Erin Murphy is a veteran children's book specialist — founder of a celebrated boutique agency now under the Aevitas umbrella — who is actively rebalancing her picture-book-heavy list toward middle-grade and YA fiction, with a particular hunger for fantasy, literary mystery, and underdog-driven stories centering queer and BIPOC voices.
In brief
Murphy spent 25+ years leading her own children's literary agency before merging it into Aevitas in 2025 — she brings rare institutional depth and long-term career strategy to her client relationships.
Her award record is extraordinary: Caldecott Honor, Newbery Honor, Sibert Medal, Stonewall Medals, Edgar Awards, National Jewish Book Award finalist, and more — this is one of the most decorated children's book lists in the business.
Her client roster skews heavily toward picture books and early middle-grade, but her stated current priorities are explicitly tilted toward MG and YA fiction — a deliberate list pivot that creates a real opening for novelists right now.
She represents several long-term repeat clients (including Ammi-Joan Paquette, Audrey Vernick, Deborah Underwood, and Dashka Slater), signaling that she invests in careers over the long arc, not just individual books.
Her submission form was observed closed as of February 2025 — writers must verify the live form status before querying, and submissions go only through her designated online query system.
Lately
After more than 25 years at the helm of her own boutique children's agency, Murphy merged her operation into Aevitas Creative Management in 2025, marking a significant career transition while keeping her client relationships and list focus intact.
What Erin is looking for
This is her stated primary growth area. She wants cozy, emotionally resonant fantasy and literary-leaning mysteries with genuine depth — multi-layered plots that reward careful readers. Thematic throughlines she gravitates toward: unlikely underdog alliances, close siblings, fierce friendships, found families, and queer and BIPOC community and joy. Strong, precise prose is non-negotiable for her.
Seeking sweeping fantasy set in fully realized, internally consistent worlds — especially those drawing on non-European cultural traditions. Also actively interested in YA thrillers with sharp, irresistible hooks. Queer and BIPOC narratives are especially welcome across both subgenres.
Open to nonfiction that is propulsive, well-researched, and reads with the momentum of fiction. Fits her existing track record in award-winning nonfiction for young readers. Not a top priority, but a genuine yes if the voice and research are both exceptional.
She is not seeking picture book writers alone — that part of her list is full. However, she will consider select author-illustrators whose visual voice is unmistakably distinct and whose writing is as accomplished as their art. Both halves must be strong; one carrying the other is not enough.
Not the right fit
On Erin's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Erin
She queries exclusively through one designated online query system — her Aevitas page specifies which one. Do not email the agency directly.
Her form was closed as of February 2025. Check the live form before preparing your submission; opening dates are not pre-announced.
Her prose bar is high and explicit: she wants writing where every word carries weight and the world pulls the reader in effortlessly. Open with your strongest pages, not your pitch.
If querying MG or YA, name the thematic throughline in your pitch — underdog alliance, found family, sibling bond, queer or BIPOC joy — because these are exactly what she says she's hunting for.
For MG fantasy, lean into the cozy and emotionally resonant angle; for YA fantasy, emphasize world-originality and cultural grounding, especially if drawing on non-European traditions.
Author-illustrators querying picture books should make both halves of their work unmistakably clear — attach or link portfolio, and do not let your visual credits substitute for strong writing.
Do not query adult projects. Her entire focus is children's and YA.
Mentioning your marginalized identity or community is explicitly welcomed by her — she notes she looks especially for authors from underrepresented communities, so this context belongs in your query letter.