Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! All that being said, my bottom-line, if-youre-on-the-fence answer is much more straightforward: CONTRACTS. What do you look for in a submission?What I look for in a submission is first a professional introductory letter. Co-agenting, or doing that process together, makes it even more fun and is a great way to learn from one another. Her client list at Bright includes Elly Mackay, Benji Davis, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. They want to represent you?! All rights reserved. When I signed, it was very exciting. 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. Hall is the author of the picture books. 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. A coin is flipped on its head. I read it and I cried. Some agents are boutiques. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). Fiction/Christian K. Sargent That one was just meant to be it seems! 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. If you can, find a contract professional to read it. Its so truein the past month alone weve had some particularly exciting pairings between Stimola and Catbird! HOLD IT! Simply click this linkand complete the subscription form. DING! 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. Tools to help you stay organized and error free. 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. Literary Agents & Publications Open To Submissions - Medium Hall is Catbird Productions sole proprietor. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. When Should You Get An Agent? If you need contractual help, you can find an attorney who would only charge a one-time fee. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Catbird Lit | Duotrope Manuscripts sent to them will be discarded unread. LiteraryAgents.com An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). Sign up for our Children's Bookshelf newsletter! Maybe its the book that we havent placed yet, but still so strongly believe has a place in the world. That one was just meant to be it seems! About Lara Perkins and Illustrators. I see you have an email from an agent. Home Book Agents Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions. Its not 100 percent, I can tell you that. includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). Copyright 2023 D. B. Righi. What do you look for in a submission?I like two kinds of submissions. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator need an agent? Catbird Press is no longer publishing. She is not considering the following adult categories: romance, political thriller, science fiction, horror, or erotica. Were a tight-knit community! What does that mean? Stagger it. Or familiar content has been made unrecognizable. It may not. 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. 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. . I love my fellow kidlit agents, and I honestly believe we root for each other and celebrate each others successes. An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). Thats exactly right. Kirsten:Thats exactly right. Each agent lists what they want on their bio page. It sounds less hurtful. Astound US Illustration Agency(Submissions scroll down to Artists submissions)Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. 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. Submit a QUERY and TWENTY PAGES of your manuscript to one of the agents listed below. Nonfiction/Self-Help A. Goddard There is a lot of uncertainty that comes along with developing a co-agented pitch from just the seed of an idea. Book Agent Submissions The answer might be a little different for our editorial colleagues with writers. . Stop right there. In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. 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. As soon as you enter your name and email address to the right, youll be able to see complete profiles for every literary agent at Catbird Productions(and every other literary agency). But, as an individual player, you arent the only one they need to help. They told me they were going to focus on getting me into the industry I love: childrens books. And her first trade picture bookThe Jacketwas a 2014 New York Times Notable!) She is not seeking sci-fi, horror, or high fantasy. Use our literary agency database to learn more about these literary agencies representing picture book writers. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. Otherwise, please consider submitting to one of my wonderful colleagues at ABLA. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. These cookies do not store any personal information. catbird, any of five bird species named for their mewing calls, which are used in addition to song. For off-site access, click here. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. Ideally, you handle the creative end, and your agent handles the business end. Do you need an agent? But agents help your creative growth in more ways than the obvious. 38.4k Followers, 0 Following, 1,895 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Catbird Agency (@catbirdagencypix) Send her your high-concept and hooky; your award-winners; the books that will become backlist gold. She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers. So how will you know the bad from the good? Sometimes your work just isnt a fit for our skill set or interests. Catbird's beautifully-crafted documentaries introduce audiences to remarkable human beings, like an Ethiopian aristocrat turned communist rebel, a Montreal poet turned world-renowned winemaker, or a resilient Inuit man who competes in a grueling dogsled race despite a major disability. Agencies & Agents - Picture Book Planet Many writers fear writing queries, but it shouldnt frighten you off! Read comments by other authors who have queried the same agents you have. an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage Fiction/Christian K. Sargent Managing Agent, USA for a London-based children's illustration agency representing 150+ incredibly talented artists. Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. They open doors to opportunities. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox Well navigate the waters together. One size does not fit all. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. When I offer representation, ideally Id like to be in it for the long haulwhich means I want to really know who Im signing up to work with: Do they have other work thats equally enticing? Although of course it would be totally fine for them to communicate if it would benefit the development of the proposal! She has negotiated many hundreds of childrens book deals between authors, illustrators, and all of the major American publishers. Susan's submission email is: susanhawk.submission@gmail.com. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent? Here is a little secret: most of the childrens agents I know are incredibly warm, and kind and fun. Finding a literary agent for children's books is easy using our literary agency database. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent represents the followingbook genres: Scroll below now to view representative titlesand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. Congratulations x 2 to Isabelle Arsenault! 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. This is why its so important to make sure theres a termination clause in your contract. Lets stop using that word rejection. Try for a moment to think of it as objective criticism. A good contract should cover not only the essential points of the job/deal but also the worst-case scenarios: What if your client doesnt pay? After You Get A Book Agent. You submit all this via email. If your submission is received by our system, an automated response will be emailed to you. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent This articleabout Literary Agent Kirsten Halland Catbird Productionsis part of a series about literary agents and how toFind a PublishingAgent. Do not query multiple agents at Fuse simultaneously. I choose to work with an agent because I value that relationship and I know its helped me to create my best work. If we are interested in reviewing your dummy, we will request that you send it. Remember, you are a business person seeking a business partner. 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). The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. Overall, Fuse agents may take 4-8 weeks to respond to queries and then additional time for submissions. . 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). Who reps them? Memoir/Christian S. LeRette UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. SCBWI | Co-Agenting with Kirsten Hall and Erica Rand Silverman Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions, Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Narrative Nonfiction, [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]. She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. Theyre the coach. We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. . Please do not send us submissions of any kind. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. If you dont hear from them after a month or so, gently check in. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. If you still dont hear from them, move on. DO NOT QUERY THIS AGENT AT THIS TIME: Cherry is not currently accepting unsolicited submissions. 2 talking about this. Kayla's submission email is: kayla.submission@gmail.com. In childrens fiction, they primarily accept early readers and chapter books, and perhaps the very rare, exceptional picture book. Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions) Curtis Brown LTD (Agents) (Submissions) David Higham Associates (Agents) (Submissions) A UK agency. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. Read their bios to determine which picture book literary agencies and agents might be the best fit. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago Memoir/Inspirational L. Subramani Agent statistics, detailing how long each agent typically takes to respond to a query. Good agents know which parts of the contract are flexible (and which shouldnt be). Your parents, who arent quite sure what you do, certainly know what agents doand that will make them happy. A good agent is one who helps move a project forward. Alloy Entertainment: Accepting Manuscript Queries - Authors Publish The agent then dedicates energy and resources to get that first commission. 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) Agents arent just sitting by the phone, hoping to get your submission. How Much Does An Agent Cost? Please submit to SUBMISSIONS@CATAGENCYINC.COM & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line! Is it consistent? The one who allows ego to influence their decisions. Like coaches,good agents get the best out of you. "Mark helped me get five different offers for representation from top literary agents. Plus, get a FREE ebook when you sign up! Read industry magazines and blogs. Catbird Agency (@catbirdagencypix) is on Instagram 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. What if you want to get your rights back? 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. Click here to retrieve reset your password. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim They understand the nuances of contractsforeign rights, royalty escalation clauses, merchandising (how much would you charge for ringtones? How Much Do Authors Make? Agents have their finger on the pulse and understand the rhythm of publishing. Not everyone excels at all of these, or enjoys it! Home - Catbird Submissions & Newsletter | Fuse Literary 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. Okay! We promise not to share your information with third parties, and we do not spam. Ive seen really exciting work come out of 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. Honest and open communication is key. Agents are curators. Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. 5. May 2010 - Feb 20143 years 10 months. SUBMISSIONS. "Just got great reviews!" is better. Catbird Productions Any agents not listed above are CLOSED to submissions. Kirsten opened Catbirds wings in March 2014. An agent delivers. It all depends on who you are, and what you want. I want to work with an artist whose goal it is to write and illustrate their own books. Bios, interests, and submission instructions can be found here. For adult fiction, Danielle is seeking upmarket commercial fiction and literary fiction. What do you look for in a submission?I look to have an emotional response and for the work to be something different than is already represented on my list. Now, let me tell you why you dont need one. Ive learned how important it is to review our individual clients wants and needs before offers start to come in. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. 