About: "Bill Contardi has expanded upon a long career as an editor and dramatic rights agent to include literary representation. His areas of interest are voice-driven young adult and middle grade fiction, commercial thrillers and general fiction, psychological suspense, spirituality and memoir. " (Link)Status: Open to submissions.
What He's Looking For:
FICTION: literary fiction, commercial fiction, thrillers, middle grade, young adult
NONFICTION: Religion, spirituality, multi-cultural, memoir
From AgentQuery:
"I am looking for a fresh, smart voice, in control of the story which has some resonance to today. A story that hits the ground running with drama and fully developed characters and takes me to a new place. Writers, including multi-cultural, with a point of view, something to say which will appeal to an audience that enjoys wit and intelligence." (Link)
What He's Not Looking For:
Comix, Graphic novels, Erotica, Poetry, Puzzles, Games, Romance, Business, Investment, Cooking, Food, Wine, Crafts, Hobbies, DIY, Health, Diet, Home, Garden, Mind, Body, Spirit, Music, Musicals, Parenting, Family, Politics, Current affairs, Professional, Reference, Relationships, Family, Science, Technology, Early readers
Editorial Agent?
Yes, he requests revisions and editorial changes as needed.
Web Presence:
Brandt and Hochman Literary Agents, Inc. Website
AAR member.
AgentQuery, QueryTracker
Clients:
Gregory Funaro, Robert Beatty, Alyson Noel, Helena Ku Rhee, Cindy Pon, Sorayya Khan, Mary Jane Nealon among others.
Sales:
As of 3/2011, Mr. Contardi is listed on Publisher's Marketplace as having made 3 deals in the last 12 months, 3 six-figure+ deals, and 31 overall. Recent deals include 1 memoir, 2 young adult.
NOTE: PM is rarely a complete representation of sales. From Mr. Contardi: One picture book to Random. In PW. By Ru Khee. The Paper Kingdom in Fall 2017.
Query Methods:
E-mail: Yes (preferred).
Snail-Mail: No.
Submission Guidelines (always verify):
E-mail: Query only.
Snail-mail: No.
Query tips:
“Yes, I am always looking for writers. I prefer an email with a plot synopsis and an author bio. Some writing experience is always helpful -- that shows dedication to honing one's craft. I am looking for really good writing, with freshness and point view and relevance.” (Link)
Response Times:
Mr. Contardi generally responds within minutes to a few days, occasionally taking longer. His response time on requested material seems to fall within days to a couple weeks. Despite his quick turnaround, don’t be too hasty to followup if you don’t hear back right away. Agent response times fluctuate.
What's the Buzz?
In the business of books and dramatic rights for over 40 years.
Worth Your Time:
Interviews:
Agent Perspectives: Bill Contardi at Class of 2k10 (06/2010).
Contact:
Please see the Brandt and Hochman Literary Agents, Inc. website for contact information.
Profile Details:
Last updated: 1/10/18
Agent Contacted For Review? Yes
Last Reviewed by Agent: 1/22/18
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Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or e-mail me at natalieiaguirre7(at)gmail(dot)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.
I queried him at the beginning of the summer season, and haven't heard. Maybe I'll try again at the three month mark. Is that a respectable amount of time? :)
ReplyDeleteI think three months is perfectly respectable, Elana, especially given his normal speed. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI think you found my dream agent. Did you say MOVIES?? LOL.
ReplyDeleteSlim chance at film rights, Aimee, even with an agent involved in them. Though, I imagine chances are slightly better, given connections.
ReplyDelete: )
I know, but a girl can DREAM. (This girl does all the time)
ReplyDeleteThis girl does too. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great profile, Casey!
ReplyDeleteAnother great write up. You answered a lot of questions I had about him. I also like it when you find pictures of these agents. It's nice to see a face to a name.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up; I sent him a query letter.
ReplyDeleteYou know what's always so disappointing....comments like "slim chance at film rights" Really? Have you read her manuscript? Did the film industry completely stop making movies based on books? How about trying "Who knows?" or something positive. We face enough discouragement as writers don't we?
ReplyDelete@Anonymous , April 27th: Casey was just being realistic. More writers need to try that. Everybody (especially female writers) think they're going to scribble maybe a vampire romance, for example, and suddenly become the next Stephenie Meyer, making millions of bucks. No. Truth is Aimee will be lucky to get an agent. It's okay to dream but to turn the dream into a reality the first thing you need to do is wake up. I think Bill Cosby said that. Yes, the writing biz is full of discouragement, so here's some more: if you don't like the writing biz then quit; no one is making you stay.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Ms. Myers, James, and Rowling were told the same thing.
DeleteI am so excited to have just signed with Bill this week. I found him to be lightning fast in his communication (from query to call was about a month and he was on vacation in the middle of it.) He is smart, savvy, funny, and most of all, has fantastic enthusiasm and vision. I couldn't be more excited to work with him.
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't do picture books, by the way.
ReplyDeleteI queried him at 9:30 last night and received a response by 10:15. It was a rejection, but still, that’s service!
ReplyDeleteWhile I’m at it, I’ve been meaning to thank you, Casey, for all the work you do. I’ve been using your site for a month, and I’ve got a couple nibbles from agents I’ve found here. So thank you!
You're welcome, Joshua! Glad to hear you're finding Agent Spotlight useful. Good luck with the agents you're out with. Let me know if you get good news. : )
DeleteHi Casey,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this spotlight. I'm about ten (very long) days into the agent hunt and already feeling burned out. Bill's agency has no website, which always makes me a little weary, and your webpage, so fabulously laid out, was such an amazing end of week treat for my (very very shattered) nerves.
Thank you for your hard work.
Phiroozeh
phiroozeh.blogspot.com
You're very welcome, Phiroozeh. Good luck with Bill. I hope your agent hunt isn't a long one. Do let me know when you find an agent!
DeleteCasey
First, just FYI they appear to have a website now: http://brandthochman.com/
ReplyDeleteSecond, I've been using your site as one of the top resources for my agent search; it's FABULOUS. Thanks for putting in all this hard work for the benefit of fellow writers. <3
Alert: the 'conference bio from late 2008' statement that Contardi doesn't want middle grade fiction seems to be wrong. Middle grade is listed as one of his areas of interest on the B & H website.
ReplyDeleteBill is my agent and represent my middle grade fantasy series out this year. YES, he does do middle grade - among many other genres. Check out his bio on Brandt & Hochman's website. He is lovely to work with! Very low key but diligent, fast to respond, and presents options for you to make the best decision for your career with his guidance. He also has a strong background in dramatic rights too. I'm very glad to be working with him!
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