Manuscript Wishlist
I am looking for genre fiction, especially horror (and kid-horror), high-concept standalone fantasy, speculative fiction, magical realism, and accessible or near-future science fiction. I am also looking for select middle grade nonfiction about history or STEM.
I am always especially interested in receiving queries from Black, Indigenous, and POC authors, stories featuring disability representation by disabled authors, stories from trans authors, and books by or about the lesser-represented perspectives of the LGBTQIA+ community. I'd also love to see queries that foreground agender/asexual characters, stories that center friendship over romantic interest, and contemporary romcoms from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors.
I am not the right fit for hard science fiction, epic fantasy series, military or police fiction, books about school shootings or sexual assault, poetry, novels in verse, erotica, and adult non-fiction.
I am looking for upper MG titles for readers in the 10-14 age range and prefer titles with YA-crossover appeal. As a former Very Serious Middle Graderâ„¢, I am primarily interested in books that speak to that same reader today: stories that skip the fart jokes, don't lean heavily on zaniness or condescend to them, with quiet humour and philosophical hooks, a safe place to explore their emotions and anxieties or examine difficult topics like mental health or gender identity.
I'm always looking for sharp, smart, and scary kid-horror, as long as it's got enough heart and morality to offset the scares, centers universal topics, and has a strong moral lesson attached. I'm currently looking specifically for stories that feature LGBTQ+ characters or coming out stories for younger readers and books with ensemble casts like Stranger Things that concentrate on their strong friendships. I'm also currently accepting queries for modernized story collections or potential series from author-illustrators (or established working teams).
For young adult readers, I'm looking primarily for high-concept fantasy, science fiction, urban fantasy, and non-European fairytale retellings or adaptations of Western fables that feature a diverse cast or are written by a BIPOC author. I love a unique blend of worlds, weird dystopias rooted in science or science fiction (please, no plague/disease stories right now), and stories that embrace the beautiful, horrible power of creatures we've come to think as whimsical instead of eldrich, like fey or angelic hosts.
I am looking for horror with depth and nuance, especially those that frame marginalization or systemic issues in a new and terrifying way. I love a good body horror, well-executed gore, and having to wonder which characters will make it to the end; if I throw your book across the room at the end, that's even better, honestly.
Finally, I'm looking for love stories that don't necessarily center romantic love, instead making room for found family or close friendships to get through conflict. This is especially in the case of agender and female protagonists whose journey leads them to understanding they aren't and don't have to be alone in the world. Nevertheless, I do quite enjoy cheesy, sappy, queer romcoms, with emphasis on comedy (especially when it feels like it could the anecdote of a poor confused poster found on /r/relationships).
I'm looking for upmarket adult fiction with strong crossover and commercial appeal, as well as new adult and contemporary romance. I tend to prefer genre fiction (horror, fantasy, sci-fi) but the right voice can get me to read almost anything. I have a soft spot for contemporary urban fantasy so long as the conceit is unique and well-considered and the world is as believable and cohesive as it can be. I love atmospheric and/or psychologically complex horrors or thrillers within these constraints, as well.
I'm interested in Black-led romances, femme or LGBTQ+ characters of all walks, disability representation, underdogs against the world, thieves, and generally flawed, selfish characters who are in over their heads.
I am not considering crime/military thrillers, true crime, military or war stories, fictional pandemics, historical fiction pre-20th century or set in WWI/WWII, hard science fiction, or anything you'd describe as "gritty". I am not accepting nonfiction at this time.
I see graphic novels and comics first and foremost as a creative, dynamic medium, and I am most interested in books that feel like the medium is the best option for them. Please don't send me your recycled film/TV script for graphic novelization; do send me your stories that really understand the interplay of panels, colors, lettering, scene framing, and the power of a great illustrator.
I am looking for kid-horror, magical realism, fantasy, contemporary fiction, speculative fiction, and science fiction titles.
For middle graders, I love adorable but fierce protagonists dealing with somewhat complicated topics. The cuter the better, truly, but preferably not juvenile; stories should err on the side of upper MG when possible, but I do skew younger in this space. Capturing the magic and whimsy of animated shows like The Owl House or Over the Garden Wall is key to making me love it. For young adults, I look specifically for high-concept hooks, character-driven or slice-of-life narratives, and complicated relationships, whether platonic or romantic.
For adult readers, the sky is the limit, but the same rules apply as with my adult novel wishlist. I am also considering compelling graphic memoirs from writer-illustrators, as well as adult horror—including body horror a la Clean Room.
Please do not query me with your superhero stories or deconstructions, your multi-book epics, or your ongoing monthly series concepts.
I am not currently accepting queries from illustrators who do not have a project to pitch. If you're interested in querying me as an author-illustrator, please review my submission guidelines and send the requested information. Note that I am not accepting script-only pitches at this time.