catbird seat. They will try to respond within a month. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Ron is a literary agent and co-owner of CookeMcDermid. Lets tap into that knowledge. We share with one another,we lean on each other. But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. Work is more fun when youre doing it with people you like and respect. Please send her: childrens illustration portfolios, picture book dummies, picture book manuscripts, childrens graphic novel pitches, and the select chapter book project. Notes/Tips: Our agency does not represent poetry or screenplays. 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. Danielle is actively seeking projects in a variety of categories. She is drawn toward gorgeous writing and strong, flawed characters. "Referred to you by [insert casting director's name]". Fuse Literary never charges reading or submission fees, nor is there a retainer fee for our services. Erica:Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. 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 . 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. Please do not send us submissions of any kind. And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. I choose to work with an agent because I value that relationship and I know its helped me to create my best work. Thank you for submitting your work! Notes/Tips:Our agency does not represent poetry or screenplays. and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer Good agents know which parts of the contract are flexible (and which shouldnt be). Lemonade Illustration Agency (Artist Submissions) UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. Before you submit, read this: Please submit to SUBMISSIONS@CATAGENCYINC.COM & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 6. 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. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable toguarantee feedback or advice in our rejections. For middle grade and YA: She is actively seeking fresh young adult and middle grade fiction across all genres. Show an agent you are serious about writing as a career. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. Before working in publishing, Erica was a teacher and dean. A few books I loved reading in my free time . And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. Youve identified fifteen to twenty agents. But I didnt get the level of attention I was expecting. Kirsten:Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. Please send work that shows character development, style, color and narrative story-telling. Erica:We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. Kirsten:Thats exactly right. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. . Her client list at Bright includes Elly Mackay, Benji Davis, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency, (Prospect Portfolio: Illustrator Submissions), (Molly ONeill: open to illustrators & author-illustrators), Stimola Literary Studio: Books for Children and Young Adults, (Submissions for childrens book illustrators only), Association of Authors Representatives, Inc. (AAR), How to Find a Literary Agent for Your Book, Literary Rambles: Spotlighting Childrens Book Authors, Agents, & Publishing, Manuscript Wish List specifically for literary agents of picture books. It feels good to say, I have an agent. Its legitimizing. Want more information about Kirsten Hall? NOTE: Each year Fuse Literary, as an agency, is closed to new submissions and queries between December 1st to January 15th. Signing with an agent is just one step on an endless staircase. Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. If you can, find a contract professional to read it. 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! Either way, look for agents who show an appreciation for your visual aesthetic. Unfortunately, misconceptions and assumptions related to the job description of an agent are rife in the illustration community. 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). An agent delivers. Logo designed by Kody Chamberlain Website designed by Ian Bauer. You still need to hustle. The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. She is drawn to work that showcases expressive characters, timeless palettes, and atmospheric scenes. 5. Again, I digress.). Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen The subject heading in your email should be simple but enticing. 3. 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. One size does not fit all. Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions) Curtis Brown LTD (Agents) (Submissions) David Higham Associates (Agents) (Submissions) A UK agency. It is my belief that it comes from the onboarding process. Susan's submission email is: susanhawk.submission@gmail.com. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent? Kirsten works intimately with her clients to conceive and develop original story pitches. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. Maybe its the book that we havent placed yet, but still so strongly believe has a place in the world. Both literary and commercial work. 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. Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Jill Grinberg Literary Management (Agents) (Submissions), Ladderbird Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Manuscripts sent to them will be discarded unread. When was the last time you checked out Publishers Weeklys Rights Report? 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. 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)! Here is the: AAR Agent Databaseand the list of AAR members who represent picture books. 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. May 2010 - Feb 20143 years 10 months. includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). 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?. And sometime between crying, I offered Jessixa representation. Thank you for signing up, fellow book lover! Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). 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. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci 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. An agent once said to me, If you think having an agent doesnt give you a distinct advantage, youre crazy. It depends on the agent and the artist, but I tend to agree with her. 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. I always advise illustrators who are just starting out to identify what they can and/or want to do, and outsource the rest. * AAR membership status * Search the directory by book genre/category (more than 100 categories). When an agent is pitching or submitting the work, it is my belief that the success rate is so much higher. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. No agency can guarantee that a particular project will sell, but we sign clients because we love their writing and want them to succeed. NOTE: Each year Fuse Literary, as an agency, is closed to new submissions and queries between December 1st to January 15th. Your parents, who arent quite sure what you do, certainly know what agents doand that will make them happy. It sounds less hurtful. You should know, agents are not going to comment right away (if at all). We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Odds of Getting a Book Agent Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox And Im stirred by pitches that elicit feelings of sympathy or empathy. We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. An agent delivers. We have invaluable industry insights and connections. 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. According to Publishers Marketplace, for the past several years Kirsten has been an industryleader in picture booksales. Publishing Agent Kirsten Hall is an agent with Catbird Productions. As soon as you register youll get instant access to the following: * Agent bios for all agents atCatbird Productions She started her career at Liza Dawson Associates in Manhattan, and in 2014 launched her own literary agency, Olswanger Literary LLC, where she represents a wide variety of genres, but is currently focused on illustrated books (picture books and graphic novels). She is . Were not afraid of this. All rights reserved. Erica:Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. You didnt receive a rejection letter. You received a critique letter. It sounds so much better, doesnt it? Authors and illustrators need an agent because the publishers interests/needs and their interests/needs arent always the same, and you need an advocate to represent you. Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. Having someone on your side who can not only advocate for better terms (and knows what the industry standards are) but also navigate all the legalese with you is key, especially if youre not well-versed. Most literary agency directories (print and online) are outdated, incomplete, and riddled with mistakes. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Is there a five-word sentence in the childrens book industry more capable of sparking a debate than Do I need an agent? Insofar as the quality of your work is good, it doesnt matter if you have an agent or not. We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. An agent will intuit which clients are going to respond well to the artists work, and this becomes the first port of call for an illustration agent when initially pitching, sharing, and presenting the portfolio to commissioning clients. Honest and open communication is key. How is it different from the way you usually rep a book? It all depends on who you are, and what you want. Author/Illustrators: email a brief synopsis of your manuscript, along with several accompanying illustrations or samples of your artwork. Look, I get it, man. 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. Get An Agent After Self-Publishing 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. Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. I think authors and illustrators sometimes forget that agents, too, face disappointment. Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below. In your query letter, stick to professional accomplishments that relate to writing and publishing. How Much Do Authors Make? Search tools to help you find the right agent for your book. Only considers picture books from established illustrators. Listen to podcasts. Now, let me tell you why you dont need one. Who reps them? Its the most comprehensive (and accurate) list of literary agencies in the world, with detailed profiles for more than 1,100 literary agents. 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. The one who allows ego to influence their decisions. . I want an agent to help me . PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. Were not afraid of this. The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). Its not 100 percent, I can tell you that. While we have different client lists, Ericas and my intentions for the books we represent are largely the same, as is our aesthetic. Postcards, social media, industry events, bespoke product platforms, blogs, galleries, magazines, and store visits are all tools in a rapidly growing toolbox. 8. Familiarize yourself with their accomplishments. 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. 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. Need manuscripts and art to stay on schedule? * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. If you dont hear from them after a month or so, gently check in. Anna Olswanger has been a literary agent since 2005. These cookies do not store any personal information. Kirsten Hall is a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. Look at the length of the agreement. Read their bios to determine which picture book literary agencies and agents might be the best fit. Agent statistics, detailing how long each agent typically takes to respond to a query. Id like to thank James Burns, Kirsten Hall, JenniferLinnan, Alexandra Penfold, Linda Pratt, Erica Rand Silverman,and Laura Stiers for their time, generosity, and invaluable contributions to this article. Not everythingbut most. We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. 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. Warning: This site requires javascript, but it appears that your browser Book Agent Submissions Its an honor to see a piece of a creators heart inside a proposals DNA. 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. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. All that being said, my bottom-line, if-youre-on-the-fence answer is much more straightforward: CONTRACTS. Plus, get a FREE ebook when you sign up! These cookies do not store any personal information. Kirsten Hall is President of Catbird, a boutique childrens literary and illustration agency. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Curtis Brown LTD (Agents)(Submissions). Get the facts. 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. 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. You can unsubscribe easily at any time we dont spam. 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. Each provides exact submission information (an email address or an online submission portal). 1. 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. Erica:In some cases yes and in some cases no. I mean, youre not their only client. 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. He also co-owned Cooke International, an . And then submit your picture book query letter and manuscript. 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. You dont have their undivided attention. Theyre pitching. Submit a QUERY and TWENTY PAGES of your manuscript to one of the agents listed below. They understand the nuances of contractsforeign rights, royalty escalation clauses, merchandising (how much would you charge for ringtones? . Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique childrens book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. While youre working creatively, your agent is out there sharing your work and lining up the next best project. Sign up for our Children's Bookshelf newsletter! I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. Find out whos working in the field. Editors should be salivating by the time they get to the chapter outline. Working with Mark was completely worth it." Flannery Literary (Agent) (Submissions), Foundry Literary + Media (Agents & Submissions), Full Circle Literary (Agents) (Submissions), Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Golden Wheat Literary (Agents)(Submissions), Greenhouse Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Howard Morhaim Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). "Actor seeking representation" is a bore. Fuse Literary represents both fiction and nonfiction in a variety of categories and genres. 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. In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. Youll also get access to our article and audio library with information to help you get a top agent, publisher, and book deal. For an author or illustrator, most of the benefits of having an agent are fairly obvious. 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). We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. How Long to Get An Agent? Sometimes your work just isnt a fit for our skill set or interests. The one who uses righteous indignation and insults as means to an end. (Her rst bookBunny, Bunnywas published when she was in 7th grade. What is one misconception about agents?That were glamorous, haughty gatekeepers! Boutique kidlit author/illustrator agency & producer of books for all ages Catbird Agency | New York NY I read it and I cried. She is not seeking sci-fi, horror, or high fantasy. (Should you want to learn more first, our Writer's Toolbox has a handful of useful links for writers wanting to improve their craft before seeking publication.). 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. and Illustrators. Scroll below now to learn more about Literary Agent Kirsten Hall andget free instant access to our BookAgents Directory. The Cherry Weiner Literary Agency officially started her agency in May of 1977. QueryTracker will not function correctly without javascript. The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. What is one misconception about agents? 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). They're Skyping. We will not open emailed attachments. This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. catbird, any of five bird species named for their mewing calls, which are used in addition to song. Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions, Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Narrative Nonfiction, [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]. But if we are interested, we will request your full manuscript. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Sts ID Perm Fac. On the very same day, Colette's Lost Pet has been signed for its 5th co-edition & Cloth Lullaby has been signed for its 10th! 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]. Fiction/Christian K. Sargent How to Get a Nonfiction Agent They are the busiest bees in the hive. Each agent lists what they want on their bio page. 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. They operate on your behalf, ever focused on your career. Theyre reading. For more specifics on what Susan is looking for, including information about genres and categories, please see here and here. I can tell you why I need an agent. Once a book is sold, authors and illustrators will be presenting themselves to publishers, booksellers, librarians, and others as a professional.
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