About RLM 

Paul Rodeen

Paul Rodeen discovered his love of writing, editing, and publishing at Knox College where he was the fiction editor and a contributor to the award-winning college literary journal Catch. He graduated in 2001 with a Creative Writing major and that summer, attended the Denver Publishing Institute where he was encouraged to move to New York City to officially commence his publishing career.

In late 2001, Paul received his first job with the highly respected literary agency Sterling Lord Literistic. He began his career as an assistant to Jody Hotchkiss, a film agent with the agency at that time. After a few months of reading and evaluating manuscripts, Rodeen was informed that a position was available in SLL’s children’s book division, as an assistant to George Nicholson, the legendary children’s book publisher turned literary agent. Paul welcomed the opportunity to work for such a respected figure in the publishing industry and he quickly found that he still loved many of the genres he had enjoyed when he was young. During his three years working as George’s assistant, Rodeen signed his first client, writer/illustrator Peter Brown, and closed his first book deal, FLIGHT OF THE DODO.

In 2004, Rodeen moved back to his home state of Illinois where he opened up a small Sterling Lord Literistic satellite office in Chicago. Between 2004 and 2008, he expanded his list of clients to include over a dozen talented writers and illustrators of picture books, middle grade novels, and young adult fiction. This group of creators became the backbone of what would become his eponymous agency.

In late 2008, with much encouragement from his clients, editors, publishers, and other agents, Paul established Rodeen Literary Management, an agency devoted to supporting the careers of children’s book writers and illustrators.

Rodeen’s clients have subsequently received many accolades, notably, two Caldecott Honors; Peter Brown, for picture book CREEPY CARROTS, and Lauren Castillo, for picture book NANA IN THE CITY, and a Newbery Honor; Victoria Jamieson, for graphic novel, ROLLER GIRL. Two clients have also been awarded Ezra Jack Keats Honors; Julia Sarcone-Roach, a new writer honor, for picture book THE BEAR ATE YOUR SANDWICH, and Ryan Higgins, a new illustrator honor, for picture book MOTHER BRUCE. And two clients have also received Theodore Seuss Geisel awards; Josh Schneider for TALES FOR VERY PICKY EATERS, and Ethan Long for UP TALL AND HIGH.