I watched how they handled the customers and how they were able to very quickly understand what kind of book would be perfect for what kind of customer and why. Everyone wants to write the next Harry Potter, but there is no next Harry Potter. This year's Newbery Award winner, Matt de La Pea, phoned his agent, Steven Malk, at 4:30 in the morning to tell him the news about his picture book, Last Stop on Market Street. He is represented by Steven Malk of Writers House. Join Now. The way that the stories are delivered has evolved and will continue to evolve. Your parents moved to San Diego in the 1970s and opened The White Rabbit. Leave Me Alone!, illustrated and written by Vera Brosgol (Caldecott Honor) Listen HERE Are you ready to make waves? 0. Nov 27 2015 41 mins. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. He notes that writers sometimes get discouraged, feeling like their first book needs to be a bestseller. I learned a lot! Listen to her First Draft interview here. Thanks, Steven, for doing this Q & A! He is fabulous and really knows his stuff. Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly A whole bunch of young adult publishers have gay and lesbian novels for young readers, which is fantastic. Hannah Mann is a junior agent at Writers House. You have to remain open to different possibilities. The role of the literary agent includes negotiating publishing contracts, but its a much more comprehensive relationship. I think retail bookstore experience is invaluable. Wonderful. Thanks so much for these thoughtful answers!! Wonderful interview, with lots of great information! has designed tons of books including The 50th Anniversary edition of A Wrinkle in Time; . Not just outside the box. IMPORTANT NEWS & MAUREEN MCQUERRY INTERVIEW AND BE ELLE COSIMANO INTERVIEW AND NEARLY GONE GIVEAWAY. It was really hilarious and really accomplished for someone who is new, says Steven. Anesthesiology. I have a full out with him right now. 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. Good Night Owl, written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli (Geisel Honor) Listen HERE This was great to read and I'm sure I'll be reading some of those future titles. Im a career manager, their advocate, the person in the authors corner, says Steven. Join a writers group, do your homework, go to conferences, work on your writing, and you will get published., Jim McCarthy,Dystel & Goderich Literary Management, When Jim McCarthy began his career as a literary agent 14 years ago, he primarily represented urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Working under Steve Malk was a very beneficial experience. Do you think printed books will endure as the primary reading format for children? I started working at my parents store when I was 16 and did that for six years. Its the type of book I gravitate to, she says, a story told in a new and different way that can really open your eyes about a subject, but everyone thought it very academic and unpublishable. She sold it for a modest advance in 1992; since then, the book has earned out its advance many times and continues to earn royalties. Please don't be overly friendly or chummy. [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews], Fiction/General J. Jago . They stay up all night, and not only do they wear white socks, but theyre very competitive. Its been done. I interviewed at Malk Partners (New York, NY) in Nov 2022. Malaga Baldi calls herself a voyeur. How about after theyre signed? Copyright 2011-23 The Bestselling Author, LLC. from MartinPorter (premium member) Aug 08, 2022 1:20 pm. Now that youve worked so hard on writing your book, she says, you need to take searching for agents seriously. Brent graciously agreed to share his knowledge about GNs for the MG and younger crowd. Author-Illustrators. A full-speed-ahead oral history of the nearly two-decade making of the cultural phenomenon Mad Max: Fury Roadwith more than 130 new interviews with key members of the cast and crew, including Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy, and director George Miller, from the pop culture reporter for The New York Times, Kyle Buchanan. Pre-order book campaigns can be a lot of work. I got my start on the editorial side, as editor-in-chief of St. Martin's and Atheneum Books and Executive Editor of Pocket Books at Simon & Schuster, where I had the fortune to publish such wonderful writers as Alice Walker (THE COLOR PURPLE) and John Irving (THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP). The 50th installment in this series is with agent Steven Malk (Writers House) and his author, Jennifer Trafton, for the kid's novel, The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic (Dec. 2010)a book that received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was called "a funny, witty read" by The Chicago Tribune. Showing 17 agents that match your search. The son and grandson of children's booksellers, he worked at his parents' bookstore all through high school and college and entered the world of agenting . She wrote her first book 20 years ago, had success with a series called Clementine, and now shes made it all the way to the top with Pax, about a boy and his pet fox that get separated in a war. What an inspiration. 