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. I mean, youre not their only client. 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! Dont send your work to all of them at once. What if you cant deliver the work on time? Agencies are still in there, but the box is getting more crowded all the time. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. Each agent lists what they want on their bio page. Youre about to sign with an agent. Childrens/YA L. Moe, What Is a Literary Agent? I like to feel as if someone is sharing with me, not just shopping to me. You should. . 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. Halls client list at Bright includes Benji Davis, Elly Mackay, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. Maybe its the prospective client that we missed out on. Join thousands of other subscribers today by enteringyour first name and email address. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Erica:Publishers really enjoy being in control when it comes to matching a text to an illustrator (its an extremely fun (!) Books invite joy. But I didnt get the level of attention I was expecting. Nonfiction/Self-Help A. Goddard 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 children's book. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Thank you for signing up, fellow book lover! I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin Books, which published my book in hardcover! (Her rst bookBunny, Bunnywas published when she was in 7th grade. Or familiar content has been made unrecognizable. Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency (Agents & Submissions)NOTE: This is aUKagency. 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. Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. How to Find a Literary Agent for Your BookAdvice from writing professional Jane Friedman. 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. Catbird | bird | Britannica Co-agenting, or doing that process together, makes it even more fun and is a great way to learn from one another. Never miss a moment of Fuse Literarys deals and bonus content. Were not afraid of this. Youre the playerone of many players on his or her team. I choose to work with an agent because I value that relationship and I know its helped me to create my best work. Show an agent you are serious about writing as a career. 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. But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. 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 . 2) Those that somehow present the world differently. Before you sign, lets talk some more. I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. She is looking for visual storytellers with distinctive, unique portfolios that will stand out in a crowded market. How to Get a Nonfiction Agent Wait for a response. I look for author-illustrators. Hear what they have to say. 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. She is drawn to work that showcases expressive characters, timeless palettes, and atmospheric scenes. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Otherwise, please consider submitting to one of my wonderful colleagues at ABLA. She is drawn toward gorgeous writing and strong, flawed characters. We'd love to see your work! (Should you want to learn more first, our Writer's Toolbox has a handful of useful links for writers wanting to improve their craft before seeking publication.). Today, the tools that art directors use to find illustrators are too numerous to list. Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). Its not 100 percent, I can tell you that. But they are out there. On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. 38.4k Followers, 0 Following, 1,895 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Catbird Agency (@catbirdagencypix) The one who allows ego to influence their decisions. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator need an agent? Do you need an agent? By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: Do I need an agent?. And thats just on Monday. Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. 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. May 2010 - Feb 20143 years 10 months. Get free access to the Directory of Literary Agents with detailed agent listings to get a traditional publisher, Copyright 2011-23 The Bestselling Author, LLC. Need an author or illustrator? This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. Ideally, you handle the creative end, and your agent handles the business end. Excellent source for agent interviews, kidlit information, and an agent database you can search by age category (e.g., picture books). Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen I want an agent to help me . Use our literary agency database to learn more about these literary agencies representing picture book writers. Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. Antony Harwood Ltd (Agents) (Submissions) A UK literary agency. Thats exactly right. Kirsten:Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. Right now, Brenda is not accepting picture book manuscript submissions, but she is looking for adult historical fiction. In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. Azantian Literary Agency (Agents)(Submissions), Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises (Submissions), Bookends Jr.: A Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), The Book Group (Agents click Our Staff tab for a drop-down list) (Submissions). Search tools to help you find the right agent for your book. Co-agenting, or doing that process together, makes it even more fun and is a great way to learn from one another. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Theyre pitching. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. 4. 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. Agents help a career in ways beyond even my understanding. Want more information about Kirsten Hall? Theres already much greater access to the publishing house in the illustration world (versus for writers, who often are barred by company policy from submitting their work directly). News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. David Higham Associates (Agents)(Submissions)A UK agency. If you dont hear from them after a month or so, gently check in. Alloy Entertainment: Accepting Manuscript Queries - Authors Publish Here is the: AAR Agent Databaseand the list of AAR members who represent picture books. Having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable." 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. A major plus of not having an agent is the money saved. After You Get A Book Agent. Sts ID Perm Fac. Lemonade Illustration Agency (Artist Submissions) UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. The Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to foster public appreciation of childrens books and to support the vibrant community of people who create and promote them. Familiarize yourself with their accomplishments. 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. In some cases yes and in some cases no. Sometimes your work just isnt a fit for our skill set or interests. LiteraryAgents.com An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). If you still dont hear from them, move on. Agencies & Agents - Picture Book Planet You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Once a book is sold, authors and illustrators will be presenting themselves to publishers, booksellers, librarians, and others as a professional. Our hearts are very much in the right place. It feels good to say, I have an agent. Its legitimizing. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim They step in when needed. Then I look for a voice, either in the words of an author or the art of an illustrator. Read their bios to determine which picture book literary agencies and agents might be the best fit. Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. Get updates about Kirsten Hall and recommended reads from Simon & Schuster. The main reasoning behind this stems from the fact that what an artist feels is their strongest work is not necessarily what the agent would agree is best for the market. 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. . The greatest advantage (good) agents provide is knowledge. Hall is the author of the picture books The Gold Leaf and The Jacket, which was a New York Times Notable Book in 2014. If you can, meet them at conferences. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen The cycle of creating successful titles is like putting on a playeveryone must work to the best of their abilities. 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.