We're so excited to announce the Second Annual African American Creatives Grant! I think retail bookstore experience is invaluable. 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. I hope things worked out with your query. The advice I always give is just to communicate what it is that makes you unique. I was waiting to go to the ceremony, and I read an article in [now defunct] Buzz magazine about an agent here in San Diego named Sandra Dijkstra. Poets & Writers Live is an initiative developed in response to interviews and discussions with writers from all over the country. 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. Thank you Casey and Steven! The best way to get an agents attention, they say, is to craft a professional query letter full of intriguing details about your manuscript and state clearly why you think he or she is the perfect person to represent the project. In 2013 Matthew was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker and was invited to the White House as part of the Champions of Change program. In addition to writing children's books, she's . This year, we're accepting applications from writers only starting Tuesday, October 12! Keep up with current events in the writing world. Its a very different market than when I started. 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 . Anne Wynter is originally from Houston, Texas, and currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, their two children, and a cat. 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 These cookies do not store any personal information. Your parents moved to San Diego in the 1970s and opened The White Rabbit. I feel really honored and grateful to be a part of their life in some way., Another of her clients, Jonathan Levi, wrote his novel Septimania 25 years after the publication of his first book, A Guide for the Perplexed. Keeping hope alive is the key to success., Regina Brooks,Serendipity Literary Agency. Im here to help you. :). Just chiming in to say that Steve is the greatest. Become a member and get exclusive access to articles, contests and more! Thanks Aimee. Agent Interview - Steven Malk Can you tell us a little about yourself? His specialties include Anesthesiology. But there were two problems. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, their two children, and two dogs. LINDSAY AULD - Agent at Writer's House. Dragons_Malk . An amazingly experienced publisher in the world of literary fiction, and theyve done a beautiful job of publishing it, Pande says of the company. Chapter Book Illustrators. Its important to educate yourself about the field youre working in as much as possible, and to look at both old and new titles. If you want to have a long, successful career in this field, its crucial to present yourself as a professional whos taking his/her careeer seriously, as opposed to someone whos just looking for the first deal that comes along. Huge thanks to Casey for hosting and organizing this, and Steven for answering my question (and all the others!). ~Jess. IMPORTANT NEWS & MAUREEN MCQUERRY INTERVIEW AND BE ELLE COSIMANO INTERVIEW AND NEARLY GONE GIVEAWAY. She also represents biographies, political and pop culture books, and memoir. Thanks so much for sharing! You have two new subscribers! I learned a lot! Whew! He believes an agent should be a champion for authors and illustrators. I want people to remember that as tough and competitive as this business is, they just need to keep writing and keep trying, he says. What are some current trends youve noticed in the childrens publishing world? He is the third generation of his family to be involved in childrens books, as both his mother and grandmother owned childrens bookstores. Hes particularly interested right now in representing mysteries with complex characters and plots. 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. He suggested I expand the essay into a non-fiction book. 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. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Book Agent Steven Malk opened a West Coast office for Writers House in 1998, and represents a wide range of authors and illustrators, including Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, Marla Frazee, Kadir Nelson, Sara Pennypacker, Jennifer Donnelly, Brett Helquist, Sonya Sones, Adam Rex, Deborah Wiles, and Cynthia Rylant, among others. An agent is going to be able to place your work, and not just place your work with a house, but place your work with the right editor and the right house. 02/07/10. She got a later start as an author, he says. He works out of the San Diego office, which he opened for Writers House in 1998. Theres so much interesting material out there., Unter also represents numerous childrens authors, including Sue Fliess and Christopher Pike. Love love, Andrew. Ive definitely noted the explosion of graphic novels and heavily illustrated books for older readers, which I find super heartening. Writers House literary agent Steven Malk spent his high school years immersed in childrens books at The White Rabbit, his familys childrens bookstore in La Jolla, Calif. After college, the third-generation bookseller embarked on a career as a childrens book literary agent. Theres nothing that excites an agent (and a publisher) more than finding a great new talent. I started working at my parents store when I was 16 and did that for six years. Opportunities for Writers: February 2023 Calls for Submissions, 25 Sensory Writing Prompts to Improve Detail & Description. An Interview with Literary Agent Steven Malk Originally published in the May/June 2001 SCBWI-Michigan newsletter. 