Lets take a journey together. But, when it feels right and exciting on our end, we hope that it will be received that way by the publishers. Someone asked me once, Do you only hire artists who have agents?Not in the slightest. . Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox 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. Use our literary agency database to learn more about these literary agencies representing picture book writers. In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. Tell us what you like and we'll recommend books you'll love. Fiction/Christian K. Sargent 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. Its brilliant I mean, really, its fantastic. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique children's book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly Then I look for a voice, either in the words of an author or the art of an illustrator. Check out her Literaticastpodcast. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. 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as well as operate as a boutique literary agency for childrens book author/illustrators, with an emphasis on previously unpublished authors/ illustrators. What is one misconception about agents? Sometimes your work just isnt a fit for our skill set or interests. You didnt receive a rejection letter. You received a critique letter. It sounds so much better, doesnt it? The greatest advantage (good) agents provide is knowledge. QueryTracker Members can view the data gathered by all other members, organized into reports showing 2007-2023 QueryTracker. Good agents know which parts of the contract are flexible (and which shouldnt be). Author/Illustrators: email a brief synopsis of your manuscript, along with several accompanying illustrations or samples of your artwork. Take time with it. 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. They lead the cheer for you. Memoir/Inspirational L. Subramani Read their bios to determine which picture book literary agencies and agents might be the best fit. Scroll below now to learn more about Literary Agent Kirsten Hall andget free instant access to our BookAgents Directory. Memoir/Women L. Lehr It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. While we have different client lists, Ericas and my intentions for the books we represent are largely the same, as is our aesthetic. The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-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. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. Fuse Literary represents both fiction and nonfiction in a variety of categories and genres. A major plus of not having an agent is the money saved. 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. Susan believes that books can change lives inspire a passion for reading and story; unlock imagination and empathy; move readers to feel, think, wonder, examine, explore, to laugh really hard. Ive worked as a publicist, as an editor, and now as an agent and author. Copyright 2023 D. B. Righi. Your submission to agents isnt an Instagram post thats totes gonna get likes. I can tell you why I need an agent. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. I like to feel as if someone is sharing with me, not just shopping to me. Hall is the author of the picture books The Gold Leaf and The Jacket, which was a New York Times Notable Book in 2014. Fuse Literary never charges reading or submission fees, nor is there a retainer fee for our services. Levy Creative Management (Artist Submissions), Liza Royce Agency (Agents) (Submissions). If youre creating work that could be described as generous, nuanced, and at ease with complexity, shed love to read it. Order is not locked and is accepting submissions. Lets submit your work to an agent. You submit all this via email. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. Get An Agent After Self-Publishing Work is more fun when youre doing it with people you like and respect. I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin Books, which published my book in hardcover! I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. As soon as you register youll get instant access to the following: * Agent bios for all agents atCatbird Productions Before we see illustration samples or book pitches, we know that the agent has worked hard to make sure their clients best foot is forward. 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. While youre working creatively, your agent is out there sharing your work and lining up the next best project. LK Literary Agency is a boutique children's literature agency, so while we are open to general submissions, we kindly ask that you review our guidelines carefully ahead of sending in your submission to be sure we're a good fit for the wonderful work you do.. We are only open to electronic submissions, which means that unless someone from LKLA has specifically requested you send . They help you skip that much-maligned slush pile. 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. Theres that one who doesnt communicate. Theyre defending. 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! Need manuscripts and art to stay on schedule? Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. Theyre reading. 2 talking about this. Im the person throwing up the grappling hook, not the one pouring down hot oil. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Thank you for trying us, and all good luck! These letters are just steps on the path. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette If you dont hear from them after a month or so, gently check in. Get FREE Access Now to All Catbird ProductionsProfiles! 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. Thank you for submitting your work! Submit a QUERY and TWENTY PAGES of your manuscript to one of the agents listed below. 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. Theyre not your servants. 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. She prefers books that explore deep emotional relationships in an interesting or unusual way. Start with illustrators you admire. Erica Rand Silverman, Literary Agent,Stimola Literary Studio, Inc. Humor is important, even in a narrative thats dark or sad or edgy. 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?. When an agent is pitching or submitting the work, it is my belief that the success rate is so much higher. The project may work. You should know, agents are not going to comment right away (if at all). 3. Can you terminate the contract if things go south? Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency (Agents & Submissions)NOTE: This is aUKagency. Kirsten works intimately with her clients to conceive and develop original story pitches. Keep your correspondence professional. How Long to Get An Agent? 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. We promise not to share your information with third parties, and we do not spam. 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. To submit directly without an agent you need to send them a query letter with a description of your manuscript, how close it is to completion (if it is not yet finished), and a little bit about your writing background. Want more information about Kirsten Hall? 