Category: Kidlit Agent

Welcome, Kidlit Agent Jacqui Lipton!

9/14/2020

(c)"Raven Reflections," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

Jacqui Lipton: Raven Quill Literary Agency Founder & Kidlit Agent

Welcome, Jacqui! I'm so happy to be interviewing you!

Hi, Dionna! Happy to be interviewed.

All right, here's your first question. How is a raven like a writing desk?

Haha! Why don't you tell me.

I'm asking the questions here. Seriously, do tell a little about yourself, I'd especially like to know how you found your way to becoming a kidlit agent, and if you're enjoying it.

I always loved writing (and reading of course) ever since I was very young. In college, I took some writing classes and majored in theater studies where I was able to do a lot of script writing. Then I turned to legal studies and became a lawyer, and then a law professor. I did that for a LONG time--probably too long!--and eventually turned back to writing when I had my first child.

After taking a bunch of online writing classes, I decided to enroll in an MFA program, which I loved, but I found the business/legal side of publishing just as intriguing and invigorating as the writing side. I ended up interning for a terrific literary agent in the kidlit area for many years and then decided it was probably time to fish or cut bait. So I ended up merging my interests in business/law with my interests in writing (especially writing for children) and that's how I ended up where I am now.

I know quite a few former lawyers turned writers. Curiouser and curiouser! Please do share a little about your agency, Raven Quill Literary Agency. Why did you choose that name? What type of books/clients do you hope to represent?

Raven Quill was really a joint effort between me and some of my initial clients when we struck out on our own. The name actually is an homage to the daughter of my very first client who has been with me since the beginning. Her name is Raven. Then we played around with "raven" symbolism for a while, eventually ending up with Raven Quill because of both the flying and writing connotations of a raven feather.

We generally represent kidlit from early board books through to YA and some of us (including me) take on selected projects for older audiences. I have a particularly sweet spot for romance. I love the clients I have today and am always on the lookout for new and exciting voices. The agency is particularly committed to raising the voices of historically underrepresented groups in kidlit.

Even before you became my agent, I always enjoyed reading your informative legally speaking articles in the SCBWI Bulletin, and just purchased a copy of your recent release, Law and Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers. (Congrats, by the way!) So, what motivated you to write this book?

This one was kind of a labor of love for me. After spending some time observing the business side of the industry, it dawned on me that there were very few easily accessible and user-friendly legal resources for authors, while authors have a lot of questions about things like copyright, trademarks, defamation, privacy law, etc. There are some great resources on legal issues that are a little more sophisticated and complicated than many authors need to get, and some (often misleading) blog posts and generally available information online.

I wanted to create something in the niche between a short blog post and a complicated legal book: a resource that authors could dip in and dip out of without needing to prepare themselves for too much legalese. I made the tone of the book more like an informal chat to smart sensible authors who have an interest in their rights and obligations. The key takeaway from the book (I hope--and I stress this in the first and last chapters ) is not to let the law freak you out or get in the way of writing what you need to write. There are always ways to deal with legal problems and I've tried to touch on those in the book and to suggest ways for finding effective and affordable legal advice where help is actually needed.

Can't wait to read it! Well, Jacqui, thanks so much for stopping by. I really enjoyed it!

I enjoyed being here!

Jacqui Lipton is the founder of Raven Quill Literary Agency that in June 2022 merged with The Tobias Literary Agency. Previously, she worked as an associate agent and intern at several leading kid lit agencies. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. A law professor and attorney with American and international experience in commercial and intellectual property law, she is the author of Law & Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers (University of California Press, 2020). She also writes columns on legal issues for writers for the SCBWI Bulletin, Luna Station Quarterly, Catapult Community Page, and Savvy Authors. She is a frequent presenter on these issues around the country. Jacqui focuses on representing authors of middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction. Find Jacqui on Twitter @jacqui_lipton.

All images used with permission

0 Comments

Welcome, Kidlit Agent Kelly Dyksterhouse!

9/13/2020

0 Comments

(c)"Raven Emperor," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

Kelly Dyksterhouse, Raven Quill Literary Kidlit Agent

Salutations! Kelly, thanks for coming by!

You're welcome!

I would especially love to know how you found your way to becoming a kidlit agent.

Really, the way I found myself as an agent at Raven Quill Literary Agency goes back to what we’ve always tried to teach our kids: whatever you do, do to the best of your ability with a constant willingness to learn, and doors will be opened to you. That is how I’ve tried to live, and while my road to Raven Quill Literary Agency was unexpected, each step led organically to the next, landing me where I am today.