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. Maybe the hardest method, but people do talk . But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. You still need to work hard, improve your craft, increase your self-awareness. Erica:Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 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. Kirsten works intimately with her clients to conceive and develop original story pitches. Dont send your work to all of them at once. * Mailing addresses 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). * Agent photos In your query letter, stick to professional accomplishments that relate to writing and publishing. How is it different from the way you usually rep a book? Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. Editors should be salivating by the time they get to the chapter outline. Working with Mark was completely worth it." 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 . . Ive been in publishing for over a decade. As an art director, it made no difference whatsoever. Levy Creative Management (Artist Submissions), Liza Royce Agency (Agents) (Submissions). It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. Catbird Agency - Home | Facebook Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Chad W. Beckerman: is always looking at submissions! I went back to the drawing board., I signed with an agent, thinking that they would get me consistent work. The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. Ive worked as a publicist, as an editor, and now as an agent and author. Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer 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. catbird seat. Catbird Creative Agency Advertising Services Cleveland, Ohio 57 followers catbird seat (noun) an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage Deborah Harris Agency (Agents) (Submissions), D4EO Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Dunham Literary, Inc. (Jennie Dunham)(Submissions), Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Dystel, Goderich, & Bourrett LLC (Agents) (Submissions)(Nonfiction Submission Guidelines), Einstein Literary Management (Agents) (Submissions), Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Practice professional patience and persistence. Authors pen manuscripts, artists are creators, agents have insight and continued relationships, editors and art directors have the vision. 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 . Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique childrens book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Literary Rambles: Spotlighting Childrens Book Authors, Agents, & Publishing Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books). Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. Kirsten:Not necessarily. Again, I digress.). The second-worst thing to do is to rest on your laurels. A word of warning: There is such a thing as a bad agent. The project may work. Feeling hurt inflates our ego, which clouds self-awareness, which stunts creative improvement. 1. get work . 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. I mean, youre not their only client. * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) 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. 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). Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique children's book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. Humor is important, even in a narrative thats dark or sad or edgy. What is one misconception about agents? Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. I can tell you why I need an agent. You should. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. Most things are negotiable. 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. There is just an overwhelming amount of people looking to connect with agents, and it can be challenging for some to give out that warmth all the time. I hear the comparison that the agent-client relationship is like a marriage. If you have questions, you can build your own network of colleagues who may have the answers. Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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 revel in rebel voices; cast forward outcasts; and structure the lawless, braless populace into humorous narratives and . 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. Fiction/Mystery B. Harper 2. I work alone and basically love knocking on other agents doors and asking them to come out and play! 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. Lemonade Illustration Agency (Artist Submissions) UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. You have to be a detective. Thank you for submitting your work! Our goal is always to sell their work and properly manage their rights, establishing long-term writing careers for our clients. * AAR membership status (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.). Postcards, social media, industry events, bespoke product platforms, blogs, galleries, magazines, and store visits are all tools in a rapidly growing toolbox. Get the facts. Show an agent you are serious about writing as a career. And then submit your picture book query letter and manuscript. 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. * A link to the Catbird Productionswebsite Read their interviews. If they do get back to you, expect a rejection . They operate on your behalf, ever focused on your career. The coach-player analogy is much more accurate. I was able to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. Scroll below to see a sample. Here is the: AAR Agent Databaseand the list of AAR members who represent picture books. Memoir/Women L. Lehr You can unsubscribe easily at any time we dont spam. Its not easy to do it yourself, but it is possible. Want more information about Kirsten Hall? 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. List of Literary Agents 2023-2024 | Agents Looking for New Writers Sense of place mattersprecise, expressive settings delight her. Theyre not your parents. We have invaluable industry insights and connections. you guessed it: agents. 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. In each case, they pointed out issues in my work that I knew were there but refused to recognize. (Thank you!). Society of 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. Childrens/YA L. Moe, What Is a Literary Agent? 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. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions.
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