A boutique agent with an award-laden children's list who is now sharply focused on one thing: nonfiction graphic novels by author-illustrators.
In brief
Right now they're specifically seeking nonfiction graphic novels — from author-illustrators, or author-illustrators willing to be paired with a nonfiction writer.
The track record is serious: a Newbery Honor book and a wall of awards (Sibert, Orbis Pictus, Sydney Taylor, Ezra Jack Keats), sold to every major house.
These deals lean heavily into narrative nonfiction and biography for young readers — especially stories of trailblazing women and history that matters.
An independent agency since 2014, AAR member — a focused, editor-minded shop rather than a high-volume list.
Lately
Sharing a sneak peek at a darkly funny, visually inventive picture book by an award-winning illustrator — now out on submission.
Out on submission this week: Fishing, a middle-grade wordless graphic novel by Michael Ralph that reveals how incarcerated people communicate, share, organize, and express care.
Going out to publishers in the new year: Dignity, an upper-MG graphic novel set in 1948 New York — inviting empathy, dialogue, and moral courage.
Before 13th exposes the roots of mass incarceration — showing that convict leasing began before the 13th Amendment, not after. A powerful graphic debut.
What Anna is looking for
Their stated current focus. Olswanger wants nonfiction graphic novels from author-illustrators, and is also open to author-illustrators who'd like to be paired with nonfiction text by another writer. If you both write and draw and work in true stories, this is a rare, targeted open door.
The backbone of their sales: richly told biography and narrative nonfiction for young readers, frequently centering trailblazing women and pivotal history. Award-caliber storytelling over fact-recitation.
Selectively, the kind of voice-forward literary middle grade their list is known for — though their active call is firmly on nonfiction graphic novels.
Not the right fit
Threads through Anna's deals
A defining strand: narrative nonfiction picture books that bring real, often overlooked women to vivid life — a dancer, a labor organizer, a political leader. These are the award-winners on their list and the clearest signal of their taste.
A lighter but real thread of clever, design-led picture books that turn a simple visual idea into something resonant — the range that keeps their list from being only weighty nonfiction.
On Anna's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Anna
Lead with a nonfiction graphic novel if you have one — it's their stated current focus and a narrow, specific opening.
Author-illustrators are strongly favored; if you only write, note whether you're open to being paired with an illustrator.
For nonfiction, bring a real story told with narrative craft — biography of an overlooked figure is right in their wheelhouse.
Expect an editorial, hands-on agent running a focused boutique list, not a high-volume shop.