Not many people know it, but Im a huge fan of mysteries and read them in my spare time whenever I can. He works out of the San Diego office, which he opened for Writers House in 1998. (And Casey and Natalie.). Beginning Readers. Im not going to bite you, she says. But that person still has to be trained in how to dance and how to capture an audience., Similarly, she says, even the most talented writers must learn to craft a book proposal and a query letter and hone all the other skills that go into writing a book. Good luck to everyone querying! Zeke Pea is a Xicano storyteller and cartoonist from El Paso, TX. I was lucky enough to grow up around childrens books, as both my parents and grandmother owned independent childrens bookstores. Thanks, Steven, for doing this Q & A! 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. Home Book Agents Literary Agent Steven Malk Writers House. 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. During the course of your career, youve seen ebooks, apps, and online tools evolve in the publishing scene. As soon as I saw her work, I didnt even hesitate. QueryTracker Members can view the data gathered by all other members, organized into reports showing 2007-2023 QueryTracker. The role of the literary agent includes negotiating publishing contracts, but it's a much more comprehensive relationship. If youre working really hard and trying to get better, good things tend to happen.. But every case is different, he says. If its your career, you want to do it right. I'm glad, Beth! 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. Many of Baldis clients write about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender issues. Youll receive links to new articles in our monthly magazine, exclusive subscriber content, a chance to win giveaways, and an opportunity to share your perspective in our Readers Write column. 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). Steven Malk Literary Agent represents the followingbook genres: Scroll below now to view representative titlesand a complete profile for Steven MalkFREE in our BookAgents Directory. I have a full out with him right now. Write a Review . Theres a rise in different forms and formats for nonfiction, which for me, as a former history and poli sci major, is very gratifying. Right now, Im finding Elise Parsley a publisher and negotiating her a deal with a publisher, but in twenty years we may be negotiating a film deal, says Steven. His parents moved his family to San Diego in the late 1970s and opened their own childrens bookstore, The White Rabbit. There were a lot of iconic authors and illustrators coming through The White Rabbit on tour. Really thoughtful answers with some fresh insights. These cookies do not store any personal information. It looks like several of these links aren't working, just FYI. Now that youve worked so hard on writing your book, she says, you need to take searching for agents seriously. AAbbott Developer Test Fictional Press Fiction: Action/Adventure, Crime, Fantasy Non-Fiction: History, Humor Wow. Its been done. 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. 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 . I hope things worked out with your query. I can never read enough about what Steven Malk has to say! Round 1 Interview with two current associates on the team. 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. Every Writers' House agent I've queried @story711 has responded. Dr. Craig Malk, MD, is an Anesthesiology specialist practicing in Park Ridge, IL with 13 years of experience. Steven Malk is a book agent with Writers House. The role of the literary agent includes negotiating publishing contracts, but its a much more comprehensive relationship. though. As an agent, Steven teams up with authors to help them achieve their publishing goals. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston Thanks for sharing! Remember that this is a community, and were all in this together, she says. 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. ~Jess. 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. Thanks for this interview! 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. You don' want to come across as someone whos just dabbling or who doesnt take the business particularly seriously as a potential career. 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. 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. The response time is going to be quicker. 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. All Rights Reserved. View book at Amazon. Before it gets to that point, a book must go through many different stages of development. Childrens/YA D. Bester 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. Author-Illustrators. The important part of . It's always great to see the perspective from an agent's eyes. Books should be read by everyone., Baldi has 21 books coming out in 2016. If you wish to submit to Steve Malk in our San Diego office, queries may be addressed to: Writers House. Look for them to be fully updated in 2023. 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. Look no further. Be patient. Wonderful interview. Childrens/Chapter Book J. Agee Chapter Book Illustrators. One typo isn't something to stress too much over!I added a link to Mr. Malk's Twitter and updated a few things. Ive been surprised in a couple of cases that writers dont seem to know this. Cum Laude. As an editor, youre troubleshooting the manuscript.. Baldi specializes in literary fiction, memoir, and cultural history, including a reprint of Daniel Pools What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist the Facts of Daily Life in Nineteenth-Century England. Now, shes on the lookout for a book proposal about how one becomes an architect. 