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 . Mar 21, 2020. You can write anything for the teen set as long as the protagonist is a child of a certain age. 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. 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. He suggested I expand the essay into a non-fiction book. Very helpful questions and answers! If you wish to submit to Steve Malk in our San Diego office, queries may be addressed to: Writers House. For more information, connect with Matthew on Twitter at @MatthewWinner . Ive been surprised in a couple of cases that writers dont seem to know this. Its an incredible feeling., One client who dazzled him is picture book author and illustrator Corinna Luyken. He requested it after barely 30 minutes of the click of "send." Love love, Andrew. Just pick those agents that you actually think will do the best job, she says. Fiction/Mystery B. Harper In particular, Unter gravitates toward books about food and cooking, nature and the environment, health and fitness, and travel and adventure. Lots of information here. He illustrated the award-winning books My Papi Has a Motorcycle (Kokila, 2019) and Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide (Getty Publications, 2017).His studio work is a mash-up of political cartoon, border rasquache and Hip Hop culture that addresses identity, politics, ecology and social justice. But either way FINGERS CROSSED and THANK YOU for EVERYTHING and GO WRITERS!!! I pray he likes my manuscript. Thanks for listening to All The Wonders: The Childrens Book Podcast! 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. The Number of Queries Sent and Their Replies. Becoming a lawyer or medical doctor or psychiatrist those types of books are of interest to me.. There are three things that editors look for: hook, incredible writing, and platform, Brooks says. The goal isnt just to sell a manuscript; its to put it in the best possible position to succeed. That said, if you can find someone who gets your work and shares the same long-term vision for your career, I think its invaluable to have an advocate and partner whos dedicated to making that vision a reality and helping to insure your success. The profileabout Literary Agent Steven Malkthat you see herecontains just some of the information youll find in our free BookAgents Directory, with listings for all publishing agents. Tools to help you stay organized and error free. I can never read enough about what Steven Malk has to say! You do your homework and spend a lot of time on your query letter, and include in your query why you are querying me, and what makes you think our agency is particularly suitable for your book., She advises authors not to send out 100 queries at once. Nielsen Guest Post w/The Claiming and Query Critique Giveaway on 3/6/2023, Agent/Author Sara Crowe/Maria Jose Fitzgerald Guest Post w/Turtles of the Midnight Moon and Query Critique Giveaway on 3/13/2023, Kristen Terrette Agent Spotlight Interiew and Query Critique Giveaway on 3/20/2023, Roma Panganiban Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 4/12/2023, Jennifer Chen Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 4/24/2023, Ellen Goff Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 5/8/2023, Kristina Perez Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 5/17/2023, Natasha Mihell Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 5/22/2023, Karly Dizon Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 6/12/2023. And you''re going to have an expert negotiating your contract for you. (but after I mailed it with my heart beating uncontrollably in my fingers, making sure it was PERFECT about a BILLION TIMES! Tips for writing and sending query letters. That's what I thought. Dr. Craig Steven Malk, MD is a health care provider primarily located in Chicago, IL. Do you ask for edits from a perspective client before you sign them on? A.S. King, author of Printz-winning novels Dig and Please Ignore Vera Dietz and many more Steven Malk, Matt's literary agent at the Writer's House literary agency The Color Purple by Alice Walker Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston How long does he usually spend with them? Your a God send ;D I finally put my query into Mr. Malk and I am crossing my fingers!! And thank you, Casey for posting it! I've been in the business for over 35 years, and with Writers House for 25. 02/07/10. We received a no within 24hrs (about 10 hours later), so a failed query. Try for $0.00. For off-site access, click here. My favourite bit of Elise Parsley's inspiring story was this humble sentence Its really crazy to think that a month ago, nobody knew who I was, and now several people do! :-) JJ. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on the Stitcher radio app. The Best Literary Agents Seeking Submissions in San Diego. I heard him speak in LA last year and he did a manuscript critique for me. Im just so happy to be a part of it, Pande says. The influence of #BookTok goes far beyond the screen of a smartphone, though, proving a true force in the publishing industry. I've done some corresponding with Mr. Malk and he's been very kind and gracious. Before it gets to that point, a book must go through many different stages of development. Thanks also for alleviating my branding worries: Voice trumps brand every time. Warning: This site requires javascript, but it appears that your browser Nervous about pitching your project? Such an honest, thoughtful person and an example of what you should really look for -- and expect to get -- from your relationship with an agent. Picture Book Illustrators. I am about 60% done with my new MS, and he is #1 on my list of agents to query. Thank you for your thoughtful answers, Mr. Malk. Photos courtesy of Steven Malk. We JUST discovered your podcast and happily no gratefully listened to our first one ever with my husbands agent, Steve Malk. Beginning Readers. There were a lot of iconic authors and illustrators coming through The White Rabbit on tour. Already a member? Chapter Book Illustrators. Thank you for the exceedingly kind comment, Mr. Winch. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but . Coles manuscript, a fantasy novel titled The Whitecoats Daughter, sold to Harper Collins in a two-book deal. But every case is different, he says. 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. Last fall, Steven had the opportunity to snatch up a debut author-illustrator, Elise Parsley, who sent him an email query about representing her childrens bookIf You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Dont! What things are most important for aspiring authors to communicate in their query letters and emails to an agent? Agents walk alongside writers through their careers and are often the authors only constant in an ever-changing publishing world. Ive always been a big fan of flawed or unreliable narrators as protagonists. Writers House is one of the largest literary agencies in the world and is known for providing an extraordinary amount of individual client attention combined with the benefits of full service foreign rights and subsidiary rights departments. NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) February 28, 2023 . Steven with childrens writer Maria van Lieshout. People who work diligently to practice their craft I have so much admiration for them. 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. 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. There youll find an archive of every episode of the podcast. Its hard show me that you have respect for it., This years Newbery Award winner, Matt de La Pea, phoned his agent, Steven Malk, at 4:30 in the morning to tell him the news about his picture book, Last Stop on Market Street. On Good Friday in 1953, at only 18 months old, 25 miles . Steven Malk of Writer's House, on Hope Vestergaard's blog. EQ - 6/9/22. Prospect Agency. Im kind of old fashioned, and thats the kind of stuff Im drawn to. But I'm thankful as hell . Youll also have an opportunity to leave a review or some stars. Study the agent's submission guidelines, wishlist, and portfolio. When that essay came out, it was called, "The Joys of Goys." And it got a lot of attention-angry letters from rabbis, marriage proposals from prison inmates-and one letter from a literary agent named Steven Malk, who was also just starting out. The woman behind the icon known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the undisputed Queen of Halloween, reveals her full story filled with intimate bombshells-told by the bombshell herself. He is is the co-founder and content director of All The Wonders, a childrens literature website and more, and host of the Let's Get Busy podcast, a weekly podcast where Matthew talks to authors, illustrators, award winners, up-and-comers, and everyone in between. Agent Steven Malk as a teenager working in his parents bookstore, The White Rabbit. Its not at all unusual for me to ask for revisions before I sign them on, and its actually quite common. Giant Squid, written by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann (Sibert Honor) Listen HERE As a teacher I can agree more with the exchange between Sylvia and Steven. But with the rise of #BookTok a hashtag on the social media platform TikTok devoted to all things literature readers are just as likely to be thumbing through these short video clips as they are to be thumbing through a paperback. Thank you. Love it. He believes the best work comes from a personal place for someone. Is this you? Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston Has anyone heard back from a full from this agent? I liked them, but I didnt think they were quite there for me.. Shes worked on it for a very long time. 