Alex is a Children’s Illustration Agent at Bright. Both creative and savvy, she pairs talented illustrators with manuscripts that perfectly complement their unique strengths and artistic styles. From board books through middle grade, no matter the format, Alex is well-versed in building spectacular relationships between client and artist.

My passion is visual storytelling, and I specialize in trade children’s book publishing at Bright. I represent an array of award-winning artists worldwide. Having worked in this industry for over 20 years as a book designer and art buyer, I help my clients find the best artist to meet their aesthetic needs. I personally curate my artists’ portfolios and develop their author/illustrated picture book stories for acquisition. I’m always looking for new talent whom I can mentor into strong children’s book professionals, especially artists with whom publishers can confidently collaborate for successful partnerships.

My passion is for ideas: finding, shaping, and connecting them across picture books, preschool, nonfiction, and graphic novels. I love helping writers and illustrators refine their work, develop their storytelling, and navigate the publishing world and I have a keen eye for projects that truly stand out. Above all, I’m committed to championing underrepresented voices and ensuring children’s books reflect the richness of the world, keeping the young reader central to every new story.

I’ve been with Bright since 2009, initially in the UK and then leading our US office from 2014. My role as Global MD sees me overseeing all our divisions and working to create new opportunities for our artists. As an advocate for traditionally marginalised voices and the LGBTQIA+ community, I’m naturally drawn to creative work that truly owns its style and delivers a strong message. That combination of personal ownership and powerful messaging is what captivates me. A proud advocate for traditionally marginalised voices and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, James is naturally drawn to creative work that reflects ownership of style and has strong messaging behind it. As Global MD, James oversees the overall working of the agency, all of Bright’s divisions and strives to drive new opportunities for all of our represented artists.

I am always seeking creative, proactive, and friendly artists who are both conscientious and highly reliable. My work is fueled by real-world testing and if my consumer group (my children) loves it, I know we’ve got a winner! I specialise in projects, across all genres and age ranges, that are humorous, quirky, or designed to open up great conversations. Nicky has worked on large, complex, branded characters, and is not only well-versed in deal structure but, with strategic thinking, also encourages the growth of backlist titles.

I keep a close eye on the evolving global Children’s Publishing landscape, and I specialise in representing whimsical, narrative lead artists that are sure to inspire and enchant young readers. I’m conscientious, flexible, and a keen listener, aiming to be a calm and trusted pair of hands on every project. What I truly delight in is cultivating meaningful, long-term partnerships. My background in international law also means I have a considered insight into the crucial space where the creative and the contractual meet.

Children’s Education and Religion Agent

An award-winning design director, Robbin brings her vast experience of the publishing world to successfully pair great artists with outstanding clients. Since joining Bright in 2017, she has led the growth of Bright’s Education and Religion division in the US and has developed a glowing reputation for providing genuine and insightful advice to all. With compassion and care, Robbin has guided countless brilliant projects and has been the agent behind a host of major titles in the children’s publishing world.

Robyn has been with Bright 7 years and counting. After returning from maternity leave, she now heads up the UK Children’s Illustration team, and brings with her a wealth of agenting experience, as well as publishing knowledge from her previous career as an editor.

Emily joined The Bright Agency team in 2022 and has worked in many aspects of the publishing industry, including eBooks, textbooks, medical journals, and trade marketing. She has a BA in English and a minor in Business from William & Mary, as well as a graduate certificate from the Denver Publishing Institute. Emily has always aspired to be either an artist or an agent, and loves that she can bring her two passions together.

Emily brings a rich publishing background to the UK team, having worked across middle-grade fiction, non-fiction and poetry books. With a degree in English and History of Art, she has a deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling and the way it draws in both curious new readers and story-hungry imaginators.

Her passion lies in the transformative nature of children’s books, and she takes a versatile and thoughtful approach to discovering and championing talent. Emily is dedicated to nurturing artists and helping bring stories to life - one beautifully illustrated book at a time.

Francesca works with the BCI UK team, developing artists and working with our Educational clients.

With a great love for foreign languages, literature and linguistics, a Master’s in Publishing, and a passion for all things books, Márcia dove headfirst into the world of foreign rights.

Now, having worked for various publishers, Márcia has an in-depth knowledge of licensing, co-editions and international publishing markets.

Márcia’s bubbly personality, creativity and enthusiasm make her a pleasure to work with, bringing energy and expertise to everything she does.

Meggie has joined The Bright Agency after two adventurous years on the Special Sales team at Bloomsbury, where she organised bespoke print runs for children’s trade titles. Under her belt, you can also find a BSc in Film, where she specialised in 3D Animation, and an MA in International Publishing. In her free time, Meggie enjoys digital illustration, hot chocolates and horror novels.

Sarah is a recent graduate of the University of Arizona where she studied Linguistics and French Language and Literature. With lifelong experience as an artist herself, Sarah brings a creative eye to the team. She’s dedicated to helping connect clients and artists in order to bring every project to life.