You should. 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. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. 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. (Maybe: Is publishing dead or not? Its not dead, but I digress.). We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. She prefers books that explore deep emotional relationships in an interesting or unusual way. Learn More. Now, let me tell you why you dont need one. The irony is that by doing it yourself, by finding some amount of success on your own, you become more attractive to . Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. 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. 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. 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. Look, even Ive received critique letters. Several of them. . Please send her: childrens illustration portfolios, picture book dummies, picture book manuscripts, childrens graphic novel pitches, and the select chapter book project. We revel in rebel voices; cast forward outcasts; and structure the lawless, braless populace into humorous narratives and . In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. If you do not receive a reply from Chad in 2 weeks, please assume its a pass. Bookmark Literary (Submissions) Open to illustrator submissions. We have similar agenting styles, and even more importantly both value our relationship. Its important to identify who you think are good matches. Fuse Literary represents both fiction and nonfiction in a variety of categories and genres. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Here is a little secret: most of the childrens agents I know are incredibly warm, and kind and fun. Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer 6. 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. 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. If you have questions, you can build your own network of colleagues who may have the answers. Honest and open communication is key. How Much Do Authors Make? But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. 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. Hall is the author of the picture books The Gold Leaf and The Jacket, which was a New York Times Notable Book in 2014. Show an agent you are serious about writing as a career. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. She has incredible vision and is very brave. I want an agent to help me . Childrens/YA L. Moe, What Is a Literary Agent? There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. Follow each agents instructions, but remember that they may be different. Were not trying to make your road to publication harder. Honest and open communication is key. Start with illustrators you admire. Each provides exact submission information (an email address or an online submission portal). Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. Once you sign with an agent, you dont just sit back and wait for the jobs to roll in. 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. And thats just on Monday. We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. QueryTracker Members can view the data gathered by all other members, organized into reports showing 2007-2023 QueryTracker. Here is the: AAR Agent Databaseand the list of AAR members who represent picture books. How Much Does An Agent Cost? It frequents gardens and thickets. 1) Those that reflect soulfulness and deep consideration. We share with one another,we lean on each other. All that being said, my bottom-line, if-youre-on-the-fence answer is much more straightforward: CONTRACTS. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. I'm obsessed by the story-telling opportunities offered by this highly-visual genre! Author/illustrators: NBPlease include a link to your online portfolio and/or to your downloadable dummy. Kayla is also open to representing illustrators. Where do I sign? Read their agreement. 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! * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency Picture books pretty much have me wrapped around their finger. Read their bios to determine which picture book literary agencies and agents might be the best fit. Order is not locked and is accepting submissions. Each agent, even within the same agency, has their own ideas of what defines good writing and good illustration. They want to represent you?! But the absolute wrong thing to do is blindly sign an agreement. Then I look for a voice, either in the words of an author or the art of an illustrator. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Some favorite titles that provide a sense of her tastes: Picture book: Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon; Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown; I Dont Want to be a Frog by Dev Petty; Bad Dog by Mike Boldt, Middle grade: Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina; The Year the Swallows Came Early by Katherine Fitzmaurice; Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed; The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Young adult: The Sea is Salt and So Am I by Cassandra Hartt; Dumplin by Julie Murphy; The Cost of All Things by Maggie Lehrman; To All the Boys Ive Loved Before by Jenny Han; The Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse. HOLD IT! Erica:Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. 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). Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Kirsten opened Catbirds wings in March 2014. The one who allows ego to influence their decisions. 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. Submit a QUERY and TWENTY PAGES of your manuscript to one of the agents listed below. Insofar as the quality of your work is good, it doesnt matter if you have an agent or not. I hear the comparison that the agent-client relationship is like a marriage. The cycle of creating successful titles is like putting on a playeveryone must work to the best of their abilities. And so on. Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. 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. Not everyone excels at all of these, or enjoys it! Kirsten HallLiterary Agent This articleabout Literary Agent Kirsten Halland Catbird Productionsis part of a series about literary agents and how toFind a PublishingAgent. Agents are curators. I like to feel as if someone is sharing with me, not just shopping to me. Memoir/Women L. Lehr What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. Both literary and commercial work. Join QueryTracker to access more query and agent information, including To read more comments about this agent, or to leave comments of your own, become a QueryTracker member. 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. Warning: This site requires javascript, but it appears that your browser To be taken seriously, read the (damn) guidelines. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme Thank you for submitting your work! 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). Erica:Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. Someone asked me once, Do you only hire artists who have agents?Not in the slightest. According to Publishers Marketplace, for the past several years Kirsten has been an industryleader in picture booksales. Today, the tools that art directors use to find illustrators are too numerous to list. They agreed almost immediately. 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? Thank you. 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. UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. She 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 based in London and specializes in nurturing . Who reps them? 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). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. A graduate of Simon Fraser University's Master of Publishing program and a twenty-five year veteran of Canadian publishing, Ron worked with Penguin Canada, Westwood Creative Artists, and Random House of Canada before joining CookeMcDermid in 2009. * Access to all literary agent profiles in the Directory of Literary Agents(1,100+) What does that mean? Before you sign, lets talk some more. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Kirsten Hallis a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. Im reading from an unconventional point of view. 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. When Stephanie first contacted me, she was very excited and said, I cant get your book proposal out of my head. Kirsten:Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. I choose to work with an agent because I value that relationship and I know its helped me to create my best work. You dont have their undivided attention. Agents arent just sitting by the phone, hoping to get your submission. The snob. Responsible for . For adult fiction, Danielle is seeking upmarket commercial fiction and literary fiction. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). Im the person throwing up the grappling hook, not the one pouring down hot oil. 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 . Id like to thank James Burns, Kirsten Hall, JenniferLinnan, Alexandra Penfold, Linda Pratt, Erica Rand Silverman,and Laura Stiers for their time, generosity, and invaluable contributions to this article.