If you dont get a good feeling from them in any correspondence, your gut is trying to tell you something. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. Manuscripts sent to them will be discarded unread. Simply click this linkand complete the subscription form. Theyre defending. I sent them some dummies, some promotional pieces. 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. I dont know. How do you work with your clients individually on something like this? Were both former educators, are each moms of two boys, and we identify in a lot of ways with one another, are drawn to similar stories and talents. Layered, flawed, completely human characters. 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. Not everythingbut most. They will try to respond within a month. Kirsten:Thats exactly right. Catbird Press is no longer publishing. It feels good to say, I have an agent. Its legitimizing. Plus, get a FREE ebook when you sign up! But theyre not the only key to the door. All that being said, my bottom-line, if-youre-on-the-fence answer is much more straightforward: CONTRACTS. She is not considering the following adult categories: romance, political thriller, science fiction, horror, or erotica. Ive worked as a publicist, as an editor, and now as an agent and author. The one thing I look for across the board in a submission is a clean, professional-looking portfolio site! Scroll below now to viewthe AAR statusand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. Society of Listen to podcasts. 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. 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. The agent then dedicates energy and resources to get that first commission. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique children's book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. 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). And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. Each agent lists what they want on their bio page. Today, the tools that art directors use to find illustrators are too numerous to list. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If they do get back to you, expect a rejection . They step in when needed. Were not afraid of this. Kirsten Hall is President of Catbird, a boutique childrens literary and illustration agency. Playing with each others client lists is a way to stay true to that, to not overcommit in order to see more potentially exciting matching possibilities. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. Kirsten Hall is a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. Lets tap into that knowledge. 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. We have invaluable industry insights and connections. If you need contractual help, you can find an attorney who would only charge a one-time fee. Maybe its the book that we havent placed yet, but still so strongly believe has a place in the world. Either way, I hope this post helps you move forward with your career. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. . We only accept submissions via e-mail. A Montreal-based boutique production company, we specialize in award-winning, beautifully-crafted and enduring POV documentaries for Canadian and international audiences. Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. 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. The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). Its an honor to see a piece of a creators heart inside a proposals DNA. Call:1-800 -278-2991 (outside US/Canada, call +1-847-513-6135) 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday (Central). Kirsten opened Catbirds wings in March 2014. Feeling hurt inflates our ego, which clouds self-awareness, which stunts creative improvement. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. OrderID Agency OrderID Date Class Rate Patient Name Area Shift Start End Meal Order Reason O 7138574 08/28/22 to 11/05/22 CNA|T . However, if you would like to get your work in front of her for now or the future, please submit - she reviews ALL submissions! We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Keep walking. Enter your information in the form to the right for FREE INSTANT ACCESS to the Directory of Literary Agents. Your parents, who arent quite sure what you do, certainly know what agents doand that will make them happy. Theyre not your servants. Flannery Literary (Agent) (Submissions), Foundry Literary + Media (Agents & Submissions), Full Circle Literary (Agents) (Submissions), Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Golden Wheat Literary (Agents)(Submissions), Greenhouse Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Howard Morhaim Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Like coaches,good agents get the best out of you. And it isnt cute if you dont follow the rules. * A link to the Catbird Productionswebsite I appreciate having a trusted ear, an ally, and an advocate for my work and career. It all depends on who you are, and what you want. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. How Much Do Authors Make? Christy Ewers: is mostly closed to submissions for the time being. We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. It may not. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci Start with illustrators you admire. Part of my job is to break down any remaining barriers, not to guard themto make introductions, to get more eyes on clients work. Well navigate the waters together. What do you look for in a submission?I like two kinds of submissions. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. I love my fellow kidlit agents, and I honestly believe we root for each other and celebrate each others successes. You should. Having someone on your side who can not only advocate for better terms (and knows what the industry standards are) but also navigate all the legalese with you is key, especially if youre not well-versed. I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. Bios, interests, and submission instructions can be found here. Its the most comprehensive (and accurate) list of literary agencies in the world, with detailed profiles for more than 1,100 literary agents. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. I read it and I cried. However, there are differences in our tastes and our particular areas of proficiency, e.g., editorial, genre, licensing, promotion, etc. 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]. An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). 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. Its not easy to do it yourself, but it is possible. DO NOT QUERY THIS AGENT AT THIS TIME: Cherry is not currently accepting unsolicited submissions. "Mark helped me get five different offers for representation from top literary agents. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette Practice professional patience and persistence. On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. The subject heading in your email should be simple but enticing. Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. Each provides exact submission information (an email address or an online submission portal). Send her your high-concept and hooky; your award-winners; the books that will become backlist gold. Editors should be salivating by the time they get to the chapter outline. Working with Mark was completely worth it." 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. get work . They understand the nuances of contractsforeign rights, royalty escalation clauses, merchandising (how much would you charge for ringtones? To submit directly without an agent you need to send them a query letter with a description of your manuscript, how close it is to completion (if it is not yet finished), and a little bit about your writing background. Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. She is drawn toward gorgeous writing and strong, flawed characters. Also send five pages from your manuscript. On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. Humor is important, even in a narrative thats dark or sad or edgy. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim Before working in publishing, Erica was a teacher and dean. Youll also get access to our article and audio library with information to help you get a top agent, publisher, and book deal. You can unsubscribe easily at any time we dont spam. 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. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. * Search the directory by book genre/category (more than 100 categories). 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. Memoir/Inspirational L. Subramani Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books). We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong Copyright 2011-23 The Bestselling Author, LLC. Postcards, social media, industry events, bespoke product platforms, blogs, galleries, magazines, and store visits are all tools in a rapidly growing toolbox. 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). Fuse Literary never charges reading or submission fees, nor is there a retainer fee for our services. How Long to Get An Agent? There is a lot of uncertainty that comes along with developing a co-agented pitch from just the seed of an idea. Writing thats confident, vivid, addictive; work thats both ambitious and wise. David Higham Associates (Agents)(Submissions)A UK agency. There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. 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. Hall can be contacted at Kirsten@catbirdagency.com. I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. For art directors, editors, and publishers,an agent is foremost a problem-solver. Do not send attachments with your query. Theyre easy. If you still dont hear from them, move on. They agreed almost immediately. Maybe. Odds of Getting a Book Agent Here are their answers: What do you look for in a submission? If youre creating work that could be described as generous, nuanced, and at ease with complexity, shed love to read it. 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. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. The answer might be a little different for our editorial colleagues with writers. Kirsten HallLiterary Agent This articleabout Literary Agent Kirsten Halland Catbird Productionsis part of a series about literary agents and how toFind a PublishingAgent. Halls client list at Bright includes Benji Davis, Elly Mackay, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. She is drawn to work that showcases expressive characters, timeless palettes, and atmospheric scenes. And I read it again and I cried again. They're signing. 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. But the truth is everyone in publishing faces rejection at some point. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. She has incredible vision and is very brave. We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. Darius Foroux. It is my belief that it comes from the onboarding process. Theyre negotiating. Agent statistics, detailing how long each agent typically takes to respond to a query. 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). Find out whos working in the field. I choose to work with an agent because I value that relationship and I know its helped me to create my best work. 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. How I Went From Unemployed to Building a $30K/month Online Business in 12 Months! Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti