Do you know Mira Reisberg? You should! She’s the brainchild behind The Picture Book Academy, teaching kidlit writers the finer points of the craft. And now, Mira’s got exciting news. She’s launching Hummingbird Literary next week!
Mira, why did you decide to become a children’s book agent?
Well Tara, it’s kind of a wild story. I started off on the creative production end—illustrating and writing picture books—and had some success. Then I started teaching children’s book illustrating and writing at UC Berkeley Extension and San Francisco City College Extension. Some of my students ended up becoming very successful and my own books continued to sell well. I was invited to Washington State University to give some presentations and school visits and then got talked into moving there to do a PhD. It was truly the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it prepared me for everything that has come since. After teaching children’s literature, writing and illustrating, and art education in universities for 7 years, I realized I hated the grading and how confining institutions can be and left. I decided to start my own school, The Picture Book Academy, which has turned out to be very successful with 11 students receiving 15 contracts so far just in the last 10 months. It’s been pretty amazing.
Wow, 15 contracts in under a year is pretty amazing! That success cannot be ignored. What happened next?
The beautiful Karen Grencik from Red Fox Literary and I got talking and she told me that she thought I’d make a great agent and offered to mentor me. Her agency is closed to submissions except through referrals and conferences etc., so she decided to invest in me so that more people could have a shot at getting quality work out to publishers and into children’s hands. I feel like a series of doors have opened for me that I’ve walked through. Karen has been an incredibly generous door opener for me and as this is most likely the only time that she will put this much time and effort into training someone, I want to make her proud. It helps that I also see myself as a door opener too. I also see you as a huge door opener with PiBoIdMo. Tara, can you talk about how you came to start your own journey as a children’s book author leading up to the publication of your wonderful book, THE MONSTORE, and how you came to launch Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo)?
Being a children’s book author is what I always wanted to do, but I didn’t have the timing right until my second daughter was born. There were other things dominating my time before then—competing in figure skating on the National level, establishing a career in high-tech—but once I had my girls and I was staying home, I was immersed in children’s literature and my old feelings bubbled to the surface. I read to my kids constantly! And I finally made the time to write seriously. So I started by joining a critique group. I read hundreds of books, attended SCBWI events, studied craft guides, and began this blog in late 2007.
So when November 2008 rolled around, I read blogs of writer friends and got all jealous over NaNoWriMo. I didn’t write novels! Where was the inspirational event for picture book writers?
Well, there were none in November. So I created one. Honestly I thought only a handful of people would participate, but I suppose other PB writers were as eager as I was to have our own month-long event, because by 2012, PiBoIdMo had 750 participants! There’s also been more than a dozen contracts signed from participants’ PiBoIdMo ideas, and I’m so happy to have played a role in getting great books for kids into the world.
So Mira, what is the name of your new literary agency, and, speaking of doors, when do yours swing open? And what specifically are you seeking in submissions?
First off, Tara, yay to PiBoIdMo, where you host a month of inspiration and support for people to write a month’s worth of picture book ideas! It’s a wonderful group on Facebook and via your website and one that I love being a part of. Thank you.
The agency is called Hummingbird Literary. After wrestling with myself about doing this, I came up with a whole bunch of names including this one but didn’t want to use it because it’s a long name and I wanted something short. At the same time, an exquisite hummingbird kept coming right up to my window over and over, being extremely insistent, so it pretty much named itself. I also love the symbolism of hummingbirds as bringers of joy and good news and as small miracles able to travel great distances very fast, despite their tiny size. I’m also very small in size. Right now, I am particularly interested in author/illustrators, stunning illustrators, and non-fiction that hooks me in and keeps me there. Doors are opening July 28th on Beatrix Potter’s birthday (please read the submissions policy). Beatrix Potter was not only a wonderful children’s book author and illustrator, but she was also an early environmentalist, which is reflected in her books. I have a sweet spot for books that help make a better world in playful ways.
Tara, I recently did a video review of The Monstore where I spoke about how well you’ve done at keeping the text smart, fun, and succinct and let the illustrations convey a lot of information. How was this process for you and did you have any illustrator notes for James or have a say in who illustrated your book? Also another thing that I wanted to talk with you about is how your book is doing given Barnes and Nobles political situation and how it affects your book. I wanted to find out because a) I’m curious and b) I thought it might be helpful to give your peeps a peek at what can happen even after you get a contract.
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There were exactly two illustration notes, both in the very beginning, describing the eat-your-food-under-the-table monster and the glow-in-the-dark monster. Never a note about what they looked like, just about what they did. You’ve got to trust the illustrator because their visual interpretations are far more perfect that we can ever imagine.
I did have a say in who illustrated the book. And the say was, “OMG, YES! HIRE JAMES BURKS!” after my editor and art director showed me his online portfolio.
