What percentage of art directors go to agents first to find illustrators? Where do I sign? Read their agreement. Bios, interests, and submission instructions can be found here. I dont know. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago Catbird Productions Cherry Weiner Literary Agent - Cherry Weiner Literary Agency Theyre the coach. It frequents gardens and thickets. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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). She has negotiated many hundreds of childrens book deals between authors, illustrators, and all of the major American publishers. Agent statistics, detailing how long each agent typically takes to respond to a query. And thats just on Monday. If an agent is interested in representing you, under no circumstances should you simply say, Great! AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. 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. Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). All rights reserved. She is not considering the following adult categories: romance, political thriller, science fiction, horror, or erotica. But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. Im the person throwing up the grappling hook, not the one pouring down hot oil. But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency (Agents & Submissions)NOTE: This is aUKagency. Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! To me it is the gold standard for a picture book that makes the reader feel. Different authors and illustrators have different needs, which is why finding your perfect agent match is so important. 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. Hall is Catbird Productions sole proprietor. About Lara Perkins and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. 1) Those that reflect soulfulness and deep consideration. full terms and conditions and this month's choices. Society of How do you work with your clients individually on something like this? She is . Need an author or illustrator? LiteraryAgents.com An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. Think about it: They meet with the editors and art directors at many publishing housesalways learning what they want and dont want; always given inside looks into publishing plans, present and future; always gaining further insight into who loosens or tightens the purse strings. (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. I like being asked to see or think about the world divergently. Im reading from an unconventional point of view. A Montreal-based boutique production company, we specialize in award-winning, beautifully-crafted and enduring POV documentaries for Canadian and international audiences. Hear what they have to say. Home Book Agents Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions. 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. Its so truein the past month alone weve had some particularly exciting pairings between Stimola and Catbird! On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee . 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). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Can you terminate the contract if things go south? If youre creating work that could be described as generous, nuanced, and at ease with complexity, shed love to read it. Many of us are friends. Kirsten Hall - Catbird Agency | QueryTracker If you still dont hear from them, move on. 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. DO NOT QUERY THIS AGENT AT THIS TIME: Cherry is not currently accepting unsolicited submissions. 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. RESPONSE TIMES We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. Kirsten works intimately with her clients to conceive and develop original story pitches. Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim Fiction/Christian K. Sargent RMV Workforce Corp hiring CNA in Phoenix, Arizona, United States | LinkedIn Once you sign with an agent, you dont just sit back and wait for the jobs to roll in. Here is the: AAR Agent Databaseand the list of AAR members who represent picture books. Anna Olswanger has been a literary agent since 2005. Catbird Press is no longer publishing. 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). Get updates about Kirsten Hall and recommended reads from Simon & Schuster. Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. Overall, Fuse agents may take 4-8 weeks to respond to queries and then additional time for submissions. Home - Catbird Need manuscripts and art to stay on schedule? Submit to Susan Hawk Any agents not listed above are CLOSED to submissions. Youve identified fifteen to twenty agents. I work alone and basically love knocking on other agents doors and asking them to come out and play! They help you skip that much-maligned slush pile. How to Submit Yourself to an Agency (According to an Agent) - Backstage Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. What is one misconception about agents?One misconception about agents is that we are interchangeable. Books invite joy. She is drawn toward gorgeous writing and strong, flawed characters. 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). If I have requested your work, please email me at lara@andreabrownlit.com and please include the word "request" in your subject line (and please do NOT include the word "query'"). I love my fellow kidlit agents, and I honestly believe we root for each other and celebrate each others successes. Kayla welcomes dark humor, suspense, magical realism, awkwardly adorable romance, and everything in-between. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette Authors and illustrators need an agent because the publishers interests/needs and their interests/needs arent always the same, and you need an advocate to represent you. I read it and I cried. CookeMcDermid They step out when not needed. Honest and open communication is key. 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). Kirsten Hall Launches Agency - PublishersWeekly.com * AAR membership status We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Please do not send us submissions of any kind. Keep your correspondence professional. Then I look for a voice, either in the words of an author or the art of an illustrator. Not everyone excels at all of these, or enjoys it! Literary agent Kirsten Hall is launching a new company, Catbird Productions, which will package books for publishers, as well as operate as a boutique literary agency for childrens book author/illustrators, with an emphasis on previously unpublished authors/ illustrators. 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). Bookmark Literary (Submissions) Open to illustrator submissions. Twitter. It's what's happening / Twitter Fiction/Mystery B. Harper Our goal is always to sell their work and properly manage their rights, establishing long-term writing careers for our clients. Keep walking. Not everythingbut most. Look at the length of the agreement. 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. Kirsten Hall is President of Catbird, a boutique childrens literary and illustration agency. QueryTracker includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). Were allies, strategists, friends, supervisors, listeners, managers, organizers, brainstorming partners. Theyre not your parents. The subject heading in your email should be simple but enticing. Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below. Kirsten opened Catbirds wings in March 2014. Tools to help you stay organized and error free. Catbird Lit | Duotrope Well navigate the waters together. Erica:Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. It may not. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent?Agents wear many important hats. Logo designed by Kody Chamberlain Website designed by Ian Bauer. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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) SCBWI Statement of Intent on Equity and Inclusion, The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children, Co-Agenting with Kirsten Hall and Erica Rand Silverman. Children's Book Writers Regardless,I like to seek out three main strengths any time I review a portfolio: storytelling ability, consistency, and confidence. They step in when needed. When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. Ask questions. Order is not locked and is accepting submissions. Halls client list at Bright includes Benji Davis, Elly Mackay, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. Maybe its the prospective client that we missed out on. an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage 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. I can tell you why I need an agent. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. How I Went From Unemployed to Building a $30K/month Online Business in 12 Months! An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). Kirsten Hall has struck out on her own after years of freelancing and started her own literary companyCatbird Productionssearching for debut talent. Here are their answers: What do you look for in a submission? How to Find a Literary Agent for Your BookAdvice from writing professional Jane Friedman. That one was just meant to be it seems! Kirsten:Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. What does that mean? It may not even be 50 percent. Kayla is also open to representing illustrators. Before we see illustration samples or book pitches, we know that the agent has worked hard to make sure their clients best foot is forward. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer Once that commission has been accepted, the ball is then in motion. She has incredible vision and is very brave. Literary Agents & Publications Open To Submissions - Medium Childrens/YA L. Moe, What Is a Literary Agent? The cycle of creating successful titles is like putting on a playeveryone must work to the best of their abilities. Read comments by other authors who have queried the same agents you have. 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. On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. And Im stirred by pitches that elicit feelings of sympathy or empathy. (Though slush piles get an undeservedly bad reputation. Shes drawn to projects that are character-driven, tightly plotted, and have a singular, specific voice; always on the hunt for: She looks for projects that know kids are smart and perceptive and feeling deeply; that make the reader feel seen. In a way, you still need to be your own agent. When looking for the first time at an artists portfolio, I like to see a cross section of their work. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. 2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Fiction/Christian K. Sargent Janklow & Nesbit Associates (Agents) (Submissions)USA & UK agency. However, if you would like to get your work in front of her for now or the future, please submit - she reviews ALL submissions! . (Thank you!). A major plus of not having an agent is the money saved. It is a precise and qualified process, rather than an independent, possibly unpublished artist spread betting their work across editors and art directors who they do not know apart from an impression of them through social media. Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. Erica:Work is more fun when youre doing it with people you like and respect. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. Thank you for signing up, fellow book lover! Before you sign, lets talk some more. Again, I digress.). Lets stop using that word rejection. Try for a moment to think of it as objective criticism. Here is the: Advice from writing professional Jane Friedman. Its not easy to do it yourself, but it is possible. I choose to work with an agent because I value that relationship and I know its helped me to create my best work. What if you cant deliver the work on time? Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. Literary Agents for Children's Books 2023-2024 | Kids' Book Agents Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. Were not afraid of this. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. Agents help a career in ways beyond even my understanding. But theyre not the only key to the door. In childrens fiction, they primarily accept early readers and chapter books, and perhaps the very rare, exceptional picture book. 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. Be professional in your communication with an agent. Childrens/YA D. Bester Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) 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. *Personal email addresses Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the Directory of Literary Agents. 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 only accept submissions via e-mail. Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. HOLD IT! When I signed, it was very exciting. Each provides exact submission information (an email address or an online submission portal). News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Also send five pages from your manuscript. Erica:We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. Kirsten Hallis a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. 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. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. Show an agent you are serious about writing as a career. Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. Catbird Creative Agency Advertising Services Cleveland, Ohio 57 followers catbird seat (noun) an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage 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. They lead the cheer for you. . After You Get A Book Agent. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago I sent them some dummies, some promotional pieces. Publishing Agent Kirsten Hall is an agent with Catbird Productions. While her taste is broad, shes especially excited to find fresh stories and artwork from voices that have previously been underrepresented. Were not trying to make your road to publication harder. Other times, well sell texts to publishers first and then when it comes time for illustrators, if there isnt someone on our list who we think is right to recommend, our next step will be to look at each others lists, or those of other agent friends. If you need contractual help, you can find an attorney who would only charge a one-time fee. Good agents know which parts of the contract are flexible (and which shouldnt be). Read industry magazines and blogs. 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. The answer might be a little different for our editorial colleagues with writers. We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. But, as an individual player, you arent the only one they need to help. Author/Illustrators: email a brief synopsis of your manuscript, along with several accompanying illustrations or samples of your artwork. 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. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Submission Guidelines: Hello! They are the busiest bees in the hive. Agencies & Agents - Picture Book Planet 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 . It feels good to say, I have an agent. Its legitimizing. You can ask her a question here. The Bright Agency. I appreciate having a trusted ear, an ally, and an advocate for my work and career. 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. 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. 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. Simply click this linkand complete the subscription form. Sense of place mattersprecise, expressive settings delight her. Get An Agent After Self-Publishing Copyright 2023 D. B. Righi. Finding a literary agent for children's books is easy using our literary agency database. Erica is a tireless advocate for her clients and proud to be a part of an industry that is so thoughtfully shaping young minds. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. 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. Maybe. When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. Submissions & Newsletter | Fuse Literary PW KidsCast: A Conversation with Dan Santat, click here to reactivate your immediate access. Right now, Brenda is not accepting picture book manuscript submissions, but she is looking for adult historical fiction. Wait for a response. Maybe not. Agencies are still in there, but the box is getting more crowded all the time. . Tips for writing and sending query letters. These letters are just steps on the path. What do you look for in a submission?What I look for in a submission is first a professional introductory letter. Its not 100 percent, I can tell you that. Chad W. Beckerman: is always looking at submissions! Susan's submission email is: susanhawk.submission@gmail.com. Some agents are boutiques. Writing thats confident, vivid, addictive; work thats both ambitious and wise. Queries about books that dont conform, but rather provoke, excite me. and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. Well try to get back to you as quickly as possible. Listen to podcasts. We will email you our periodic newsletter, never more than once a month. In each case, they pointed out issues in my work that I knew were there but refused to recognize. Follow your instincts. They will try to respond within a month. Is it consistent? WAIT! But the truth is everyone in publishing faces rejection at some point. Call:1-800 -278-2991 (outside US/Canada, call +1-847-513-6135) 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday (Central). Theres that one who doesnt communicate. You submit all this via email. SUBMISSIONS. An agent delivers.