Erin Murphy Literary Agency

Latest NEWS:

There's always a lot going on at EMLA! Please check back regularly, or use our RSS feed.

Jul 19th, 2021

I first heard of Floyd Cooper through Patricia Lee Gauch. She had his paintings on her wall, and she spoke lovingly of the young artist she'd met early in his career -- whose work could capture a story's emotional arc and take the reader on a very special journey.

Years later, I had the pleasure of meeting Floyd Cooper when he illustrated my most recent picture book Sprouting Wings, which I co-wrote with my friend Louisa Jaggar. Sprouting Wings had been Louisa's labor of love - a gift to her grandchildren, a story about the kind of hero she wanted them to see. Floyd read the manuscript and fell in love with it. Like James Herman Banning he had grown up in Oklahoma. He understood the history and he understood the importance of Banning's story. Floyd was delightful to work with. He chuckled as we sent him numerous historical notes that often involved minor changes to his art. The most important thing that Floyd Cooper did was bring Banning to life and let readers see the deep love Banning had of flight. There are things that words can't convey that only pictures can, and Floyd brought Banning's joy and passion to life. Floyd was extremely generous with his process and shared his early illustrations with us. That probably was one of the most glorious experiences - to see the book come alive through its various stages. Louisa and I are deeply honored that Floyd Cooper fell in love with Banning the same way we had. Words can't describe how heartbroken we feel this week.

- Shari

A Two Book Deal for Keely Parrack

Jul 16th, 2021

This deal that we're celebrating today for Keely Parrack encapsulates everything about why you should never give up on your dreams, and why timing can really be everything sometimes. This is a project that has been on and off sub for a number of years, but we just knew we had to find the right editor for it. And once we spoke to Wendy McClure at Sourcebooks, it became so clear that we had!

Here's a bit about the story that's coming your way next fall:

Wendy McClure at Sourcebooks Fire has acquired, in a two-book deal, The Darkness of Snow by Keely Parrack, a debut YA survival thriller. After a solar flare leaves Lottie and new stepsister Jade without power or cell service in a ski cabin, they are joined by cute, fast-talking Alex, who claims to be lost in the woods. A deadly blizzard, fire, and bears aren't the girls' only concerns as they realize Alex isn't who he claims to be, and that he has dangerous friends. Publication is set for fall 2022; Tara Gonzalez at Erin Murphy Literary Agency brokered the deal for world English rights.

And I am so delighted that we'll be getting not only just one thriller from Keely, but a second one as well! She's truly just a fantastic writer and I am over the moon for her. Congratulations, Keely!

- Tara

A Debut Book Deal for Carrie Kruck!

Jul 16th, 2021

Debut Deal for Alliah L. Agostini

Jul 7th, 2021

Kevin Lewis Brings that Brown Sugar

Jul 2nd, 2021

New Middle-Grade Adventure Coming from Tara Dairman!

Jun 25th, 2021

LEVINSON’S FREE TO LEARN

Jun 25th, 2021

Two New Books Coming from Maria Gianferrari!