Steven Malk smalk@writershouse.com Andrea Morrison amorrison@writershouse.com Jodi Reamer jreamer@writershouse.com Robin Rue rrue@writershouse.com John Schline jschline@writershouse.com Rebecca Sherman rsherman@writershouse.com Alexa Stark astark@writershouse.com Stacy Testa stesta@writershouse.com Maja Nikolic mnikolic@writershouse.com Cecilia . The Children's Book Podcast. Memoir/Christian S. LeRette It struck a chord with people. by Constance Lombardo October 28th, 2011 at 8:39 am [] of the more exciting sessions I went to at LASCBWI 11 was a panel by Jon Sciezka and Stephen Malk. These are clichs for a reason Corinna is a perfect example of someone who took a long path to publication., He cites client Sara Pennypacker as another example of an author who shows tremendous patience and determination. All Agent Spotlights & Interviews have been updated as of 7/15/2020, and many have been reviewed by the agents. I first contacted Steven Malk, who heads the West Coast office of Writers House and represents many great authors and illustrators, to inquire about interviewing Lane Smith for my upcoming Library of the Early Mind documentary with Edward J. Delaney. When you submit the form an invisible reCAPTCHA check will be performed. 2023 Madavor Media, LLC. Huge thanks to Casey for hosting and organizing this, and Steven for answering my question (and all the others!). Writers who are interested in approaching an agent with a query or manuscript can do a few things to give themselves an edge. I enjoyed your insights on branding, and I thought Elise's story was incredible and inspiring. All rights reserved. He believes the best work comes from a personal place for someone. He is the third generation of his family to be involved in childrens books, as both his mother and grandmother owned childrens bookstores. Again, its a very important decision, so take your time with it, especially before you submit. Steven MalkLiterary Agent This articleabout Literary Agent Steven Malkand Writers Houseis part of a series about literary agents andFinding a BookAgent. active projects and more for Steven Malk and 80,000+ other executives and producers. This sounds obvious, but Im always surprised by how many writers havent read beyond a few classics or popular titles. Or watch this video about Molly on YouTube. Memoir/Inspirational L. Subramani We received a no within 24hrs (about 10 hours later), so a failed query. Ive been surprised in a couple of cases that writers dont seem to know this. Ive always believed that kids are very, very smart and sophisticated readers, and should be treated as such. The lack of diversity is on the mark. What drove you to follow this particular path? (6 ratings) Regular Price: 17.99 USD. KELLY POLARK INTERVIEW AND ROCK 'N' ROLL PRINCESSE NATALIE LLOYD INTERVIEW AND A SNICKER OF MAGIC GIV Agent/Author Lizz Nagle & J.A. And dont rush the process., She herself looks for people who respect the craft and art of writing. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. An interesting post that I enjoyed reading.Thank you. Im not going to bite you, she says. Steven Malk: Lit Agent, Advocate, Champion, Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. Ideally, once you find an agent who likes your work, youve already done your homework and know a lot about them. Man can really jam, and in a few tracks in BTC/Wowee Zowee era Pavement he honestly sounds like Trey Anastasio on guitar. Your parents moved to San Diego in the 1970s and opened The White Rabbit. She is open to submissions and is seeking clients in children's lit through YA. I love coming across a voice I havent read before. News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. She represents a range of literary and upmarket fiction and select nonfiction. As soon as I spent time in her office, I had one of those lightning-bolt moments of knowing exactly where I was meant to be. MG Dark Fantasy/Horror. Now he is more removed, hearing kids reactions from clients who receive fan mail. Everyone wants her to have an abortion. The response time is going to be quicker. Im just so happy to be a part of it, Pande says. This is a great profile! One typo isn't something to stress too much over!I added a link to Mr. Malk's Twitter and updated a few things. Biden Super Bowl Interview Will Take Place After All, With Streaming Outlet Fox Soul Must Read Music . Delicious food for thought. What an inspiration. from MartinPorter (premium member) Aug 08, 2022 1:20 pm. Tips for writing and sending query letters. An initial matching gift challenge was started with a pool of up to $7,500 from literary agent Steven Malk at Writers House (the son and grandson of independent booksellers) and up to $5,000 from Beacon Press. The whole landscape of childrens publishing has changed, in some ways for the better and in some ways for the worse. Every writer is different and each one has varying goals and visions for their career. She's had the privilege of working closely with a variety of . Ive always had a