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. PW KidsCast: A Conversation with Dan Santat, click here to reactivate your immediate access. It feels good to say, I have an agent. Its legitimizing. you guessed it: agents. Youre about to sign with an agent. Well navigate the waters together. Each provides exact submission information (an email address or an online submission portal). The one who uses righteous indignation and insults as means to an end. Copyright 2011-23 The Bestselling Author, LLC. Layered, flawed, completely human characters. 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. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. After You Get A Book Agent. We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. They operate on your behalf, ever focused on your career. I dont know. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent represents the followingbook genres: Scroll below now to view representative titlesand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. And thats just on Monday. Repeat. Its so truein the past month alone weve had some particularly exciting pairings between Stimola and Catbird! 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. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable toguarantee feedback or advice in our rejections. Thats exactly right. Please submit to SUBMISSIONS@CATAGENCYINC.COM & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line! They want to represent you?! Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim May 2010 - Feb 20143 years 10 months. It feels like youve made it. However, there are differences in our tastes and our particular areas of proficiency, e.g., editorial, genre, licensing, promotion, etc. 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. How to Get a Nonfiction Agent (Her rst bookBunny, Bunnywas published when she was in 7th grade. Thank you. If you can, find a contract professional to read it. QueryTracker will not function correctly without javascript. Follow each agents instructions, but remember that they may be different. Kayla is also open to representing illustrators. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. To bridge these twoindustries, she co-founded Room 228, a consulting company that creates educational marketing materials and literacy programming for children. * Access to all literary agent profiles in the Directory of Literary Agents(1,100+) Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. . Darius Foroux. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette Provide URLs to your author website and social media that supports your efforts to brand yourself. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. "Just got great reviews!" is better. includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). ), etc. Children's Book Writers Submission Guidelines: Hello! All rights reserved. We only accept submissions via e-mail. Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the Directory of Literary Agents. 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. * Search the directory by book genre/category (more than 100 categories). the Twitter version of Manuscript Wish List) Agents and editors of all writing genres post what they want. I look for author-illustrators. . Stop right there. Erica:Work is more fun when youre doing it with people you like and respect. 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? Sign up for our Children's Bookshelf newsletter! 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. After about a year, and no work, I asked to break our agreement. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. This enables us to put a plan in place before the first portfolio sheet is made. Rest assured, there are far,far fewer of these agents out there. Kirsten Hallis a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. Theyre meeting. "Referred to you by [insert casting director's name]". Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) Wait for a response. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. The second-worst thing to do is to rest on your laurels. And then submit your picture book query letter and manuscript. Catbird Productions was founded in 2006 by Katarina Soukup. Kayla is seeking everything from heartfelt or humorous picture books (she has a soft spot for animal protagonists) to dynamic, unpredictable YA (she loves a good murder mystery or a clever rom-com). I was able to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. Maybe its the book that we havent placed yet, but still so strongly believe has a place in the world. She is particularly interested in illustrators from diverse backgrounds and portfolios that depict diverse characters and experiences. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. 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. How to Get a Fiction Agent They step out when not needed. Familiarize yourself with their accomplishments. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. Okay! "Berkley Books recently published my book in hardcover after Mark helped me get multiple agents interested in my work. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: "Do I need an agent?" 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. Scroll below now to viewthe AAR statusand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. 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. Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. . To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. Her client list at Bright includes Elly Mackay, Benji Davis, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. 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. When looking for the first time at an artists portfolio, I like to see a cross section of their work. It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. They open doors to opportunities. My approach with each client is different based on what they particularly need. QueryTracker 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. Erica:Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. She is drawn to work that showcases expressive characters, timeless palettes, and atmospheric scenes. and Illustrators. . The story was called Drift,and it was about a little beaver named Buckley who lives with his mama and makes these beautiful and intricate boats to send off to sea to his absent father. Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. How Much Do Authors Make? 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. Catbird Productions, which will package books for publishers, as well as operate as a boutique literary agency for children's book author/illustrators, with an emphasis on previously unpublished authors/ illustrators. 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. Childrens/YA L. Moe. If we are interested in reviewing your dummy, we will request that you send it. Publishing Agent Kirsten Hall is an agent with Catbird Productions. Please send work that shows character development, style, color and narrative story-telling. of Speculation by Jenny Offill, Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J.Ryan Stradal, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Theyre pitching. 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. 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. No, its not. We have invaluable industry insights and connections. And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. Erica is mostly interested in adding author-illustrators to her list andis looking for a diverse array of voices and styles. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time.

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