Alice Jin Zhang
Artist Agent
Alice Jin "AJ" Zhang (she/they) is an Artist Agent at BookEnds, where they are excited to cultivate a diverse range of illustrators for publishing and beyond. They revel in sparking connections between artists, art directors, and publishers to bring creative collaborations to life. They firmly believe in the power of art to elevate ideas with meaningful, memorable flair!
As an illustrator herself with a background in animation, AJ is particularly passionate about craftsmanship and each artist's creative process. They are delighted by illustrators who find clever ways to capture humorous moments, communicate abstract concepts, and evoke empathy. They seek out illustrators who relish problem-solving and tackling projects with a cooperative mindset. And above all, they champion artists who weave their visual language and narratives from a place of personal and creative authenticity.
As of October 2026, AJ is actively growing their own list of illustrators and author-illustrators.
In addition to their role at BookEnds, AJ serves on the Illustration Committee of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA).
If not at her desk, a wild AJ may be spotted hunched over a sketchbook in a cafe, leisurely strolling through their local Asian grocery store, or, most likely, stuck in LA traffic -- but typically with an audiobook so immersive that she'll wish the drive would never end!
Open to Queries
Wish List
I am actively building a diverse list of illustrators with a unique visual voice, mastery over their craft, and an eagerness to connect with others through their work. I’m stylistically agnostic and am looking to build a roster where every artist brings a different flavor to the table, whatever the format may be:
Graphic Novels (Early Readers, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Adult)
Board Books
Picture Books
Chapter Books
Cover Art (Middle Grade, Young Adult, Adult)
Book Interior Illustrations
Novelty, Gift, & Activity Books
IP-related Projects
I am especially excited about author-illustrators who get playful with books as their medium and boldly experiment with the storytelling potential of a page-turn.
For author-illustrated picture books, I am always scanning for big emotions, re-readability, and giftability. I love books that can introduce kids — as well as anyone! — to social, emotional, cultural, and/or complex topics in a way that NOT dumb down those subjects, but rather gives them a framework for discussing them more openly. I believe some of the best picture books will make even a child-free adult hug it tight, want to read it again, and then share a copy with someone else.
I’m hunting for cuteness as well. I’d love to meet a main character that melts me with adorableness, whether they’re a frog, a snail, or some anthropomorphized household object… if they’re just a wee lil' guy trying their best, I want their story.
I also love humor: Give me loud humor! Give me dumb humor! Give me dark humor! Heck, give me potty humor. So long as I laugh!
For author-illustrated graphic novels, I am seeking pitches for early readers through adult. I enjoy genre-crossing and appreciate any mix of comedy, sci-fi, fantasy, romance (especially if it's queer!), and thriller. I also love a great myth retelling or twists on classics! However, I’m not a good fit for macabre horror.
For middle grade GN, I’m particularly interested in stories about young people navigating friendship, family, school, magical alternate universes, competing to be the best at a niche sport/activity, and/or grappling with big mistakes. I am especially eager to see more action/adventure graphic novels that take young male protagonists on a strong emotional growth arc, such as ATLA with Aang, Percy Jackson, and Warrior Cats with Rusty.
With all queries, I’m always looking for fresh perspectives!