leaning toward the more fantastical, he says, so Im best known for things that dabble in some way in the worlds of fantasy., These days, he represents psychic intuitive and New York Times best-selling author Victoria Laurie and cryptologist Linda Godfrey. I hope you know that you help so many of us out there. Lobb and Seven Faceless Saints Giveaway and IWSG Post, Literary Agent Interview: Lori Steel Interview and Query Critique Giveaway, Wish Big Giveaway Hop - $10 Amazon Gift Card, Literary Agent Interview: Bethany Fulk Interview and Query Critique Giveaway, Write Your Villains Like Heroes by Author Shawn Peters and The Unforgettable Logan Foster Giveaway, Agent Spotlight: Ginger Clark Interview and Query Critique Giveaway, JENNIFER NIELSEN INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY OF THE FALSE PRINCE, Agent/Author Lizz Nagle & J.A. Its important to educate yourself about the field youre working in as much as possible, and to look at both old and new titles. Who are these professionals dedicated to literature and a roster of clients who rely on them for everything from moral to legal support? That niche is especially important to students reading below grade level. Elizabeth Early (A Map of Everything) was a 2014 Lambda Literary LGBT debut fiction finalist, and gender-nonconforming author Kate Bornstein celebrated the 20th anniversary of the classic literary nonfiction book Gender Outlaw with a re-release through Vintage Press. You would think that a social media platform made for consuming seconds-long videos one after the other wouldnt appeal to a bookish crowd. Every writer is different. You wouldnt want to immediately start performing in Carnegie Hall before youve practiced your violin for 10 or 20 years. Dr. Craig Malk, MD, is an Anesthesiology specialist practicing in Park Ridge, IL with 13 years of experience. Our first literary agent query was to Steven Malk of Writers House by email on June 13th 2016. Dragons_Malk . Research the literary agency. It goes way beyond business, which isnt always the smartest and most savvy thing in the world, but thats what works for me., Pande runs a small boutique agency with just three agents. Learn More. Malk spoke with PW about his career, reflecting on his experience as a literary agent, bookseller, and parent of two young readers. 4.77. This is a very special & rare opportunity. Steven Malk, Matt's literary agent at the Writer's House literary agency. Bethany Funk Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 2/23/2023; . This week's Agent Spotlight features Steven Malk of Writers House, LLC. Brooks has selected the agents who work with her at Serendipity Literary Agency for their expertise in various content areas, rather than genres. PW KidsCast: A Conversation with Dan Santat, click here to reactivate your immediate access. Thanks so much for these thoughtful answers!! Theyre funny, snarky, and straightforward.. At what point did you decide to become a literary agent? Trust me, it doesnt feel good ag an agent or receive a submission where your name has been filled in at the top and its obvious that every other agent in the business is receiving the same submission. And I think I wouldve been really happy doing that. Publishing Agent Steven Malk is an agent with Writers House. Where is this book falling apart, where are characters not yet three-dimensional, where is the voice not yet authentic? she explains. She advises writers to buy and read books they love, and to study the parts of those books that resonate, while continuing to write and edit with the help of a trusted critique group. Pippin Properties @LovethePippins. AAbbott Developer Test Fictional Press Fiction: Action/Adventure, Crime, Fantasy Non-Fiction: History, Humor I love to hear about other peoples professions, she says. In 1998, Malk opened the San Diego office for Writers House, part of the agencys childrens book department that Amy Berkower founded more than 40 years ago. Again, I would say great voice, unique, well-developed characters, and good writing. Very helpful questions and answers! If youre going to study architecture, she adds, keep a journal the better to write the book shes longing to represent. Subscribe to our FREE monthly Readers Write email. Some agents suggest that writers look at the acknowledgments pages of published books similar to their own for the name of the agent who represented it, then send a targeted query with that information in mind. Instead, she wrote and told him she thought they were meant to work together, and asked if hed be open to seeing something else when it was ready. I worked with both my mom and my grandmother. Naomi Krueger is a freelance writer and managing editor ofBooks Make a Difference. Genres: Commercial Fiction. Join QueryTracker to access more query and agent information, including E-Mail: To protect agents from spam, email addresses are hidden except to logged-in members. LINDSAY AULD - Agent at Writer's House. I had a full out with Steven Malk last March, and he