Paul Rodeen is a Chicago-based independent agent and founder of Rodeen Literary Management, specializing exclusively in children's literature across every major format — picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, and young adult — with a track record of Caldecott, Newbery, Geisel, and Ezra Jack Keats honors.
In brief
Rodeen is one of the rare agents whose entire list is children's literature — no adult crossover, no exceptions. Writers pitching outside kids' books should look elsewhere.
His sales record skews heavily toward picture books and illustrated works; his roster includes multiple award-winning author-illustrators (Peter Brown, Lauren Castillo, Ryan Higgins, Victoria Jamieson), suggesting he is especially drawn to the author-illustrator package.
The accolade density on his list is exceptional: two Caldecott Honors, a Newbery Honor, two Geisel Awards, and two Ezra Jack Keats Honors — a track record that speaks to genuine editorial taste, not just commercial instinct.
He founded the agency in 2008 after running a satellite office for Sterling Lord Literistic; his industry relationships are long-established, particularly at imprints that publish prestige picture books and literary middle grade.
His first-ever signed client was Peter Brown, who has since become one of the most decorated picture book creator-clients in contemporary children's publishing — a signal of how early and how accurately Rodeen reads talent.
Lately
Rodeen's agency page positions RLM as devoted exclusively to children's book writers and illustrators, with an emphasis on career management for both aspiring and established creators — signaling he is open to debut talent, not only established names.
What Paul is looking for
Picture books are the heartbeat of Rodeen Literary Management. His roster is densest here, and his award record — two Caldecott Honors, two Geisel Awards, two Ezra Jack Keats Honors — is almost entirely rooted in the format. He represents both author-only picture book writers and author-illustrators, though the illustrator-creators on his list are particularly prominent. Writers should lead with strong, distinctive voice and a genuinely fresh concept rather than formula.
Graphic novels are a clear strength: Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl earned a Newbery Honor under his representation, establishing his credibility in this format at the highest level. He represents graphic novels for both middle grade and young adult audiences.
Middle grade fiction is part of his core offering and was among the formats he built his list around when expanding at Sterling Lord Literistic. Literary and character-driven stories with emotional resonance are most consistent with his overall taste profile.
Young adult fiction rounds out his list. His YA presence is less pronounced than his picture book and graphic novel work, but it remains an active category. Voice-driven, emotionally layered stories are most likely to appeal.
Not the right fit
On Paul's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Paul
Submit through the agency's official submissions page — Rodeen Literary Management uses a structured online process, so follow the current instructions there precisely, as requirements may have been updated.
His entire list is children's literature; make absolutely clear in your query which format and age category you are submitting (picture book, middle grade, graphic novel, YA) and do not blur the lines.
If you are an author-illustrator, say so explicitly and include portfolio information or sample art where the form permits — his roster makes clear he values the combined package highly.
Lead with the emotional core and the concept of your project. His award-winning list skews toward work with genuine literary and artistic distinction, not commercial trend-chasing; pitch the heart of the story first.
For picture books, have a tight, polished manuscript — the format requires precision, and his taste runs toward books with a strong, singular vision rather than crowd-pleasing predictability.
For graphic novels, be prepared to show sequential art or a clear visual plan alongside your query; the format lives and dies by the art-text relationship.
He has been in children's publishing since 2001 and founded his own agency in 2008 — he does not need a primer on the industry. Write to him as a peer, not a student.