Submissions

At Umbrella, every submission is considered collaboratively by the founders through this query manager link.

We welcome a wide range of voices and seek all kinds of projects, from conceptual toddler fare to upper YA and New Adult. Together, we review projects and select those we believe are a strong fit for the agency as a whole. 

Guidelines

• Please only submit work that is completely original to you. We will not consider writing or illustrations generated by AI, whether in part or entirely.

• Novels: Query letter and 20-page writing page sample.

• Picture Book Manuscripts: Two complete manuscripts. We do not accept single manuscript submissions. 

• Picture Book Dummies: Upload your picture book dummy OR manuscript with 5 sample spreads as a PDF attachment. We accept sketched dummies, but we would prefer to also see at least one fully illustrated color spread. If the file exceeds 2MB, please send via file sharing download. Please also include a link to your online portfolio, if available.

• Graphic Novels: A full-color PDF of the first 2-3 illustrated chapters with text. You do not need illustrations completed for the full dummy, but the text should be complete. An illustrated character guide is helpful.

• Illustration Portfolios: Please provide a link to your online portfolio if available. We also accept PDFs, but please keep the file under 2 MB. We consider illustration portfolios for picture books, middle grade and YA covers, and black and white illustrations suitable for novel interior art.

• Nonfiction submissions: For nonfiction picture books, the above picture book guidelines apply. For longer nonfiction, please submit a full book proposal along with a 20-page writing sample.