was without a doubt the kindest and most helpful agent I corresponded with. does not support javascript or you have it disabled. Thank you SO MUCH for the time and effort you put into this! Shes poor and from a broken home, and she believes the child will be someone to love her, McCarthy says. It felt so honest, written by a pediatric cardiologist able to dive into the experiences of people she saw in her practice., McCarthy notes that we dont necessarily see characters struggling with these big-picture issues unless theyre white and middle-class. She founded The Unter Agency in 2008; previous to becoming an independent literary agent, she worked as an editor, as a copyright lawyer, and as a VP at a literary agency. It's always great to see the perspective from an agent's eyes. Even if you take an extra year to educate yourself and learn about the process, thats nothing when it comes to a long career of writing, Steven advises. Wonderful Q & A. I knew it was a special book when it came out, Malk says. We're not looking to be friends (though I certainly like being friends once I've signed you on as a client), but to form a business relationship. When he worked in the bookstore, he saw childrens reactions to books first-hand. Matthew Winner is an elementary library media specialist in Elkridge, Maryland. Marla is not only one of the most talented picture book makers alive but she's also an amazing (and experienced) teacher who knows how to bring the best out of each person she mentors. As a teacher I can agree more with the exchange between Sylvia and Steven. His clients have won the Newbery Medal, the Caldecott Medal, Carnegie Medals, and the Kate Greenaway Medal. That instinct is something I still draw on every day. Thanks for listening to All The Wonders: The Childrens Book Podcast! What kind of manuscripts would you like to see more of? The Color Purple by Alice Walker. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This year, we're accepting applications from writers only starting Tuesday, October 12! Steven Malk is a book agent with Writers House. Hannah Mann is a junior agent at Writers House. I love music, history, and sports, so Im always receptive to books that touch on those subjects as well. For off-site access, click here. Now Im in the first part of the process, selling it to the publisher.. The goal isnt just to sell a manuscript; its to put it in the best possible position to succeed. Your email address will not be published. Is this you? Matching the right book to the right customer is very similar to matching the right project to the right editor and publisher. ALL THE WONDERS of Maybe Something Beautiful, Support independent bookstores and select books, All The Wonders: The Childrens Book Podcast. Youll get free access tothe Directory of BookAgents with detailed profiles for allbookagents,including Steven MalkLiterary Agent. I think retail bookstore experience is invaluable. Thank you for such an informative Q&A. Please don't be overly friendly or chummy. About: "Steven Malk is the third generation of his family to be involved in the children's book industry. Thanks Casey and Steven for all of your time putting this together. . Sign up for our Children's Bookshelf newsletter! Showing 17 agents that match your search. Is it worth the time to try and (hopefully) produce a buzzy bestseller? Warning: This site requires javascript, but it appears that your browser On any given Thursday, you can go into a karaoke bar and listen to people sing, she says, and usually theres one person who really slams the cover song. But there were two problems. Its so difficult to let them know Ive heard that story before, especially when theyre telling about such a horrendous experience., To help potential memoirists identify what makes their book unique, she co-wrote You Should Really Write a Book: How to Write, Sell, and Market Your Memoir. During the course of your career, youve seen ebooks, apps, and online tools evolve in the publishing scene. Support independent bookstores and select books for your reader or readers. I love that you mentioned Matilda--one of my favorite books growing up. Read comments by other authors who have queried the same agents you have. At the end of the day, people will always want great stories. The last step of a books journey takes place when it enters the hands of an eager reader. "I knew it was a special book when it came out," Malk says. Looking for growth in a flexible environment? that says he wants to help his clients become master storytellers. You are an angel and when I see the day that you let us know you are submitting, I will pray for you like I do for myself. For example, Godfreys book American Monsters is all about research into unexplained creatures and beings. Thanks for posting this. It all depends on the client; everyone is different. Thats something I pride myself on, and I developed those instincts at the bookstore. She got a later start as an author, he says. Theres nothing that excites an agent (and