queries and manuscripts are built on clarity, specificity, and patience. Erin Casey Westin offers a transparent look at how agents read, evaluate, and decide—helping authors approach querying with more confidence and intention.Links & ResourcesErin Casey Westin: https://erincaseywestin.comGalt & Zacker Literary Agency: https://www.galltzacker.com/QueryTracker: https://querytracker.net🎧 Subscribe & ConnectDon’t miss future episodes! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Submit questions for “Ask Beth and Lisa” at writerswithwrinkles.net, or connect with us on Instagram @writerswithwrinkles.Send us Fan Mail Support the showVisit the WebsiteFind Full Episodes on YouTube!Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!