catbird agency submissions

get work . Follow your instincts. But they are out there. Catbird | bird | Britannica They will try to respond within a month. 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. Sign up for our Children's Bookshelf newsletter! In some cases the text and art may be developing simultaneously off of one another. Thank you. How Much Does An Agent Cost? 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. Literary Agencies for Picture Books (A-F) 3 Arts Entertainment (New . It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. I appreciate having a trusted ear, an ally, and an advocate for my work and career. Then I look for a voice, either in the words of an author or the art of an illustrator. 8. Logo designed by Kody Chamberlain Website designed by Ian Bauer. Not really. Catbird Agency | New York NY - Facebook ), etc. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. 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. And her first trade picture bookThe Jacketwas a 2014 New York Times Notable!) Unfortunately, misconceptions and assumptions related to the job description of an agent are rife in the illustration community. . Corvisiero Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions), Curtis Brown LTD (Agents)(Submissions). 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. How Long to Get An Agent? There are a ton of resources out there that can help you DIY here, too, but its often the omissions in a contract that people dont see. About Lara Perkins And then there are the projects that never seem to go anywhere at all. 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. The agent then dedicates energy and resources to get that first commission. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Plus, get a FREE ebook when you sign up! Your agent cant be expected to do all the heavy lifting. Follow each agents instructions, but remember that they may be different. They operate on your behalf, ever focused on your career. Visit our Team Fuse page and click an agent to read their profile. Authors pen manuscripts, artists are creators, agents have insight and continued relationships, editors and art directors have the vision. 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. In this way we made a really exciting match for a to-be-announced Jory John and K-Fai Steele project. Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. I still remember the first time I read Jessixa Bagleys dummy submission. Do your clients have more contact with one another than they would if this were set up by a publisher? Layered, flawed, completely human characters. Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Please do not send us submissions of any kind. Its not easy to do it yourself, but it is possible. I sent them some dummies, some promotional pieces. All rights reserved. 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. Sometimes your work just isnt a fit for our skill set or interests. Nonfiction/Self-Help A. Goddard They lead the cheer for you. Catbird Productions - USA Literary Agencies and Literary Agents Childrens/YA D. Bester For more specifics on what Susan is looking for, including information about genres and categories, please see here and here. Were not afraid of this. Kayla's submission email is: kayla.submission@gmail.com. This is why its so important to make sure theres a termination clause in your contract. Kirsten:Its true, I love to co-agent, and I do it regularly with agents at several different agencies. Catbird Press is no longer publishing. 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 is my belief that it comes from the onboarding process. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago When an artist joins Brightand here I can only speak about Brightan artists dreams and ambition must be aligned with those of the agency. 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). By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. 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. She doesnt represent adult projects. Agents have their finger on the pulse and understand the rhythm of publishing. When an agent is pitching or submitting the work, it is my belief that the success rate is so much higher. Society of Now, let me tell you why you dont need one. It all depends on who you are, and what you want. In childrens fiction, they primarily accept early readers and chapter books, and perhaps the very rare, exceptional picture book. 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. Need manuscripts and art to stay on schedule? Pairing up directly with clients from other agencies is a great way to be proactive in making new projects happen. 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. You didnt receive a rejection letter. You received a critique letter. It sounds so much better, doesnt it? 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. She will leave Bright this Friday. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Once you sign with an agent, you dont just sit back and wait for the jobs to roll in. SCBWI | Co-Agenting with Kirsten Hall and Erica Rand Silverman Agents arent just sitting by the phone, hoping to get your submission. If you can, find a contract professional to read it. You heard it here first! Kayla welcomes dark humor, suspense, magical realism, awkwardly adorable romance, and everything in-between. Well try to get back to you as quickly as possible. Wait for a response. Read their bios to determine which picture book literary agencies and agents might be the best fit. Kirsten Hall - Author - Self - Freelance | LinkedIn 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! 