catbird agency submissions

Kirsten:Thats exactly right. We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If your submission is received by our system, an automated response will be emailed to you. Thank you for trying us, and all good luck! Managing Agent, USA for a London-based children's illustration agency representing 150+ incredibly talented artists. This is why its so important to make sure theres a termination clause in your contract. Not necessarily. While we have different client lists, Ericas and my intentions for the books we represent are largely the same, as is our aesthetic. Look at what theyll do for you versus what youll have to do for yourself. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. Youre about to sign with an agent. The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. Ive been in publishing for over a decade. They told me they were going to focus on getting me into the industry I love: childrens books. 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. And I read it again and I cried again. You should know, agents are not going to comment right away (if at all). I want an agent to help me . It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. . They're Skyping. Antony Harwood Ltd (Agents) (Submissions) A UK literary agency. I appreciate having a trusted ear, an ally, and an advocate for my work and career. 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. Thank you for submitting your work! Do not send attachments with your query. Erica:In some cases yes and in some cases no. Bookmark Literary (Submissions) Open to illustrator submissions. Getfree access to the Directory of Literary Agents with detailed agent profiles. Ask around. Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming number of submissions received, personal responses are only very rarely possible. In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. I'm obsessed by the story-telling opportunities offered by this highly-visual genre! Please send work that shows character development, style, color and narrative story-telling. Many writers fear writing queries, but it shouldnt frighten you off! Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. (Though slush piles get an undeservedly bad reputation. I like to feel as if someone is sharing with me, not just shopping to me. Lets take a journey together. If youre creating work that could be described as generous, nuanced, and at ease with complexity, shed love to read it. How to Get a Fiction Agent 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. 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. The irony is that by doing it yourself, by finding some amount of success on your own, you become more attractive to . They want to represent you?! * Access to all literary agent profiles in the Directory of Literary Agents(1,100+) Your agent cant be expected to do all the heavy lifting. 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. Your work has been submitted! It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. PW KidsCast: A Conversation with Dan Santat, click here to reactivate your immediate access. QueryTracker will not function correctly without javascript. Get a Kids Book Agent Want more information about Kirsten Hall? A coin is flipped on its head. Book Agent Kirsten Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997). Kirsten:Not necessarily. I love my fellow kidlit agents, and I honestly believe we root for each other and celebrate each others successes. When Stephanie first contacted me, she was very excited and said, I cant get your book proposal out of my head. She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Literary Agencies for Picture Books (A-F) 3 Arts Entertainment (New . You did the homework. Co-agenting, or doing that process together, makes it even more fun and is a great way to learn from one another. If I have requested your work, please email me at lara@andreabrownlit.com and please include the word "request" in your subject line (and please do NOT include the word "query'"). In childrens fiction, they primarily accept early readers and chapter books, and perhaps the very rare, exceptional picture book. I look for author-illustrators. Erica:Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. Repeat. 2) Those that somehow present the world differently. Someone asked me once, Do you only hire artists who have agents?Not in the slightest. We do not accept or respond to phone, paper or social media queries. The second-worst thing to do is to rest on your laurels. Authors pen manuscripts, artists are creators, agents have insight and continued relationships, editors and art directors have the vision. 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. Its an honor to see a piece of a creators heart inside a proposals DNA. This is both a positive and a negative: As a coach, they help your career. Agents arent just sitting by the phone, hoping to get your submission. 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. Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Curtis Brown LTD (Agents)(Submissions). Kirsten HallLiterary Agent represents the followingbook genres: Scroll below now to view representative titlesand a complete profile for Kirsten HallFREE in ourBookAgents Directory. 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 . Good agents know which parts of the contract are flexible (and which shouldnt be). An agent delivers. Not really. Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency (Agents & Submissions)NOTE: This is aUKagency. Theyre traveling. Either way, I hope this post helps you move forward with your career. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 38.4k Followers, 0 Following, 1,895 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Catbird Agency (@catbirdagencypix) Read their interviews. 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. They step out when not needed. * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Memoir/Christian S. LeRette 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. We revel in rebel voices; cast forward outcasts; and structure the lawless, braless populace into humorous narratives and . Visit our Team Fuse page and click an agent to read their profile. 