We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. Youll also get access to our article and audio library with information to help you get a top agent, publisher, and book deal. Childrens/YA L. Moe, What Is a Literary Agent? Its brilliant I mean, really, its fantastic. NOTE: As an agency we are closed to new queries and submissions each December 1st to January 15th! Theyre the coach. Maybe the hardest method, but people do talk . Dont send your work to all of them at once. But, when it feels right and exciting on our end, we hope that it will be received that way by the publishers. Writing thats confident, vivid, addictive; work thats both ambitious and wise. Society of . 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. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Darius Foroux. . an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage 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). Get FREE Access Now to All Catbird ProductionsProfiles! Someone asked me once, Do you only hire artists who have agents?Not in the slightest. 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). We will email you our periodic newsletter, never more than once a month. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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). They're signing. 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. That one was just meant to be it seems! . She doesnt represent adult projects. But I didnt get the level of attention I was expecting. They will try to respond within a month. Please send her: childrens illustration portfolios, picture book dummies, picture book manuscripts, childrens graphic novel pitches, and the select chapter book project. 1. Humor is important, even in a narrative thats dark or sad or edgy. 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. It is my belief that it comes from the onboarding process. Look at what theyll do for you versus what youll have to do for yourself. Finding a literary agent for children's books is easy using our literary agency database. Sometimes your work just isnt a fit for our skill set or interests. Its an honor to see a piece of a creators heart inside a proposals DNA. Repeat. Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly 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?. Before working in publishing, Erica was a teacher and dean. Provide URLs to your author website and social media that supports your efforts to brand yourself. Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. It may not. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A coin is flipped on its head. Danielle is actively seeking projects in a variety of categories. Lemonade Illustration Agency (Artist Submissions) UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. Maybe not. does not support javascript or you have it disabled. What is one misconception about agents?That were glamorous, haughty gatekeepers! I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. After about a year, and no work, I asked to break our agreement. 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. An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). Use our literary agency database to learn more about these literary agencies representing picture book writers. Thank you for submitting your work! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator need an agent? Thank you. She has incredible vision and is very brave. Read their bios to determine which picture book literary agencies and agents might be the best fit. Lets take a journey together. But agents help your creative growth in more ways than the obvious. Sign up for our Children's Bookshelf newsletter! I still remember the first time I read Jessixa Bagleys dummy submission. I think authors and illustrators sometimes forget that agents, too, face disappointment. 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 I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. When looking for the first time at an artists portfolio, I like to see a cross section of their work. That one was just meant to be it seems! Check out her Literaticastpodcast. As soon as you register youll get instant access to the following: * A link to the Catbird Productionswebsite, * A map to the office ofCatbird Productions, * Access to all literary agent profiles in the, * Search the directory by book genre/category (more than 100 categories), 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, Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Self-Help, [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]. Any agent worth their weight is in a position of privilege given that we see a birds-eye view of the industry, have a fantastic understanding of the publishing houses (in particular what the editors and art directors are looking for), and a deep understanding of imprint listswhich may not be obvious from looking online or at backlist titles. It sounds less hurtful. Fuse Literary represents both fiction and nonfiction in a variety of categories and genres. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. (Thank you!). And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. Susan represents work for children and teens only: picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult, along with some non-fiction for young readers. But if we are interested, we will request your full manuscript. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. Thank you for signing up, fellow book lover! Order is not locked and is accepting submissions. Maybe its the book that we havent placed yet, but still so strongly believe has a place in the world. A Montreal-based boutique production company, we specialize in award-winning, beautifully-crafted and enduring POV documentaries for Canadian and international audiences. Janklow & Nesbit Associates (Agents) (Submissions)USA & UK agency. What does that mean? She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers. Get a Kids Book Agent Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions) Curtis Brown LTD (Agents) (Submissions) David Higham Associates (Agents) (Submissions) A UK agency. Bright Agency (Agents)(Submissions)A UK / USA agency. Before you submit: Read their guidelines. 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. Home Book Agents Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions. Thank you for submitting your work! She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Co-agenting, or doing that process together, makes it even more fun and is a great way to learn from one another. These letters are just steps on the path. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique childrens book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. To me it is the gold standard for a picture book that makes the reader feel. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I mean, maybe some of us are glamorous, but that aside, of the agents I know (myself included) this couldnt be further from the truth. Author/Illustrators: email a brief synopsis of your manuscript, along with several accompanying illustrations or samples of your artwork. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. They understand the nuances of contractsforeign rights, royalty escalation clauses, merchandising (how much would you charge for ringtones? My approach with each client is different based on what they particularly need. We dont take any pleasure in having to pass on your work or give you difficult news. Once a book is sold, authors and illustrators will be presenting themselves to publishers, booksellers, librarians, and others as a professional. Authors pen manuscripts, artists are creators, agents have insight and continued relationships, editors and art directors have the vision. Hall can be contacted at Kirsten@catbirdagency.com. Signing with an agent is just one step on an endless staircase. Thats exactly right. Its not 100 percent, I can tell you that. Agents help a career in ways beyond even my understanding. All rights reserved. Part of my job is to break down any remaining barriers, not to guard themto make introductions, to get more eyes on clients work. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer He also co-owned Cooke International, an . Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. I read it and I cried. You didnt receive a rejection letter. You received a critique letter. It sounds so much better, doesnt it? 8. We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. Join thousands of other subscribers today by enteringyour first name and email address. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident Media and a short time later I had a publishing contract! By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: Do I need an agent?. Most literary agency directories (print and online) are outdated, incomplete, and riddled with mistakes. Each agent, even within the same agency, has their own ideas of what defines good writing and good illustration. We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. Once that commission has been accepted, the ball is then in motion. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. USA Literary Agencies and Literary Agents Catbird Productions, Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the, register above now for FREE instant access to the. Childrens/YA D. Bester 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! Agents have their finger on the pulse and understand the rhythm of publishing. She prefers books that explore deep emotional relationships in an interesting or unusual way. Offer of Representation Learn More. We revel in rebel voices; cast forward outcasts; and structure the lawless, braless populace into humorous narratives and . Your work has been submitted! Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim 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). Odds of Getting a Book Agent Practice professional patience and persistence. Well try to get back to you as quickly as possible. 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. Andrea Brown Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Lets stop using that word rejection. Try for a moment to think of it as objective criticism. What if you want to get your rights back? Aliza R. Hoover: represents illustrators and author-illustrators. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. 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. 3. Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. DING! 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Many of us are friends. Theyre defending. Isabelle Arsenault 161161 5 Comments 5 Shares Like Comment Share Catbird Agency is with Seb Cosset and Brigette Barrager. 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. 1) Those that reflect soulfulness and deep consideration. The agent then dedicates energy and resources to get that first commission. Fiction/Christian K. Sargent ), etc. After You Get A Book Agent. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. 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. If you still dont hear from them, move on. Kirsten Hallis a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. You submit all this via email. Fiction/Christian K. Sargent Books that tell the stories of people, places, and cultures that have been overlooked and ignored for too long are at the top of her list. According to Publishers Marketplace, for the past several years Kirsten has been an industryleader in picture booksales. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. and strategic process), so its not something we do all the time. 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. 2 talking about this. 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. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin Books, which published my book in hardcover! Memoir/Inspirational L. Subramani But the absolute wrong thing to do is blindly sign an agreement. This is both a positive and a negative: As a coach, they help your career. Memoir/Women L. Lehr Theyre meeting. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee catbird, any of five bird species named for their mewing calls, which are used in addition to song. Were not trying to make your road to publication harder. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent This articleabout Literary Agent Kirsten Halland Catbird Productionsis part of a series about literary agents and how toFind a PublishingAgent. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Theres that one who doesnt communicate. News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. Get updates about Kirsten Hall and recommended reads from Simon & Schuster. They open doors to opportunities. Olswanger Literary LLC. 2) Those that somehow present the world differently. Prentis Literary (Childrens Fiction) (Agents) (Submissions) In childrens fiction, they primarily accept early readers and chapter books, and perhaps the very rare, exceptional picture book. Insofar as the quality of your work is good, it doesnt matter if you have an agent or not. 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. Memoir/Inspirational L. Subramani The project may work. She is drawn to work that showcases expressive characters, timeless palettes, and atmospheric scenes. Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency Picture books pretty much have me wrapped around their finger. If you have questions, you can build your own network of colleagues who may have the answers. She wants to be surprisedtheres nothing like the feeling that youre reading something entirely new. Either way, look for agents who show an appreciation for your visual aesthetic. Need manuscripts and art to stay on schedule? Before you sign, lets talk some more. You still need to hustle. Erica is a tireless advocate for her clients and proud to be a part of an industry that is so thoughtfully shaping young minds. 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. The Number of Queries Sent and Their Replies. What is one misconception about agents?I can only speak for agents in the childrens book industry, but Im continually heartened and humbled by the camaraderie between kidlit agents. Ive learned how important it is to review our individual clients wants and needs before offers start to come in. Each provides exact submission information (an email address or an online submission portal). I like to feel as if someone is sharing with me, not just shopping to me. A few books I loved reading in my free time . When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. 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. Susan's submission email is: susanhawk.submission@gmail.com. A major plus of not having an agent is the money saved. Kirsten:Thats exactly right. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: "Do I need an agent?" *Personal email addresses Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. Home Book Agencies USA Literary Agencies and Literary Agents Catbird Productions.