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. View the post here. Revision is an incredibly important part of the process, and Im always interested in how a writer handles it. Thanks for answering our questions! Theres a rise in different forms and formats for nonfiction, which for me, as a former history and poli sci major, is very gratifying. Redefines it. KELLY POLARK INTERVIEW AND ROCK 'N' ROLL PRINCESSE NATALIE LLOYD INTERVIEW AND A SNICKER OF MAGIC GIV Agent/Author Lizz Nagle & J.A. A whole bunch of young adult publishers have gay and lesbian novels for young readers, which is fantastic. He is represented by Steven Malk of Writers House. Agents walk alongside writers through their careers and are often the authors only constant in an ever-changing publishing world. He requested it after barely 30 minutes of the click of "send." 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Subscribe to our FREE monthly Readers Write email. I do think the printed book will endure as a primary reading format, especially for kids. Malaga Baldi calls herself a voyeur. Ive always believed that kids are very, very smart and sophisticated readers, and should be treated as such. Thank you for such an informative Q&A. Childrens/Pic Book M. Leshem-Pelly But I'm thankful as hell . Read comments by other authors who have queried the same agents you have. The son and grandson of children's booksellers, he . If it's because of publishing's "MARKET" and my book doesn't fit than let me know! Hannah Mann is a junior agent at Writers House. Great questions and answers. And dont rush the process., She herself looks for people who respect the craft and art of writing. Thanks, Steve. Do I think that absolutely every single writer needs an agent? What are your feelings about the childrens book market right now? Do you offer editorial suggestions before you submit the manuscript to an editor? She's had the privilege of working closely with a variety of . Theres been a huge change in the content of childrens literature, she says. I understand the impulse to want to get your work out there as quickly as possible, but its important for writers to take a step back and take their time in making the decision about where to submit their work. You're welcome, Crystal! Again, its a very important decision, so take your time with it, especially before you submit. Interview with Agent Hannah Mann. Every writer is different. She sent me something new, he says, and it was really intriguing, a clear step up from where shed been before. Zeke Pea is a Xicano storyteller and cartoonist from El Paso, TX. On Good Friday in 1953, at only 18 months old, 25 miles . that says he wants to help his clients become master storytellers. It really reinforced that belief. Becoming a lawyer or medical doctor or psychiatrist those types of books are of interest to me.. Its one of the most difficult professions, she explains. Author: Cecily Von Ziegesar. 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. Or watch this video about Molly on YouTube. Status: Open to submissions. Really thoughtful answers with some fresh insights. Another important piece of advice is to read as much as possible. Still, its gratifying to know that his work as an agent is making a difference for kids. 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. I liked them, but I didnt think they were quite there for me.. I'm so glad they're useful to all of you. News and updates to get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. 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. As an agent, Steven teams up with authors to help them achieve their publishing goals. 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. This week's Agent Spotlight features Steven Malk of Writers House, LLC. 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. If you believe in your story, keep on going out there and testing the waters, she says. This really makes me want to dig into some Malkmus interviews to find that answer because I'm curious, myself. Dr. Craig Steven Malk, MD . I loved interacting with customers, trying to read their taste, finding out what they like A lot of the time I was matching the customer or the kid with the book, says Steven. Remember that this is a community, and were all in this together, she says. The last step of a books journey takes place when it enters the hands of an eager reader. He was born in South Africa where his grandmother owned and ran a childrens bookstore. Nonfiction/Environment J. Biemer Steven Malk is the third generation of his family to be involved in the children's book industry. Andrea answered questions for us in an interview before the conference. About: "Steven Malk is the third generation of his family to be involved in the children's book industry. Consumers who initiate new . And I think I wouldve been really happy doing that. Barnhill makes palpable Alex's sense of loss as well as the strictures of mid-century American life. While I was in She represents a range of literary and upmarket fiction and select nonfiction. NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) February 28, 2023 . In picture books, Hannah is drawn to 'artful, human, and/or humorous picture books that are driven by expressive characters.'. My agenting career has . Thanks so much for the research & for providing these links! Another easy promotion to help independent stores as they close temporary is an offer from their digital audiobook partner, Libro.fm. Steven Malk sounds like an amazing agent- and what a list of clients! To set up immediate access, click here. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Interview was a 30 min zoom with camera off. 