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. 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. 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. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique children's book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. 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. You didnt receive a rejection letter. You received a critique letter. It sounds so much better, doesnt it? Your friends will congratulate you. Some of her favorite non-client books in this category are: I Am I Am I Am by Maggie O'Farrell, Heavy by Kiese Laymon, Late Migrations by Margaret Renkl, You Just Need to Lose Weight by Aubrey Gordon, and In Shock by Rana Adwish. Yes, you pay agents a fee, and that fee could be fairly substantial, depending on the agent. Sts ID Perm Fac. Erica is a tireless advocate for her clients and proud to be a part of an industry that is so thoughtfully shaping young minds. Need manuscripts and art to stay on schedule? 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. And Im stirred by pitches that elicit feelings of sympathy or empathy. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. 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. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. The agent then dedicates energy and resources to get that first commission. Theyre meeting. The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). NOTE: As an agency we are closed to new queries and submissions each December 1st to January 15th! Signing with an agent is just one step on an endless staircase. catbird seat. 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. The Cat Agency Inc. (Agents) (Submissions) Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. NOTE: Each year Fuse Literary, as an agency, is closed to new submissions and queries between December 1st to January 15th. Association of Authors Representatives, Inc. (AAR)AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. Or familiar content has been made unrecognizable. Thank you. It frequents gardens and thickets. A word of warning: There is such a thing as a bad agent. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique childrens book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. Book Agent Submissions You submit all this via email. The coach-player analogy is much more accurate. . . She likens her agency, which specializes in picture books, to a creative playground. Nonfiction/Business D. Hamme Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. The story taps into important truths about love and loss and life. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: Do I need an agent?. Start with illustrators you admire. The subject heading in your email should be simple but enticing. As an art director, it made no difference whatsoever. This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. For off-site access, click here. Before you sign, lets talk some more. She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers. Kirsten Hall is President of Catbird, a boutique childrens literary and illustration agency. Agents are people, too. Co-agenting, or doing that process together, makes it even more fun and is a great way to learn from one another. The answer might be a little different for our editorial colleagues with writers. . UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. How Much Does An Agent Cost? By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: "Do I need an agent?" By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They are the busiest bees in the hive. How I Went From Unemployed to Building a $30K/month Online Business in 12 Months! Sometimes your work just isnt a fit for our skill set or interests. We are particularly interested in work about art, culture, the environment, music, and human rights. Fiction/Mystery B. Harper The project may work. Her client list at Bright includes Elly Mackay, Benji Davis, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. 2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. Ive worked as a publicist, as an editor, and now as an agent and author. Provide URLs to your author website and social media that supports your efforts to brand yourself. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. 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). Kirsten opened Catbird's wings in March 2014. Im reminded of my father-in-law, who spends three hours fixing a leak instead of calling a plumber who could do it in one. Here youll find everything you need to submit work to Upstart Crow Literary. Erica Rand Silverman, Literary Agent,Stimola Literary Studio, Inc. * Mailing addresses Theyre defending. Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. Its not easy to do it yourself, but it is possible. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Hall can be contacted at Kirsten@catbirdagency.com. It sounds less hurtful. How to Find a Literary Agent for Your BookAdvice from writing professional Jane Friedman. Please do not send us submissions of any kind. To set up immediate access, click here. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. "Berkley Books recently published my book in hardcover after Mark helped me get multiple agents interested in my work. Maybe its the prospective client that we missed out on. Were allies, strategists, friends, supervisors, listeners, managers, organizers, brainstorming partners. 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. Kayla is also open to representing illustrators. 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. Find out whos working in the field. * A map to the office ofCatbird Productions Erica:Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. How to Find a Book Agent Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. Lets stop using that word rejection. Try for a moment to think of it as objective criticism. 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. Today, the tools that art directors use to find illustrators are too numerous to list. Hall is Catbird Productions sole proprietor. She doesnt represent adult projects. Honest and open communication is key. Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. Queries about books that dont conform, but rather provoke, excite me. It may not even be 50 percent. Your submission to agents isnt an Instagram post thats totes gonna get likes. 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. But were also different from one another; we shine in different ways. Kirsten Hall has struck out on her own after years of freelancing and started her own literary companyCatbird Productionssearching for debut talent. There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. The one who allows ego to influence their decisions. Either way, look for agents who show an appreciation for your visual aesthetic. All that being said, my bottom-line, if-youre-on-the-fence answer is much more straightforward: CONTRACTS. In a way, you still need to be your own agent. I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. To me it is the gold standard for a picture book that makes the reader feel. 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? Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox 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). When our illustrators arent working up a project of their own, were pitching them to get matched up by publishers. Scroll below now to learn more about Literary Agent Kirsten Hall andget free instant access to our BookAgents Directory. Submit to Susan Hawk Any agents not listed above are CLOSED to submissions. 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. No agency can guarantee that a particular project will sell, but we sign clients because we love their writing and want them to succeed. "Just got great reviews!" is better. Read their bios to determine which picture book literary agencies and agents might be the best fit. Congratulations! Before working in publishing, Erica was a teacher and dean. Join thousands of other subscribers today by enteringyour first name and email address. Your parents, who arent quite sure what you do, certainly know what agents doand that will make them happy. The Number of Queries Sent and Their Replies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers. Home Book Agents Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions. Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. Theres that one who doesnt communicate. Need an author or illustrator? She is drawn toward gorgeous writing and strong, flawed characters. 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. 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. (Or A Blog About the Life of a Submission, in Three Acts), James Burns, Senior Agent, Bright Group US, Jennifer Linnan, Founder, Linnan Literary Management, Alexandra Penfold, Agent, Upstart Crow Literary, Linda Pratt, Founder, Wernick & Pratt Agency. How is it different from the way you usually rep a book? Once you sign with an agent, you dont just sit back and wait for the jobs to roll in. RESPONSE TIMES We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. An agent delivers. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. David Higham Associates (Agents)(Submissions)A UK agency. According to Publishers Marketplace, for the past several years Kirsten has been an industryleader in picture booksales. More on her wish list, here. It may not. They lead the cheer for you. But, when it feels right and exciting on our end, we hope that it will be received that way by the publishers. 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). Theyre pitching. These cookies do not store any personal information. Manuscripts sent to them will be discarded unread. 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. Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. Nonfiction/Self-Help A. Goddard Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Here is a little secret: most of the childrens agents I know are incredibly warm, and kind and fun. Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent?Agents wear many important hats. * A link to the Catbird Productionswebsite Also send five pages from your manuscript. The overwhelming advantage in having this knowledge is proven when we come to share new work; it cuts through the noise and competition. What is one misconception about agents?One misconception about agents is that we are interchangeable. Is it consistent? When an artist joins Brightand here I can only speak about Brightan artists dreams and ambition must be aligned with those of the agency. She has incredible vision and is very brave. Theyre reading. and Illustrators. 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. There is a lot of uncertainty that comes along with developing a co-agented pitch from just the seed of an idea. There is just an overwhelming amount of people looking to connect with agents, and it can be challenging for some to give out that warmth all the time. As soon as you register youll get instant access to the following: * Agent bios for all agents atCatbird Productions 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. But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. Wait for a response. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer 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. We only get paid when the author gets paid after we sell an authors work. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Its important to get a sense that a potential client will take that approach. AAR members must meet the highest standards and canon of ethics. Be professional in your communication with an agent. 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. Different authors and illustrators have different needs, which is why finding your perfect agent match is so important. Author/Illustrators: email a brief synopsis of your manuscript, along with several accompanying illustrations or samples of your artwork. I like being asked to see or think about the world divergently. Agent statistics, detailing how long each agent typically takes to respond to a query. And so on. Look, I get it, man. Ask questions. the Twitter version of Manuscript Wish List) Agents and editors of all writing genres post what they want. Sign up for our Children's Bookshelf newsletter!

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