Memoir/Christian S. LeRette Were not afraid of this. Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! Although of course it would be totally fine for them to communicate if it would benefit the development of the proposal! Each agent, even within the same agency, has their own ideas of what defines good writing and good illustration. They step out when not needed. This is both a positive and a negative: As a coach, they help your career. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable toguarantee feedback or advice in our rejections. Fiction/Mystery B. Harper They are the busiest bees in the hive. What do you look for in a submission?Illustrators contact me at all different points in their careers, and for different reasonssome are interested in getting more freelance illustration work, some have a childrens book, comic series, or graphic novel theyd like to pitch, and some are simply looking for advice or assistance with their current clients (which could be as disparate as an indie musician and a behemoth advertising agency). Many writers fear writing queries, but it shouldnt frighten you off! Were a tight-knit community! Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the Directory of Literary Agents. Before you submit, read this: Please submit to [email protected] & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line! 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. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: Do I need an agent?. Is it consistent? Maybe the hardest method, but people do talk . Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. Here is the: Advice from writing professional Jane Friedman. Notes/Tips:Our agency does not represent poetry or screenplays. 1) Those that reflect soulfulness and deep consideration. Ive heard illustrators say they want an agent so they dont have to deal with marketing and contracts and the non-drawing-and-painting aspects of illustration. 1. When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. This enables us to put a plan in place before the first portfolio sheet is made. Copyright 2023 D. B. Righi. We'd love to see your work! 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 . Theyre not your servants. 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. Not necessarily. Send her your high-concept and hooky; your award-winners; the books that will become backlist gold. The snob. 2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). Azantian Literary Agency (Agents)(Submissions), Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises (Submissions), Bookends Jr.: A Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), The Book Group (Agents click Our Staff tab for a drop-down list) (Submissions). If we are interested in reviewing your dummy, we will request that you send it. Click here to retrieve reset your password. Catbird Productions was founded in 2006 by Katarina Soukup. Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). A coin is flipped on its head. Home Book Agents Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions. There is just an overwhelming amount of people looking to connect with agents, and it can be challenging for some to give out that warmth all the time. NOTE: Each year Fuse Literary, as an agency, is closed to new submissions and queries between December 1st to January 15th. Join thousands of other subscribers today by enteringyour first name and email address. Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books). In each case, they pointed out issues in my work that I knew were there but refused to recognize. 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. Literary Rambles: Spotlighting Childrens Book Authors, Agents, & Publishing Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books). But the truth is everyone in publishing faces rejection at some point. In a way, you still need to be your own agent. Provide URLs to your author website and social media that supports your efforts to brand yourself. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique childrens book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. I look for author-illustrators. Susan represents work for children and teens only: picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult, along with some non-fiction for young readers. How to Get a Nonfiction Agent Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly New to PW? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. So how will you know the bad from the good? 4. Ive worked as a publicist, as an editor, and now as an agent and author. Hear what they have to say. Thank you. Bright Agency (Agents)(Submissions)A UK / USA agency. Catbird Creative Agency Advertising Services Cleveland, Ohio 57 followers catbird seat (noun) an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage Get An Agent After Self-Publishing Odds of Getting a Book Agent By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Simply click this linkand complete the subscription form. This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. Kayla welcomes dark humor, suspense, magical realism, awkwardly adorable romance, and everything in-between. Theyre meeting. We will email you our periodic newsletter, never more than once a month. Need an author or illustrator? There are a ton of resources out there that can help you DIY here, too, but its often the omissions in a contract that people dont see. Were not trying to make your road to publication harder. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci They say theyre not good at that stuff. You still need to be good at that stuffor at least have an informed understanding of it. Danielle is actively seeking projects in a variety of categories. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee How active are they in the industry? There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. A graduate of Simon Fraser University's Master of Publishing program and a twenty-five year veteran of Canadian publishing, Ron worked with Penguin Canada, Westwood Creative Artists, and Random House of Canada before joining CookeMcDermid in 2009. Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly I signed with Don Fehr at Trident Media and a short time later I had a publishing contract! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. However, if you would like to get your work in front of her for now or the future, please submit - she reviews ALL submissions! The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). Were allies, strategists, friends, supervisors, listeners, managers, organizers, brainstorming partners. I see you have an email from an agent. * Search the directory by book genre/category (more than 100 categories). PW KidsCast: A Conversation with Dan Santat, click here to reactivate your immediate access. And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. . * Access to all literary agent profiles in the Directory of Literary Agents(1,100+) Maybe. Catbird Agency Website: catbirdagency.com/ Twitter: HallWaysKirsten AAR/AALA Member: No Accepts Queries Via. I want an agent to help me . News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. Ideally, you handle the creative end, and your agent handles the business end. Before working in publishing, Erica was a teacher and dean. