The agent then dedicates energy and resources to get that first commission. A word of warning: There is such a thing as a bad agent. Your friends will congratulate you. Aliza R. Hoover: represents illustrators and author-illustrators. Please do not send us submissions of any kind. Erica:Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) The one who uses righteous indignation and insults as means to an end. She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers. Ive worked as a publicist, as an editor, and now as an agent and author. Well try to get back to you as quickly as possible. If we are interested in reviewing your dummy, we will request that you send it. Here is the: Advice from writing professional Jane Friedman. Ask questions. Theyre easy. This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong Keep an eye out this spring for DOLL-E 1.0 by Shanda McCloskey (Little,Brown), Time Tracers by Annabeth Bondor Stone & Connor White (HarperCollins), Finns Featherillustrated by Zoey Abbott (Enchanted Lion Books), and Rock N Roll Soul by Susan Verde and Matthew Cordell (Abrams)! To bridge these twoindustries, she co-founded Room 228, a consulting company that creates educational marketing materials and literacy programming for children. Erica:We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. I want an agent to help me . Simply click this linkand complete the subscription form. Get An Agent After Self-Publishing and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. Manuscripts sent to them will be discarded unread. Theres that one who doesnt communicate. Maybe its the book that we havent placed yet, but still so strongly believe has a place in the world. She is the author of 100+ children's books, has been employed since 2009 as a US-based managing agent at the Bright Agency, which is based in London and specializes in nurturing . Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. Youll get free access tothe Directory of BookAgents with detailed profiles for allbookagents,including Kirsten HallLiterary Agent. Here is the: AAR Agent Databaseand the list of AAR members who represent picture books. I can tell you why I need an agent. When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. She is the author of 100+ childrens books, has been employed since 2009 as a US-based managing agent at the Bright Agency, which is based in London and specializes in nurturing and developing debut childrens book author/illustrators. I appreciate having a trusted ear, an ally, and an advocate for my work and career. And I read it again and I cried again. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you still dont hear from them, move on. Practice professional patience and persistence. Theyre pitching. While were waiting on the agents response, can I ask you why you want an agent? I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. When Stephanie first contacted me, she was very excited and said, I cant get your book proposal out of my head. (Maybe: Is publishing dead or not? Its not dead, but I digress.). It is a precise and qualified process, rather than an independent, possibly unpublished artist spread betting their work across editors and art directors who they do not know apart from an impression of them through social media. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago You should. Visit your local The Catbird Seat Inc at 271 Rt 46 W in Fairfield, NJ and contact us today for your home, auto business, and renters insurance today or call (973) 808-0110 As soon as you enter your name and email address to the right, youll be able to see complete profiles for every literary agent at Catbird Productions(and every other literary agency). Christie Megill: is eager to work with illustrators, author/illustrators, and picture book authors, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. And it isnt cute if you dont follow the rules. Before you submit, read this: Please submit to SUBMISSIONS@CATAGENCYINC.COM & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line! I choose to work with an agent because I value that relationship and I know its helped me to create my best work. We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. . Sts ID Perm Fac. Need an author or illustrator? Submission Guidelines: Hello! Childrens/YA D. Bester How active are they in the industry? Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). . Follow each agents instructions, but remember that they may be different. I hear the comparison that the agent-client relationship is like a marriage. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Thats exactly right. Other times, well sell texts to publishers first and then when it comes time for illustrators, if there isnt someone on our list who we think is right to recommend, our next step will be to look at each others lists, or those of other agent friends. Fiction/Christian K. Sargent . What do you look for in a submission?The very best in art and literature reveals something real and true about ourselves, and childrens books are no exception. an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage It may not even be 50 percent. No agency can guarantee that a particular project will sell, but we sign clients because we love their writing and want them to succeed. Not necessarily. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. We'd love to see your work! Lets tap into that knowledge. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti We promise not to share your information with third parties, and we do not spam. It isnt as automatic as you think. Fiction/Mystery B. Harper Some of her favorite non-client books in these categories are: A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea, Dept. However, if you would like to get your work in front of her for now or the future, please submit - she reviews ALL submissions! Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Again, I digress.). Lets submit your work to an agent. DO NOT QUERY THIS AGENT AT THIS TIME: Cherry is not currently accepting unsolicited submissions. * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) Either way, look for agents who show an appreciation for your visual aesthetic. I think authors and illustrators sometimes forget that agents, too, face disappointment. Childrens/YA L. Moe. Thank you for submitting your work! There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. HOLD IT! Kirsten opened Catbird's wings in March 2014. Youre about to sign with an agent. Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. If you have questions, you can build your own network of colleagues who may have the answers. David Higham Associates (Agents)(Submissions)A UK agency. What is one misconception about agents?That were glamorous, haughty gatekeepers! Where do I sign? Read their agreement. Boutique kidlit author/illustrator agency & producer of books for all ages Catbird Agency | New York NY NOTE: Each year Fuse Literary, as an agency, is closed to new submissions and queries between December 1st to January 15th. Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. Any agents not listed above are CLOSED to submissions. What does that mean? After You Get A Book Agent. The one thing I look for across the board in a submission is a clean, professional-looking portfolio site! Kirsten HallLiterary Agent represents the followingbook genres: Scroll below now to view representative titlesand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. Thank you for trying us, and all good luck! (Her rst bookBunny, Bunnywas published when she was in 7th grade. When Im looking at a submission, I want something that makes me feel and makes me think, and most of all, makes me want to read it again. For nonfiction: she is looking for compelling, voice-driven projects that shed a humorous or thought-provoking light on a previously unknown topic in the areas of narrative nonfiction/memoir, lifestyle, relationships, humor, current events, food, wine, and cooking. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme Ive learned how important it is to review our individual clients wants and needs. In this post, you and I will go through the steps of a submission, from researching agencies to signing on the dotted linewhile having a bit of a heart-to-heart along the way. Erica:Work is more fun when youre doing it with people you like and respect. Once a book is sold, authors and illustrators will be presenting themselves to publishers, booksellers, librarians, and others as a professional. In order for me to co-agent with someone, I need to feel a certain level of trust because the process can be quite unpredictable. NOTE: As an agency we are closed to new queries and submissions each December 1st to January 15th! Shes drawn to projects that are character-driven, tightly plotted, and have a singular, specific voice; always on the hunt for: She looks for projects that know kids are smart and perceptive and feeling deeply; that make the reader feel seen. Both literary and commercial work. Get updates about Kirsten Hall and recommended reads from Simon & Schuster. The project may work. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. * A link to the Catbird Productionswebsite Sure you can. And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. And then submit your picture book query letter and manuscript. If you find that other aspects of managing your career are getting in the way of actually creating, an agent can help shoulder the burden. She will leave Bright this Friday. Wait for a response. In order for me to co-agent with someone, I need to feel a certain level of trust because the process can be quite unpredictable. Get a Kids Book Agent Agents are people, too. Hear what they have to say. Right now, Brenda is not accepting picture book manuscript submissions, but she is looking for adult historical fiction. Were not afraid of this. Not of, or relating to, Dogma, Catbird seeks to foster a community of varietous and riotously (not righteously) funny creators in Austin and in the larger state of Texas. Use our literary agency database to learn more about these literary agencies representing picture book writers. Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. You dont have their undivided attention. All I can say is find the right agent for you, and you wont regret it. Her dream project for young readers is one that challenges and inspires, with a compelling voice that will make her stay up all night reading. Queries about books that dont conform, but rather provoke, excite me. I mean, youre not their only client. The North American catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), of the family Mimidae (order Passeriformes), is 23 cm (9 inches) long and is gray, with a black cap. Listen to podcasts. They operate on your behalf, ever focused on your career. These cookies do not store any personal information. Olswanger Literary LLC. On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. But agents help your creative growth in more ways than the obvious. Visit our Team Fuse page and click an agent to read their profile. To be taken seriously, read the (damn) guidelines. If you dont get a good feeling from them in any correspondence, your gut is trying to tell you something. Some favorite titles that provide a sense of her tastes: Picture book: Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon; Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown; I Dont Want to be a Frog by Dev Petty; Bad Dog by Mike Boldt, Middle grade: Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina; The Year the Swallows Came Early by Katherine Fitzmaurice; Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed; The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Young adult: The Sea is Salt and So Am I by Cassandra Hartt; Dumplin by Julie Murphy; The Cost of All Things by Maggie Lehrman; To All the Boys Ive Loved Before by Jenny Han; The Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse. . Chad W. Beckerman: is always looking at submissions! You should know, agents are not going to comment right away (if at all). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Darius Foroux. Although of course it would be totally fine for them to communicate if it would benefit the development of the proposal! 2. But the truth is everyone in publishing faces rejection at some point. Thank you for signing up, fellow book lover! Kayla is also open to representing illustrators. Its all right. Postcards, social media, industry events, bespoke product platforms, blogs, galleries, magazines, and store visits are all tools in a rapidly growing toolbox. We will not open emailed attachments. We only accept submissions via e-mail. Kirsten Hall has struck out on her own after years of freelancing and started her own literary companyCatbird Productionssearching for debut talent. Agent statistics, detailing how long each agent typically takes to respond to a query. Thank you. Martin Literary Management (Agents & Submissions), McKinnon Literary (Agents) (Submissions), Metamorphosis Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. (Agents) (Submissions), Page Turner Literary Agency(Agent) (Submissions opendates for submissions are noted on agencys submisions page), Peters Fraser + Dunlop (Agents) (Submissions)A UK agency, Pippin Properties (Agents)(Submissions), Plum Pudding Illustration Agency (Submissions) UK agency specifically for illustrators. Writing thats confident, vivid, addictive; work thats both ambitious and wise. That one was just meant to be it seems! When I signed, it was very exciting. She wants to be surprisedtheres nothing like the feeling that youre reading something entirely new. Submit to five. Susan's submission email is: susanhawk.submission@gmail.com. Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. Insofar as the quality of your work is good, it doesnt matter if you have an agent or not. Never miss a moment of Fuse Literarys deals and bonus content. Search tools to help you find the right agent for your book. When looking for the first time at an artists portfolio, I like to see a cross section of their work. They step out when not needed. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. Manuscripts sent to them will be discarded unread. Having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable." Remember, you are a business person seeking a business partner. It might seem strange in another industry to see such interagency fellowship,but it feels right for those whove made a career in making books for kids. However, there are differences in our tastes and our particular areas of proficiency, e.g., editorial, genre, licensing, promotion, etc. I read it and I cried. Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! I love my fellow kidlit agents, and I honestly believe we root for each other and celebrate each others successes. We are Catbird Lit, an American journal of humorous writings and visual arts based in Austin, Texas. Catbird Productions, which will package books for publishers, as well as operate as a boutique literary agency for childrens book author/illustrators, with an emphasis on previously unpublished authors/ illustrators. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. Experience. I dont know. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. Most things are negotiable. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Your parents, who arent quite sure what you do, certainly know what agents doand that will make them happy. Catbird's beautifully-crafted documentaries introduce audiences to remarkable human beings, like an Ethiopian aristocrat turned communist rebel, a Montreal poet turned world-renowned winemaker, or a resilient Inuit man who competes in a grueling dogsled race despite a major disability. Okay! Start with illustrators you admire. Home Book Agents Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer The main reasoning behind this stems from the fact that what an artist feels is their strongest work is not necessarily what the agent would agree is best for the market. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Do not send attachments with your query. does not support javascript or you have it disabled. Maybe its the prospective client that we missed out on. Now, let me tell you why you dont need one. The irony is that by doing it yourself, by finding some amount of success on your own, you become more attractive to . Managing Agent, USA for a London-based children's illustration agency representing 150+ incredibly talented artists. Kirsten:Thats exactly right. 38.4k Followers, 0 Following, 1,895 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Catbird Agency (@catbirdagencypix) 8. As soon as you register youll get instant access to the following: * A link to the Catbird Productionswebsite, * A map to the office ofCatbird Productions, * Access to all literary agent profiles in the, * Search the directory by book genre/category (more than 100 categories), Scroll back up to the top of this webpage now to enter your name and email for FREE information and listings for all book agents at Catbird Productions, Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Self-Help, [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. Offer of Representation And thats just on Monday. Anna Olswanger has been a literary agent since 2005. WAIT! Its important to identify who you think are good matches. We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. The snob. Good agents know which parts of the contract are flexible (and which shouldnt be). Children's Book Writers Authors pen manuscripts, artists are creators, agents have insight and continued relationships, editors and art directors have the vision. How Much Do Authors Make? Were not afraid of this. What is one misconception about agents?I can only speak for agents in the childrens book industry, but Im continually heartened and humbled by the camaraderie between kidlit agents. Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly How to Find a Literary Agent for Your BookAdvice from writing professional Jane Friedman. Is it consistent? It may not. Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox Visit their websites, where they explain who they are and what they want. Snail-Mail: Closed E-Mail: Closed Online Form: Closed Learn more about this agent, including: Genres of Interest Typical Response Times Best Query Methods Become a QueryTracker Member (Free) "Just got great reviews!" is better. * Access to all literary agent profiles in the Directory of Literary Agents(1,100+) What if you want to get your rights back? By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: Do I need an agent?. Antony Harwood Ltd (Agents) (Submissions) A UK literary agency. According to Publishers Marketplace, for the past several years Kirsten has been an industryleader in picture booksales. 1. Is there a five-word sentence in the childrens book industry more capable of sparking a debate than Do I need an agent? I was able to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. Erica Rand Silverman is a Senior Agent at Stimola Literary Studio, a full service literary agency devoted to representing authors and author/illustrators who bring unique and substantive contributions to the childrens book industry. Kaylas taste lies squarely in that sweet spot between commercial and literary, and she is looking for captivating voices and rich worldbuildingwhether its a seaside town in Maine or a fantastical other world. 7, Manuscript Wish ListANDManuscript Wish List specifically for literary agents of picture booksAND#MSWL (the Twitter version of Manuscript Wish List) Agents and editors of all writing genres post what they want. It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. If tabling at a convention and pitching your work to passersby feels like your worst nightmare, bring your most outgoing friend. The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). Like coaches,good agents get the best out of you. A thoughtful, personalized query letter does a lot, and obviously if I connect with an art sample or a pitch, its a win, but even then my decision ultimately hinges on what that persons web presence looks like. You have to register (its FREE unless you upgrade to premium) to use this, but once you register and sign in, you can track your query and find which authors are represented by which agents, a publisher list, an agent list, author success stories, and more. Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer Look at what theyll do for you versus what youll have to do for yourself. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer Prentis Literary (Childrens Fiction) (Agents) (Submissions) In childrens fiction, they primarily accept early readers and chapter books, and perhaps the very rare, exceptional picture book. We share with one another,we lean on each other. 2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. And her first trade picture bookThe Jacketwas a 2014 New York Times Notable!) In this post, you and I will go through the steps of a submission, from researching agencies to signing on the dotted linewhile having a bit of a heart-to-heart along the way. Not really. But the absolute wrong thing to do is blindly sign an agreement. The story taps into important truths about love and loss and life. It is my belief that it comes from the onboarding process. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Jill Grinberg Literary Management (Agents) (Submissions), Ladderbird Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Congratulations! Any agent worth their weight is in a position of privilege given that we see a birds-eye view of the industry, have a fantastic understanding of the publishing houses (in particular what the editors and art directors are looking for), and a deep understanding of imprint listswhich may not be obvious from looking online or at backlist titles. Ive asked agents James Burns, Kirsten Hall, Jennifer Linnan, Alexandra Penfold, Linda Pratt,and Erica Rand Silverman three simple questions. . Since it was published as Boats for Papa by Neal Porter Books in 2015, I have read it and cried again and again and again. Picture books (as a format) seem simple at first blush, but they are often in fact quite layered and even poetic, displaying an elegant interplay between text and art . Society of We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. Were both former educators, are each moms of two boys, and we identify in a lot of ways with one another, are drawn to similar stories and talents. Be professional in your communication with an agent. Lemonade Illustration Agency (Artist Submissions) UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. You did the homework. "Referred to you by [insert casting director's name]". Do your clients have more contact with one another than they would if this were set up by a publisher? Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator)need an agent?An agent is a matchmaker, negotiator, mediator, lifter-upper, creative confidant, and industry insider all rolled into one. Rest assured, there are far,far fewer of these agents out there. Even a Twitter or Instagram account can satisfy these questions, but if I look someone up and find nothing, it leaves me looking for more, and often, looking elsewhere. Otherwise, please consider submitting to one of my wonderful colleagues at ABLA. Then I look for a voice, either in the words of an author or the art of an illustrator. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim Erica:In some cases yes and in some cases no. Literary Agent List Step 3: Send Out A Lot Of Submissions Before you start using our list of literary agents, it's important you understand that you should approach the process of trying to find and get a literary agent the way agents approach the process of trying to get a publisher. Susan's submission email is: susanhawk.submission@gmail.com. Kirsten is also an author. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency Picture books pretty much have me wrapped around their finger. Theyre not your parents. Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. More on her wish list, here.
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