Jes Trudel is a Canadian associate agent at The Rights Factory whose entire focus is children's literature, backed by deep roots as a picture-book educator, SCBWI presenter, and community organizer.
In brief
Jes Trudel's practice is 100% children's literature — no adult fiction, no non-fiction for grown-ups, no exceptions visible in any public signal.
Their professional background is unusually educator-heavy: workshop instructor to thousands, SCBWI and 12x12 Picture Book Challenge presenter, and founder of a national writing community — which means they think rigorously about story craft and are likely a generous, pedagogically-minded collaborator.
A May 2026 social post shows Trudel actively packaging multiple children's submissions and expressing genuine concern about contraction in children's publishing — a sign they are still actively working the market even while their query form is closed.
The current client roster skews toward picture books and early children's categories based on the names listed, consistent with Trudel's picture-book-centric public speaking history — suggesting picture books and early readers are likely the sweet spot, not just middle grade or YA.
Query form was confirmed closed as of December 2025; the May 2026 post suggests ongoing activity but does not confirm the form has reopened — verify live status before submitting.
Lately
I have 3 submission packages to put together for exciting new children's projects, and the only thing that is bringing down my excitement level is knowing how much children's publishing has shrunk and how few editors there are left. I hope y'all don't get sick of me! I'll keep those emails coming!!
Someone just asked me, so I'll share this tip: don't hand any printed materials to me at TWW. If I want to see work from you, I'll ask you to email it. Illustrators can bring a portfolio to show, but I won't keep it. This happens every year and is a waste of paper. ♻️ @writingdaywksp.bsky.social
When it comes to agenting, I prefer to educate creators rather than ignore or block them, because I know that most make querying mistakes unintentionally. So when a creator errs in querying, I try to gently let them know what they did wrong. 1/
Just 4 days until I head to Toronto for TWW (@writingdaywksp.bsky.social). I've gone every year for 3 years and it's always a great time! I look forward to talking about the thought process of literary agents as we read queries, and listening to some live pitches! 📚
Just 1 week until my Valentine's Day webinar QUERY UNREQUITED: Why I Didn't Fall in Love With Your Submission. I'll talk about these stats and more! Register here: next.waveapps.com/checkouts/42... #WritingCommunity #Writers #Illustrators
Trudel shared that they were putting together three submission packages for new and exciting children's projects, while also expressing concern about how much children's publishing has contracted and how few editors remain in the space — a candid, industry-aware note that underscores both their active deal-making and their realistic view of the current market.
What Jes is looking for
Trudel's stated interest is children's literature broadly, and their background as a picture-book educator, 12x12 Picture Book Challenge presenter, and SCBWI guest strongly signals a particular depth in picture books and early childhood categories. Their May 2026 note about preparing multiple children's submission packages confirms this is where active energy lives right now. Strong craft, distinct voice, and emotional resonance are likely non-negotiables given how rigorously they think about storytelling.
Not the right fit
On Jes's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Jes
Confirm the form is open before doing anything else — it was closed as of December 2025, and a May 2026 activity post does not mean it has reopened.
Trudel's entire list is children's literature; do not query anything outside that space under any circumstances.
Given Trudel's background as a picture-book workshop instructor and 12x12 presenter, picture book submissions should demonstrate tight, purposeful storytelling — Trudel will notice craft problems that a less pedagogically trained agent might overlook.
Trudel is a storytelling instructor who has taught thousands of writers; a query letter that articulates the emotional core of your story clearly and confidently will resonate more than one heavy on plot summary.
Acknowledge the market context if relevant: Trudel has spoken publicly about the contraction of children's publishing, which suggests they are selective and looking for projects with genuine commercial and artistic legs — not experimental long shots.
Trudel is Canadian and founded a Canadian writing community; while they represent international authors, noting Canadian content or connections (if genuine and relevant) may be worth a brief mention.