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. They All Saw a Cat, illustrated and written by Brendan Wenzel (Caldecott Honor) Listen HERE But what will never change is peoples hunger for great stories and great storytelling. Want more information about Steven Malk? Pre-order book campaigns can be a lot of work. The lack of diversity is on the mark. Meanwhile, flyers promising the truth about the "Great Dragoning" begin to appear around town, and scientists try to determine the cause of the women's metamorphosis. There are three things that editors look for: hook, incredible writing, and platform, Brooks says. New York, NY 10271. I have a daughter who is almost five and a half, and a son who just turned two. What an inspiration. Thanks Casey and Steven for all of your time putting this together. It has a lot to say, and it presents a different perspective that I think is really important., Malk, one of numerous agents at Writers House, represents both childrens authors and illustrators. When you get an email from a potential client, what are the elements that make you excited about a project or creator? I started working at my parents' store when I was 16 and did that for six years. I spent so many years as a bookseller, agent, and general childrens book enthusiast, and I always have loved recommending books to people. Copyrighted Content. But I still think that the market is very open to fresh new voices and great writing. Regular Price: 27.99 USD. Wow! At the end of the day, they want their books to be out in front of as many kids as possible.. If it's because of publishing's "MARKET" and my book doesn't fit than let me know! While I was in college, I interned at an agency and realized that it brought all of my interests together: getting to interact directly with writers and artists and be a part of their creative process, while also managing the business side of their careers. I also represent picture book and graphic novel illustrators, or author/illustrators. Tips for writing and sending query letters. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, their two children, and two dogs. Her perspective is one that Im thrilled to see shared.. Read comments by other authors who have queried the same agents you have. Thank you! Brent graciously agreed to share his knowledge about GNs for the MG and younger crowd. Become a member and get exclusive access to articles, contests and more! You're welcome Kristi and Anna. (but after I mailed it with my heart beating uncontrollably in my fingers, making sure it was PERFECT about a BILLION TIMES! Feature photo: Steven reading with his daughter. And theres the really basic stuff of just being professional. Ive always believed that kids are very, very smart and sophisticated readers, and should be treated as such. Having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable." Most important of all is the impact the books make on the kids. Claim your profile (773) 486-0126 . Agent statistics, detailing how long each agent typically takes to respond to a query. Thanks! And thank you, Casey for posting it! Many thanks, Steven. I was able to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. I guess it's just taking a little longer. A writer needs to figure out what he/she wants in an agent, and spend as much time possible trying to figure out who that is, rather than just shooting blind. Wow! Support independent bookstores and select books for your reader or readers. Shes worked on it for a very long time. In particular, Unter gravitates toward books about food and cooking, nature and the environment, health and fitness, and travel and adventure. I want to be published, but I want to GROW as a storyteller and I think he's the man to help. He believes an agent should be a champion for authors and illustrators. The whole landscape of childrens publishing has changed, in some ways for the better and in some ways for the worse. Your parents moved to San Diego in the 1970s and opened The White Rabbit. Molly Leach. Who are these professionals dedicated to literature and a roster of clients who rely on them for everything from moral to legal support? Pros. For Steven, representing authors and childrens books goes even further than the one-on-one relationships he forms with his clients. My agenting career has . Thank you for all your hard work, Casey. The book originated with a single illustration I saw on Christian's blog (pointed out to me by my badass agent, Steven Malk, who also represents Christian). You can write about sex, drugs, drinking, suicide., Even picture books have gotten much more sophisticated, she notes. Ive always been a big fan of flawed or unreliable narrators as protagonists. Chicago, IL 60622 . Stephen Aikman has been working as a Member Board of Directors for ADAPT - Halton Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment for 151 days. But just by chance, in one of these moments when your life turns on something small and random, I was at my brothers graduation from UCLA. At what point did you decide to become a literary agent? On Good Friday in 1953, at only 18 months old, 25 miles . And I think I wouldve been really happy doing that. All rights reserved. Publishing Agent Steven Malk is an agent with Writers House. I love Elise's story. Do you offer editorial suggestions before you submit the manuscript to an editor? Still, its gratifying to know that his work as an agent is making a difference for kids. Do you ask for edits from a perspective client before you sign them on? Believe in yourself, and believe that publication can happen it will happen. 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. Dragons_Malk . I knew immediately that it was the right job for me. Received half normal interview questions and half case study questions. 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. Theyre just doing what someone else tells them to do. My biggest piece of advice, as I mentioned earlier, is to slow down and take your time. Do Writers House agents still reply to every query? Publisher: Hyperion (June 1, 2010) Gossip Girl goes to college in this tart satire of the class of 2014, centering on four mixed-up Dexter College freshmen who stumble through their first semester trying on life, love, and drugs. Thanks, Steve. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. :), EQ (requery from two years ago): 13 Nov 2022. Has anyone heard back from a full from this agent? Or watch this video about Molly on YouTube. Just pick those agents that you actually think will do the best job, she says. 0. Resist the urge to hit save on your manuscript and immediately start sending out emails to anyone whos accepting submissions.