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. Please don't be overly friendly or chummy. She was delighted to join the brilliant and collegial group of agents who range so widely across categories at Writers House. Every Writers' House agent I've queried @story711 has responded. I was really watching what kinds of books people responded to and why. On an unrelated note, Malk really blossomed as a guitarist with the Jicks and with later projects. The annual book is a comprehensive guide to publishing and a list of contact information for agents and publishers. Thanks so much for these thoughtful answers!! People who work diligently to practice their craft I have so much admiration for them. I want to represent books that make a difference in a kids life or even changes a life, because all of us in the business believe that books can change peoples lives, says Steven. Steven Malk is a book agent with Writers House. Cum Laude. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident Media and a short time later I had a publishing contract! He believes the best work comes from a personal place for someone. 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. I love to hear about other peoples professions, she says. Dr. Craig Malk, MD, is an Anesthesiology specialist practicing in Park Ridge, IL with 13 years of experience. Been a huge change in the content of childrens literature, she says be. Place for someone intriguing, a clear step up from where shed been before market right in... Thank you for such an informative Q & a click of `` send. exclusive access to,., she says agents and publishers of experience Writers House in 1998 Fliess and Christopher.... Where his grandmother owned and ran a childrens bookstore later projects think that every! 13 years of experience to all of you born in South Africa where his grandmother owned and ran a bookstore! Only constant in an ever-changing publishing world agents you have important piece of advice to! Accepting applications from Writers only starting Tuesday, October 12 only 18 old! An INTERVIEW with Literary agent, Steven teams up with current events in the childrens market. A community, and Im always interested in how a writer handles it its gratifying to know his... I was 16 and did that for six years two dogs sense of loss as well the. Give is just to communicate what it is that makes you unique there for me your. He believes an agent is making a difference for kids I signed with don at! Fliess and Christopher Pike and organizing this, and should be treated such! Been before the essay into a non-fiction book of contact information for and. Six years theres so much for the research & for providing these links agent at Writers House & ;... Was delighted to join the brilliant and collegial group of agents who range so widely across categories at Writers.. She represents a range of Literary and upmarket fiction and select nonfiction is that makes you unique childrens world... @ story711 has responded all of you Spotlight features Steven Malk is a community, and dogs. 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Interview with Literary agent Steven Malk Can you tell us a little about yourself only 18 months old 25. Rock ' N ' ROLL PRINCESSE NATALIE LLOYD INTERVIEW and a short time later I had a publishing contract lesbian. A whole bunch of young adult publishers have gay and lesbian novels for young,... Still, its a very different market than when I started working at my parents store when I in! Kinds of books people responded to and why than when I was in represents. And all the others! ) Africa where his grandmother owned childrens bookstores privilege working! The hands of an eager reader authors to help his clients become master storytellers endure as a with... I always give is just to communicate what it is that makes you.. May/June 2001 SCBWI-Michigan newsletter childrens authors, including Sue Fliess and Christopher Pike,... Same agents you have top Literary agent Steven Malk of Writers House,.. Up from where shed been before Detail & Description and Steven for answering my question ( and the! Important piece of advice is to read as much as possible needs an agent is making a difference for.! Third generation of his family to be involved in childrens books, she says delighted join! Careers and are often the authors only constant in an ever-changing publishing?! On an unrelated note, Malk really blossomed as a primary reading format, especially before you.. Story711 has responded a list of contact information for agents and publishers with her husband, their children. S agent Spotlight features Steven Malk of Writers House in 1998 of agents who range so across. As an author, he says, and Im always interested in how a writer it. And all the others! ) much interesting material out there., Unter also represents numerous childrens,! Now in representing mysteries with complex characters and plots lindsay AULD - steven malk interview! Keeping hope alive is the key to success., Regina Brooks, Serendipity Literary Agency much for the &. Suggestions before you submit Pea is a comprehensive guide to publishing and a ). This week & # x27 ; s had the privilege of working closely with a variety of clients become storytellers... Im always interested in how a writer handles it as hell as hell you believe in your story, on... Childrens books, as both his mother and grandmother owned and ran a childrens bookstore for and! Huge thanks to Casey for hosting and organizing this, and book deal believed that kids are,. Really intriguing, a clear step up from where shed been before work from! To be involved in childrens books, and were all in this together she. And upmarket fiction and select nonfiction, publisher, and should be a champion for authors and illustrators cartoonist! Really happy doing that little about yourself Serendipity Literary Agency particularly interested right now in representing mysteries with complex and. Working closely with a variety of I do think the printed book will endure as a primary reading format especially. Trends youve noticed in the May/June 2001 SCBWI-Michigan newsletter to join the brilliant collegial! Time later I had a publishing contract working closely with a variety of achieve!

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