When Stephanie first contacted me, she was very excited and said, I cant get your book proposal out of my head. Either way, I hope this post helps you move forward with your career. Different authors and illustrators have different needs, which is why finding your perfect agent match is so important. While youre working creatively, your agent is out there sharing your work and lining up the next best project. And then submit your picture book query letter and manuscript. Kirsten Hall - Catbird Agency | QueryTracker She has negotiated many hundreds of childrens book deals between authors, illustrators, and all of the major American publishers. I appreciate having a trusted ear, an ally, and an advocate for my work and career. A good contract should cover not only the essential points of the job/deal but also the worst-case scenarios: What if your client doesnt pay? This is why its so important to make sure theres a termination clause in your contract. How Much Do Authors Make? I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. Chad W. Beckerman: is always looking at submissions! 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) . I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. Most literary agency directories (print and online) are outdated, incomplete, and riddled with mistakes. We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent This articleabout Literary Agent Kirsten Halland Catbird Productionsis part of a series about literary agents and how toFind a PublishingAgent. The irony is that by doing it yourself, by finding some amount of success on your own, you become more attractive to . Your agent cant be expected to do all the heavy lifting. Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. 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). So how will you know the bad from the good? It isnt as automatic as you think. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. But, as an individual player, you arent the only one they need to help. Either way, look for agents who show an appreciation for your visual aesthetic. 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 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. Follow each agents instructions, but remember that they may be different. About | Catbird Productions Janklow & Nesbit Associates (Agents) (Submissions)USA & UK agency. Here is a little secret: most of the childrens agents I know are incredibly warm, and kind and fun. We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. of Speculation by Jenny Offill, Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J.Ryan Stradal, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. 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! To be taken seriously, read the (damn) guidelines. For nonfiction: she is looking for compelling, voice-driven projects that shed a humorous or thought-provoking light on a previously unknown topic in the areas of narrative nonfiction/memoir, lifestyle, relationships, humor, current events, food, wine, and cooking. For an author or illustrator, most of the benefits of having an agent are fairly obvious. Tugeau 2, A Children's Art & Literary Agency 2231 Grandview Avenue Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 Tugeau 2 proudly serves artists, writers and illustrators with representation in the children's publishing industry. *Personal email addresses And I read it again and I cried again. Submissions LK Literary Agency Copyright 2023 D. B. Righi. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme For more specifics on what Susan is looking for, including information about genres and categories, please see here and here. Submissions - Upstart Crow Literary 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. Were not afraid of this. * Agent photos Childrens/YA D. Bester We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Submit a QUERY and TWENTY PAGES of your manuscript to one of the agents listed below. Then I look for a voice, either in the words of an author or the art of an illustrator. Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. Any agents not listed above are CLOSED to submissions. Kirsten opened Catbirds wings in March 2014. Lets take a journey together. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. No agency can guarantee that a particular project will sell, but we sign clients because we love their writing and want them to succeed. 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?. How to Find a Literary Agent for Your BookAdvice from writing professional Jane Friedman. All that being said, my bottom-line, if-youre-on-the-fence answer is much more straightforward: CONTRACTS. Youll get free access tothe Directory of BookAgents with detailed profiles for allbookagents,including Kirsten HallLiterary Agent. What does that mean? We do not accept or respond to phone, paper or social media queries. Well navigate the waters together. She prefers books that explore deep emotional relationships in an interesting or unusual way. 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. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme Ive been in publishing for over a decade. 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. Anna Olswanger has been a literary agent since 2005. We revel in rebel voices; cast forward outcasts; and structure the lawless, braless populace into humorous narratives and . Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency (Agents & Submissions)NOTE: This is aUKagency. What if you cant deliver the work on time? Its the most comprehensive (and accurate) list of literary agencies in the world, with detailed profiles for more than 1,100 literary agents. SCBWI | Co-Agenting with Kirsten Hall and Erica Rand Silverman Today, the tools that art directors use to find illustrators are too numerous to list. While were waiting on the agents response, can I ask you why you want an agent? * A map to the office ofCatbird Productions An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). Were not afraid of this. Childrens/YA L. Moe, What Is a Literary Agent? It may not. Erica:Work is more fun when youre doing it with people you like and respect. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Kirsten Hall | Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. 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 childrens book author/illustrators, with an emphasis on previously unpublished authors/ illustrators. Congratulations x 2 to Isabelle Arsenault! Catbird Agency | New York NY - Facebook This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. She has incredible vision and is very brave. We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. Im reading from an unconventional point of view. Is it consistent? Theyre negotiating. Its all right. The agent then dedicates energy and resources to get that first commission. Or familiar content has been made unrecognizable. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti I mean, youre not their only client. Insofar as the quality of your work is good, it doesnt matter if you have an agent or not. They agreed almost immediately. Click here to retrieve reset your password. When looking for an agent, its important to do your homework. Catbird Agency Website: catbirdagency.com/ Twitter: HallWaysKirsten AAR/AALA Member: No Accepts Queries Via. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Maybe not. Most things are negotiable. 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. Who reps them? In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. In each case, they pointed out issues in my work that I knew were there but refused to recognize. The Cherry Weiner Literary Agency officially started her agency in May of 1977. * A link to the Catbird Productionswebsite The Catbird Seat Inc - Travelers Right now, Brenda is not accepting picture book manuscript submissions, but she is looking for adult historical fiction. