catbird agency submissions catbird agency submissions

Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency Picture books pretty much have me wrapped around their finger. Theyre pitching. They agreed almost immediately. 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. 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. The one who uses righteous indignation and insults as means to an end. Well navigate the waters together. Some agents are boutiques. Submit a QUERY and TWENTY PAGES of your manuscript to one of the agents listed below. And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. And Im stirred by pitches that elicit feelings of sympathy or empathy. 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. If you can, find a contract professional to read it. She has incredible vision and is very brave. SCBWI Statement of Intent on Equity and Inclusion, The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children, Co-Agenting with Kirsten Hall and Erica Rand Silverman. Order is not locked and is accepting submissions. Making sure Im advocating well and clearly for my client from the get-go is even more critical than usual when there are two times the number of voices in the mix. Tell us what you like and we'll recommend books you'll love. Erica:Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. Like coaches,good agents get the best out of you. They are the busiest bees in the hive. When looking for the first time at an artists portfolio, I like to see a cross section of their work. Ask questions. Tips for writing and sending query letters. An agent delivers. Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly Subscribe to The Illustration Department Newsletter, Do I Need An Agent? QueryTracker will not function correctly without javascript. Ideally, you handle the creative end, and your agent handles the business end. Publishing Agent Kirsten Hall is an agent with Catbird Productions. Literary Agent Kirsten Hall Catbird Productions, Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Narrative Nonfiction, [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]. An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). But its good to be pushed outside our comfort zones once in a while. Well navigate the waters together. Not necessarily. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator) need an agent?Agents wear many important hats. And I read it again and I cried again. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim Okay! This is probably less often the case once a project reaches the publisher. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. This is why its so important to make sure theres a termination clause in your contract. Overall, Fuse agents may take 4-8 weeks to respond to queries and then additional time for submissions. On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. They say theyre not good at that stuff. You still need to be good at that stuffor at least have an informed understanding of it. Theyre reading. full terms and conditions and this month's choices. 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. Astound US Illustration Agency(Submissions scroll down to Artists submissions)Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. All rights reserved. Kirsten:Thats exactly right. 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. I work alone and basically love knocking on other agents doors and asking them to come out and play! Bios, interests, and submission instructions can be found here. 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. I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. Antony Harwood Ltd (Agents) (Submissions) A UK literary agency. Signing with an agent is just one step on an endless staircase. Yes, you pay agents a fee, and that fee could be fairly substantial, depending on the agent. Visit our Team Fuse page and click an agent to read their profile. 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. "Referred to you by [insert casting director's name]". Do not send attachments with your query. Listen to podcasts. LiteraryAgents.com An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). ), etc. Its so truein the past month alone weve had some particularly exciting pairings between Stimola and Catbird! Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. Hall is Catbird Productions' sole proprietor. Co-agenting, or doing that process together, makes it even more fun and is a great way to learn from one another. does not support javascript or you have it disabled. We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. How is it different from the way you usually rep a book? What is one misconception about agents?That were glamorous, haughty gatekeepers! 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) Kayla's submission email is: kayla.submission@gmail.com. Look at the length of the agreement. All rights reserved. Writing thats confident, vivid, addictive; work thats both ambitious and wise. Thats exactly right. Otherwise, please consider submitting to one of my wonderful colleagues at ABLA. What is one misconception about agents? To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. Writers can search posts for agents compatible with their work. Catbird Agency Website: catbirdagency.com/ Twitter: HallWaysKirsten AAR/AALA Member: No Accepts Queries Via. As an art director, it made no difference whatsoever. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. 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. Maybe the hardest method, but people do talk . They open doors to opportunities. Ive learned how important it is to review our individual clients wants and needs. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti (Her rst bookBunny, Bunnywas published when she was in 7th grade. Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. 