So what were those steps?

I knew I loved kidlit, both reading and writing it, so in 2014, I got my MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. My goal was to both hone my writing craft and to earn a degree that would give me a skill so that I could work once my kids were out of the house. At the time, I was thinking I’d write and teach writing and children’s literature at the college level. While at VCFA, I interned at The Bent Agency, reading slush, full manuscripts and refining my editorial skills. I later followed Susan Hawk to Upstart Crow, where I worked as an assistant and editorial reader and really learned all things agent-y. I was very content working for Susan—I was doing everything I loved: editing, teaching, reading, working with people. I got to work with writers, help them develop their manuscripts from idea to polished draft, and eventually saw their books on the shelves. The job was (is) a perfect blend of left brain/right brain, which suits me great!

But I still hadn’t considered agenting myself until Jacqui approached me and asked me to join her at Raven Quill. At this point, I’d had several years working in literary agencies, and Susan was incredibly encouraging that it was time I made the leap to taking on my own clients. I took a couple of months to think and interview agents whose practices I really admired, and in February I joined Jacqui at Raven Quill. I think the move surprised no one other than myself.

Are you enjoying it?

I’m having the time of my life. So there you have it: proof that good things have happened in 2020!

(c)"Raven's Eye View," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

What type of books/clients do you hope to represent?

I think the books I am most drawn to walk the line between commercial and literary. In other words, they have a big hook and ask big questions. I love books that have that holy trinity of amazing character/engaging plot/compelling voice. All of that can happen in any genre for any age group. I have clients that achieve it in PB, CB, MG and YA, both fiction and non-fiction in all genres.

In terms of clients, my ideal client is someone who is never done learning and who is willing to take a risk and try new things--whether that be in yet another draft of the same book or in taking the leap into another kind of writing. I think that a true writer is someone who is always growing their craft.

As a children's book writer, what type of books do you enjoy penning? How do you juggle the role of writer and agent?

Oh, this is a great question! One I am still trying to find the answer to. I have several of my own projects in the works at various stages. I write mostly MG, I think because that’s the age I was when books really made a big impression on me. I will get into a great writing groove--I’m most productive first thing in the morning--and then a client project will come in, or be ready to go out on sub, and I will lose my own momentum. I have a very hard time focusing on myself if someone I’ve committed to needs my attention. But I am learning to give a bit of grace to myself and find productivity in that ebb and flow.

I think your clients would understand! Does one skill set (writer/agent) inform the other?

Yes, I do think that writing informs my skill as an editor. Absolutely. It’s the difference between understanding something at a purely academic level and the deeper understanding that comes from truly experiencing it. Also, I think it helps me relate to my clients better. I understand what it means to be stuck, how hard it is to cut a character you love, how messy that middle can be. And mostly, how excruciating the waiting game is and demoralizing rejection can be. I think this deeper understanding makes me a better advocate and cheerleader.

That you do amazingly well! Thanks for stopping by, Kelly. I really enjoyed your visit.

I enjoyed being here!

Oh, before you go. Do you know how a raven is like a writing desk?

Perhaps I do. You'll just nevar know.

Kelly Dyksterhouse, literary agent first with Raven Quill Literary Agency that in June 2022 merged with The Tobias Literary Agency, grew up with a book always in her hands and a story always in her head. The important role that books played in her early years developed into a passion for children’s literature in her adult life. Kelly holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults for Vermont College of Fine Arts and has interned as an editorial reader at leading literary agencies and worked as an independent developmental editor and writing mentor. She considers the opportunity to help bring books into existence to be a great honor, and it is a particular joy for her to work alongside authors as they develop their project from idea to polished manuscript. The best feeling of all is when those manuscripts end up as books in the hands of children. Find Kelly on Twitter @KellyDHouse.

All images used with permission

0 Comments

Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Three!

8/17/2020

0 Comments

Animal artwork by Rahim from Tanzania

OH MY! Kidlit Agent:
Jennifer Unter

When Moira and John first spoke to you about their idea of writing LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS OH MY!, why were you excited about it?

I loved the idea of a picture book with art by children, and when I saw the art, I was blown away. The art is so beautiful and life-like and I just fell in love with it. I also love the fact that we would be helping those very kids who drew the animals!

I was blown away, too! When deciding who to submit the project to, why did you send it to Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear Press?

I sent it to Barb since she does very interesting books that are usually a little serious and a little out-of-the-box.