The Barnes & Noble thing is a real sore spot. Like a bruise. If I don’t touch it, I don’t notice it’s there. But when I press it, I feel all OUCHIE.
When I signed the contract with Aladdin—the “commercial” imprint at Simon & Schuster—there was never a doubt in my mind that B&N and Borders would carry THE MONSTORE. Of course, Borders is now gone, and the B&N/S&S dispute is extremely unfortunate timing. I know sales must be suffering, despite my best efforts to promote the book online and off.
Lots of strange things happen once a book is out. You’re so happy when you sign the contract, you don’t think about this post-release stuff. Professional reviewers don’t review your book for unknown reasons, some pan it, and those pubs who give positive reviews write them like plot summaries.
I realize I should be grateful for any reviews, but I’m beginning to believe the professional reviews don’t matter as much as general public opinion. And the feedback for the book has been tremendous. Readers really love it. That’s all I ever hoped for. I’ve already received fan mail! When I hear a kid is asking their parents to read it over and over (and the parent obliges without being annoyed), I get all warm and fuzzy inside, like being tucked into a down blanket on a snow day. Knowing a book I created is welcomed in someone’s home is a pretty cool feeling.
Hopefully word of mouth will negate any damage from the B&N situation. Maybe B&N will realize they NEED this book for the Halloween and end-of-year gift-giving season. There’s still hope, right?
Mira, I promised my blog readers an exclusive offer from you. What did you have in mind?
I’d love to Tara but our conversation is so juicy—can we continue it tomorrow?
Oh, what a cliffhanger! OK, I’ll just sit here and wait. Good thing I’ve got Cookie Monster here to keep me company.
66 comments
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July 22, 2013 at 6:19 am
Dawnyelle
So exciting-I’m on the edge of my seat with anticipation for tomorrow! And I love the piboldmo reminder! Time to gather sharp pencils and bright crayons!
July 22, 2013 at 6:43 am
rlkurstedt
Mira, That’s so exiting. Congratulations. Will you sill be doing the picture book academy? Been saving to take a class.
July 22, 2013 at 6:57 am
Tara Lazar
Yes. So stay tuned, Rosanne!
July 22, 2013 at 1:29 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you so much for your kind words and support. As I won’t be earning any income for the first year of agenting, I’ll be continuing with PBA classes for as long as I can within that year, which I love doing. However, I’ll be scaling back on the number of courses that I do and how I do them. For example the Hero’s Art Journey which will be happening in October, will be co-taught by the brilliant multi-award winning illustrator and author of over 20 picture books Maya Gonzalez. In the upcoming writing course starting August 26th I have a limited number of one-on-one critiques available and after that the brilliant Julie Downing, another award-winning illustrator and author of over 40 books will do a limited number. After the agency starts becoming self-sustaining, the courses will either become self-paced or taught by guest instructors. I am super excited about the courses that I will be teaching as I know that they will be among my last 😦 But I am even more excited about going that next step and actually representing people to help get their work published.
July 22, 2013 at 1:30 pm
mirareisberg
I forgot my little super smiley face at the end 🙂 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 6:58 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Oh the suspense!!!
Great interview 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 1:30 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Cathy 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 7:24 am
Donna L Martin
What a fun interview from both of you ladies! I’m so excited to be able to say “I knew you when…” with both of you. Good luck Tara with your fun book and good luck Mira with your agency! I look forward to submitting some of my stories for your review…
Donna L Martin
July 22, 2013 at 1:31 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Donna. Good luck with RYS, what comes tomorrow 🙂 or having me at a conference near you 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 7:50 am
Michelle
Thanks for sharing. I look forward to the continued conversation.
July 22, 2013 at 1:32 pm
mirareisberg
Me too!! Thank you Michelle.
July 22, 2013 at 8:16 am
elainekielykearns
Great interview! Good luck to you, Mira!
July 22, 2013 at 1:33 pm
mirareisberg
Loving you Elaine xox
July 22, 2013 at 8:47 am
Diane Kress Hower
Great Interview Tara and Mira. I love hearing stories of women who follow their dreams. I am excited to have Monstore in my hands and line up a review here in Colorado and I think Mira’s name of her business is a wonderful for Mira and her story. Looking forward to part two.
July 22, 2013 at 1:33 pm
mirareisberg
Diane – you are gorgeous. Thanks for the great comments.
July 22, 2013 at 9:04 am
evelynchristensen
I loved hearing the back story from both you on this part of your writing/publishing/encouraging-other-writers-and-illustrators journey. Thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely be back tomorrow to read the rest.
July 22, 2013 at 1:34 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Evelyn. Looking forward to having you participate in what Tara and I have cooked up 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 9:09 am
Joanne Roberts
What fabulous news. Congratulations and best wishes on your new endeavor!
July 22, 2013 at 1:34 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Joanne 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 9:12 am
Cathy C. Hall
Oh, man…can I borrow Cookie Monster till tomorrow?
July 22, 2013 at 9:42 am
Margie Kimberley
Oh pooh, hate to wait :). Guess I’ll bake cookies.
Exciting endeavors. Enjoyed the post. Thanks to both of you.
July 22, 2013 at 1:35 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Margie 🙂 Enjoy your cookies.
July 22, 2013 at 10:01 am
Patricia Tilton
What an inspiring interview. Mira, congratulations on your new endeavor. I enjoyed hearing more about your background and your thoughts about what you want to do. Really like the agency name “Hummingbird Literary.”
July 22, 2013 at 1:36 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Patricia. Yes it is terrifically exciting. It’s lucky that I love hummingbirds.
July 22, 2013 at 10:14 am
Donna L. Sadd
Great interview Tara and Mira. Wishing much success to you both! :0)
July 22, 2013 at 1:40 pm
mirareisberg
Ditto right back at you Donna 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 10:25 am
carolmunrojww
Mira, it seems like this is a natural next step for you, and I wish you a wonderful adventure. I think your success is assured by that little bird at your window, along with the smart decisions you’ve made to help manage your workload. I also love that you’ve broken the “rules” of the perfect cover letter. What you request will tell you everything you need to know, and will ensure that the authors put some energy into submitting something that’s ready and right for you. I have a new level of admiration for you! Congrats and have fun!
July 22, 2013 at 1:42 pm
mirareisberg
Oh Carol. I’m so happy to have been part of your journey too. Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. Whenever we do something new and push ourselves out of our comfort zone, it’s pretty scary. Thank you so much for your support. It is much appreciated.
July 22, 2013 at 10:35 am
Alayne Kay Christian
I love the back and forth in this interview. A little interviewing of Mira – a little interviewing of Tara – what fun. I love Mira’s story of the hummingbird that persisted. The name of the agency is lovely. I also enjoyed the video review of Monstore. Best wishes to Mira and Hummingbird Literary, and best wishes to you, Tara. Monstore seems to be doing very well on Amazon, and for good reason. It is a fun book. Congratulations to you both.
July 22, 2013 at 1:43 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Alayne. What a lovely response to our interview. It is much appreciated.
July 22, 2013 at 10:35 am
Alayne Kay Christian
I forgot to say that the cliffhanger has me on the edge of my seat 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 10:41 am
Sally Spratt
Mira is amazing. Thanks for sharing her interview.
July 22, 2013 at 1:44 pm
mirareisberg
You are pretty amazing yourself Sally 🙂 So happy that we’ve each been part of each others journeys.
July 22, 2013 at 10:48 am
Jarm Del Boccio
Love the cliffhanger, Mira. . .and congrats on Hummingbird Literary! Tara, thanks for sharing some of the pitfalls of promotion. . . Someday, they will come in handy!
July 22, 2013 at 1:44 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you for your response Jarm 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 11:04 am
viviankirkfield
Tara…Mira…definitely a dynamic duo! What a clever way to do an interview…trading places for Q&A. It was like getting an inside look at what happens AFTER your book is published (thanks, Tara!) and how following your passion can spell success for you and for others (thanks, Mira!).
Having heard about PiBoIdMo in 2011, I hopped on board in 2012 and was blown away by the daily posts which inspired and informed me. My November notebook is overflowing with ideas for picture books and golden nuggets of writing wisdom gleaned from the guest posters. Having heard about Picture Book Academy from others, I decided to take a leap of faith (I’ve been doing that a lot lately)…I’m signed up for the August class…hurray!
By the way, I blogged today about building relationships in the kid lit community and added a link to both PiBoIdMo and Picture Book Academy.:)
July 22, 2013 at 11:18 am
Tara Lazar
Thank you, Vivian! Appreciate your comments and the links!
July 22, 2013 at 2:12 pm
mirareisberg
Hi Vivian – am very excited to have you int he class, which should be extra special. And thank you for the shout out 🙂
July 23, 2013 at 1:23 pm
viviankirkfield
I’m excited as well, Mira! Always a pleasure to spread the word about worthwhile endeavors!
July 22, 2013 at 11:04 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Fan mail!! That may just be my favorite mail in the whole world ….besides contracts! Can Hummingbird and Picture Book Academy coexist peacefully?
July 22, 2013 at 2:14 pm
mirareisberg
Hi Genevieve. I’m hoping it can. Wish me luck. I’m trying to do a separation of church and state thing through the submissions policy. Wish me luck and also see my response to rlkurstedt, 2nd comment from top.