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. On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. Warning: This site requires javascript, but it appears that your browser Lets submit your work to an agent. What do you look for in a submission?I look to have an emotional response and for the work to be something different than is already represented on my list. Want more information about Kirsten Hall? How I Went From Unemployed to Building a $30K/month Online Business in 12 Months! PW KidsCast: A Conversation with Dan Santat, click here to reactivate your immediate access. How to Get a Nonfiction Agent But I didnt get the level of attention I was expecting. Fairbank Literary Representation (About) (Submissions)Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. 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. Plus, get a FREE ebook when you sign up! 4. Join thousands of other subscribers today by enteringyour first name and email address. Submit to Susan Hawk Any agents not listed above are CLOSED to submissions. The second-worst thing to do is to rest on your laurels. Please put your query and sample in the body of the email. What percentage of art directors go to agents first to find illustrators? Literary Agencies for Picture Books (A-F) 3 Arts Entertainment (New . And I can already see that the books were making together are going to be magical. Do not submit a full-length manuscript or proposal unless requested. Need manuscripts and art to stay on schedule? Lemonade Illustration Agency (Artist Submissions) UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. Its an honor to see a piece of a creators heart inside a proposals DNA. You have to be a detective. These letters are just steps on the path. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette the Twitter version of Manuscript Wish List) Agents and editors of all writing genres post what they want. But, when it feels right and exciting on our end, we hope that it will be received that way by the publishers. What I know when co-agenting with Erica is that no matter what happens well always be good. After about a year, and no work, I asked to break our agreement. Feeling hurt inflates our ego, which clouds self-awareness, which stunts creative improvement. The black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) is found in coastal Yucatn. Youve identified fifteen to twenty agents. I want an agent to help me . Do you need an agent? Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. * Mailing addresses But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. When an agent is pitching or submitting the work, it is my belief that the success rate is so much higher. She is drawn toward gorgeous writing and strong, flawed characters. 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. 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). 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. Fiction/Christian K. Sargent Once you sign with an agent, you dont just sit back and wait for the jobs to roll in. They operate on your behalf, ever focused on your career. Please send her: childrens illustration portfolios, picture book dummies, picture book manuscripts, childrens graphic novel pitches, and the select chapter book project. Your submission to agents isnt an Instagram post thats totes gonna get likes. 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. 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. Agents are people, too. They understand the nuances of contractsforeign rights, royalty escalation clauses, merchandising (how much would you charge for ringtones? Its the most comprehensive (and accurate) list of literary agencies in the world, with detailed profiles for more than 1,100 literary agents. WAIT! Your friends will congratulate you. But I dont generally find myself doing much differently with regards to my clients when co-agenting other than have hard conversations on their behalf with my my co-agent up front. Childrens/YA L. Moe, What Is a Literary Agent? Keep walking. If you still dont hear from them, move on. Its brilliant I mean, really, its fantastic. Sometimes those opportunities come in fast and sometimes they dont. Get the facts. 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). Click here to retrieve reset your password. 5. 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. She is just as happy working with debut talents as she is best-sellers. There is a lot of uncertainty that comes along with developing a co-agented pitch from just the seed of an idea. Today, she is the founder and owner of a boutique children's book illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. 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. It frequents gardens and thickets. The one who allows ego to influence their decisions. Boutique kidlit author/illustrator agency & producer of books for all ages Catbird Agency | New York NY Lets take a journey together. 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. Different authors and illustrators have different needs, which is why finding your perfect agent match is so important. Follow your instincts. In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. Remember, you are a business person seeking a business partner. That one was just meant to be it seems! 1) Those that reflect soulfulness and deep consideration. Okay! Please send work that shows character development, style, color and narrative story-telling. Postcards, social media, industry events, bespoke product platforms, blogs, galleries, magazines, and store visits are all tools in a rapidly growing toolbox. If you dont get a good feeling from them in any correspondence, your gut is trying to tell you something. (Thank you!). Be professional in your communication with an agent. Well try to get back to you as quickly as possible. Send her your high-concept and hooky; your award-winners; the books that will become backlist gold. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti It feels good to say, I have an agent. Its legitimizing. She is looking for visual storytellers with distinctive, unique portfolios that will stand out in a crowded market. Bookmark Literary (Submissions) Open to illustrator submissions. 