Literary Agent Erin Casey Westin on the Kid-Lit Market, Query Letters, and What Makes a Manuscript Stand Out

If you’re querying literary agents—or getting ready to—you already know how confusing the process can feel. What actually makes a query letter work? Why do some manuscripts move forward while others stall? And what is really happening right now in the kid-lit and middle grade market?

In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk with Erin Casey Westin, associate literary agent at Galt & Zacher Literary Agency, about how agents read queries, evaluate manuscripts, and think about building sustainable writing careers. Erin represents children’s literature and offers clear, practical insight into a process many writers find opaque.

The Current Kid-Lit and Middle Grade Market

After a long slowdown, there are early signs of renewed interest in middle grade fiction. Editors are beginning to talk openly about wanting more MG again, which is encouraging after several challenging years. While this doesn’t mean middle grade is suddenly “hot,” it does suggest the market is stabilizing and becoming more open to strong, well-crafted work.

Picture books remain competitive, but editors continue to look for humorous, character-driven stories with series potential. Many are hoping to find the next breakout hit that can sustain multiple books, which means originality and voice matter more than ever.

Sales Track Records: What Writers Should Know

Sales history is part of the publishing conversation, but Erin emphasizes that it is not a permanent judgment on an author’s career. Lower-than-expected sales often affect strategy rather than opportunity. That might mean targeting different editors, switching houses, or repositioning the next project.

Much of publishing success is still unpredictable. Even with strong marketing and support, some books don’t connect the way everyone hopes, while others take off unexpectedly. The fundamentals remain the same: write strong books, craft clear pitches, and find editors who genuinely believe in the work.

What Makes a Query Letter Stand Out

For Erin, the most important element of a query letter is clear, specific stakes. Agents want to know exactly what the main character stands to lose if they fail and why that loss matters on a personal level. Vague, high-level stakes don’t create emotional investment.

She also looks for voice in the query itself. While queries need to be concise and professional, they shouldn’t feel clinical. A strong query gives the agent a sense of the story’s tone—whether it’s funny, tense, heartfelt, or suspenseful—without resorting to gimmicks like writing from the character’s first-person point of view.

Following submission guidelines still matters. Ignoring them creates an easy reason to pass in an already crowded inbox.

Common Query Mistakes (Including an AI Warning)

One of the most common mistakes Erin sees is incorrect personalization. Writers sometimes quote things she never said or confuse her preferences with those of another agent. These errors often come from rushed copy-and-paste habits or over-reliance on AI-generated text.

While this isn’t always an automatic rejection, it does signal a lack of care. Erin’s advice is simple: personalize thoughtfully, verify your information, and reread before sending.

How Agents Evaluate Manuscripts After the Query

Once pages are requested, Erin moves through a series of internal checkpoints. First is polish—clean, smooth writing that has clearly been revised and proofread. Next is voice: does it feel confident, engaging, and consistent?

From there, she looks at character. Are the motivations clear? Do their goals create emotional investment? Then comes plot and pacing. Is the story pulling the reader forward? Does it hold together beyond the opening pages?

Many manuscripts start strong but lose momentum later. This is why agents often request partials before committing to a full manuscript. A compelling first chapter isn’t enough if the story can’t sustain itself.

What Erin Casey Westin Wants to See in Her Inbox

When open to queries, Erin is especially interested in middle grade and YA survival stories. She’s drawn to narratives set in nature that explore how characters navigate extreme situations, particularly when those stories feel fresh and modern.

She’s also eager to see survival stories featuring diverse or queer protagonists, where identity meaningfully shapes the character’s experience and perspective.

Final Thoughts for Querying Writers

This conversation reinforces a key truth about publishing: there are no shortcuts. Success comes from preparation, craft, patience, and respect for the process.

For writers in the querying trenches, Erin Casey Westin’s insights offer clarity and reassurance. Understanding how agents think—and what they’re actually looking for—can help writers approach querying with more confidence and intention.

For more insights like these, visit the Writers With Wrinkles blog and podcast, where each episode breaks down the craft and business of writing with honesty and practical advice.