Literary agent vs. Illustration agent ?

idid

For those of you who are author-illustrators or who are seeking representation, just wonder have you ever had any debates for the pros and cons of getting an literary agent vs. an illustration agent?

I did a bit research for several literary agent and their clients. It seems a lot literary agent has author-illustrators in their client lists, but had never make any deal for them.

On the other hand, if an illustrator happens to write as well, I'm not sure if illustration agency is the best option. It's also a bit hard for me to tell the performances of agents from their websites, as they often don't list what deal they've made for clients.

Any thoughts?

demotlj

@idid They talk about this in one of the Three Point Perspective Podcasts. I can't remember which one but it was one of the more recent ones.

Nyrryl Cadiz

Hmm... I’m no expert in this but with my Agents from Advocate Art, if one of their illustrators want to write a book, Advocate will refer them to their sister company Collaborate who deals with their literary projects.

idid

@Nyrryl-Cadiz sounds pretty cool! Thank you!

idid

@demotlj They talked briefly about agents scooping artist, not in depth though. Thanks anyway!

davidhohn

@idid If you know you are going to be an illustrator-author would suggest going for a literary agent.
In my experience, both personal and from attending talks at SCBWI events, illustrator agents are not prepared to handle an illustrator-author project. Whereas literary agents do AND are often set up to handle illustration only projects for their illustration focused clients.

idid

Thank you! @davidhohn

You made a good point. Literary agents are also starting to function like illustration agents (for books only though) these days. I illustrate and write and I found myself love writing so far and have received a few recognitions as writer-illustrator, but still not sure which kind of agents to take.

davidhohn

@idid That is true about "books only". I just had a chat with my lit agent about how everything that is not specifically picture books are projects that I'll handle myself.