Literary Rambles

This week's Agent Spotlight features Steven Malk of Writers House. 

About: Steven Malk has quite the history with children's books.  His grandmother opened one of the first children's bookstores in the world in Johannesburn South Africa in 1952, and his parents owned White Rabbit Children's Books - a well known store that stocked 35,000 children's titles with locations in La Jolla and Costa Mesa, Ca.  Steven worked at the White Rabbit for six years where he developed much of his knowledge and instinct that he still relies on today. 

A combination of interests and talents would inevitably lead him to agenting.  He started his career at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency, before moving to Writers House, the New-York-based giant.  Malk opened the West Coast office for Writers House in 1998. 

Status: Open to submissions but not actively building his client list.

What He's Looking For:

"I just look for work that speaks to me in some way; work that I'm drawn to, and that stays with me. I know that's a vague and somewhat generic answer, but it's a hard thing to pin down. I really look for a strong voice." (Link)

"I represent many different kinds of books, ranging from very young picture books to middle grade and young adult novels. I really work on almost all genres." (Link)

What He Isn't Looking For:

"I tend to see too much stuff that's derivative of whatever's popular at the moment; stuff that's trying to capitalize on a trend. I want manuscripts that would succeed and stand out independent of any time or place. I have no interest in what's "hot" at the moment." (Link)

Pet-Peeves: 

"...it doesn't feel good as an agent to receive a submission where your name has been filled in at the top and it's obvious that every other agent in the business is receiving the same submission." (Link)

His Advice to Writers:

"I can't stress enough how important it is to find the right agent for you as opposed to just any agent. I understand the impulse to want to get your work out there as quickly as possible, but it's important for writers to take a step back and take their time in making the decision about where to submit their work. 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. Ideally, once you find an agent who likes your work, you've already done your homework and know a lot about them...."  (Link)

(I only quoted part of the above quote, because it's so long, but please go read the whole thing.  It really backs up what I've been trying to emphasize!)

"Even if it takes you an extra 6 months, year, or 3 years to break through, in the scope of an entire career, that's nothing if it means doing it right. If you want to have a long, successful career in this field, it's crucial to present yourself as a professional who's taking his/her career seriously, as opposed to someone who's just looking for the first deal that comes along." (Link)

"Be professional. It's amazing to me how many people don't send a SASE, or write their cover letters in pencil with things misspelled, or send me something, then three weeks later send a whole new draft saying, "I sent you the wrong story." I really like a good cover letter—it makes an impression on me. But your work''s going to speak for itself no matter what." (Link)

Quotables:

"I keep in touch with my clients via phone and email. It's different for every client, in that some people want to be more involved with this process than others. I think it's important to let your agent know how much information you want (do you want to be informed every time their is a rejection, or just when there's a sale etc.)." (Link)

"I read all of my own email. But if they're queries, my assistant does help me respond to them. I should add that my assistant is very bright and a great readers, and she's in a position where she's going to begin to take on her own clients." (Link) 

A couple clarifications here.  When he says he reads all his e-mail, that includes submissions as well.  He's just saying his assistant will help him with the responses.  And he's referring to Lindsay Davis in this quote, who is now building her own list. 

Editorial Agent?

"I do like to get involved and offer editorial suggestions, where it's appropriate. These days, publishers like to receive manuscripts that are fairly polished, so it's important for agents to offer those comments, if they think that they can help take a manuscript to the next level." (Link)

"Yes, it's quite uncommon for me to send something out - especially by a first-time writer - and not ask for revisions first. The market is more competitive than ever, and it's worth it to me to take the time to make something as polished as possible. The goal isn't just to sell a manuscript; it's to put it in the best possible position to succeed. And the better shape a manuscript is in, the more likely this is to happen."  (Link)

Web Presence:

Writers House web site.

AgentQuery, QueryTracker, & LitMatch.

Clients:

Peter de Seve, Mac Barnett, Brian Biggs, Justina Chen Headley, Matt de la Pena, Kelly DiPucchio, Jennifer Donnelly, Carson Ellis, AG Ford, Gris Grimly, Brett Helquist, Stephanie Hemphill, Deborah Hopkinson, Amanda Jenkins, Jon Klassen, Melinda Long, Nikki McClure, Kenneth Oppel, Margie Palatini, Sara Pennypacker, Frank Portman, Elise Primavera, Aaron Renier, Adam Rex, Chris Rylander, Cynthia Rylant, Paul Schmid, Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, Sonya Sones, Yoko Tanaka, Amy Timberlake, Eric Wight, Deborah Wiles, Karma Wilson, David Yoo, Michelle Zink.

Sales:

As of this posting, Mr. Malk is listed on Publisher's Marketplace as having made 14 deals in the last 12 months, 26 overall, and 4 six-figure+ deals.   Recent sales include 9 picture books, 3 middle grade, and 2 young adult.

Query Methods:

E-mail: Yes.

Snail-Mail: Yes.

Online-Form: No.

Submission Guidelines (always verify):

E-mail: Query only.

Snail-mail:  Query and SASE.

Query Tips:

"I just look for a query letter to be professional, concise, and to the point. It should include a good description of your work, and show that you have a good handle on your work as well as establish you as a professional..." (Link)

"If you take the time to write a great query, you'll immediately stand out from the pack -- I can guarantee you. Sure, the work ultimately speaks for itself, but you'll put yourself ahead of the game if you spend the time to write a great letter." (Link)

The agency also likes to know if it's a multiple submission.

Response Times:

I believe his general policy is to respond within two weeks, though response times realistically fluctuate between minutes and several weeks.  

What's the Buzz?

Steven Malk has fabulous buzz.  Clients and aspiring writers alike are quick to praise him, and Verla Kay and Alice Pope have made many complimentary comments throughout past years. He's apparently a really fun guy, what with his bobble-head collection and being sugar fiend and all.  I really think his active presence on the Internet (doing live chats and the like) and his ever-courteous attitude, despite the fact he isn't taking on many new clients, has really worked in his favor.  It seems the only reason to be "disappointed" in him, is that he can't take on an infinite number of clients!

Worth Your Time:

Interviews:

Interview with literary agent Steven Malk at Hope Vestergaurds web site.

Interview with Steven Malk by Alma Fullerton.

A podcast interview with Steven Malk from 2007 on PodcastDirectory.

Live Chat Transcripts:

Workshop Transcript Q&A at Verla Kay's web site (2002).

Workshop Trancript Q&A at Verla Kay's web site (2005).

Another chat room workshop Q&A at Verla's (2006).

Other:

Advice from Agent Steven Malk - an article posted by Alice Pope at Writer's Digest.

Here's a funny post found in Alice Pope's archives regarding Steven Malk's serious sugar tooth.

A summary of breakout sessions from the SCBWI Western WA 2009 conference, which includes a paragraph on Mr. Malk.

A summary and pics from a 2008 SCBWI conference that includes Mr. Malk at Paula Yoo's web site.

A bit about Steven Malk being otherwise known as "Steven Bobble" (he collects bobble heads in his office) at client Lane Smith's web site.

Steven's client, Michelle Zink, shares her pub story on Reviewer X.

You can see another picture of Steven Malk on Alice Pope's JacketFlap.

Contact:

Please see Mr. Malk's AgentQuery page or the Writers House web site for contact and query information.

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Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or e-mail me at agentspotlight(at)gmail.com

Note: These agent profiles presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. They are not interviews. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found herein is subject to change.