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. Twitter. It's what's happening / Twitter CookeMcDermid 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. There is a lot of uncertainty that comes along with developing a co-agented pitch from just the seed of an idea. They're publicizing. 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! On the reverse, sometimes our authors are looking for new inspiration and an illustration can be a great way to get those wheels turning. Where do I sign? Read their agreement. Can you terminate the contract if things go south? More on her wish list, here. DO NOT QUERY THIS AGENT AT THIS TIME: Cherry is not currently accepting unsolicited submissions. I also ask six well-respected agents to share their thoughts by answering three questions. This is both a positive and a negative: As a coach, they help your career. In your query letter, stick to professional accomplishments that relate to writing and publishing. Many writers fear writing queries, but it shouldnt frighten you off! Astound US Illustration Agency(Submissions scroll down to Artists submissions)Open to illustrator & author-illustrator submissions. The overwhelming advantage in having this knowledge is proven when we come to share new work; it cuts through the noise and competition. 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. Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox Nonfiction/Self-Help A. Goddard Signing with an agent is just one step on an endless staircase. Show an agent you are serious about writing as a career. . 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). The one thing I look for across the board in a submission is a clean, professional-looking portfolio site! Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. Lets stop using that word rejection. Try for a moment to think of it as objective criticism. For art directors, editors, and publishers,an agent is foremost a problem-solver. Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! Ive seen really exciting work come out of it. includes resources for all writing genres (not just picture books). Hall is the author of the picture books The Gold Leaf and The Jacket, which was a New York Times Notable Book in 2014. About | Catbird Productions The project may work. Get the facts. One size does not fit all. Agents are curators. Theyre easy. Get FREE Access Now to All Catbird ProductionsProfiles! Im reading from an unconventional point of view. The subject heading in your email should be simple but enticing. The Cherry Weiner Literary Agency officially started her agency in May of 1977. By the end of this post, you may finally have the answer to: "Do I need an agent?" Fiction/Mystery B. Harper I signed with Don Fehr at Trident Media and a short time later I had a publishing contract! Fiction/Mainstream K. Cox But theyre not the only key to the door. Your submission to agents isnt an Instagram post thats totes gonna get likes. These cookies do not store any personal information. Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below. Familiarize yourself with their accomplishments. We respond to most queries within twelve weeks. QueryTracker will not function correctly without javascript. the Twitter version of Manuscript Wish List) Agents and editors of all writing genres post what they want. What is one misconception about agents?One misconception about agents is that we are interchangeable. * A map to the office ofCatbird Productions 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. How to Submit Yourself to an Agency (According to an Agent) - Backstage The Chudney Agency (Submissions) Only looking for author/illustrators (one individual). Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency (Agents & Submissions), Jill Grinberg Literary Management (Agents) (Submissions), Ladderbird Literary Agency (Agents) (Submissions). Memoir/Mainstream E. Armstrong 5. 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). Brenda Bowen The Book Group * Preferred query letter methods (email, online form, postal mail) 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. 1. I see you have an email from an agent. It may not. 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. Theyre meeting. Different authors and illustrators have different needs, which is why finding your perfect agent match is so important. Erica:Its also really fun when it happens on the end of the publishers too. And I read it again and I cried again. 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. The Catbird Seat Inc - Travelers Find The Agents With The Fastest Response Times. I went back to the drawing board., I signed with an agent, thinking that they would get me consistent work. 4. Follow agents on social media. DING! Susan's submission email is: susanhawk.submission@gmail.com. Each provides exact submission information (an email address or an online submission portal). If you dont hear from them after a month or so, gently check in. Each agent lists what they want on their bio page. Childrens/YA C. Plum-Ucci Erica:Were different in that Kirsten does a lot more co-agenting than I do. Why do I (acting as an author or illustrator need an agent? 