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. Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). Each provides exact submission information (an email address or an online submission portal). Sometimes your work just isnt a fit for our skill set or interests. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Memoir/Women L. Lehr 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). 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. She is not seeking sci-fi, horror, or high fantasy. They agreed almost immediately. The coach-player analogy is much more accurate. Ron is a literary agent and co-owner of CookeMcDermid. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti Before you submit: Read their guidelines. Scroll below now to viewthe AAR statusand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. 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! Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong It may not. As an art director, it made no difference whatsoever. Im reading from an unconventional point of view. An agent delivers. 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. While were waiting on the agents response, can I ask you why you want an agent? Ask around. Olswanger.com 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. Dont send your work to all of them at once. While we have different client lists, Ericas and my intentions for the books we represent are largely the same, as is our aesthetic. We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions) Curtis Brown LTD (Agents) (Submissions) David Higham Associates (Agents) (Submissions) A UK agency. She prefers books that explore deep emotional relationships in an interesting or unusual way. Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below. Most literary agency directories (print and online) are outdated, incomplete, and riddled with mistakes. 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?. We do not accept or respond to phone, paper or social media queries. The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). Wait for a response. Otherwise, please consider submitting to one of my wonderful colleagues at ABLA. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. The one who uses righteous indignation and insults as means to an end. It was after the 2013 SCBWI NY conference. Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. 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. Is it consistent? I choose to work with an agent because I value that relationship and I know its helped me to create my best work. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette What do you look for in a submission?What I look for in a submission is first a professional introductory letter. A thoughtful, personalized query letter does a lot, and obviously if I connect with an art sample or a pitch, its a win, but even then my decision ultimately hinges on what that persons web presence looks like. 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). When looking for the first time at an artists portfolio, I like to see a cross section of their work. 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) Hall can be contacted at Kirsten@catbirdagency.com. If you can, find a contract professional to read it. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. More on her wish list, here. Congratulations x 2 to Isabelle Arsenault! And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. Levy Creative Management (Artist Submissions), Liza Royce Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Its the most comprehensive (and accurate) list of literary agencies in the world, with detailed profiles for more than 1,100 literary agents. The Cherry Weiner Literary Agency officially started her agency in May of 1977. But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique children's book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. NOTE: Each year Fuse Literary, as an agency, is closed to new submissions and queries between December 1st to January 15th. Any agents not listed above are CLOSED to submissions. 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). It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. Were not afraid of this. Co-agenting, or doing that process together, makes it even more fun and is a great way to learn from one another. Its important to get a sense that a potential client will take that approach. Erica Rand Silverman, Literary Agent,Stimola Literary Studio, Inc. 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. Either way, look for agents who show an appreciation for your visual aesthetic. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For middle grade and YA: She is actively seeking fresh young adult and middle grade fiction across all genres. A few books I loved reading in my free time . Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. The irony is that by doing it yourself, by finding some amount of success on your own, you become more attractive to . She has incredible vision and is very brave. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Submit to Susan Hawk Any agents not listed above are CLOSED to submissions. Theres already much greater access to the publishing house in the illustration world (versus for writers, who often are barred by company policy from submitting their work directly). Your submission to agents isnt an Instagram post thats totes gonna get likes. Theyre not your parents. catbird, any of five bird species named for their mewing calls, which are used in addition to song. 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). They operate on your behalf, ever focused on your career. She wants to be surprisedtheres nothing like the feeling that youre reading something entirely new. A major plus of not having an agent is the money saved. How do you work with your clients individually on something like this? NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. Kirsten Hall is a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. Its all 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. Scroll below now to learn more about Literary Agent Kirsten Hall andget free instant access to our BookAgents Directory. How to Get a Nonfiction Agent The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. 1) Those that reflect soulfulness and deep consideration. Catbird Lit | Duotrope 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. She has incredible vision and is very brave. Kirsten opened Catbirds wings in March 2014. And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. Theyre reading. Postcards, social media, industry events, bespoke product platforms, blogs, galleries, magazines, and store visits are all tools in a rapidly growing toolbox. Literary Agents for Children's Books 2023-2024 | Kids' Book Agents Others are big box stores. That one was just meant to be it seems! 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. Thank you for submitting your work! Memoir/Inspirational L. Subramani She is drawn toward gorgeous writing and strong, flawed characters. The Catbird Seat Inc - Travelers I signed with Don Fehr at Trident Media and a short time later I had a publishing contract! To be taken seriously, read the (damn) guidelines. So how will you know the bad from the good? We share with one another,we lean on each other. Catbird Agency (@catbirdagencypix) is on Instagram Youll also get access to our article and audio library with information to help you get a top agent, publisher, and book deal. Author/Illustrators: email a brief synopsis of your manuscript, along with several accompanying illustrations or samples of your artwork. Experience. Literary Agents & Publications Open To Submissions - Medium * A map to the office ofCatbird Productions But agents help your creative growth in more ways than the obvious. To me it is the gold standard for a picture book that makes the reader feel. The snob. