To bridge these twoindustries, she co-founded Room 228, a consulting company that creates educational marketing materials and literacy programming for children. You heard it here first! By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: "Do I need an agent?" They told me they were going to focus on getting me into the industry I love: childrens books. 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. Read their bios to determine which picture book literary agencies and agents might be the best fit. I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. 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! The answer might be a little different for our editorial colleagues with writers. Tell us what you like and we'll recommend books you'll love. Submit to Susan Hawk Any agents not listed above are CLOSED to submissions. Publishing Agent Kirsten Hall is an agent with Catbird Productions. 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. We spend a good amount of time bouncing ideas off of each other and sharing good and bad news. All rights reserved. 2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci Although of course it would be totally fine for them to communicate if it would benefit the development of the proposal! Its important to identify who you think are good matches. Boutique kidlit author/illustrator agency & producer of books for all ages Catbird Agency | New York NY Childrens/YA L. Moe. A Montreal-based boutique production company, we specialize in award-winning, beautifully-crafted and enduring POV documentaries for Canadian and international audiences. She is . Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). If your submission is received by our system, an automated response will be emailed to you. The North American catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), of the family Mimidae (order Passeriformes), is 23 cm (9 inches) long and is gray, with a black cap. 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. SCBWI Statement of Intent on Equity and Inclusion, The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children, Co-Agenting with Kirsten Hall and Erica Rand Silverman. But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. Ive been in publishing for over a decade. I work alone and basically love knocking on other agents doors and asking them to come out and play! Each have their advantages and disadvantages. Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox Right now, Brenda is not accepting picture book manuscript submissions, but she is looking for adult historical fiction. 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. Its important to get a sense that a potential client will take that approach. But the truth is everyone in publishing faces rejection at some point. Each agent, even within the same agency, has their own ideas of what defines good writing and good illustration. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. If you still dont hear from them, move on. The profileabout Kirsten HallLiterary Agent that you see herecontains just some of the information youll find in our free BookAgents Directory, with listings for all publishing agents. For adult fiction, Danielle is seeking upmarket commercial fiction and literary fiction. an enviable position; having the upper hand or greater advantage BookStop Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Bradford Literary Agency(Agents & Submissions). LiteraryAgents.com An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). Getfree access to the Directory of Literary Agents with detailed agent profiles. The project may work. Lets submit your work to an agent. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. They step in when needed. 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. It feels like youve made it. Otherwise, please consider submitting to one of my wonderful colleagues at ABLA. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. And the value of that growth far exceeds the fees. For more specifics on what Susan is looking for, including information about genres and categories, please see here and here. Thank you for submitting your work! 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. She is drawn toward gorgeous writing and strong, flawed characters. 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. How Long to Get An Agent? WAIT! 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. Isabelle Arsenault 161161 5 Comments 5 Shares Like Comment Share Catbird Agency is with Seb Cosset and Brigette Barrager. More on her wish list, here. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: Do I need an agent?. 8. 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. To me it is the gold standard for a picture book that makes the reader feel. But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. The one who allows ego to influence their decisions. After about a year, and no work, I asked to break our agreement. Susan believes that books can change lives inspire a passion for reading and story; unlock imagination and empathy; move readers to feel, think, wonder, examine, explore, to laugh really hard. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. Queries about books that dont conform, but rather provoke, excite me. Start with illustrators you admire. When was the last time you checked out Publishers Weeklys Rights Report? Erica:Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. Your submission to agents isnt an Instagram post thats totes gonna get likes. Co-agenting, or doing that process together, makes it even more fun and is a great way to learn from one another. Submit a QUERY and TWENTY PAGES of your manuscript to one of the agents listed below. 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]. And it isnt cute if you dont follow the rules. Kirsten Hall is President of Catbird, a boutique childrens literary and illustration agency. Someone asked me once, Do you only hire artists who have agents?Not in the slightest. 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. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. 5. Illustrators: send 4-6 jpegs of samples, a live link to your website and a short letter of introduction. But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. (Thank you!). Kirsten Hall is a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. Authors pen manuscripts, artists are creators, agents have insight and continued relationships, editors and art directors have the vision. Hear what they have to say. Lets stop using that word rejection. Try for a moment to think of it as objective criticism. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. Layered, flawed, completely human characters. Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! Yes, you pay agents a fee, and that fee could be fairly substantial, depending on the agent. UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer 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). My approach with each client is different based on what they particularly need. The Number of Queries Sent and Their Replies. Please do not send us submissions of any kind. However, there are differences in our tastes and our particular areas of proficiency, e.g., editorial, genre, licensing, promotion, etc. If you dont hear from them after a month or so, gently check in. Find The Agents With The Fastest Response Times. * Mailing addresses 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. Before working in publishing, Erica was a teacher and dean. Agents arent just sitting by the phone, hoping to get your submission. Its the most comprehensive (and accurate) list of literary agencies in the world, with detailed profiles for more than 1,100 literary agents. Signing with an agent is just one step on an endless staircase. Were not trying to make your road to publication harder. Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. Theyre defending. When looking for the first time at an artists portfolio, I like to see a cross section of their work. Order is not locked and is accepting submissions. Insofar as the quality of your work is good, it doesnt matter if you have an agent or not. Is there a five-word sentence in the childrens book industry more capable of sparking a debate than Do I need an agent? I'm obsessed by the story-telling opportunities offered by this highly-visual genre! Practice professional patience and persistence. For art directors, editors, and publishers,an agent is foremost a problem-solver. An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). Warning: This site requires javascript, but it appears that your browser Notes/Tips: Our agency does not represent poetry or screenplays. 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. 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. Nonfiction/Self-Help A. Goddard But were also different from one another; we shine in different ways. Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. I want an agent to help me . 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. Find out whos working in the field. Hall is the author of the picture books. The one thing I look for across the board in a submission is a clean, professional-looking portfolio site! 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. 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. 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. Maybe. get work . 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. She currently has around 45 clients with little room for more, as she thinks 50 clients is the ideal number. 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. * AAR membership status 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. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. the Twitter version of Manuscript Wish List) Agents and editors of all writing genres post what they want. 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. You dont have their undivided attention. She has negotiated many hundreds of childrens book deals between authors, illustrators, and all of the major American publishers. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. 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. When Should You Get An Agent? Book Agent Submissions Check out her Literaticastpodcast. That one was just meant to be it seems! 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. 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. We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. Nonfiction/Diversity S. Peer Erica is a tireless advocate for her clients and proud to be a part of an industry that is so thoughtfully shaping young minds. Take time with it. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique children's book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. Read comments by other authors who have queried the same agents you have. 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). 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. 2 talking about this. And her first trade picture bookThe Jacketwas a 2014 New York Times Notable!) 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. Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) (Her rst bookBunny, Bunnywas published when she was in 7th grade. 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. Here is the: Advice from writing professional Jane Friedman. On the very same day, Colette's Lost Pet has been signed for its 5th co-edition & Cloth Lullaby has been signed for its 10th! 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. Its brilliant I mean, really, its fantastic. Theyre easy. 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]. In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. 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) If you want the most accurate information available for literary agents atCatbird Productionsregister above now for FREE instant access to the Directory of Literary Agents. QueryTracker Members can view the data gathered by all other members, organized into reports showing 2007-2023 QueryTracker. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique childrens book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. Learn More. I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. Childrens/YA D. Bester Scroll below now to viewthe AAR statusand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. Do your clients have more contact with one another than they would if this were set up by a publisher? full terms and conditions and this month's choices. Others are big box stores. Theyre the coach. 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. All agents should share the ability to reasonably negotiate contracts. 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? Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). I see you have an email from an agent. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen Keep an eye out this spring for DOLL-E 1.0 by Shanda McCloskey (Little,Brown), Time Tracers by Annabeth Bondor Stone & Connor White (HarperCollins), Finns Featherillustrated by Zoey Abbott (Enchanted Lion Books), and Rock N Roll Soul by Susan Verde and Matthew Cordell (Abrams)! Aliza R. Hoover: represents illustrators and author-illustrators. Not of, or relating to, Dogma, Catbird seeks to foster a community of varietous and riotously (not righteously) funny creators in Austin and in the larger state of Texas. How active are they in the industry? Kirsten:Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. To be taken seriously, read the (damn) guidelines. Today, the tools that art directors use to find illustrators are too numerous to list. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. Each agent lists what they want on their bio page. We'd love to see your work! Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. Darius Foroux. When I offer representation, ideally Id like to be in it for the long haulwhich means I want to really know who Im signing up to work with: Do they have other work thats equally enticing? Honest and open communication is key. Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Jill Grinberg Literary Management (Agents) (Submissions), Ladderbird Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. Kirsten Hall has struck out on her own after years of freelancing and started her own literary companyCatbird Productionssearching for debut talent. But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. For an author or illustrator, most of the benefits of having an agent are fairly obvious.