Erica:We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. Theyre the coach. The agent then dedicates energy and resources to get that first commission. Again, I digress.). Although of course it would be totally fine for them to communicate if it would benefit the development of the proposal! Although of course it would be totally fine for them to communicate if it would benefit the development of the proposal! Agents have a broader knowledge due to their experience, and it allows the creative lines between authors and illustrators and their editors/houses to be cleaner. This is why its so important to make sure theres a termination clause in your contract. * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) Because co-agenting can be even more unpredictable than regular agenting, and because two agents naturally need to look at whats best for two clients with different histories and hopes, the co-agenting process requires double the consideration and diplomacy. Offer of Representation Kirsten:Not necessarily. Remember, you are a business person seeking a business partner. Check out her Literaticastpodcast. The snob. Once you sign with an agent, you dont just sit back and wait for the jobs to roll in. To be taken seriously, read the (damn) guidelines. A Montreal-based boutique production company, we specialize in award-winning, beautifully-crafted and enduring POV documentaries for Canadian and international audiences. We were thinking of matching up Susan Verde and Jay Fleck for our own pitch and then Susans editor, on her own accord, ended up approaching Jay to illustrate Susans new series. 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. 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?. Agencies are still in there, but the box is getting more crowded all the time. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. 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)! Maybe its the book that we havent placed yet, but still so strongly believe has a place in the world. She is looking for visual storytellers with distinctive, unique portfolios that will stand out in a crowded market. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the Directory of Literary Agents. How Much Does An Agent Cost? But were also different from one another; we shine in different ways. We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. The subject heading in your email should be simple but enticing. All I can say is find the right agent for you, and you wont regret it. 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. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci They're Skyping. Here youll find everything you need to submit work to Upstart Crow Literary. Get a Kids Book Agent On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. I love my fellow kidlit agents, and I honestly believe we root for each other and celebrate each others successes. Logo designed by Kody Chamberlain Website designed by Ian Bauer. Your work has been submitted! What do you look for in a submission?What I look for in a submission is first a professional introductory letter. RESPONSE TIMES We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. Who reps them? Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. It isnt as automatic as you think. Use our literary agency database to learn more about these literary agencies representing picture book writers. Theyre traveling. Its the most comprehensive (and accurate) list of literary agencies in the world, with detailed profiles for more than 1,100 literary agents. They help you skip that much-maligned slush pile. Find The Agents With The Fastest Response Times. DO NOT QUERY THIS AGENT AT THIS TIME: Cherry is not currently accepting unsolicited submissions. What is one misconception about agents?An age-old misconception originates from a simple questionhow can we give equal quality, time, and support to more than one artist? Lemonade Illustration Agency (Artist Submissions) UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. He also co-owned Cooke International, an . Bright Agency (Agents)(Submissions)A UK / USA agency. 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. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee How to Find a Book Agent If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. 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. Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. Books invite joy. We only accept submissions via e-mail. 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. Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. Look at what theyll do for you versus what youll have to do for yourself. If you want the most accurate information available for literary agents atCatbird Productionsregister above now for FREE instant access to the Directory of Literary Agents. When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. These cookies do not store any personal information. Were a tight-knit community! Thank you for signing up, fellow book lover! Childrens/YA L. Moe, What Is a Literary Agent? There is a lot of uncertainty that comes along with developing a co-agented pitch from just the seed of an idea. 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. Scroll below now to viewthe AAR statusand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. 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) 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. 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. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer Its so truein the past month alone weve had some particularly exciting pairings between Stimola and Catbird! Thank you for submitting your work! News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. Notes/Tips: Our agency does not represent poetry or screenplays. Like coaches,good agents get the best out of you. Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! My approach with each client is different based on what they particularly need. 2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. The Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to foster public appreciation of childrens books and to support the vibrant community of people who create and promote them. I went back to the drawing board., I signed with an agent, thinking that they would get me consistent work. Antony Harwood Ltd (Agents) (Submissions) A UK literary agency. * Agent photos Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly She has negotiated many hundreds of childrens book deals between authors, illustrators, and all of the major American publishers. Provide URLs to your author website and social media that supports your efforts to brand yourself. You should know, agents are not going to comment right away (if at all). According to Publishers Marketplace, for the past several years Kirsten has been an industryleader in picture booksales. does not support javascript or you have it disabled. Hear what they have to say. I mean, maybe some of us are glamorous, but that aside, of the agents I know (myself included) this couldnt be further from the truth. Agents help a career in ways beyond even my understanding. To me it is the gold standard for a picture book that makes the reader feel. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. What do you look for in a submission?I look to have an emotional response and for the work to be something different than is already represented on my list. In a way, you still need to be your own agent. Your submission to agents isnt an Instagram post thats totes gonna get likes. 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. 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. But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. 2) Those that somehow present the world differently. Society of Memoir/Women L. Lehr LiteraryAgents.com An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). 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. . And her first trade picture bookThe Jacketwas a 2014 New York Times Notable!) *Personal email addresses Kirsten works intimately with her clients to conceive and develop original story pitches. Do not send attachments with your query. Catbird Agency Website: catbirdagency.com/ Twitter: HallWaysKirsten AAR/AALA Member: No Accepts Queries Via. Click here to retrieve reset your password. Plus, get a FREE ebook when you sign up! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 8. Copyright 2023 D. B. Righi. "Referred to you by [insert casting director's name]". 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. Susan's submission email is: susanhawk.submission@gmail.com. We are particularly interested in work about art, culture, the environment, music, and human rights. They operate on your behalf, ever focused on your career. 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! catbird seat. Also send five pages from your manuscript. Kirsten opened Catbirds wings in March 2014. Regardless,I like to seek out three main strengths any time I review a portfolio: storytelling ability, consistency, and confidence. It is my belief that it comes from the onboarding process. Childrens/YA L. Moe. Lets submit your work to an agent. Someone asked me once, Do you only hire artists who have agents?Not in the slightest. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti Look, I get it, man. I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. We'd love to see your work! Children's Book Writers Insofar as the quality of your work is good, it doesnt matter if you have an agent or not. Learn More. It was after the 2013 SCBWI NY conference. Theres already much greater access to the publishing house in the illustration world (versus for writers, who often are barred by company policy from submitting their work directly). In your query letter, stick to professional accomplishments that relate to writing and publishing. In childrens fiction, they primarily accept early readers and chapter books, and perhaps the very rare, exceptional picture book. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen While were waiting on the agents response, can I ask you why you want an agent? 1) Those that reflect soulfulness and deep consideration. 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. They are the busiest bees in the hive. Is there a five-word sentence in the childrens book industry more capable of sparking a debate than Do I need an agent? Ideally, you handle the creative end, and your agent handles the business end. 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. 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. Kirsten:Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books). A word of warning: There is such a thing as a bad agent. Visit their websites, where they explain who they are and what they want. Erica is a tireless advocate for her clients and proud to be a part of an industry that is so thoughtfully shaping young minds. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. Ask the Agent Informative site ofJennifer Laughran, senior agent at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, who represents authors and illustrators of childrens and YA books. Each agent, even within the same agency, has their own ideas of what defines good writing and good illustration. 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. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme . Stop right there. Kirsten opened Catbird's wings in March 2014. I like to feel as if someone is sharing with me, not just shopping to me. Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly How is it different from the way you usually rep a book? Sts ID Perm Fac. Theyre meeting. 