She will happily review your comics, book cover designs, and picture book dummies.Aliza believes in a world where all young people can see themselves reflected in childrens books. And so on. Do your clients have more contact with one another than they would if this were set up by a publisher? I like being asked to see or think about the world divergently. 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) Look at the length of the agreement. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen Show an agent you are serious about writing as a career. Signing with an agent is just one step on an endless staircase. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. 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. However, there are differences in our tastes and our particular areas of proficiency, e.g., editorial, genre, licensing, promotion, etc. Were able to spot trends before they enter the marketplace, and this knowledge becomes invaluable in ensuring that your portfolio is as current and fresh as possible. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. . When was the last time you checked out Publishers Weeklys Rights Report? 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. Congratulations x 2 to Isabelle Arsenault! If you rely on those directories to find literary agents at Catbird Productions, youre going to hurt your chances of getting an agent to represent you. The agent then dedicates energy and resources to get that first commission. Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). Agents are curators. They're Skyping. Honest and open communication is key. Here are their answers: What do you look for in a submission? Get updates about Kirsten Hall and recommended reads from Simon & Schuster. Follow each agents instructions, but remember that they may be different. 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 important to identify who you think are good matches. What does that mean? Here is the: AAR Agent Databaseand the list of AAR members who represent picture books. They step in when needed. Childrens/YA L. Moe. Now, let me tell you why you dont need one. Kayla is also open to representing illustrators. You dont have their undivided attention. Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. I want an agent to help me . But, when it feels right and exciting on our end, we hope that it will be received that way by the publishers. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable toguarantee feedback or advice in our rejections. She is the author of 100+ childrens 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 and developing debut childrens book author/illustrators. Hear what they have to say. RESPONSE TIMES We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. You still need to work hard, improve your craft, increase your self-awareness. Ive worked as a publicist, as an editor, and now as an agent and author. Check out her Literaticastpodcast. Sometimes your work just isnt a fit for our skill set or interests. But the absolute wrong thing to do is blindly sign an agreement. What is one misconception about agents? 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]. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. I see you have an email from an agent. Again, I digress.). Nonfiction/Self-Help A. Goddard The one thing I look for across the board in a submission is a clean, professional-looking portfolio site! 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Unfortunately, misconceptions and assumptions related to the job description of an agent are rife in the illustration community. Were allies, strategists, friends, supervisors, listeners, managers, organizers, brainstorming partners. LiteraryAgents.com An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). Agents help a career in ways beyond even my understanding. Im reading from an unconventional point of view. Dont send your work to all of them at once. 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. We are Catbird Lit, an American journal of humorous writings and visual arts based in Austin, Texas. Here is a little secret: most of the childrens agents I know are incredibly warm, and kind and fun. Also send five pages from your manuscript. 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. Theyre not your parents. Ive been in publishing for over a decade. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. 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. Wait for a response. Never miss a moment of Fuse Literarys deals and bonus content. Ive heard illustrators say they want an agent so they dont have to deal with marketing and contracts and the non-drawing-and-painting aspects of illustration. We do not accept or respond to phone, paper or social media queries. Catbird Agency Website: catbirdagency.com/ Twitter: HallWaysKirsten AAR/AALA Member: No Accepts Queries Via. Hall is the author of the picture books. The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. 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. Ask the Agent Informative site ofJennifer Laughran, senior agent at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, who represents authors and illustrators of childrens and YA books. Sense of place mattersprecise, expressive settings delight her. Be professional in your communication with an agent. But theyre not the only key to the door. Kirsten Hall is President of Catbird, a boutique childrens literary and illustration agency. You still need to hustle. The project may work. Can you terminate the contract if things go south? Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Erica:Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent? What is one misconception about agents?An age-old misconception originates from a simple questionhow can we give equal quality, time, and support to more than one artist? Well try to get back to you as quickly as possible. Yes, you pay agents a fee, and that fee could be fairly substantial, depending on the agent. An agent delivers. Home Book Agencies USA Literary Agencies and Literary Agents Catbird Productions. LK Literary Agency is a boutique children's literature agency, so while we are open to general submissions, we kindly ask that you review our guidelines carefully ahead of sending in your submission to be sure we're a good fit for the wonderful work you do.. We are only open to electronic submissions, which means that unless someone from LKLA has specifically requested you send . The story was called Drift,and it was about a little beaver named Buckley who lives with his mama and makes these beautiful and intricate boats to send off to sea to his absent father. They told me they were going to focus on getting me into the industry I love: childrens books. Thank you for submitting your work! May 2010 - Feb 20143 years 10 months. ), etc. I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin Books, which published my book in hardcover! The overwhelming advantage in having this knowledge is proven when we come to share new work; it cuts through the noise and competition. I always advise illustrators who are just starting out to identify what they can and/or want to do, and outsource the rest. Get FREE Access Now to All Catbird ProductionsProfiles! Theyre the coach. Ive asked agents James Burns, Kirsten Hall, Jennifer Linnan, Alexandra Penfold, Linda Pratt,and Erica Rand Silverman three simple questions. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago To set up immediate access, click here. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent This articleabout Literary Agent Kirsten Halland Catbird Productionsis part of a series about literary agents and how toFind a PublishingAgent. An agent delivers. Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) For art directors, editors, and publishers,an agent is foremost a problem-solver. 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. Youll also get access to our article and audio library with information to help you get a top agent, publisher, and book deal. Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Curtis Brown LTD (Agents)(Submissions). The project may work. But I dont generally find myself doing much differently with regards to my clients when co-agenting other than have hard conversations on their behalf with my my co-agent up front. When an artist joins Brightand here I can only speak about Brightan artists dreams and ambition must be aligned with those of the agency. What do you look for in a submission?I like two kinds of submissions. 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. Your friends will congratulate you. includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Thats exactly right. We were thinking of matching up Susan Verde and Jay Fleck for our own pitch and then Susans editor, on her own accord, ended up approaching Jay to illustrate Susans new series. I sent them some dummies, some promotional pieces. It is my belief that it comes from the onboarding process. Hall can be contacted at Kirsten@catbirdagency.com. We promise not to share your information with third parties, and we do not spam. They step out when not needed. The one who allows ego to influence their decisions. QueryTracker includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). I'm obsessed by the story-telling opportunities offered by this highly-visual genre! In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. No, its not. Erica is mostly interested in adding author-illustrators to her list andis looking for a diverse array of voices and styles. And her first trade picture bookThe Jacketwas a 2014 New York Times Notable!) Visit their websites, where they explain who they are and what they want. Most things are negotiable. Scroll below now to viewthe AAR statusand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. Tugeau 2, A Children's Art & Literary Agency 2231 Grandview Avenue Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 Tugeau 2 proudly serves artists, writers and illustrators with representation in the children's publishing industry. Ron is a literary agent and co-owner of CookeMcDermid. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator need an agent? Read their interviews. Kirsten works intimately with her clients to conceive and develop original story pitches. QueryTracker will not function correctly without javascript. And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. 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. Not necessarily. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen Can you do it without an agent? Managing Agent, USA for a London-based children's illustration agency representing 150+ incredibly talented artists. Look, even Ive received critique letters. Several of them. And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. Catbird Productions was founded in 2006 by Katarina Soukup. How Long to Get An Agent? Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. And it isnt cute if you dont follow the rules. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) Some agents are boutiques. Erica:Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) Fiction/Christian K. Sargent Notes/Tips: Our agency does not represent poetry or screenplays. And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. These letters are just steps on the path. Part of my job is to break down any remaining barriers, not to guard themto make introductions, to get more eyes on clients work. Search tools to help you find the right agent for your book. Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency Picture books pretty much have me wrapped around their finger. Start with illustrators you admire. Lets take a journey together. 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. Erica Rand Silverman, Literary Agent,Stimola Literary Studio, Inc. When looking for the first time at an artists portfolio, I like to see a cross section of their work. All rights reserved. . Erica is a tireless advocate for her clients and proud to be a part of an industry that is so thoughtfully shaping young minds. If you can, meet them at conferences. Kayla's submission email is: kayla.submission@gmail.com. She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers. Experience. How to Find a Book Agent They want to represent you?! 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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). 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?. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. Agents have a broader knowledge due to their experience, and it allows the creative lines between authors and illustrators and their editors/houses to be cleaner. Kirsten Hall has struck out on her own after years of freelancing and started her own literary companyCatbird Productionssearching for debut talent. Youll get free access tothe Directory of BookAgents with detailed profiles for allbookagents,including Kirsten HallLiterary Agent. Congratulations! While youre working creatively, your agent is out there sharing your work and lining up the next best project. On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. * AAR membership status Maybe not. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette Please send her: childrens illustration portfolios, picture book dummies, picture book manuscripts, childrens graphic novel pitches, and the select chapter book project. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. In a way, you still need to be your own agent. Once you sign with an agent, you dont just sit back and wait for the jobs to roll in. On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. Theyre defending. Honest and open communication is key. Olswanger Literary LLC. She will leave Bright this Friday. Submit to five. Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. 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. Click here to retrieve reset your password. But were also different from one another; we shine in different ways. I dont know. Our goal is always to sell their work and properly manage their rights, establishing long-term writing careers for our clients. When an agent is pitching or submitting the work, it is my belief that the success rate is so much higher. Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. 