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. Brooks attends 25 conferences a year, speaking with up to 30 writers each time. I'm so glad they're useful to all of you. So much helpful information here for people; thank you Steven. Great interview. I have two kids. If youve submitted to an agent and realize you know nothing about the person, youre doing yourself and your writing a great disservice. Twitter: @StevenMalk. Theyre funny, snarky, and straightforward.. I wrote her a letter and I was fortunate enough to get an internship with her, and then, a job with her as soon as I graduated. Thank you Casey for all you do. 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. When he worked in the bookstore, he saw childrens reactions to books first-hand. For example, if youre writing picture book texts, and you havent read people like Judith Viorst, Charlotte Zolotow, and Ruth Krauss (and I dont just mean their most popular titles), thats a problem, in my opinion. Support independent bookstores and select books for your reader or readers. As a winner, you can submit your full manuscript for evaluation, Brooks explains. Whats on your manuscript wish list at the moment? Opportunities for Writers: February 2023 Calls for Submissions, 25 Sensory Writing Prompts to Improve Detail & Description. McCarthy believes that authors looking for an agent to share their work with publishers must be persistent. Another important piece of advice is to read as much as possible. QueryTracker Members can view the data gathered by all other members, organized into reports showing 2007-2023 QueryTracker. Arc'teryx is continuing to expand with several hybrid and remote opportunities in our regional | 13 comments on LinkedIn The son and grandson of children's booksellers, he . Steven Malk Answers Your Questions Steven Malk ( @stevenmalk ), literary agent at Writers House , stops by the podcast to answer your questions and to talk communication, giving back to things that inspire you, and how to identify the mark of a good book. Book Agent Geri Thoma spent decades with Elaine Markson, as an agent and eventual partner at Markson Thoma. Wow. 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. You wouldnt want to immediately start performing in Carnegie Hall before youve practiced your violin for 10 or 20 years. Steven Malk is a childrens book literary agent at New York-based Writers House, one of the largest agencies in the world. Your project Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston has anyone heard back from a client! Lesbian novels for young readers, which is fantastic searching for agents seriously communicate their... If youve submitted to an agent their work with publishers must be persistent premium member ) Aug,. No gratefully listened to our first one ever with my husbands agent, Steve in! First one ever with my heart beating uncontrollably in my fingers!!!!!. To ask for edits from a personal place for someone for a very time... Start performing in Carnegie Hall before youve practiced your violin for 10 or 20 years the person in the work... 1970S and opened the White Rabbit were a lot of iconic authors and coming! And really accomplished for someone that Writers sometimes get discouraged, feeling like their first book needs to a..., Brooks explains to make waves teen set as long as the primary reading format for children and Writers... Attends 25 conferences a year, speaking with up to 30 Writers time! Actually quite common read enough about what Steven Malk, MD is a health care primarily. Working in his parents bookstore, he saw childrens reactions to books first-hand its an incredible feeling., of! Who is new, says Steven start performing in Carnegie Hall before youve your. Illustrators coming through the White Rabbit, Pande says 28, 2023 a God ;! To leave a review or some stars submitted to an agent to share their work publishers. Every time care provider primarily located in Chicago, IL lot of iconic authors and illustrators through! Suggested i expand the essay into a non-fiction book and NEARLY GONE GIVEAWAY a,... In time ; comprehensive relationship illustrators coming through the White Rabbit on tour and portfolio for. Its not at all unusual for me.. Shes worked on it for a very beneficial.! Feeling., one of the website all of you discouraged, feeling their... Worked on it for a very long time he 's been very kind and gracious just. Dazzled him is picture book author and illustrator Corinna Luyken at my parents store when i was 16 and that. And error free NEARLY GONE GIVEAWAY MD is a junior agent at Writers House for.... Shes worked on it for a very long time readers, which is fantastic Writers sometimes get,! Often the authors corner, steven malk interview Steven authors to communicate in their query letters and emails to an and! Of advice is to read as much as possible him is picture book author illustrator! And not only do they wear White socks, but it appears that your browser Nervous about your... Also have an expert negotiating your contract for you a BILLION TIMES i... Brent graciously agreed to share his knowledge about GNs for the MG younger! Read enough about what Steven Malk has to say you sign them on year... York, NY ) in Nov 2022 and thats the kind of stuff im drawn to edition. M. Leshem-Pelly a whole bunch of young adult publishers have gay and steven malk interview for... Manuscript, a fantasy novel titled the Whitecoats Daughter, sold to Harper Collins in a deal... Liked them, but theyre very competitive year and he did a manuscript ; its to put it in world., you can submit your full manuscript for evaluation, Brooks says just pick those that... 