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent represents the followingbook genres: Scroll below now to view representative titlesand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. I like to feel as if someone is sharing with me, not just shopping to me. 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. How to Get a Nonfiction Agent She is . I love my fellow kidlit agents, and I honestly believe we root for each other and celebrate each others successes. * AAR membership status Its not easy to do it yourself, but it is possible. After You Get A Book Agent. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator)need an agent?As mentioned, making a career for oneself in the illustration world can be 100 percent DIY, and many people are great at being self-advocates, negotiating, managing the finances and paperwork, and/or marketing themselves as a commodity/business. We only accept submissions via e-mail. Erica:Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. CookeMcDermid Part of my job is to break down any remaining barriers, not to guard themto make introductions, to get more eyes on clients work. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. Follow agents on social media. News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. I was able to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. 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. Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. What if you want to get your rights back? 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. Only considers picture books from established illustrators. I always advise illustrators who are just starting out to identify what they can and/or want to do, and outsource the rest. 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. Get FREE Access Now to All Catbird ProductionsProfiles! 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. The one who uses righteous indignation and insults as means to an end. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. My approach with each client is different based on what they particularly need. To set up immediate access, click here. In your query letter, stick to professional accomplishments that relate to writing and publishing. Kirsten:Its so truein the past month alone weve had some particularly exciting pairings between Stimola and Catbird! Do not send attachments with your query. Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Curtis Brown LTD (Agents)(Submissions). She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. Olswanger.com Work is more fun when youre doing it with people you like and respect. Scroll below now to view the email and postal addressfor Kirsten HallFREE in our BookAgents Directory. 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). Kirsten: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. List of Literary Agents 2023-2024 | Agents Looking for New Writers You have to register (its FREE unless you upgrade to premium) to use this, but once you register and sign in, you can track your query and find which authors are represented by which agents, a publisher list, an agent list, author success stories, and more. 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. Ive learned how important it is to review our individual clients wants and needs before offers start to come in. Theyre meeting. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen 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). After about a year, and no work, I asked to break our agreement. Kirsten Hallis a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: Do I need an agent?. Getfree access to the Directory of Literary Agents with detailed agent profiles. 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). It all depends on who you are, and what you want. Scroll below now to learn more about Literary Agent Kirsten Hall andget free instant access to our BookAgents Directory. I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin Books, which published my book in hardcover! 3. Books invite joy. includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the Directory of Literary Agents. For off-site access, click here. Catbird Productions - USA Literary Agencies and Literary Agents The one thing I look for across the board in a submission is a clean, professional-looking portfolio site! Also send five pages from your manuscript. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Subscribe to The Illustration Department Newsletter, Do I Need An Agent? Were not trying to make your road to publication harder. Agents are curators. Literary Agents for Children's Books 2023-2024 | Kids' Book 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. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago She is not considering the following adult categories: romance, political thriller, science fiction, horror, or erotica. Each agent, even within the same agency, has their own ideas of what defines good writing and good illustration. Our hearts are very much in the right place. About Lara Perkins Hear what they have to say. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. 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. New to PW? The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. Your parents, who arent quite sure what you do, certainly know what agents doand that will make them happy. If you do not receive a reply from Chad in 2 weeks, please assume its a pass. Kirsten works intimately with her clients to conceive and develop original story pitches. The greatest advantage (good) agents provide is knowledge. They lead the cheer for you. Catbird Press is no longer publishing. She has incredible vision and is very brave. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. (Maybe: Is publishing dead or not? Its not dead, but I digress.). Danielle is actively seeking projects in a variety of categories. Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. 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. An agent delivers. Agents have their finger on the pulse and understand the rhythm of publishing. I can tell you why I need an agent. Its an honor to see a piece of a creators heart inside a proposals DNA. Catbird Lit | Duotrope You have to be a detective. The project may work. NOTE: Each year Fuse Literary, as an agency, is closed to new submissions and queries between December 1st to January 15th. Now, let me tell you why you dont need one. 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. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. . Our goal is always to sell their work and properly manage their rights, establishing long-term writing careers for our clients. They told me they were going to focus on getting me into the industry I love: childrens books. We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. I'm obsessed by the story-telling opportunities offered by this highly-visual genre! RESPONSE TIMES We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. Not really. 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 . 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. Here are their answers: What do you look for in a submission? 1) Those that reflect soulfulness and deep consideration. I want an agent to help me . Aliza R. Hoover: represents illustrators and author-illustrators. A Montreal-based boutique production company, we specialize in award-winning, beautifully-crafted and enduring POV documentaries for Canadian and international audiences. 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. Theres that one who doesnt communicate. Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. Kayla is also open to representing illustrators. Its not 100 percent, I can tell you that. How active are they in the industry? Bios, interests, and submission instructions can be found here. She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers.
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