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. The greatest advantage (good) agents provide is knowledge. If they do get back to you, expect a rejection . Logo designed by Kody Chamberlain Website designed by Ian Bauer. For nonfiction: she is looking for compelling, voice-driven projects that shed a humorous or thought-provoking light on a previously unknown topic in the areas of narrative nonfiction/memoir, lifestyle, relationships, humor, current events, food, wine, and cooking. Okay! Scroll below now to learn more about Literary Agent Kirsten Hall andget free instant access to our BookAgents Directory. 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. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. In each case, they pointed out issues in my work that I knew were there but refused to recognize. I went back to the drawing board., I signed with an agent, thinking that they would get me consistent work. All that being said, my bottom-line, if-youre-on-the-fence answer is much more straightforward: CONTRACTS. Kayla welcomes dark humor, suspense, magical realism, awkwardly adorable romance, and everything in-between. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Even a Twitter or Instagram account can satisfy these questions, but if I look someone up and find nothing, it leaves me looking for more, and often, looking elsewhere. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. My approach with each client is different based on what they particularly need. This is both a positive and a negative: As a coach, they help your career. Okay! Lets submit your work to an agent. They agreed almost immediately. Its brilliant I mean, really, its fantastic. Most of the time, Im working with my clients to develop their own dummies or texts to sell directly to a publisher or Ro and I are looking within the studio for an illustrator match to a pre-existing text. Janklow & Nesbit Associates (Agents) (Submissions)USA & UK agency. Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. Theyre meeting. Childrens/YA D. Bester Kirsten:Its so truein the past month alone weve had some particularly exciting pairings between Stimola and Catbird! Memoir/Women L. Lehr But agents help your creative growth in more ways than the obvious. Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox Youre the playerone of many players on his or her team. Its an honor to see a piece of a creators heart inside a proposals DNA. How is it different from the way you usually rep a book? Thank you. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Kirsten:Because co-agenting can be even more unpredictable than regular agenting, and because two agents naturally need to look at whats best for two clients with different histories and hopes, the co-agenting process requires double the consideration and diplomacy. You heard it here first! Christie Megill: is eager to work with illustrators, author/illustrators, and picture book authors, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. 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! Do you need an agent? Look, I get it, man. Ask around. "Actor seeking representation" is a bore. Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. The story taps into important truths about love and loss and life. This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. No agency can guarantee that a particular project will sell, but we sign clients because we love their writing and want them to succeed. 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. Listen to podcasts. Do not query multiple agents at Fuse simultaneously. Kirsten Hall is a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. 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, who 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 headquartered in London and specializes in nurturing and developing debut childrens book author/illustrators. The cycle of creating successful titles is like putting on a playeveryone must work to the best of their abilities. 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). Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency (Agents & Submissions)NOTE: This is aUKagency. Different authors and illustrators have different needs, which is why finding your perfect agent match is so important. For more specifics on what Susan is looking for, including information about genres and categories, please see here and here. Home Book Agents Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions. Ive learned how important it is to review our individual clients wants and needs. 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. Erica:In some cases yes and in some cases no. Queries about books that dont conform, but rather provoke, excite me. Is it consistent? If you have questions, you can build your own network of colleagues who may have the answers. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. But they are out there. . The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming number of submissions received, personal responses are only very rarely possible. Astound US Illustration Agency(Submissions scroll down to Artists submissions)Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. The Bright Agency. 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. Copyright 2011-23 The Bestselling Author, LLC. What is one misconception about agents?That were glamorous, haughty gatekeepers! What if you cant deliver the work on time? 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. *Personal email addresses 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). Each agent lists what they want on their bio page. Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the Directory of Literary Agents. If you still dont hear from them, move on. A good agent is one who helps move a project forward. 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). The subject heading in your email should be simple but enticing. This enables us to put a plan in place before the first portfolio sheet is made. 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? 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. Many of us are friends. 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. Agencies are still in there, but the box is getting more crowded all the time. But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. of Speculation by Jenny Offill, Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J.Ryan Stradal, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions, Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Narrative Nonfiction, [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]. Tips for writing and sending query letters. Aliza R. Hoover: represents illustrators and author-illustrators. Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books). Postcards, social media, industry events, bespoke product platforms, blogs, galleries, magazines, and store visits are all tools in a rapidly growing toolbox. Lemonade Illustration Agency (Artist Submissions) UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. They will try to respond within a month.
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