You dont have their undivided attention. Provide URLs to your author website and social media that supports your efforts to brand yourself. You should. 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). All rights reserved. Agents arent just sitting by the phone, hoping to get your submission. Fiction/Mystery B. Harper And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. 8. 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. Ive co-agented all kinds of dealsones that have gone to multi-house auctions on day one, one in which only one client saw an offer and the other client gracefully stepped aside, one in which wildly different offers came in and my co-agent and I needed to negotiate with each other as much as the publishers because our clients positions were so different. It isnt as automatic as you think. Ron is a literary agent and co-owner of CookeMcDermid. This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. Use our literary agency database to learn more about these literary agencies representing picture book writers. NOTE: Each year Fuse Literary, as an agency, is closed to new submissions and queries between December 1st to January 15th. Author/illustrators: NBPlease include a link to your online portfolio and/or to your downloadable dummy. Some agents are boutiques. They step in when needed. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer Lets take a journey together. (Thank you!). An agent delivers. Its important to identify who you think are good matches. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. Hear what they have to say. Copyright 2023 D. B. Righi. Flannery Literary (Agent) (Submissions), Foundry Literary + Media (Agents & Submissions), Full Circle Literary (Agents) (Submissions), Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Golden Wheat Literary (Agents)(Submissions), Greenhouse Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Howard Morhaim Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). 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 . After about a year, and no work, I asked to break our agreement. Each agent, even within the same agency, has their own ideas of what defines good writing and good illustration. Memoir/Women L. Lehr And sometime between crying, I offered Jessixa representation. Thank you for submitting your work! These cookies do not store any personal information. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) Youre about to sign with an agent. Submission Guidelines: Hello! The Cherry Weiner Literary Agency officially started her agency in May of 1977. Sense of place mattersprecise, expressive settings delight her. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen She has negotiated many hundreds of childrens book deals between authors, illustrators, and all of the major American publishers. How to Get a Fiction Agent Then I look for a voice, either in the words of an author or the art of an illustrator. However, if you would like to get your work in front of her for now or the future, please submit - she reviews ALL submissions! Children's Book Writers Kirsten is also an author. Lets stop using that word rejection. Try for a moment to think of it as objective criticism. This is why its so important to make sure theres a termination clause in your contract. Publishing Agent Kirsten Hall is an agent with Catbird Productions. 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. Were allies, strategists, friends, supervisors, listeners, managers, organizers, brainstorming partners. Memoir/Inspirational L. Subramani 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. 6. Warning: This site requires javascript, but it appears that your browser Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly A major plus of not having an agent is the money saved. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The one who uses righteous indignation and insults as means to an end. . Not necessarily. Most literary agency directories (print and online) are outdated, incomplete, and riddled with mistakes. 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. . She is drawn toward gorgeous writing and strong, flawed characters. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Maybe not. Wait for a response. To set up immediate access, click here. 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 . One size does not fit all. Azantian Literary Agency (Agents)(Submissions), Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises (Submissions), Bookends Jr.: A Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), The Book Group (Agents click Our Staff tab for a drop-down list) (Submissions). 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. Dont send your work to all of them at once. More on her wish list, here. And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. Never miss a moment of Fuse Literarys deals and bonus content. . It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It is my belief that it comes from the onboarding process. 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. 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. Its all right. How active are they in the industry? of Speculation by Jenny Offill, Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J.Ryan Stradal, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. What is one misconception about agents?You wouldnt believe how many conference attendees come up to me to say thank you for being warm and approachable, as if this isnt the norm. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent represents the followingbook genres: Scroll below now to view representative titlesand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. OrderID Agency OrderID Date Class Rate Patient Name Area Shift Start End Meal Order Reason O 7138574 08/28/22 to 11/05/22 CNA|T . 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. We only accept submissions via e-mail. 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. What does that mean? Its an honor to see a piece of a creators heart inside a proposals DNA. Please do not send us submissions of any kind. * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) Youre the playerone of many players on his or her team. Sts ID Perm Fac. 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. Once you sign with an agent, you dont just sit back and wait for the jobs to roll in. Bookmark Literary (Submissions) Open to illustrator submissions. Theyre defending. It may not even be 50 percent. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. What do you look for in a submission?What I look for in a submission is first a professional introductory letter. They open doors to opportunities. The project may work. They agreed almost immediately. does not support javascript or you have it disabled. Do not query multiple agents at Fuse simultaneously. Tell us what you like and we'll recommend books you'll love. We will not open emailed attachments. While were waiting on the agents response, can I ask you why you want an agent? Get a Kids Book Agent Please send work that shows character development, style, color and narrative story-telling. HOLD IT! Ive co-agented all kinds of dealsones that have gone to multi-house auctions on day one, one in which only one client saw an offer and the other client gracefully stepped aside, one in which wildly different offers came in and my co-agent and I needed to negotiate with each other as much as the publishers because our clients positions were so different. RESPONSE TIMES We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. Youve identified fifteen to twenty agents. Otherwise, please consider submitting to one of my wonderful colleagues at ABLA. She has incredible vision and is very brave. Fairbank Literary Representation (About) (Submissions)Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. 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. Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. Erica:Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. The irony is that by doing it yourself, by finding some amount of success on your own, you become more attractive to . She is looking for visual storytellers with distinctive, unique portfolios that will stand out in a crowded market. Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. What is one misconception about agents?That were glamorous, haughty gatekeepers! 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. In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. The one who allows ego to influence their decisions. What is one misconception about agents? 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. Some of her favorite illustrators include Mike Boldt, Amber Ren, Vashti Harrison, and Eliza Wheeler. Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). Others are big box stores. Submit to five. "Mark helped me get five different offers for representation from top literary agents. Before you sign, lets talk some more. She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers. If you rely on those directories to find literary agents at Catbird Productions, youre going to hurt your chances of getting an agent to represent you. These cookies do not store any personal information. Is there a five-word sentence in the childrens book industry more capable of sparking a debate than Do I need an agent? Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly Responsible for . If an agent is interested in representing you, under no circumstances should you simply say, Great! Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. 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. Click here to retrieve reset your password. Repeat. 4. Once a book is sold, authors and illustrators will be presenting themselves to publishers, booksellers, librarians, and others as a professional. Ask around. LiteraryAgents.com An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). Do your clients have more contact with one another than they would if this were set up by a publisher? Childrens/YA D. Bester I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. Many of us are friends. 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. We are Catbird Lit, an American journal of humorous writings and visual arts based in Austin, Texas. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent This articleabout Literary Agent Kirsten Halland Catbird Productionsis part of a series about literary agents and how toFind a PublishingAgent. After You Get A Book Agent. Aliza R. Hoover: represents illustrators and author-illustrators. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique children's book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer Some of her favorite non-client books in these categories are: A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea, Dept. We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. 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. . Either way, look for agents who show an appreciation for your visual aesthetic. Fiction/Christian K. Sargent Get An Agent After Self-Publishing 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 . 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. Kirsten Hallis a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. You heard it here first! Visit your local The Catbird Seat Inc at 271 Rt 46 W in Fairfield, NJ and contact us today for your home, auto business, and renters insurance today or call (973) 808-0110 We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. 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. And I read it again and I cried again. Kirsten:Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. Thats exactly right. She doesnt represent adult projects. Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. They're publicizing. When an agent is pitching or submitting the work, it is my belief that the success rate is so much higher. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. Right now, Brenda is not accepting picture book manuscript submissions, but she is looking for adult historical fiction. Agents have their finger on the pulse and understand the rhythm of publishing. Erica:Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. And her first trade picture bookThe Jacketwas a 2014 New York Times Notable!) Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. Either way, I hope this post helps you move forward with your career. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci 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?. "Actor seeking representation" is a bore. Getfree access to the Directory of Literary Agents with detailed agent profiles. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. I look for author-illustrators. Erica:In some cases yes and in some cases no. Here youll find everything you need to submit work to Upstart Crow Literary. Childrens/YA L. Moe, What Is a Literary Agent? Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. Were able to spot trends before they enter the marketplace, and this knowledge becomes invaluable in ensuring that your portfolio is as current and fresh as possible. Erica:We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. But, when it feels right and exciting on our end, we hope that it will be received that way by the publishers. Familiarize yourself with their accomplishments. I'm obsessed by the story-telling opportunities offered by this highly-visual genre! 2) Those that somehow present the world differently. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. She currently has around 45 clients with little room for more, as she thinks 50 clients is the ideal number. But, as an individual player, you arent the only one they need to help. Erica:Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. Check out her Literaticastpodcast. In each case, they pointed out issues in my work that I knew were there but refused to recognize. Although of course it would be totally fine for them to communicate if it would benefit the development of the proposal! Kirsten works intimately with her clients to conceive and develop original story pitches. Scroll below now to viewthe AAR statusand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory.