Erzsi Deak is the founder of Hen&ink Literary Studio, a boutique agency specializing in children's and YA publishing across genres, with a sharp eye for voice-driven, emotionally resonant stories leavened by humor.
In brief
Deak founded Hen&ink and brings more than four decades of international publishing experience to a deliberately boutique roster spanning board books through YA — adult categories are entirely off the table.
Her recent award wins and accolades cluster heavily in picture books and graphic novels (including a 2026 Sydney Taylor Honor, a Kirkus Best of 2025, and multiple library-association recognitions), signaling that illustrated formats are a genuine commercial strength, not just a stated interest.
She is drawn to work with a comedic spine and emotional payoff — her personal touchstones (Derry Girls, Knives Out, Bringing Up Baby) consistently reward wit and clever plotting over earnestness or pure sentiment.
Her client roster includes both debut talent and award-winning veterans, and repeat-client relationships are evident across multiple titles, suggesting she invests in long-term author-illustrator careers.
Submissions are accepted only during announced 'Open Coop Days' windows or by industry-professional referral — the form was confirmed closed as of early January 2026, so writers must monitor for the next opening announcement.
Lately
Deak announced an updated submission wishlist in August 2024, signaling an active reassessment of her acquisition priorities entering the new season.
What Erzsi is looking for
Deak's deal record and recent award recognition make illustrated formats a clear priority. She gravitates toward stories with strong voice, playful or sharp humor, and genuine emotional texture — think food-as-character richness or snappy, character-revealing dialogue. Her client work spans bilingual editions and culturally grounded stories, so projects that cross cultural borders are especially welcome.
Multiple graphic novel accolades on her current roster — library reading lists, best-books selections — confirm this as a live and productive category. She is drawn to series with heart, humor, and visual storytelling that stands alongside the text rather than simply illustrating it.
She gravitates toward character-driven MG with distinct, witty voice and satisfying narrative twists. Humor is expected, not optional. She has referenced beloved MG classics with emotional depth and comedic timing as touchstones, and her re-reading of Kate DiCamillo signals she values quiet, precise prose alongside bigger personality-driven stories.
Deak is openly enthusiastic about YA with romantic tension, sharp banter, and clever plotting. She loves the kind of will-they-won't-they energy that rewards readers who pay attention, and she appreciates stories where romance is woven into a richer narrative rather than standing alone. Twists, ensemble casts, and witty dialogue are recurring signals across her stated preferences.
Deak loves a well-constructed mystery — richly drawn characters, interlocking plots, and satisfying reveals. Her Knives Out reference is instructive: she wants the smart, witty variety rather than dark or gritty crime. Note that she explicitly rules out adult mystery/thriller/suspense, so this appetite applies only within children's and YA.
Her roster includes nonfiction picture books (including an award-winning title on body empowerment), and her agency language emphasizes projects that cross cultural and media borders. Narrative nonfiction for younger readers with a strong hook is welcomed; adult nonfiction is explicitly out of scope.
Not the right fit
On Erzsi's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Erzsi
Queries are only accepted during publicly announced Open Coop Days or by direct referral from an industry professional — do not cold-query outside these windows, as submissions will not be reviewed.
Monitor Hen&ink's official channels for Open Coop Day announcements; these windows are time-limited and close once the intake is complete.
Lead with voice. Deak's touchstones — Derry Girls, Knives Out, Bringing Up Baby — are uniformly witty and character-forward. Your query letter should demonstrate the same energy your manuscript promises.
Do not pitch earnest, message-first writing. She wants humor and emotional resonance working together, not a story that foregrounds its lesson.
If your book has a twist or a clever structural hook, mention it early — she has explicitly said she appreciates a good surprise.
High fantasy is a firm no in any category. Don't attempt to soften it as 'low fantasy with high-fantasy elements.'
Bilingual or cross-cultural projects appear strongly represented on her current roster — if your project has that dimension, make it visible in the query.
For picture books: author-illustrators and author-only submissions are both represented on her list, but always clarify which you are.