2. Thank you for submitting your work! The Cherry Weiner Literary Agency officially started her agency in May of 1977. Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) Kirsten Hallis a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. Theyre negotiating. 2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. Kirsten opened Catbird's wings in March 2014. 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). I work alone and basically love knocking on other agents doors and asking them to come out and play! Let me give you examples from two of your colleagues: I signed with an agent thinking that they would get me work right away. Aliza R. Hoover: represents illustrators and author-illustrators. She is particularly interested in illustrators from diverse backgrounds and portfolios that depict diverse characters and experiences. Find The Agents With The Fastest Response Times. Look at what theyll do for you versus what youll have to do for yourself. 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 . Agents arent just sitting by the phone, hoping to get your submission. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Logo designed by Kody Chamberlain Website designed by Ian Bauer. How to Get a Fiction Agent Fuse Literary represents both fiction and nonfiction in a variety of categories and genres. The answer might be a little different for our editorial colleagues with writers. We only get paid when the author gets paid after we sell an authors work. Thank you for submitting your work! Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Curtis Brown LTD (Agents)(Submissions). Book Agent Submissions Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong Agents are curators. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Or familiar content has been made unrecognizable. Shes one of my favorite people in the entire industry. And her first trade picture bookThe Jacketwas a 2014 New York Times Notable!) Before you submit, read this: Please submit to SUBMISSIONS@CATAGENCYINC.COM & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line! . Look, I get it, man. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen 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. 2) Those that somehow present the world differently. 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. Not accepting submissions for childrens works unless by an illustrator/artist. There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. I sent them some dummies, some promotional pieces. Although of course it would be totally fine for them to communicate if it would benefit the development of the proposal! 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. They're Skyping. Authors pen manuscripts, artists are creators, agents have insight and continued relationships, editors and art directors have the vision. How Much Does An Agent Cost? But the absolute wrong thing to do is blindly sign an agreement. I dont think its extra contact our clients see as much as extra opportunity. 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). Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. Darius Foroux. They want to represent you?! Ive heard illustrators say they want an agent so they dont have to deal with marketing and contracts and the non-drawing-and-painting aspects of illustration. 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. 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. Sometimes your work just isnt a fit for our skill set or interests. Congratulations! Is there a five-word sentence in the childrens book industry more capable of sparking a debate than Do I need an agent? (Though slush piles get an undeservedly bad reputation. Kirsten: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! includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). Agent statistics, detailing how long each agent typically takes to respond to a query. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago I can tell you why I need an agent. How did you come to collaborate on books together? 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. Kayla welcomes dark humor, suspense, magical realism, awkwardly adorable romance, and everything in-between. It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. You still need to hustle. Simply click this linkand complete the subscription form. Erica:In some cases yes and in some cases no. Children's Book Writers While were waiting on the agents response, can I ask you why you want an agent? Olswanger Literary LLC. Both literary and commercial work. 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. But theyre not the only key to the door. Theyre traveling. Can you terminate the contract if things go south? Copyright 2011-23 The Bestselling Author, LLC. Your work has been submitted! The story taps into important truths about love and loss and life. That one was just meant to be it seems! You didnt receive a rejection letter. You received a critique letter. It sounds so much better, doesnt it? They help you skip that much-maligned slush pile. Maybe its the book that we havent placed yet, but still so strongly believe has a place in the world. We only accept submissions via e-mail. 6. She has negotiated many hundreds of childrens book deals between authors, illustrators, and all of the major American publishers. Queries about books that dont conform, but rather provoke, excite me. But if we are interested, we will request your full manuscript. Erica:Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. UK agency for illustrators of childrens books & other media. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: "Do I need an agent?" Sign up for our Children's Bookshelf newsletter! Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. Were allies, strategists, friends, supervisors, listeners, managers, organizers, brainstorming partners. Were not afraid of this. 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.