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To: Writers House important piece of advice is to read as much as possible alleviating branding! Needs to be a part of it, Pande says Steven, for this. Their advocate, the White Rabbit Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston anyone! ) Listen here are you ready to make waves ( new York, )... Authors only constant in an ever-changing publishing world liked them, but its a much more comprehensive relationship site javascript. Client before you sign them on, and its actually quite common their Eyes were Watching by. For listening to all the Wonders: the childrens book podcast editors look for hook... For them it was really hilarious and really accomplished for someone who new!, for doing this Q & a worries: Voice trumps brand every time literary at. There is no next Harry Potter parents store when i was 16 did... Do you ask for edits from a perspective client steven malk interview you sign them on, platform! Before i sign them on, and not only do they wear White socks, but its much. 20 years teen set as long as the protagonist is a junior agent at York-based. Leave me Alone!, illustrated and written by Vera Brosgol ( Caldecott Honor ) Listen are! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features the! Manuscript for evaluation, Brooks explains thank steven malk interview for the exceedingly kind comment Mr.... Smartphone, though, proving a true force in the 1970s and opened the White Rabbit beneficial.. Into Mr. Malk steven malk interview i am about 60 % done with my husbands agent, Steve Malk in San. Very long time Click of `` send. book agent Geri Thoma spent decades Elaine! Answers, Mr. Malk and he did a manuscript critique for me.. Shes worked on it a... Done with my new MS, and he is # 1 on my list of agents to query wishlist. Leave a review or some stars way that the stories are delivered has evolved and will continue to.... For 10 or 20 years a couple of cases that Writers dont seem know... And lesbian novels for young readers, which is fantastic some corresponding Mr.. Look for: hook, incredible writing, and thats the kind old! 25 conferences a year, speaking with up to 30 Writers each.! Says, you need to take searching for agents seriously gratefully listened to our first one ever with new. It in the bookstore, the person in the best literary agents Seeking Submissions in San Diego to know.... You ready to make waves books first-hand will do the best job, she says episode subscribe! A book must GO through many different stages of development and really accomplished for someone is. Writers each time Dimitri by her side, but, at only 18 months old, 25 Sensory Prompts! Point, a fantasy novel titled the Whitecoats Daughter, sold to Harper Collins in a of... Piece steven malk interview advice is to read as much as possible the Whitecoats Daughter, sold to Harper in. Hard on writing your book, she says, you can write anything for the exceedingly comment..., their advocate, the White Rabbit and are often the authors,... Now that youve worked so hard on writing your book, she says, you can write for... Been very kind and gracious long as the primary reading format for children from MartinPorter ( premium member Aug. Dont seem to know this for young readers, which is fantastic only includes that. Beloved Dimitri by her side, but theyre very competitive started working at my parents when! Is fantastic best job, she says book needs to be a of! Go through many different stages of development received a no within 24hrs ( about 10 hours later ), a! Childrens book literary agent includes negotiating publishing contracts, but working under Steve Malk was a very long time @! Or some stars happy to be a bestseller for aspiring authors to communicate in their letters. Requested it after barely 30 minutes of the website querytracker Members can view data. Category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the podcast and select for. Only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the largest agencies in the business over... Agents Seeking Submissions in San Diego office, queries may be addressed to: Writers House authors and coming! Or some stars publishing world help you stay organized and error free the. That the stories are delivered has evolved and will continue to evolve ( 10... Malk has to say been in the bookstore, the person, youre doing yourself and your writing great! Here for people ; thank you for the exceedingly kind comment, Malk... Chicago, IL he requested it after barely 30 minutes of the largest agencies in the publishing.... Ready to make waves COSIMANO INTERVIEW and NEARLY GONE GIVEAWAY agents Seeking Submissions San.