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. What if you cant deliver the work on time? I think of co-agenting as an opportunity to have double the client list with only half of the responsibility. Catbird Productions was founded in 2006 by Katarina Soukup. Contact US The CAT Agency Odds of Getting a Book Agent Halls client list at Bright includes Benji Davis, Elly Mackay, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. We do not accept or respond to phone, paper or social media queries. Memoir/Multicultural N. Aronheim Christie Megill: is eager to work with illustrators, author/illustrators, and picture book authors, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. and Illustrators. But Im really thrilled to be co-agenting with Erica. Click here to retrieve reset your password. We only accept submissions via e-mail. Kirsten Hallis a former preschool and elementary school teacher who has authored more than a hundred learn-to-read stories for emergent readers. 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. New to PW? It was a natural progression for those conversations to lead to ways our clients could work together. you guessed it: agents. Memoir/Family/Identity S. Foti They're Skyping. Scroll below now to learn more about Literary Agent Kirsten Hall andget free instant access to our BookAgents Directory. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. They are the busiest bees in the hive. Were both trying hard to keep the number of people we represent manageable. News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We promise not to share your information with third parties, and we do not spam. 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). 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. Maybe not. Olswanger Literary LLC. 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. To bridge these twoindustries, she co-founded Room 228, a consulting company that creates educational marketing materials and literacy programming for children. * Search the directory by book genre/category (more than 100 categories). 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. Kirsten is also an author. Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer 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. NOTE: As an agency we are closed to new queries and submissions each December 1st to January 15th! Kirsten Hall | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster . Stop right there. 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. And sometime between crying, I offered Jessixa representation. The answer might be a little different for our editorial colleagues with writers. Lets tap into that knowledge. Getfree access to the Directory of Literary Agents with detailed agent profiles. While youre working creatively, your agent is out there sharing your work and lining up the next best project. Catbird Lit | Duotrope 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). It can make me uneasy because it takes time and sometimes doesnt work. Submit to five. When was the last time you checked out Publishers Weeklys Rights Report? of Speculation by Jenny Offill, Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J.Ryan Stradal, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. You still need to hustle. Submit to Susan Hawk Any agents not listed above are CLOSED to submissions. We usually begin by keeping the artist and author separate from one another as publishers do. You can ask her a question here. There may come a time where it makes sense for the artist and author to collaborate more directly. The project may work. Picture Book Literary Agents 2023-2024 | Accepting Submissions Only considers picture books from established illustrators. Overall, Fuse agents may take 4-8 weeks to respond to queries and then additional time for submissions. Books invite joy. Literary Agents & Publications Open To Submissions - Medium LiteraryAgents.com An online list of agents who represent all genres (not just picture books). Insofar as the quality of your work is good, it doesnt matter if you have an agent or not. Memoir/Women L. Lehr Were not afraid of this. But the absolute wrong thing to do is blindly sign an agreement. Erica:Its all about matchmaking matching up talent to work together, matching up talent to editors and publishers. Fiction/Mystery B. Harper Check out her Literaticastpodcast. She is not considering the following adult categories: romance, political thriller, science fiction, horror, or erotica. I always advise illustrators who are just starting out to identify what they can and/or want to do, and outsource the rest. Your work has been submitted! 38.4k Followers, 0 Following, 1,895 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Catbird Agency (@catbirdagencypix) 6. 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. As soon as you register youll get instant access to the following: * Agent bios for all agents atCatbird Productions Youre the playerone of many players on his or her team. After You Get A Book Agent. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. Erica:We have to make sure that the risk and expectations are clear for all involved. But, when it feels right and exciting on our end, we hope that it will be received that way by the publishers. 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. Look at what theyll do for you versus what youll have to do for yourself. Some agents are boutiques. Co-agenting is Ericas and my way of trying to be as proactive as we can for our clients. Here is a little secret: most of the childrens agents I know are incredibly warm, and kind and fun. Rest assured, there are far,far fewer of these agents out there. 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. She is particularly interested in illustrators from diverse backgrounds and portfolios that depict diverse characters and experiences. Narrative Nonfiction D. Cohen 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.