Author Information:

Gemma Cooper represents children's authors who write picture books, middle grade fiction, and young adult fiction and non-fiction. The Bent Agency is based in the US but Gemma is listed on our site as she is based in the UK and represents British authors. Her publishing career began in New York and she previously worked as a literary agent for the Bright Literary Agency. In young adult fiction, she likes Rainbow Rowell ('her characters are always so flawed and interesting') and Katherine Applegate's 'The one and only Ivan' (I love the vulnerability). Young love is one of her favourite topics and she also likes contemporary settings and stories which focus on strong friendships or sibling relationshipsShe is on the lookout for a MG fantasy adventure or mystery with possible scope for a series. Rebecca Stead's 'When you reach me' is one of her much loved Middle Grade titles as she likes the 'blend of genres' and the charactersKatie Davies 'The Hamster Massacre' typifies the kind of books she is looking for in the 7+ market. The voice and the irreverence caught her eye. She is a fan of books with animals and anthropomorphic characters.Picture books should have short texts, and ideally, a 'high concept idea that can be sold on the title alone'. In non-fiction, she will consider almost anything but is particularly interested in history, science, pop culture and art. Barb Rosenstock and Mary GrandPre's 'The Noisy Paintbox' is a favourite bookShe is building her list but only takes on 2-3 new clients each year. Clients include Katy Cannon (6+ series 'Pooch Parlour'), Mo O'Hara ('My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish' chapter book series) and Robin Stevens ('The Wells and Wong Mysteries')Gemma's favourite literary character is Thursday Next from Jasper Fforde's comic fantasy series. Who wouldn't like the idea of being a literary detective who can hop from the real world into the fictional world?Top tip! You need to have a one line pitch ready for Gemma.