Steven Chudney is a boutique literary agent who runs their own agency and focuses almost exclusively on children's and young adult literature, from picture books through YA, with a strong preference for compelling characters and stories that resonate across age groups.
In brief
Steven Chudney operates a small, highly selective agency — The Chudney Agency — dedicated to children's and YA publishing, meaning every submission competes in a focused, genre-specific pool.
The boutique structure means Chudney works closely with a limited client list; writers who land here tend to build long-term relationships rather than one-book deals.
Chudney has consistently emphasized character-driven storytelling above all else — regardless of category, a weak protagonist is a dealbreaker.
Writers should verify query status directly before submitting, as boutique agencies can shift availability quickly; the last observed open status was April 2026.
Because the agency is children's/YA-only, adult fiction and nonfiction writers should not query here — it is not a fit, full stop.
Lately
Chudney has repeatedly stressed in public forums that character is the single most important element in any submission — an irresistible protagonist can elevate even a familiar premise, while a weak one dooms an otherwise clever concept.
What Steven is looking for
Chudney actively seeks middle grade novels with vivid, memorable characters and strong narrative momentum. Adventure, mystery, humor, and contemporary stories all fit, provided the protagonist feels genuinely distinct. Stories that balance entertainment with emotional depth are particularly welcome.
Across all YA subgenres — contemporary, thriller, historical, light fantasy — Chudney looks for an authentic teen voice and stakes that feel real to the reader. The writing itself must pull from the first page; high-concept premises without strong prose will not get far.
Chudney considers picture book projects, but with a critical gate: the agency is NOT seeking picture book writers who are not also the illustrator. Author-illustrators with a complete vision — both text and art — are welcome. Writers submitting text-only picture book manuscripts should not query.
Early chapter books and series-friendly concepts for newly independent readers are of interest, especially when the voice is playful and the premise lends itself to multiple installments.
Not the right fit
On Steven's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Steven
Address Steven Chudney by name in your query — the agency is a one-person operation, and a generic salutation signals a mass submission.
State the age category and genre in your opening line (e.g., 'middle grade mystery' or 'YA contemporary thriller') — Chudney is children's/YA only, and clarity saves everyone time.
Lead with your protagonist, not your plot. Chudney has consistently emphasized character over concept; your query letter should make the main character feel alive in the first paragraph.
Picture book writers who are NOT also the illustrator should not query — this is a firm gate, not a soft preference. Author-illustrators should include a note about their illustration background and, if possible, sample art.
Keep your query concise and focused: a one-paragraph hook, a brief synopsis, and your bio. Chudney runs a boutique operation and values writers who respect that economy.
Do not query adult projects of any kind — the agency does not represent adult fiction or nonfiction, and doing so may close the door on a future children's/YA submission.
Confirm the live query status on the agency's website immediately before submitting; boutique agencies can close or shift windows with little notice.