Erin Casey Westin

Standard Bio: Erin is open to all kid lit age groups, from picture books through YA, and is particularly drawn to work that shows the author’s world- and character-building ability. She wants to believe wholeheartedly in the world of the book, whether the setting is familiar or fantastic. She wants to see authentic, thoughtful representations of all people so that every kid can find a book that speaks to them. She wants even the simplest lines of text to pluck at her heartstrings because they’re so beautifully written. Erin loves getting so engrossed in a book she forgets she’s reading entirely.

2026 specific interests:

• A really well-written, voice-y, creative YA or MG epic fantasy with unique world-building. (Think N.K. Jemisin or Rebecca Roanhorse for tweens/teens).

• Humorous, character-driven picture books, especially if the main character(s) could carry a series.

• A survival story.

• A highly illustrated chapter book or young graphic novel from a BIPOC author-illustrator.

• A story set in Appalachia, featuring the region’s idiosyncrasies written by someone who knows them well.

What I’m looking for generally:

I represent all genres of children’s literature from picture books through young adult (no crossover at this time).

I’m an escapist reader – I read to live in another person’s experience for a little while. I love magical realism and speculative novels that take our world and change one small thing or turn it on its head entirely. I love fantasy, high or low, and it’s usually what I turn to for pleasure reading. I’m especially eager for MG or YA fantasy inspired by non-western mythology and folklore. I can be quite a scaredy-cat so only light horror will be right for me and it will likely include monsters in the woods (I’d love something set in Appalachia) or unnatural animals (think a deer with too many antlers).

I’m excited to be reading and representing more graphic novels, both realistic and fantastic. I prefer author-illustrators in this category and am looking for art styles that are instantly recognizable in a crowd. I’m looking for graphic novels in all the age groups I represent but I’m particularly interested in graphic novel chapter books and early readers that could sit alongside series like Ben Clanton’s Narwhal and Jelly.

I think there is a growing market for highly illustrated chapter books, particularly by marginalized creators finally getting the chance to tell their stories. The chapter book market is hard to break into, but editors are recognizing the homogeneity of that market currently and I’d love to help non-white creatives break into that space and tell stories that resonate with their childhoods.

If I’m going to read realistic contemporary, I want to learn something, broaden my perspective, or be otherwise removed from the traditional high school drama of white allocishet teenage existence. I’m not the best fit for stories that revolve around romance, though I love to swoon when the romance is part of a bigger overall plot. I’m also not the right fit for super commercial, dramatic, realistic YA plots (think The OC). I would love more contemporary sports stories with queer representation!

I’m interested in nonfiction but usually not biographies unless the world really needs to hear that person’s story.

I am committed to building a diverse list of fiction that provides mirrors, windows, and doors for all kids. I am actively looking to represent work by non-white, queer, and disabled creatives and, as a white, cishet, abled woman, I greatly appreciate the trust those creatives put in me by choosing to share their work.

No work for the adult market please! Additionally, things that are not a good fit for me: gun violence, especially as a “gotcha” moment or to escalate a final confrontation; plots that entirely revolve around a misunderstanding.

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