As an art director, it made no difference whatsoever. 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. Dont send your work to all of them at once. Here is the: AAR Agent Databaseand the list of AAR members who represent picture books. Need an author or illustrator? While her taste is broad, shes especially excited to find fresh stories and artwork from voices that have previously been underrepresented. He also co-owned Cooke International, an . When Stephanie first contacted me, she was very excited and said, I cant get your book proposal out of my head. It frequents gardens and thickets. Maybe the hardest method, but people do talk . Repeat. Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. However, if you would like to get your work in front of her for now or the future, please submit - she reviews ALL submissions! Nonfiction/Self-Help A. Goddard They're publicizing. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. I appreciate having a trusted ear, an ally, and an advocate for my work and career. A word of warning: There is such a thing as a bad agent. How did you come to collaborate on books together? (Or A Blog About the Life of a Submission, in Three Acts), James Burns, Senior Agent, Bright Group US, Jennifer Linnan, Founder, Linnan Literary Management, Alexandra Penfold, Agent, Upstart Crow Literary, Linda Pratt, Founder, Wernick & Pratt Agency. Theyre pitching. Queries about books that dont conform, but rather provoke, excite me. When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. The subject heading in your email should be simple but enticing. 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! USA Literary Agencies and Literary Agents Catbird Productions, Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the, register above now for FREE instant access to the. Levy Creative Management (Artist Submissions), Liza Royce Agency (Agents) (Submissions). 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. Erica:Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. Overall, Fuse agents may take 4-8 weeks to respond to queries and then additional time for submissions. Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming number of submissions received, personal responses are only very rarely possible. They operate on your behalf, ever focused on your career. 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). When looking for the first time at an artists portfolio, I like to see a cross section of their work. And thats just on Monday. 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. But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. Agents are curators. And Im stirred by pitches that elicit feelings of sympathy or empathy. I'm obsessed by the story-telling opportunities offered by this highly-visual genre! 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 is a tireless advocate for her clients and proud to be a part of an industry that is so thoughtfully shaping young minds. Look, even Ive received critique letters. Several of them. It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. Listen to podcasts. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. The one who uses righteous indignation and insults as means to an end. 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) Ron is a literary agent and co-owner of CookeMcDermid. It isnt as automatic as you think. 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. To be taken seriously, read the (damn) guidelines. Erica is mostly interested in adding author-illustrators to her list andis looking for a diverse array of voices and styles. What percentage of art directors go to agents first to find illustrators? Never miss a moment of Fuse Literarys deals and bonus content. We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. We are particularly interested in work about art, culture, the environment, music, and human rights. 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: Is publishing dead or not? Its not dead, but I digress.). But theyre not the only key to the door. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Submission Guidelines: Hello! Well navigate the waters together. Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the Directory of Literary Agents. Wait for a response. Like coaches,good agents get the best out of you. Before you submit, read this: Please submit to SUBMISSIONS@CATAGENCYINC.COM & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line! 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. and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Here youll find everything you need to submit work to Upstart Crow Literary. And sometime between crying, I offered Jessixa representation. We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 2. News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent? Book Agent Submissions We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. In each case, they pointed out issues in my work that I knew were there but refused to recognize. 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. QueryTracker will not function correctly without javascript. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci Otherwise, please consider submitting to one of my wonderful colleagues at ABLA. Kirsten:Not necessarily. Only considers picture books from established illustrators. I read it and I cried. (Her rst bookBunny, Bunnywas published when she was in 7th grade. Editors should be salivating by the time they get to the chapter outline. Working with Mark was completely worth it." 3. 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. Publishing Agent Kirsten Hall is an agent with Catbird Productions. Catbird Productions was founded in 2006 by Katarina Soukup. Click here to retrieve reset your password. They agreed almost immediately. Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly If you can, meet them at conferences. 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. Right now, Brenda is not accepting picture book manuscript submissions, but she is looking for adult historical fiction. Now, let me tell you why you dont need one. Im reminded of my father-in-law, who spends three hours fixing a leak instead of calling a plumber who could do it in one. Its important to get a sense that a potential client will take that approach. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. I hear the comparison that the agent-client relationship is like a marriage. Here are their answers: What do you look for in a submission? You dont have their undivided attention. Keep walking. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent?The answer to this is clear to me: because it plays to strengths. Although of course it would be totally fine for them to communicate if it would benefit the development of the proposal! I dont know. Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Curtis Brown LTD (Agents)(Submissions). We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. 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. There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. DING! . Lets tap into that knowledge. Andrea Brown Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Kirsten HallLiterary Agent is on our list of Publishing Agents USA (book agents in the United States), Fiction Publishing Agents (book agents who represent fiction authors), Childrens Publishing Agents (book agents who represent books for younger readers), Young Adult Publishing Agents (book agents who represent YA books for teens),Middle Grade Publishing Agents (book agents who represent books for middle grade tween readers), and Picture Book Publishing Agents (book agents who represent picture books for kids). Having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable." Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. We only accept submissions via e-mail. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. New to PW? We share with one another,we lean on each other. Part of my job is to break down any remaining barriers, not to guard themto make introductions, to get more eyes on clients work. If you need contractual help, you can find an attorney who would only charge a one-time fee. Youll get free access tothe Directory of BookAgents with detailed profiles for allbookagents,including Kirsten HallLiterary Agent. catbird, any of five bird species named for their mewing calls, which are used in addition to song. While we have different client lists, Ericas and my intentions for the books we represent are largely the same, as is our aesthetic. We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage Home Book Agents Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions. Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books). For an author or illustrator, most of the benefits of having an agent are fairly obvious. So how will you know the bad from the good? Notes/Tips: Our agency does not represent poetry or screenplays. Experience. How I Went From Unemployed to Building a $30K/month Online Business in 12 Months! ), etc. Maybe its the prospective client that we missed out on. SCBWI Statement of Intent on Equity and Inclusion, The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children, Co-Agenting with Kirsten Hall and Erica Rand Silverman. 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. Maybe not. This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. No, its not. Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). (Though slush piles get an undeservedly bad reputation. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer 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. What if you cant deliver the work on time? Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim Bookmark Literary (Submissions) Open to illustrator submissions. full terms and conditions and this month's choices. Someone asked me once, Do you only hire artists who have agents?Not in the slightest. When I signed, it was very exciting. It may not even be 50 percent. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Each provides exact submission information (an email address or an online submission portal). Okay! If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. If you do not receive a reply from Chad in 2 weeks, please assume its a pass. Thank you for submitting your work! 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 the most comprehensive (and accurate) list of literary agencies in the world, with detailed profiles for more than 1,100 literary agents. Its all right. More on her wish list, here. While youre working creatively, your agent is out there sharing your work and lining up the next best project. NOTE: Each year Fuse Literary, as an agency, is closed to new submissions and queries between December 1st to January 15th. Read industry magazines and blogs. She is . Today, the tools that art directors use to find illustrators are too numerous to list. Look, I get it, man. . 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. Memoir/Inspirational L. Subramani You can ask her a question here. Notes/Tips:Our agency does not represent poetry or screenplays. And it isnt cute if you dont follow the rules. These cookies do not store any personal information. Want more information about Kirsten Hall? I like being asked to see or think about the world divergently. All that being said, my bottom-line, if-youre-on-the-fence answer is much more straightforward: CONTRACTS. In a way, you still need to be your own agent. Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). 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. Theyre not your servants. * Agent photos Agencies are still in there, but the box is getting more crowded all the time. If you have questions, you can build your own network of colleagues who may have the answers. 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. Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! 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. WAIT! 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. Different authors and illustrators have different needs, which is why finding your perfect agent match is so important. Even if you get the book deal on your own, a complicated contract is sure to follow, and hopefully an ongoing business relationship has only just begun. And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. You heard it here first! catbird seat. Bios, interests, and submission instructions can be found here. Agents have their finger on the pulse and understand the rhythm of publishing. 2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. She had been in my session and introduced herself at the end and mentioned that she was sending me her dummy. You submit all this via email. You still need to hustle. Okay! Author/Illustrators: email a brief synopsis of your manuscript, along with several accompanying illustrations or samples of your artwork. "Berkley Books recently published my book in hardcover after Mark helped me get multiple agents interested in my work. Youll also get access to our article and audio library with information to help you get a top agent, publisher, and book deal. The overwhelming advantage in having this knowledge is proven when we come to share new work; it cuts through the noise and competition. They step in when needed. Plus, get a FREE ebook when you sign up! And so on. Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency (Agents & Submissions)NOTE: This is aUKagency. Fairbank Literary Representation (About) (Submissions)Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. PW KidsCast: A Conversation with Dan Santat, click here to reactivate your immediate access. Scroll below now to viewthe AAR statusand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox Its an honor to see a piece of a creators heart inside a proposals DNA. 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! It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. Keep your correspondence professional. Look at the length of the agreement. We promise not to share your information with third parties, and we do not spam. Work is more fun when youre doing it with people you like and respect. Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency Picture books pretty much have me wrapped around their finger. If you still dont hear from them, move on. Call:1-800 -278-2991 (outside US/Canada, call +1-847-513-6135) 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday (Central). Get free access to the Directory of Literary Agents with detailed agent listings to get a traditional publisher, Copyright 2011-23 The Bestselling Author, LLC. Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. 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). Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. Aliza R. Hoover: represents illustrators and author-illustrators. I look for author-illustrators. Kaylas taste lies squarely in that sweet spot between commercial and literary, and she is looking for captivating voices and rich worldbuildingwhether its a seaside town in Maine or a fantastical other world. The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. Humor is important, even in a narrative thats dark or sad or edgy. She will leave Bright this Friday. and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Most things are negotiable. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent represents the followingbook genres: Scroll below now to view representative titlesand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. 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. Your work has been submitted! 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. Theyre defending. According to Publishers Marketplace, for the past several years Kirsten has been an industryleader in picture booksales. 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. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. A few books I loved reading in my free time . Getfree access to the Directory of Literary Agents with detailed agent profiles. Were allies, strategists, friends, supervisors, listeners, managers, organizers, brainstorming partners. Rest assured, there are far,far fewer of these agents out there. But I didnt get the level of attention I was expecting. Hall is Catbird Productions sole proprietor. Some of her favorite non-client books in this category are: A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti, Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai, Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, Chime by Franny Billingsley, Swing by Kwame Alexander, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly, Still Life With Tornado by A.S.King, The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor, When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). We dont take any pleasure in having to pass on your work or give you difficult news. Finding a literary agent for children's books is easy using our literary agency database. Im reading from an unconventional point of view. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique childrens book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. of Speculation by Jenny Offill, Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J.Ryan Stradal, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. "Actor seeking representation" is a bore. Well try to get back to you as quickly as possible. Susan's submission email is: susanhawk.submission@gmail.com. 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. * A map to the office ofCatbird Productions Erica Rand Silverman, Literary Agent,Stimola Literary Studio, Inc. Christie Megill: is eager to work with illustrators, author/illustrators, and picture book authors, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. 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. They're signing. They want to represent you?! Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. Kirsten:Its so truein the past month alone weve had some particularly exciting pairings between Stimola and Catbird! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Simply click this linkand complete the subscription form. Home Book Agencies USA Literary Agencies and Literary Agents Catbird Productions. Were a tight-knit community! These cookies do not store any personal information. Fuse Literary never charges reading or submission fees, nor is there a retainer fee for our services. She is not considering the following adult categories: romance, political thriller, science fiction, horror, or erotica. Erica:Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci The one thing I look for across the board in a submission is a clean, professional-looking portfolio site! David Higham Associates (Agents)(Submissions)A UK agency. * AAR membership status It all depends on who you are, and what you want. 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. 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. But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. I want an agent to help me . She has incredible vision and is very brave. Erica:We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. 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 . Lets stop using that word rejection. Try for a moment to think of it as objective criticism. Learn More. RESPONSE TIMES We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. Thank you for submitting your work! Thats exactly right. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent This articleabout Literary Agent Kirsten Halland Catbird Productionsis part of a series about literary agents and how toFind a PublishingAgent. When an agent is pitching or submitting the work, it is my belief that the success rate is so much higher. In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. Submit to five. Also send five pages from your manuscript. "Mark helped me get five different offers for representation from top literary agents. Publishing Agent Kirsten Hall is an agent with Catbird Productions. 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. Look at what theyll do for you versus what youll have to do for yourself. (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.). Theyre the coach. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: "Do I need an agent?" I like to feel as if someone is sharing with me, not just shopping to me. Read their interviews. Practice professional patience and persistence. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Fiction/Christian K. Sargent Manuscripts sent to them will be discarded unread. But the truth is everyone in publishing faces rejection at some point. These letters are just steps on the path. There is a lot of uncertainty that comes along with developing a co-agented pitch from just the seed of an idea. For art directors, editors, and publishers,an agent is foremost a problem-solver. A Montreal-based boutique production company, we specialize in award-winning, beautifully-crafted and enduring POV documentaries for Canadian and international audiences. Making sure Im advocating well and clearly for my client from the get-go is even more critical than usual when there are two times the number of voices in the mix. Ive been in publishing for over a decade. When Should You Get An Agent? Olswanger Literary LLC. Agents help a career in ways beyond even my understanding. UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. An agent delivers. Im the person throwing up the grappling hook, not the one pouring down hot oil. In your query letter, stick to professional accomplishments that relate to writing and publishing. 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. NOTE: Each year Fuse Literary, as an agency, is closed to new submissions and queries between December 1st to January 15th. Read comments by other authors who have queried the same agents you have. We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. Provide URLs to your author website and social media that supports your efforts to brand yourself. Before you submit: Read their guidelines. 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. Not everyone excels at all of these, or enjoys it! The snob. 6. 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.
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