For art directors, editors, and publishers,an agent is foremost a problem-solver. Erica Rand Silverman is a Senior Agent at Stimola Literary Studio, a full service literary agency devoted to representing authors and author/illustrators who bring unique and substantive contributions to the childrens book industry. Honest and open communication is key. Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. 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. And the value of that growth far exceeds the fees. But, as an individual player, you arent the only one they need to help. 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). 3. Sure you can. Literary Agents & Publications Open To Submissions - Medium Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. Repeat. 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. Not necessarily. Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books). 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. To me it is the gold standard for a picture book that makes the reader feel. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. Our goal is always to sell their work and properly manage their rights, establishing long-term writing careers for our clients. Writing thats confident, vivid, addictive; work thats both ambitious and wise. If your submission is received by our system, an automated response will be emailed to you. Theyre meeting. I mean, youre not their only client. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Tools to help you stay organized and error free. If you dont know how to write a query, please read the Writers Toolbox post How to write a query letter for a quick tutorial. Find out whos working in the field. Your submission to agents isnt an Instagram post thats totes gonna get likes. 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)! Do your clients have more contact with one another than they would if this were set up by a publisher? This is why its so important to make sure theres a termination clause in your contract. 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. The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Jill Grinberg Literary Management (Agents) (Submissions), Ladderbird Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Once that commission has been accepted, the ball is then in motion. 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. Read comments by other authors who have queried the same agents you have. 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. Check out her Literaticastpodcast. While we have different client lists, Ericas and my intentions for the books we represent are largely the same, as is our aesthetic. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. A good agent is one who helps move a project forward. 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. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: Do I need an agent?. That one was just meant to be it seems! 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. Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. Theyre defending. . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. When Should You Get An Agent? RESPONSE TIMES We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. For an author or illustrator, most of the benefits of having an agent are fairly obvious. Thats exactly right. 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. We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. Although of course it would be totally fine for them to communicate if it would benefit the development of the proposal! In your query letter, stick to professional accomplishments that relate to writing and publishing. Kayla welcomes dark humor, suspense, magical realism, awkwardly adorable romance, and everything in-between. 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. Overall, Fuse agents may take 4-8 weeks to respond to queries and then additional time for submissions. Agents help a career in ways beyond even my understanding. It was after the 2013 SCBWI NY conference. The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. You should know, agents are not going to comment right away (if at all). 7, Manuscript Wish ListANDManuscript Wish List specifically for literary agents of picture booksAND#MSWL (the Twitter version of Manuscript Wish List) Agents and editors of all writing genres post what they want. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Not really. In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. 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. An agent delivers. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. You did the homework. 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. 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. They are the busiest bees in the hive. Get FREE Access Now to All Catbird ProductionsProfiles! How to Submit Yourself to an Agency (According to an Agent) - Backstage When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. Kirsten Hallis a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. I was able to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. Look at the length of the agreement. Kirsten Hall | Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. 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. Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. I want an agent to help me . 1) Those that reflect soulfulness and deep consideration. 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. Maybe its the book that we havent placed yet, but still so strongly believe has a place in the world. BookStop Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Bradford Literary Agency(Agents & Submissions). PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident Media and a short time later I had a publishing contract! When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. I hear the comparison that the agent-client relationship is like a marriage. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Picture Book Literary Agents 2023-2024 | Accepting Submissions Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme What is one misconception about agents? Lets tap into that knowledge. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette 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. She has negotiated many hundreds of childrens book deals between authors, illustrators, and all of the major American publishers. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim The project may work. 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. Catbird Press is no longer publishing. an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage Catbird Creative Agency | LinkedIn Can you terminate the contract if things go south? How is it different from the way you usually rep a book? When an artist joins Brightand here I can only speak about Brightan artists dreams and ambition must be aligned with those of the agency. You heard it here first! 2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. Learn More. Fiction/Mystery B. Harper Most things are negotiable. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. Twitter. It's what's happening / Twitter (Maybe: Is publishing dead or not? Its not dead, but I digress.). does not support javascript or you have it disabled. Some of her favorite illustrators include Mike Boldt, Amber Ren, Vashti Harrison, and Eliza Wheeler. They want to represent you?! Home - Catbird By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. you guessed it: agents. 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. 5. 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. And her first trade picture bookThe Jacketwas a 2014 New York Times Notable!) Brenda Bowen The Book Group It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. Well navigate the waters together. Memoir/Inspirational L. Subramani Kirsten works intimately with her clients to conceive and develop original story pitches. Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency Picture books pretty much have me wrapped around their finger. Get the facts. Kirsten Hall Literary Agent - Catbird Productions Theyre reading. 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). Many writers fear writing queries, but it shouldnt frighten you off! and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. 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). Scroll below now to view the email and postal addressfor Kirsten HallFREE in our BookAgents Directory. Olswanger.com Hall can be contacted at Kirsten@catbirdagency.com. 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! Follow each agents instructions, but remember that they may be different. Andrea Brown Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Like coaches,good agents get the best out of you. You heard it here first! And so on. Is there a five-word sentence in the childrens book industry more capable of sparking a debate than Do I need an agent? I sent them some dummies, some promotional pieces. Submissions - Upstart Crow Literary The Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to foster public appreciation of childrens books and to support the vibrant community of people who create and promote them. Alloy Entertainment: Accepting Manuscript Queries - Authors Publish Youre the playerone of many players on his or her team. Who reps them? Someone asked me once, Do you only hire artists who have agents?Not in the slightest. Read their bios to determine which picture book literary agencies and agents might be the best fit. Home Book Agencies USA Literary Agencies and Literary Agents Catbird Productions. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim Getfree access to the Directory of Literary Agents with detailed agent profiles. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. She will happily review your comics, book cover designs, and picture book dummies.Aliza believes in a world where all young people can see themselves reflected in childrens books. This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. 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. Get An Agent After Self-Publishing Antony Harwood Ltd (Agents) (Submissions) A UK literary agency. Thank you for submitting your work! In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. 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. Layered, flawed, completely human characters. Keep your correspondence professional. 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 told me they were going to focus on getting me into the industry I love: childrens books. The Cherry Weiner Literary Agency officially started her agency in May of 1977. Look at what theyll do for you versus what youll have to do for yourself. I like to feel as if someone is sharing with me, not just shopping to me. Agencies & Agents - Picture Book Planet 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. Kirsten:Thats exactly right. In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. If you need contractual help, you can find an attorney who would only charge a one-time fee. Erica:Work is more fun when youre doing it with people you like and respect. Do not send attachments with your query. There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. Different authors and illustrators have different needs, which is why finding your perfect agent match is so important. Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. They lead the cheer for you. Anna Olswanger has been a literary agent since 2005. 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. Theyre traveling. Please do not send us submissions of any kind. Children's Book Writers How to Find a Literary Agent for Your BookAdvice from writing professional Jane Friedman. Youll get free access tothe Directory of BookAgents with detailed profiles for allbookagents,including Kirsten HallLiterary Agent. Catbird Lit | Duotrope 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. As soon as you register youll get instant access to the following: * Agent bios for all agents atCatbird Productions Since it was published as Boats for Papa by Neal Porter Books in 2015, I have read it and cried again and again and again. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique children's book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. Theyre not your servants. While were waiting on the agents response, can I ask you why you want an agent? Submissions & Newsletter | Fuse Literary 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. WAIT! and Illustrators. Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. Contact US The CAT Agency By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. To be taken seriously, read the (damn) guidelines. 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. The project may work. Only considers picture books from established illustrators. All I can say is find the right agent for you, and you wont regret it. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Fiction/Mystery B. Harper Here is a little secret: most of the childrens agents I know are incredibly warm, and kind and fun. These cookies do not store any personal information. Were not afraid of this. The cycle of creating successful titles is like putting on a playeveryone must work to the best of their abilities. . 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. Society of Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. 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! 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. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. (Thank you!). Maybe not. 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 children's book. An agent delivers. Aliza R. Hoover: represents illustrators and author-illustrators. Kirsten Hall is a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. Familiarize yourself with their accomplishments. 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. The greatest advantage (good) agents provide is knowledge. You can unsubscribe easily at any time we dont spam. Regardless,I like to seek out three main strengths any time I review a portfolio: storytelling ability, consistency, and confidence. Theyre not your parents. Send her your high-concept and hooky; your award-winners; the books that will become backlist gold. There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. . Queries about books that dont conform, but rather provoke, excite me. If you do not receive a reply from Chad in 2 weeks, please assume its a pass. What does that mean? NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen When was the last time you checked out Publishers Weeklys Rights Report? includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). They help you skip that much-maligned slush pile. He also co-owned Cooke International, an . "Just got great reviews!" is better. The Bright Agency. Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. DING! Astound US Illustration Agency(Submissions scroll down to Artists submissions)Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. Warning: This site requires javascript, but it appears that your browser If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. They say theyre not good at that stuff. You still need to be good at that stuffor at least have an informed understanding of it. They step out when not needed. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Copyright 2023 D. B. Righi. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. Again, I digress.). Theyre easy. All rights reserved. Congratulations x 2 to Isabelle Arsenault! Maybe the hardest method, but people do talk . Your friends will congratulate you. QueryTracker Members can view the data gathered by all other members, organized into reports showing 2007-2023 QueryTracker. The subject heading in your email should be simple but enticing. How to Get a Nonfiction Agent 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).