Sally M. Kim is an Associate Agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency whose 15+ years in children's book marketing gives her an unusually commercial lens on picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and graphic novels — with a sharp appetite for underrepresented voices, distinct wit, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
In brief
Former children's publishing marketer turned agent: Kim's 15+ years at Macmillan, Penguin, and Chronicle Books means she evaluates manuscripts with both editorial instincts and a clear sense of what sells — a rare and valuable combination for debut authors.
Her confirmed deal record skews toward narrative nonfiction picture books with an environmental or nature focus, suggesting a genuine editorial passion in that corner that goes beyond her general wishlist language.
She has sold both the writer AND the illustrator on at least one project, signaling she actively builds her list on the illustration side as well — author-illustrators and standalone illustrators are genuinely welcome, not an afterthought.
Her query window is narrow and deliberate: open only the 1st through 15th of each month, which means timing your submission matters as much as the content of your query.
As of May 31, 2026, her submission form was directly observed as closed — confirm the current window before submitting, as her monthly open period resets regularly.
Lately
Kim posted in late November 2025 that she had largely cleared her query backlog — her inbox was cleaner than it had been in months, though she noted roughly two dozen queries still undecided. The tone was warm and self-aware, and she apologized to those still waiting.
What Sally is looking for
Kim is actively building her picture book list across both fiction and narrative nonfiction. Her confirmed deals point to a particular pull toward nature- and science-adjacent nonfiction told through intimate, character-driven lenses. In fiction, she wants a distinct voice, unexpected wit, and endings that land — either with a laugh or a gut-punch. She is especially eager for stories centered on underrepresented cultures, relationships, and identities. Author-illustrators are welcomed, and she also reps standalone illustrators — she looks for traditional mediums, inventive use of color and texture, and thoughtful visual storytelling in the details.
Kim explicitly invites middle grade submissions and flags it as a priority category. She wants aggressive pacing, punchy voice, and emotional resonance. Authentic portrayals of underrepresented cultures and identities are a throughline across everything she seeks, and MG is no exception. Strong character interiority combined with propulsive plotting will stand out.
Chapter books are listed among her open categories. Given her emphasis on wit and voice across the board, a chapter book with a comedic, fast-moving narrative and a memorable protagonist would be a strong fit. Underrepresented perspectives remain a priority here as elsewhere.
Graphic novels for children and middle grade readers are explicitly welcomed. Kim's eye for illustration — traditional mediums, distinctive perspective and texture — suggests she would respond well to projects where the visual storytelling is doing genuine narrative work, not just accompanying text.
Not the right fit
On Sally's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Sally
Kim accepts queries ONLY through her online submission form — emails are automatically deleted, no exceptions. Do not query via email under any circumstances.
Her window is strictly the 1st through the 15th of each month. Submitting outside that window will likely mean your query is not reviewed. Mark your calendar and submit at the start of the open period.
Her form was observed closed as of May 31, 2026 — check the live form before submitting to confirm the current window is open.
Lead with voice and concept. Kim responds to wit, emotional stakes, and freshness — a query that makes her feel something in the first paragraph is worth more than a technically perfect pitch with a familiar premise.
If your project centers on underrepresented cultures, identities, or relationships, say so clearly and early. This is her stated priority across every category.
For picture books, name your illustrator if you have one, or indicate if you are an author-illustrator — Kim represents both authors and illustrators and it matters for how she evaluates the submission.
Nature, science, and environment-driven nonfiction picture books appear to be a genuine editorial passion based on her recent deals — if your project lives in that space, the timing is good.
Avoid pitching anything that rhymes, involves horror, sports, or time travel — these are hard passes, not negotiable fits.
Keep your query tight. Her background in marketing means she will immediately notice whether your project has a clear, pitchable hook. If you can't summarize the book's appeal in two sentences, sharpen it before querying.