Graphic Novels, Picture Book Illustrators, MG, YA, Crossover New Adult
Chelsea Eberly
Vice President, Agent
I represent graphic novelists, illustrators of picture books, and authors who write middle grade, young adult, crossover new adult, and the select adult novel. As an editorial agent, I love working closely with clients to make sure their work stands out in a crowded market.
I’m always on the lookout for new talent. Send me high-concept hooks and high-stakes plots, gorgeous and vivid illustrations, unique voices, speculative fiction, sweeping fantasy, unforgettable settings, tight timelines, and romance.
I’m a former Senior Editor at Random House Books for Young Readers, so I understand how publishers think and use that to my advantage when advocating for my clients. While at Random House, I edited the Newbery Medal-winner WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER by Tae Keller as well as New York Times bestsellers by Tamora Pierce, Leigh Bardugo, Marie Lu, Sarah J. Maas, Matt de la Peña, Mark Siegel, and Kim Johnson to name only a few. I was named a Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree and then made the jump to agenting, happily putting my behind-the-scenes knowledge to use on behalf of my clients as the Director of the Greenhouse Literary Agency before joining Folio Jr.
My client list includes New York Times bestsellers and award-winners. I have successfully launched debut authors to become Barnes and Noble Book Club selections and appear on Good Morning America and CBS Mornings. I love strategizing with clients at any stage in their career about how best to achieve their goals and make smart transitions to re-energize their work. The main through line in my client list are storytellers looking to have long careers. They are passionate creators who take risks, understand (and love!) the category they’re writing in, and put big emotions on the page.
A few of the authors & illustrators I represent...
GRAPHIC NOVELS: I would love to have more graphic novels on my list in all ages and genres!
YOUNG ADULT: I’m always looking for a great love story in any genre. As a big fantasy reader, send me unique fantasy worlds, fairy tale and folklore retellings, and speculative twists in contemporary settings. Competitions, heists, and high stakes drama are welcome. I’m also hungry for a literary read that will have me pausing to reread passages.
MIDDLE GRADE: I’m looking for stories that pack a big emotional punch. Think WHEN YOU REACH ME and WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER. My favorite series of all time is His Dark Materials. I’m drawn to underdogs, found families, unique structures, and interesting, ambitious POV choices.
PICTURE BOOK ILLUSTRATORS: I’m looking for illustrators with a distinct, memorable style. I love a strong character, a clear conflict, and stories with a silly, laugh-out-loud voice and/or a surprising emotional twist at the end.
For more about what I’m looking for in crossover new adult and adult fiction, click here.
Across all ages and formats, I love when authors are thoughtful about structure, setting, and voice; e.g. a ticking-clock timeline, a closed setting, a journal-entry or epistolary format, and so forth. I don’t gravitate toward novel-in-verse, but will consider if it’s a standout story. Bring on genre-mashups and ambitious projects with multiple commercial hooks. Strong emotions, found family, revenge, and familiar tropes told through unique and diverse voices. I also love k-dramas, so if you have a project that feels like GOBLIN, MR. SUNSHINE, CRASH LANDING ON YOU, or LOVELY RUNNER, please send my way!