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette Ive learned how important it is to review our individual clients wants and needs. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer If you dont hear from them after a month or so, gently check in. Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency Picture books pretty much have me wrapped around their finger. Fuse Literary never charges reading or submission fees, nor is there a retainer fee for our services. She will happily review your comics, book cover designs, and picture book dummies.Aliza believes in a world where all young people can see themselves reflected in childrens books. Erica Rand Silverman, Literary Agent,Stimola Literary Studio, Inc. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. Scroll below now to viewthe AAR statusand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. Youll get free access tothe Directory of BookAgents with detailed profiles for allbookagents,including Kirsten HallLiterary Agent. While we have different client lists, Ericas and my intentions for the books we represent are largely the same, as is our aesthetic. The Bright Agency. *Personal email addresses Kirsten Hall is President of Catbird, a boutique childrens literary and illustration agency. Books invite joy. But were also different from one another; we shine in different ways. QueryTracker includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Book Agent Submissions Start with illustrators you admire. 8. We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. Finding a literary agent for children's books is easy using our literary agency database. She wants to be surprisedtheres nothing like the feeling that youre reading something entirely new. The profileabout Kirsten HallLiterary Agent that you see herecontains just some of the information youll find in our free BookAgents Directory, with listings for all publishing agents. Hall can be contacted at [email protected]. Most things are negotiable. What is one misconception about agents?You wouldnt believe how many conference attendees come up to me to say thank you for being warm and approachable, as if this isnt the norm. Search tools to help you find the right agent for your book. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. But I didnt get the level of attention I was expecting. Otherwise, please consider submitting to one of my wonderful colleagues at ABLA. But, when it feels right and exciting on our end, we hope that it will be received that way by the publishers. Janklow & Nesbit Associates (Agents) (Submissions)USA & UK agency. But the absolute wrong thing to do is blindly sign an agreement. Different authors and illustrators have different needs, which is why finding your perfect agent match is so important. 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 . It all depends on who you are, and what you want. Even if you get the book deal on your own, a complicated contract is sure to follow, and hopefully an ongoing business relationship has only just begun. They told me they were going to focus on getting me into the industry I love: childrens books. Many of us are friends. Theyre easy. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. If you still dont hear from them, move on. Ive asked agents James Burns, Kirsten Hall, Jennifer Linnan, Alexandra Penfold, Linda Pratt,and Erica Rand Silverman three simple questions. Her client list at Bright includes Elly Mackay, Benji Davis, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. I hear the comparison that the agent-client relationship is like a marriage. How to Get a Fiction Agent No, its not. Honest and open communication is key. Aliza R. Hoover: represents illustrators and author-illustrators. Im the person throwing up the grappling hook, not the one pouring down hot oil. . This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. Having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable." Kirsten:Lets be real, Im always looking for an excuse to hop on the phone or grab lunch with Ericaso working together gives me the perfect excuse! Well navigate the waters together. The one thing I look for across the board in a submission is a clean, professional-looking portfolio site! Author/illustrators: NBPlease include a link to your online portfolio and/or to your downloadable dummy. Thank you for submitting your work! Erica:We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. Kirsten:Thats exactly right. Do not query multiple agents at Fuse simultaneously. It is my belief that it comes from the onboarding process. Only considers picture books from established illustrators. 38.4k Followers, 0 Following, 1,895 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Catbird Agency (@catbirdagencypix) Books that tell the stories of people, places, and cultures that have been overlooked and ignored for too long are at the top of her list. DING! It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent represents the followingbook genres: Scroll below now to view representative titlesand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. Editors should be salivating by the time they get to the chapter outline. Working with Mark was completely worth it." If I have requested your work, please email me at [email protected] and please include the word "request" in your subject line (and please do NOT include the word "query'"). Queries about books that dont conform, but rather provoke, excite me. Never miss a moment of Fuse Literarys deals and bonus content. Erica is mostly interested in adding author-illustrators to her list andis looking for a diverse array of voices and styles. Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. And the value of that growth far exceeds the fees. It sounds less hurtful. How to Find a Book Agent Your agent cant be expected to do all the heavy lifting. How did you come to collaborate on books together? Its important to identify who you think are good matches. Theyre defending. 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. "Berkley Books recently published my book in hardcover after Mark helped me get multiple agents interested in my work. However, there are differences in our tastes and our particular areas of proficiency, e.g., editorial, genre, licensing, promotion, etc. I was able to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. 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. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. Most literary agency directories (print and online) are outdated, incomplete, and riddled with mistakes. What percentage of art directors go to agents first to find illustrators? 6. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. (Maybe: Is publishing dead or not? Its not dead, but I digress.). "Referred to you by [insert casting director's name]". It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Jill Grinberg Literary Management (Agents) (Submissions), Ladderbird Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. "Just got great reviews!" is better. She prefers books that explore deep emotional relationships in an interesting or unusual way. When looking for an agent, its important to do your homework. Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer In your query letter, stick to professional accomplishments that relate to writing and publishing. The one who uses righteous indignation and insults as means to an end. The answer might be a little different for our editorial colleagues with writers. To set up immediate access, click here. I work alone and basically love knocking on other agents doors and asking them to come out and play! Order is not locked and is accepting submissions. But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. Who reps them? I like being asked to see or think about the world divergently. * A link to the Catbird Productionswebsite Kayla is seeking everything from heartfelt or humorous picture books (she has a soft spot for animal protagonists) to dynamic, unpredictable YA (she loves a good murder mystery or a clever rom-com). What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. * Agent photos Thank you for submitting your work! Our goal is always to sell their work and properly manage their rights, establishing long-term writing careers for our clients. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti Work is more fun when youre doing it with people you like and respect. Anna Olswanger has been a literary agent since 2005. What if you want to get your rights back? Be professional in your communication with an agent. The Number of Queries Sent and Their Replies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci Both literary and commercial work. 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. 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]. Hall is the author of the picture books. And then submit your picture book query letter and manuscript. QueryTracker will not function correctly without javascript. Follow your instincts. It feels like youve made it. Notes/Tips: Our agency does not represent poetry or screenplays. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent?The answer to this is clear to me: because it plays to strengths. Literary Agents for Children's Books 2023-2024 - Use our free List of Literary Agents to find children's literary agents accepting submissions for fiction and nonfiction: young adult book agents (YA), middle grade book agents (MG), picture book agents, and chapter book agents. Kirsten opened Catbird's wings in March 2014. Olswanger Literary LLC. She doesnt represent adult projects. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. "Mark helped me get five different offers for representation from top literary agents. . And sometime between crying, I offered Jessixa representation. In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. She is looking for visual storytellers with distinctive, unique portfolios that will stand out in a crowded market. Now, let me tell you why you dont need one. As an art director, it made no difference whatsoever. Its important to get a sense that a potential client will take that approach. Repeat. Fiction/Christian K. Sargent Find The Agents With The Fastest Response Times. I thought if I signed with an agent, I could just focus on making art., Me: How many jobs did they get for you over the past year?. Use our literary agency database to learn more about these literary agencies representing picture book writers. And Im stirred by pitches that elicit feelings of sympathy or empathy. The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). HOLD IT! Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. Signing with an agent is just one step on an endless staircase. They lead the cheer for you. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen Some of her favorite non-client books in this category are: I Am I Am I Am by Maggie O'Farrell, Heavy by Kiese Laymon, Late Migrations by Margaret Renkl, You Just Need to Lose Weight by Aubrey Gordon, and In Shock by Rana Adwish. They're Skyping. If you have questions, you can build your own network of colleagues who may have the answers. When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. What if you cant deliver the work on time? Publishing Agent Kirsten Hall is an agent with Catbird Productions. Kayla is also open to representing illustrators. It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. Theyre negotiating. But I dont generally find myself doing much differently with regards to my clients when co-agenting other than have hard conversations on their behalf with my my co-agent up front. It frequents gardens and thickets. Familiarize yourself with their accomplishments. It isnt as automatic as you think. Maybe its the book that we havent placed yet, but still so strongly believe has a place in the world. For middle grade and YA: She is actively seeking fresh young adult and middle grade fiction across all genres. Nonfiction/Self-Help A. Goddard Please do not send us submissions of any kind. I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. Agents have their finger on the pulse and understand the rhythm of publishing. Ive co-agented all kinds of dealsones that have gone to multi-house auctions on day one, one in which only one client saw an offer and the other client gracefully stepped aside, one in which wildly different offers came in and my co-agent and I needed to negotiate with each other as much as the publishers because our clients positions were so different. How do you work with your clients individually on something like this? Please send work that shows character development, style, color and narrative story-telling. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent?Agents wear many important hats. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. 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. 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. Memoir/Women L. Lehr Childrens/YA D. Bester She is particularly interested in illustrators from diverse backgrounds and portfolios that depict diverse characters and experiences. Sign up for our Children's Bookshelf newsletter! Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. All I can say is find the right agent for you, and you wont regret it. We have invaluable industry insights and connections. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: [email protected]. Thank you for signing up, fellow book lover! Ive learned how important it is to review our individual clients wants and needs before offers start to come in. Copyright 2011-23 The Bestselling Author, LLC. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If you do not receive a reply from Chad in 2 weeks, please assume its a pass. She is . While were waiting on the agents response, can I ask you why you want an agent? As soon as you register youll get instant access to the following: * Agent bios for all agents atCatbird Productions Either way, I hope this post helps you move forward with your career. We are Catbird Lit, an American journal of humorous writings and visual arts based in Austin, Texas. Youll also get access to our article and audio library with information to help you get a top agent, publisher, and book deal.