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. Ron is a literary agent and co-owner of CookeMcDermid. I choose to work with an agent because I value that relationship and I know its helped me to create my best work. I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin Books, which published my book in hardcover! Prospect Agency (Agents)(Submissions) (Prospect Portfolio: Illustrator Submissions), Raven Quill Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), The Rights Factory (Agents) (Submissions) A Canadian Literary Agency, Rising Bear Literary Agency (Rick Margolis) (Submissions), Rodeen Literary Management (Paul Rodeen)(Submissions), Root Literary (Agents) (Molly ONeill: open to illustrators & author-illustrators) (Submissions), Rubin Pfeffer Content, LLC(Agents)(Submissions), Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Sanford J. Greenburger Associates (Agents)(Submissions), Sean McCarthy Literary Agency (Submissions), Scovil Galen Ghosh Literary (Agents) (Submissions), Serendipidty Literary Agency (Agents)(Illustration Submissions) (Photography Submissions)(Author Submissions), The Seymour Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Sheldon Fogelman Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Stimola Literary Studio: Books for Children and Young Adults (Agents) (Submissions), Stonesong Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Storm Literary Agency (Agents)(Submissions), Thompson Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions) Only considers picture books from established illustrators, Transatlantic Agency(Agents & Submissions) Canadian and U.S.A. offices, TriadaUS Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Trident Media Group (Agents)(Submissions), Upstart Crow Literary (Agents)(Submissions), Wendy Lyn & Co.(Submissions for childrens book illustrators only), Wernick & Pratt Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Westwood Creative Artists (Agents) (Submissions) A Canadian Literary Agency, The Whiteman Agency (Doug Whiteman) (Submissions). While we have different client lists, Ericas and my intentions for the books we represent are largely the same, as is our aesthetic. The Cherry Weiner Literary Agency officially started her agency in May of 1977. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable toguarantee feedback or advice in our rejections. Managing Agent, USA for a London-based children's illustration agency representing 150+ incredibly talented artists. The one thing I look for across the board in a submission is a clean, professional-looking portfolio site! When I signed, it was very exciting. For art directors, editors, and publishers,an agent is foremost a problem-solver. The overwhelming advantage in having this knowledge is proven when we come to share new work; it cuts through the noise and competition. Her client list at Bright includes Elly Mackay, Benji Davis, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago Tips for writing and sending query letters. It all depends on who you are, and what you want. When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. Follow agents on social media. includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. Good agents know which parts of the contract are flexible (and which shouldnt be). 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. If you still dont hear from them, move on. 3. Not everythingbut most. Others are big box stores. Olswanger Literary LLC. You can unsubscribe easily at any time we dont spam. How to Get a Fiction Agent Before you submit, read this: Please submit to SUBMISSIONS@CATAGENCYINC.COM & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line! . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. . But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. 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. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme Fiction/Christian K. Sargent Layered, flawed, completely human characters. Sense of place mattersprecise, expressive settings delight her. 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'"). Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions, Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Narrative Nonfiction, [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]. Not necessarily. But agents help your creative growth in more ways than the obvious. Feeling hurt inflates our ego, which clouds self-awareness, which stunts creative improvement. Thank you for trying us, and all good luck! Start with illustrators you admire. Today, the tools that art directors use to find illustrators are too numerous to list. Writing thats confident, vivid, addictive; work thats both ambitious and wise. Once a book is sold, authors and illustrators will be presenting themselves to publishers, booksellers, librarians, and others as a professional. Kayla is also open to representing illustrators. * Mailing addresses Familiarize yourself with their accomplishments. Erica is mostly interested in adding author-illustrators to her list andis looking for a diverse array of voices and styles. Get FREE Access Now to All Catbird ProductionsProfiles! You still need to work hard, improve your craft, increase your self-awareness. Please do not send us submissions of any kind. Youre the playerone of many players on his or her team. Please send work that shows character development, style, color and narrative story-telling. Its all right. I was able to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. "Berkley Books recently published my book in hardcover after Mark helped me get multiple agents interested in my work. Humor is important, even in a narrative thats dark or sad or edgy. Ive been in publishing for over a decade. It may not. But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. How did you come to collaborate on books together? If you need contractual help, you can find an attorney who would only charge a one-time fee. Search tools to help you find the right agent for your book. 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). Danielle is actively seeking projects in a variety of categories. You did the homework. When an agent is pitching or submitting the work, it is my belief that the success rate is so much higher. 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.