July 22, 2013 at 11:06 am
Monday Writing Magic – Building Relationships Within the Kid Lit Community | Picture Books Help Kids Soar
[…] https://taralazar.com/2013/07/22/mira-reisberg-part-1/ […]
July 22, 2013 at 11:07 am
Sue Frye
Mira and Tara, Congratulations to the both of you! I’m so happy for your successes! And that cliffhanger! I need to take lessons from you. Pun intended. I’ll be back tomorrow:)
July 22, 2013 at 2:16 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Sue 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 11:24 am
:Donna Marie
This was a great conversation (as opposed to a straight interview), which made it that much more fun to read 🙂 Here’s hoping all goes well with BOTH your endeavors! Congrats!
July 22, 2013 at 2:17 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Donna Marie – we had tons of fun with it. Hope you enjoy part 2 as well 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 12:47 pm
Anne Bromley
Thank you for this amazing conversation and for sharing your successes! Many, many congratulations to you both. I wish you the very best. And I look forward to the next conversation!
July 22, 2013 at 2:19 pm
mirareisberg
Anne – thank you so much for your kind comments. Life is so unpredictable and super exciting. I wish you all the best too.
July 22, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Susan Halko
I love the story about the persistent hummingbird, Mira! And so neat to read about the making of MONSTORE and the art notes, Tara! Thanks! Looking forward to Part 2.
July 22, 2013 at 2:21 pm
mirareisberg
Susan – thank you for taking the time to comment. We’re looking forward to finishing part 2 as well and wow about that hummingbird. I’m lucky enough to live in a house with a mini orchard in the backyard and lots of vegetation that ring lots of birds and butterflies.
July 22, 2013 at 5:48 pm
tinamcho
I’m intrigued! Great interview!
July 22, 2013 at 8:25 pm
mirareisberg
Tina – I am so happy that you are in the upcoming course 🙂 Can’t wait to work with you!!!
July 22, 2013 at 5:56 pm
Catherine Johnson
Hummingbird is perfect to represent children’s stories. How exciting, Mira. Congratulations! And Tara you already know what I think of The Monstore. I’ve actually got a neat idea for a trapdoor post 😉
July 22, 2013 at 8:26 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Catherine. What a beautiful comment. The agency already feels blessed ❤
July 22, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Joanne Fritz
Oh wow! A blog post with a cliffhanger ending! Love it. Tara and Mira, this is such a fun conversation. So much more interesting than a straightforward interview. Mira, congratulations on the new literary agency with the beautiful name. And Tara, I wish you continued success. Word of mouth is pretty powerful, so I know THE MONSTORE will sell and sell.
July 22, 2013 at 10:07 pm
mirareisberg
Joanne I love your comment. Thank you 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Romelle Broas
Congratulations, Mira! I enjoyed reading about the story behind your agency name. You have a super exciting future ahead of you! I wish you well. And thanks, Tara, for the interview. It’s fascinating reading your take on the market. But I have no doubt your book will do well! I’ve been telling all my family and friends about your wonderful book!
July 22, 2013 at 10:08 pm
mirareisberg
Hey Roomie – Can’t wait to hang with you in LA 🙂
July 22, 2013 at 8:57 pm
Sandy Perlic
Thanks for featuring Mira today, Tara! I’ve heard so many great things about her, and feel she’ll truly help bring some wonderful books into the world in her new career. I, too, will be taking her August class and can’t wait to enrich my own writing with what I learn.
Best of luck in your new venture, Mira!
July 22, 2013 at 10:09 pm
mirareisberg
Sandy – I’m so happy that I’ll be having you in the class. It’s going to be pretty amazing!!! Thank you for the kind comments.
July 22, 2013 at 9:30 pm
Janet Smart
Anxiously awaiting tomorrow’s post.Love Hummingbird for the name.
July 22, 2013 at 10:09 pm
mirareisberg
Thank you Janet. I’m anxiously awaiting it too!!
July 22, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks for the fun interview, Mira and Tara!
Tara–I’m so sorry about The Monstore not being in B&N–they’re missing out on an amazing book. I hope you’re right that they’ll realize they need to have it out on display for Halloween.
Mira–congrats again for becoming an agent. It’s wonderful to know that there’s another picture book loving agent out there. I’m sure you’ll have a list full of talented writers and illustrators soon. 🙂
July 23, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Sheri Rad
I was in the dark as to why your book is not in Barnes and Noble and the problems with a publisher. I try to find it anyway after all the comments and hype. Hope things get better.
Can’t wait to see where and when Hummingbird Literary gets started. I am checking into the Picturebookacademy.com, too. I want all the advice and help I can get.
Sheri
July 24, 2013 at 9:03 pm
laurimeyers
What a great double interview.
I can’t believe you got fan mail! (Well I can believe it, but seriously how awesome!!)
July 28, 2013 at 9:12 pm
karadhya
Another great post, Tara. Your blog is just fantastic! And congratulations, Mira! Good luck with your new venture!