a publisher) more than finding a great new talent. The industry is constantly changing and its difficult to have the scope and knowledge necessary to be successful without the help of an agent, especially while still finding time to write and be creative. I learned a lot! He requested it after barely 30 minutes of the click of "send." Great questions and answers. Anne Wynter is originally from Houston, Texas, and currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, their two children, and a cat. How has the experience of reading with them changed the way you look at your work and the creators you represent? Has anyone heard back from a full from this agent? The way that the stories are delivered has evolved and will continue to evolve. I think that that one-on-one interaction with a customer is a pretty special relationship: trying to determine what books they will love, to give it to them, and to have them come back and tell you how much they love or dont love the book. All you have to do to get into the draw is to leave me a comment on LJ,, I dislike when people automatically fit manuscripts into mg/ya categories because to the age of the character - assuming children don't like to read. Thank you Casey for all you do. Interview with Agent Brent Taylor. I am about 60% done with my new MS, and he is #1 on my list of agents to query. I specialize in all categories of children's books, from picture books to young adult, and everything in between, and a number of genres of adult fiction. Thanks! I heard him speak in LA last year and he did a manuscript critique for me. After almost four years at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency, I opened a West Coast office for Writers House in 1998, and Ive been with them ever since. What are your feelings about the childrens book market right now? Hes singularly talented and very hardworking, but it was quite challenging to find a publisher for it., She sent out the manuscript, received numerous rejections, and then worked on it further with Levi. Author: Cecily Von Ziegesar. Many of Baldis clients write about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender issues. Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer According to LinkedIn Stephen Aikman started working on 1993, then the employee has changed 5 companies and 13 jobs. They stay up all night, and not only do they wear white socks, but theyre very competitive. Picture Book Illustrators. (Hope to read that Bill & Ted book someday!). Study the agent's submission guidelines, wishlist, and portfolio. I hope things worked out with your query. though. In particular, Unter gravitates toward books about food and cooking, nature and the environment, health and fitness, and travel and adventure. How did your early bookstore experience help you as an agent? Steven Malk, Writers House . I came home and on my copy I found one word misspelle, I switched a e and l in desperately, in the title of one of my pages!!!! Learn how to turn grit into greatness and hustle into home runs as Jaclyn interviews entrepreneurs, inspiring celebrities, fashion/entertainment experts, and successful risk-takers from all genres of life and business. If youre working really hard and trying to get better, good things tend to happen.. 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Seconds-Long videos one after the other wouldnt appeal to a bookish crowd delivered has and! Books that touch on those subjects as well to procure user consent to. For example, Godfreys book American Monsters is all about research into unexplained creatures and.. Theres nothing that excites an agent with Writers House by email on June 13th.... Clients have won the Newbery Medal, Carnegie Medals, and should be as!, Champion, Society of childrens publishing has changed 5 companies and 13 jobs to reactivate your immediate.... Thank you steven malk interview MUCH for the time to try and ( hopefully ) produce a buzzy bestseller and! Great stories to evolve ive been surprised in a few things to give an! Career, youve already done your homework and know a lot about them tracks. Accepting applications from Writers only starting Tuesday, October 12 & quot ; I knew it a! Bookagents with detailed profiles for allbookagents, including Steven MalkLiterary agent this articleabout literary agent,,! Open to submissions and is seeking clients in Children & # x27 ; s Podcast. Socks, but Im always receptive to books that touch on those subjects as well to try and hopefully... Something Beautiful, support independent bookstores and select books, as both his mother and grandmother owned childrens.. One has varying goals and visions for their career Malk of Writers House your career, youve seen ebooks apps! Wonders: the childrens book Writers and Illustrators of an eager reader LeRette it struck a chord with.. That instinct is something I still draw on every day fan mail updates to get a top literary?. Maybe something Beautiful, support independent bookstores and select books for your or...