About Agents... - Writers Forum

d.h.bryce · 02-18-2006, 12:24 PM

Hello everybody! I was just searching around on google and came across "The Children's Literary Agency, Inc.". Has anybody had any experience with this agency? It looked really good for publishing kids books (which I'm looking into). I'm also wondering, if they were to accept my manuscript and read it and like it and want to publish it, who would be responsible for finding an illustrator? I myself am not talented in drawings and such, and am wondering would the agent help me find an illustrator or would I have to find one on my own, or would a publishing company who the agent had submitted my work to and wanted to accept it find an illustrator for me? Thanks!

Walkio · 02-18-2006, 01:09 PM

Hey there. I strongly suggest you either write them a preliminary letter or send them a preliminary email, asking exactly that. You'll also get your name known. I've found that it's very important to STAND OUT from the crowd - hundreds of people simply submitt randomly without making the necessary inquiries. If you write an initial inquiry stating how devoted and philosophically orientated for promoting children's development you are, you'll create a better impression than simply sending in a couple of sample chapters with the rest.

Stewart · 02-18-2006, 01:47 PM

And if you do write a letter to them, phone them up before hand to find out the exact name of the person you are sending it to.

mammamaia · 02-18-2006, 05:28 PM

as for illustrations, most publishers assign the illustrators themselves and don't even allow artwork to be submitted, so don't worry about that aspect...

just make sure you query agents who rep the type of book you have to offer... you should know that if all you have is one book, it's unlikely you'll find an agent willing to take you on, since there isn't enough money in a single children's book sale to make it worth their while... you're much better off approaching the publishers directly... many are open to queries from unagented writers... the process is the same... you send a good query letter and ask if they would like to see the ms...

check all out with preditors and editors first... then take a good look at their sites and google for feedback on them...

unfortunately, the one you mention is not a good one... here's the p&e listing for them:

Children's Literary Agency, The: Strongly not recommended. A literary agency. A Division of The Literary Agency Group, Inc. Further information unavailable.

d.h.bryce · 02-19-2006, 11:22 AM

I'm sick of running into scammers! Does anyone know of a reputable children's agent? I'm having a heck of a time finding the good ones!

Stewart · 02-19-2006, 02:02 PM

Get something like Writers & Artists Yearbook 2006, or the equivalent if you are not in the UK.

mammamaia · 02-19-2006, 04:21 PM

in the us, you can check the listings of the AAR [ http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do ] and agency list at WGAE [ www.wgae.org ] on their websites, as well as writer's digest's latest edition of 'guide to literary agents'...