That makes sense! What was Barb's initial response after reading the manuscript and was the acquisition process an exciting one?

Barb loved it immediately. It’s always an exciting process when an editor loves and buys the book!

How do you feel about the manuscript being illustrated by children, even though this is not the industry norm?

I love the idea. You would never know that children illustrated this book since the art is so sophisticated. It’s almost like the animals are glowing, there’s so much life in them.

I agree! How do you feel about the final product, and why do you hope kids here in the U.S. will read it?

It’s a gorgeous book. I think kids in the US will see this art and realize that these children get to see these magnificent animals all the time, which is such a different experience than what we live here in the States. Whenever you can see how someone else lives, you are hopefully expanding your horizons and learning more than what you knew before you read the book.

Jennifer Unter of The Unter Agency has worked in many aspects of the publishing industry from editorial at Henry Holt, to a copyright lawyer at an entertainment firm. In addition to placing projects at domestic and foreign publishers, she also sells to audio, film and television. She is a member of Women’s Media Group. You will find her tweeting @JenniferUnter.

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. Written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist John Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-Saharan Africa (Sleeping Bear Press, August 15, 2020).

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

Art used by permission of Sleeping Bear Press

0 Comments

Busy-Eyed Day Blog Party: Day 2!

4/11/2018

0 Comments

Welcoming Busy-Eyed Kidlit Agent!
Linda Pratt

When you first received the manuscript for BUSY-EYED DAY, what did you love about it?

I was drawn to the simplicity of Anne Marie’s text that is so beautifully crafted to make for a really fun read-aloud experience. There is such a lovely, joyful rhythm to the words.

What changes did you request from Anne Marie before you started the submission process?

I didn’t request any changes to the text. This was a text that Anne Marie had written when we first began working together. I sent it out to some places, but the thing that both she and I loved about it, i.e. the simplicity and joy of the text, were thought to be too slim at the time. So the manuscript was shelved for a good long while because trying to address that concern would change so much that it would become a different story.

Do tell your thought process regarding which editor you would send it to. Why were you pleased that Andrea Welch wanted to acquire it?

The funny thing is the idea of pairing Anne Marie and her editor, Andrea Welch came before the idea of sharing this particular text. Andrea had considered a number of Anne Marie’s manuscripts over the years, and she always made clear that she was a fan of Anne Marie’s style even though the right fit hadn’t been found. I had a good idea of what Andrea might respond to at the time we submitted BUSY-EYED DAY. I was on the phone with Anne Marie describing what I thought that was, and it was Anne Marie, not me, who said, “OK, what do you think about BUSY-EYED DAY?” I immediately thought, “Of course!” so I sent it to Andrea straight away. Andrea got back to me that same day, and she said “I love this!”.

When you first saw the ARC of BUSY-EYED DAY, what did you love about it?

I love that the cover captures the wonderment that is at the heart of the story. I also love the warmth of the family that comes through so clearly in Frann Preston-Gannon’s illustrations.

What do you hope children will take away from this book?

To use their eyes to notice the small things that we encounter in our day-to-day lives, things that are ordinary and extraordinary all at once.

Linda Pratt and friend and colleague, Marcia Wernick, established the Wernick & Pratt Agency in 2011. The agency represents authors and illustrators of children’s books with a focus on attending to their long-term careers and goals. Our clients range from award-winners and bestsellers to new and emerging talents. Among Linda’s clients are Richard Peck, Kathryn Erskine, Aaron Becker, Steve Light, Lita Judge, Anne Marie Pace, and LeUyen Pham, among others. Linda is a member of SCBWI and AAR, and has also served on the Rutgers Council for Children’s Literature, which plans the annual Rutgers One-on-One Mentoring Conference for five years. www.wernickpratt.com

BUSY-EYED DAY is a rhyming and richly illustrated picture book that celebrates the act of being observant and enjoying the magnificence found in the everyday world, perfect for the youngest of readers. It is written by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon, and published by Simon & Schuster, with a release date of April 10. 2018.
Order your copy of BUSY-EYED DAY from an indie near you.

0 Comments

DAY 2: This Little Piggy Had a Blog Party

6/28/2017

1 Comment

Day 2: Introducing Kidlit Agent Adriann Ranta Zurhellen

When you first read Cyndi’s THIS LITTLE PIGGY manuscript featuring Snowflake, what did you love?

I have a cat named Piggy, so I was predisposed to love a book originally called “The Ultimate Pig Care Handbook.” Cyndi’s sense of humor, which comes across in her text and art and also in the little details, totally won my heart: the little muddy pig footprints, the extremely skeptical pig expressions, the increasingly dirty children…all so fun!

Did you work together to improve the manuscript before submitting it to editors?

This project started out as a picture book, and most of my original notes were regarding structure and pacing. In the first version, my note to her was that half of the text is about giving the pig a bath. I asked her is the book about pig care, or about bathing a pig? Cyndi then decided to make the whole book about finding a pig and keeping it clean, but then the joke seemed to sag about halfway through. Cyndi played around with it again. She reverted back to the general pig care theme and we had a great dummy that went on submission!

When thinking about who to submit LITTLE PIGGY to, why did you think of Karen Nagel, and what was Karen’s reaction when she received the draft?

I thought Karen would appreciate Cyndi’s fun sense of humor, and I admired the scope of her work at Aladdin. What a delightful surprise when Karen called to say she loved it… and asked if Cyndi would be interested in expanding it into an early-reader graphic novel for Pix? It’s rare to have an editor buy a project when such a large edit is on the horizon, but Cyndi had proven herself with KUNG POW CHICKEN and Karen had the vision for it! Once Cyndi said she was excited to move forward, we were thrilled to accept Karen’s offer!

What do you love about the end product of Cyndi's book, THIS LITTLE PIGGY: AN OWNER’S MANUAL?

I love how Cyndi developed the kids as characters, made a fun, twisty narrative around convincing their mom to accept a pig as a pet, and how the expansion from a picture book gave us more time with Snowflake’s adorable footprints and skeptical expressions! It’s such a fun book, full of cute, hilarious illustrations and awesome situational humor, and I think readers will really love it!

On what future projects are you looking forward to working together with Cyndi?

I would love to see more chapters books featuring Snowflake, especially if readers love her as much as I do!

Credit: Hayden M. Greene

Adriann Ranta Zurhellen is a literary agent at Foundry Literary + Media. She represents New York Times bestselling, award-winning authors, journalists, illustrators and graphic novelists, as well as cultural commentators, stunt women, makeup artists, and many other pioneering creative thinkers and leaders in their fields. She is actively acquiring all genres for all age groups with a penchant for edgy, dark, unusual voices, unique settings, and every-man stories told with a new spin. She loves gritty, realistic, true-to-life stories with conflicts based in the real world; women’s fiction and nonfiction; accessible, pop nonfiction in science, history, and craft; and smart, fresh, genre-bending works for children. She can be found online HERE.

Click the cover to purchase your copy of THIS LITTLE PIGGY: AN OWNER"S MANUAL, an Aladdin PIX illustrated chapter book for kids 6-9 that tells the tale of a brother and sister who—more than anything—want a pet pig, written and illustrated by Cyndi Marko, available in paper over board and as an ebook!

1 Comment

Welcome, Kidlit Agent Jacqui Lipton!

Jacqui Lipton: Raven Quill Literary Agency Founder & Kidlit Agent

Welcome, Kidlit Agent Kelly Dyksterhouse!

Kelly Dyksterhouse, Raven Quill Literary Kidlit Agent

Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Three!

OH MY! Kidlit Agent:
Jennifer Unter

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

Busy-Eyed Day Blog Party: Day 2!

Welcoming Busy-Eyed Kidlit Agent!
Linda Pratt

DAY 2: This Little Piggy Had a Blog Party

Day 2: Introducing Kidlit Agent Adriann Ranta Zurhellen

About Me

Archives

Categories

Welcome, Kidlit Agent Jacqui Lipton!

​​Jacqui Lipton: Raven Quill Literary Agency Founder & Kidlit Agent

Welcome, Kidlit Agent Kelly Dyksterhouse!

Kelly Dyksterhouse, Raven Quill Literary Kidlit Agent

Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Three!

OH MY! Kidlit Agent:Jennifer Unter

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork." School Library Journal Purchase your copy today

Busy-Eyed Day Blog Party: Day 2!

Welcoming Busy-Eyed Kidlit Agent!Linda Pratt

DAY 2: This Little Piggy Had a Blog Party

Day 2: Introducing Kidlit Agent Adriann Ranta Zurhellen

About Me

Archives

Categories

Jacqui Lipton: Raven Quill Literary Agency Founder & Kidlit Agent

OH MY! Kidlit Agent:
Jennifer Unter

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

Welcoming Busy-Eyed Kidlit Agent!
Linda Pratt