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. Sure you can. I love my fellow kidlit agents, and I honestly believe we root for each other and celebrate each others successes. 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. 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. Lets stop using that word rejection. Try for a moment to think of it as objective criticism. Join thousands of other subscribers today by enteringyour first name and email address. Fairbank Literary Representation (About) (Submissions)Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. Children's Book Writers Regardless,I like to seek out three main strengths any time I review a portfolio: storytelling ability, consistency, and confidence. You have to register (its FREE unless you upgrade to premium) to use this, but once you register and sign in, you can track your query and find which authors are represented by which agents, a publisher list, an agent list, author success stories, and more. Scroll below now to view the email and postal addressfor Kirsten HallFREE in our BookAgents Directory. For art directors, editors, and publishers,an agent is foremost a problem-solver. Ive been in publishing for over a decade. While her taste is broad, shes especially excited to find fresh stories and artwork from voices that have previously been underrepresented. Association of Authors Representatives, Inc. (AAR)AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. She has negotiated many hundreds of childrens book deals between authors, illustrators, and all of the major American publishers. Show an agent you are serious about writing as a career. 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. Its brilliant I mean, really, its fantastic. Writing thats confident, vivid, addictive; work thats both ambitious and wise. QueryTracker You have to register (its FREE unless you upgrade to premium) to use this, but once you register and sign in, you can track your query and find which authors are represented by which agents, a publisher list, an agent list, author success stories, and more. She doesnt represent adult projects. Kirsten:Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency Picture books pretty much have me wrapped around their finger. Congratulations! Well try to get back to you as quickly as possible. HOLD IT! What if you want to get your rights back? Erica:In some cases yes and in some cases no. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox Lets tap into that knowledge. Catbird Agency - Home | Facebook And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. What is one misconception about agents?One misconception about agents is that we are interchangeable. Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions, Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Narrative Nonfiction, [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci Each agent, even within the same agency, has their own ideas of what defines good writing and good illustration. And I read it again and I cried again. Childrens/YA L. Moe. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. But, when it feels right and exciting on our end, we hope that it will be received that way by the publishers. You heard it here first! Lets take a journey together. This enables us to put a plan in place before the first portfolio sheet is made. What percentage of art directors go to agents first to find illustrators? Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly Look at what theyll do for you versus what youll have to do for yourself. * Search the directory by book genre/category (more than 100 categories). and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Find The Agents With The Fastest Response Times. Erica:Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. of Speculation by Jenny Offill, Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J.Ryan Stradal, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. 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 . Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. Hall is Catbird Productions sole proprietor. Erica is mostly interested in adding author-illustrators to her list andis looking for a diverse array of voices and styles. Your work has been submitted! Right now, Brenda is not accepting picture book manuscript submissions, but she is looking for adult historical fiction. Take time with it. 6. They're Skyping. 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. How to Submit Yourself to an Agency (According to an Agent) - Backstage Warning: This site requires javascript, but it appears that your browser If you still dont hear from them, move on. Once that commission has been accepted, the ball is then in motion. We'd love to see your work! 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. An agent once said to me, If you think having an agent doesnt give you a distinct advantage, youre crazy. It depends on the agent and the artist, but I tend to agree with her. 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! 38.4k Followers, 0 Following, 1,895 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Catbird Agency (@catbirdagencypix) Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer This is why its so important to make sure theres a termination clause in your contract. Society of Good agents know which parts of the contract are flexible (and which shouldnt be). Some agents are boutiques. Here is a little secret: most of the childrens agents I know are incredibly warm, and kind and fun. Youve identified fifteen to twenty agents. May 2010 - Feb 20143 years 10 months. How to Get a Fiction Agent Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti Bookmark Literary (Submissions) Open to illustrator submissions. 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). Also send five pages from your manuscript. And the value of that growth far exceeds the fees. Danielle is actively seeking projects in a variety of categories. She had been in my session and introduced herself at the end and mentioned that she was sending me her dummy. an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage Andrea Brown Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). (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. When Should You Get An Agent? Like coaches,good agents get the best out of you. I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. Some of her favorite non-client books in this category are: I Am I Am I Am by Maggie O'Farrell, Heavy by Kiese Laymon, Late Migrations by Margaret Renkl, You Just Need to Lose Weight by Aubrey Gordon, and In Shock by Rana Adwish. I always advise illustrators who are just starting out to identify what they can and/or want to do, and outsource the rest. In your query letter, stick to professional accomplishments that relate to writing and publishing. Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books).