Co-agenting, or doing that process together, makes it even more fun and is a great way to learn from one another. Lets take a journey together. Were not trying to make your road to publication harder. 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. Children's Book Writers With the amount of information available to us through articles, workshops, podcasts, and the like, it takes just a bit of elbow grease to figure things out. I still remember the first time I read Jessixa Bagleys dummy submission. "Referred to you by [insert casting director's name]". What is one misconception about agents? 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. Most literary agency directories (print and online) are outdated, incomplete, and riddled with mistakes. Submission Guidelines: Hello! 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. Practice professional patience and persistence. Wait for a response. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. 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. Getfree access to the Directory of Literary Agents with detailed agent profiles. She will leave Bright this Friday. Managing Agent, USA for a London-based children's illustration agency representing 150+ incredibly talented artists. Join QueryTracker to access more query and agent information, including To read more comments about this agent, or to leave comments of your own, become a QueryTracker member. 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. Book Agent Submissions Janklow & Nesbit Associates (Agents) (Submissions)USA & UK agency. I like to feel as if someone is sharing with me, not just shopping to me. But I didnt get the level of attention I was expecting. We only accept submissions via e-mail. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator need an agent? He also co-owned Cooke International, an . Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim . But theyre not the only key to the door. Visit our Team Fuse page and click an agent to read their profile. Ive worked as a publicist, as an editor, and now as an agent and author. When I offer representation, ideally Id like to be in it for the long haulwhich means I want to really know who Im signing up to work with: Do they have other work thats equally enticing? Theyre negotiating. I mean, youre not their only client. Sure you can. 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. 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 . Theyre not your servants. *Personal email addresses They're publicizing. BookStop Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Bradford Literary Agency(Agents & Submissions). UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. She prefers books that explore deep emotional relationships in an interesting or unusual way. Ask around. Read industry magazines and blogs. I choose to work with an agent because I value that relationship and I know its helped me to create my best work. . 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! Where do I sign? Read their agreement. Its all right. How is it different from the way you usually rep a book? 3. The one who uses righteous indignation and insults as means to an end. and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. . It was after the 2013 SCBWI NY conference. Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong However, if you would like to get your work in front of her for now or the future, please submit - she reviews ALL submissions! Erica:Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) Take time with it. Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency Picture books pretty much have me wrapped around their finger. (Thank you!). 2) Those that somehow present the world differently. 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. 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. A word of warning: There is such a thing as a bad agent. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable toguarantee feedback or advice in our rejections. "Just got great reviews!" is better. Thats exactly right. QueryTracker Members can view the data gathered by all other members, organized into reports showing 2007-2023 QueryTracker. Scroll below now to viewthe AAR statusand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. Christie Megill: is eager to work with illustrators, author/illustrators, and picture book authors, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. Deborah Harris Agency (Agents) (Submissions), D4EO Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Dunham Literary, Inc. (Jennie Dunham)(Submissions), Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Dystel, Goderich, & Bourrett LLC (Agents) (Submissions)(Nonfiction Submission Guidelines), Einstein Literary Management (Agents) (Submissions), Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). To me it is the gold standard for a picture book that makes the reader feel. Can you do it without an agent? Get An Agent After Self-Publishing QueryTracker will not function correctly without javascript. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: "Do I need an agent?" Erica:Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. Before working in publishing, Erica was a teacher and dean. Lets stop using that word rejection. Try for a moment to think of it as objective criticism. 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). 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. She had been in my session and introduced herself at the end and mentioned that she was sending me her dummy. 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 . Keep walking. Be professional in your communication with an agent. "Actor seeking representation" is a bore. Copyright 2023 D. B. Righi. 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. 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. Manuscripts sent to them will be discarded unread. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. The agent then dedicates energy and resources to get that first commission. She is . Kirsten:Thats exactly right. Here are their answers: What do you look for in a submission? One size does not fit all. Either way, I hope this post helps you move forward with your career. 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. Once a book is sold, authors and illustrators will be presenting themselves to publishers, booksellers, librarians, and others as a professional. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti 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. Read comments by other authors who have queried the same agents you have. In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. Ask questions. Fiction/Christian K. Sargent Agents Seeking ClientsAuthor Erica Verillo has links for agents seeking clients and other excellent resources for writers, including kidlit writers on her blog Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity. Ive learned how important it is to review our individual clients wants and needs. On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. All rights reserved. Dont send your work to all of them at once. Follow your instincts. If you still dont hear from them, move on. She currently has around 45 clients with little room for more, as she thinks 50 clients is the ideal number. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. . Its brilliant I mean, really, its fantastic. Were a tight-knit community! and Illustrators. 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. . Literary Agencies for Picture Books (A-F) 3 Arts Entertainment (New . Follow agents on social media. We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. Kirsten Hall is President of Catbird, a boutique childrens literary and illustration agency. 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]. And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. And her first trade picture bookThe Jacketwas a 2014 New York Times Notable!) Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. Odds of Getting a Book Agent She doesnt represent adult projects. Stagger it. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Plus, get a FREE ebook when you sign up! Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent? 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 Show an agent you are serious about writing as a career. Join thousands of other subscribers today by enteringyour first name and email address. 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. Layered, flawed, completely human characters. Familiarize yourself with their accomplishments. * A map to the office ofCatbird Productions That one was just meant to be it seems! Fiction/Christian K. Sargent We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. For adult fiction, Danielle is seeking upmarket commercial fiction and literary fiction. Your work has been submitted! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. Hall, who 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 headquartered in London and specializes in nurturing and developing debut childrens book author/illustrators. Andrea Brown Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). "Mark helped me get five different offers for representation from top literary agents. How to Get a Fiction Agent I think authors and illustrators sometimes forget that agents, too, face disappointment. If you have questions, you can build your own network of colleagues who may have the answers. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen Author/illustrators: NBPlease include a link to your online portfolio and/or to your downloadable dummy. Ive asked agents James Burns, Kirsten Hall, Jennifer Linnan, Alexandra Penfold, Linda Pratt,and Erica Rand Silverman three simple questions. Authors pen manuscripts, artists are creators, agents have insight and continued relationships, editors and art directors have the vision. Memoir/Women L. Lehr Each have their advantages and disadvantages. Insofar as the quality of your work is good, it doesnt matter if you have an agent or not. SUBMISSIONS. Okay! She is not seeking sci-fi, horror, or high fantasy. Kirsten opened Catbird's wings in March 2014. Erica is mostly interested in adding author-illustrators to her list andis looking for a diverse array of voices and styles. Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Curtis Brown LTD (Agents)(Submissions). Isabelle Arsenault 161161 5 Comments 5 Shares Like Comment Share Catbird Agency is with Seb Cosset and Brigette Barrager. Its not easy to do it yourself, but it is possible. Were not afraid of this. Read their interviews. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. Playing with each others client lists is a way to stay true to that, to not overcommit in order to see more potentially exciting matching possibilities. Think about it: They meet with the editors and art directors at many publishing housesalways learning what they want and dont want; always given inside looks into publishing plans, present and future; always gaining further insight into who loosens or tightens the purse strings. The overwhelming advantage in having this knowledge is proven when we come to share new work; it cuts through the noise and competition. Our goal is always to sell their work and properly manage their rights, establishing long-term writing careers for our clients. Responsible for . 1) Those that reflect soulfulness and deep consideration. But were also different from one another; we shine in different ways. For off-site access, click here. Erica Rand Silverman, Literary Agent,Stimola Literary Studio, Inc. Follow each agents instructions, but remember that they may be different. How Long to Get An Agent? They told me they were going to focus on getting me into the industry I love: childrens books. If your submission is received by our system, an automated response will be emailed to you. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I work alone and basically love knocking on other agents doors and asking them to come out and play! Nonfiction/Self-Help A. Goddard Look, I get it, man. Your agent cant be expected to do all the heavy lifting. Lets submit your work to an agent. And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. Publishing Agent Kirsten Hall is an agent with Catbird Productions. Kayla is also open to representing illustrators. What do you look for in a submission?What I look for in a submission is first a professional introductory letter. You heard it here first! Congratulations! Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox David Higham Associates (Agents)(Submissions)A UK agency. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer 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. Tips for writing and sending query letters. 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). Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen 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. But, as an individual player, you arent the only one they need to help. * A link to the Catbird Productionswebsite So how will you know the bad from the good? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Visit their websites, where they explain who they are and what they want. 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?. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The answer might be a little different for our editorial colleagues with writers. In a way, you still need to be your own agent. * Agent photos If you do not receive a reply from Chad in 2 weeks, please assume its a pass. Finding a literary agent for children's books is easy using our literary agency database. It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. They operate on your behalf, ever focused on your career. In each case, they pointed out issues in my work that I knew were there but refused to recognize. I work alone and basically love knocking on other agents doors and asking them to come out and play! 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. Listen to podcasts. Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. 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. If you need contractual help, you can find an attorney who would only charge a one-time fee. Kayla's submission email is: kayla.submission@gmail.com. Kirsten:Its so truein the past month alone weve had some particularly exciting pairings between Stimola and Catbird! Agents are people, too. You heard it here first! 5. We share with one another,we lean on each other. I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. Darius Foroux. Its so truein the past month alone weve had some particularly exciting pairings between Stimola and Catbird! In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. 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. It frequents gardens and thickets. When an artist joins Brightand here I can only speak about Brightan artists dreams and ambition must be aligned with those of the agency. Childrens/YA D. Bester Erica:Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. Chad W. Beckerman: is always looking at submissions! Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. Please do not send us submissions of any kind. Call:1-800 -278-2991 (outside US/Canada, call +1-847-513-6135) 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday (Central). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Look at what theyll do for you versus what youll have to do for yourself. Home Book Agents Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. USA Literary Agencies and Literary Agents Catbird Productions, Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the, register above now for FREE instant access to the. Okay! Im reminded of my father-in-law, who spends three hours fixing a leak instead of calling a plumber who could do it in one. Please submit to SUBMISSIONS@CATAGENCYINC.COM & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line! To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. Kirsten works intimately with her clients to conceive and develop original story pitches. An agent delivers. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. DO NOT QUERY THIS AGENT AT THIS TIME: Cherry is not currently accepting unsolicited submissions. Others are big box stores. She is drawn to work that showcases expressive characters, timeless palettes, and atmospheric scenes. I look for author-illustrators. Most of the time, Im working with my clients to develop their own dummies or texts to sell directly to a publisher or Ro and I are looking within the studio for an illustrator match to a pre-existing text. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. It may not even be 50 percent. I went back to the drawing board., I signed with an agent, thinking that they would get me consistent work. Kirsten Hall has struck out on her own after years of freelancing and started her own literary companyCatbird Productionssearching for debut talent. Your friends will congratulate you. Find out whos working in the field. It isnt as automatic as you think. 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. 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. Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox I read it and I cried. But if we are interested, we will request your full manuscript. And thats just on Monday. Her client list at Bright includes Elly Mackay, Benji Davis, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. Learn More. If youre creating work that could be described as generous, nuanced, and at ease with complexity, shed love to read it. Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency (Agents & Submissions)NOTE: This is aUKagency. 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. The Bright Agency. Literary agent Kirsten Hall is launching a new company, Catbird Productions, which will package books for publishers, as well as operate as a boutique literary agency for children's book. You didnt receive a rejection letter. You received a critique letter. It sounds so much better, doesnt it? We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme If they do get back to you, expect a rejection . Its important to get a sense that a potential client will take that approach. Hear what they have to say. DING! 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. Well try to get back to you as quickly as possible. Different authors and illustrators have different needs, which is why finding your perfect agent match is so important. Danielle is actively seeking projects in a variety of categories. Bookmark Literary (Submissions) Open to illustrator submissions. Youll also get access to our article and audio library with information to help you get a top agent, publisher, and book deal. Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! Send her your high-concept and hooky; your award-winners; the books that will become backlist gold. 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. Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books). When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If I have requested your work, please email me at lara@andreabrownlit.com and please include the word "request" in your subject line (and please do NOT include the word "query'"). Here youll find everything you need to submit work to Upstart Crow Literary. Queries about books that dont conform, but rather provoke, excite me. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). An agent delivers. Want more information about Kirsten Hall? When an agent is pitching or submitting the work, it is my belief that the success rate is so much higher. full terms and conditions and this month's choices. The Number of Queries Sent and Their Replies. Sense of place mattersprecise, expressive settings delight her. It may not. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette Catbird Agency Website: catbirdagency.com/ Twitter: HallWaysKirsten AAR/AALA Member: No Accepts Queries Via. Many writers fear writing queries, but it shouldnt frighten you off! Antony Harwood Ltd (Agents) (Submissions) A UK literary agency.

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