Note:

If you have a submission that doesn't fit the categories below and you think we might be a match, I'd love to see it.

My wishlist

Getting down to business

First and foremost, I'm building an inclusive list with a variety of voices and genres. I'm looking for BIPOC voices, queer voices, disabled voices, and generally, voices from historically excluded backgrounds, regardless of genre. I love identity-driven stories that reflect the first-hand, lived experiences of the creators.

In a nutshell, I am looking for fresh voices and fresh takes in the following categories:

Picture Books

Human

  • I prefer human characters over animal characters any day of the week in my PBs
  • Books that don't shy away from tough topics

Family

  • Cultural and family traditions and how they shape us
  • Celebrating the messiness and complexity of family

Creative books that pique curiosity and imagination

  • Think Ish or The Book with No Pictures
  • Silly and fun wordplay

Author/illustrators

Middle Grade

Fantasy

  • Give me a story with a magical school where the MC is a POC. Something with humor and heart and, of course, magic!
  • Stories inspired by myths, folklore, or legends, particularly those that are non-European in origin
  • I'm particularly interested in Aztec and Mayan-mythology based fantasy

Adventure

  • I would love to find a MG version of The Mummy (the Brendan Frasier version, of course)
  • Autistic characters, but the story conflict is not centered on that; it's just who they are. Let's normalize Autism in our kid lit!

Science Fiction

  • Accessibility is key for my taste in sci-fi. While I love a good space opera, I'm looking for character-led stories that you don't need a degree in physics to follow along
  • One of my favorite series are the Animorphs books, so if you can comp to that, I've already got hearts in my eyes

Horror or paranormal

  • Give me the ghosts, creepy crawlies, and witches

Young Adult

Contemporary

  • High concept contemporary fiction aimed at all genders. Bonus points if it makes me laugh and/or cry. Evergreen themes: self-love, coming-of-age, girls supporting girls, friendship and friendship breakups, and slow-burn romances.
  • Romantic comedies starring queer characters! I'd love to find more ace, aro, and trans-led stories in this space
  • Topical contemporary fiction addressing real issues that teens face

Fantasy

  • Character-driven fantasy (urban, contemporary, high — all of it!). A new retelling of an old trope? A mythical setting inspired by a non-European culture? A reluctant hero who inevitably shouts, “I never asked for any of this!”? Sign me up! I'm looking for strong world-building, strange magic, empathetic villains, morally gray heroes, and subversive fantasy tropes
  • Special interest in Native and Indigenous stories

Thrillers

  • Creeptastic thrillers with a tightly-knit, well-paced plot, clever and nuanced characters, and a twist that readers will never see coming. I generally steer clear of excessive on-page violence.
  • I love isolated settings such as islands and boarding schools

Horror

  • Ghosts, vampires, witches, and the otherwise macabre are very much welcome in my inbox
  • Southern Gothic and other very atmospheric vibes always a plus!
  • Special interest in stories set at carnivals or theme parks

New Adult/Adult

Commercial contemporary that straddles the line between YA and Adult audiences

  • I’m particularly interested in the adventures of twenty-something women navigating the start of professional life after college
  • Romantic comedies, especially if they are queer! A story that will make me laugh and swoon at the same time
  • Books with a baking or cooking aspect to them. If you can comp to a show on the Food Network or GBBO, I'm sold

Horror

  • Dark and devious stories like Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House. Paranormal aspects welcome!
  • Stories that are gothic and witchy and atmospheric

Fantasy

  • The key for adult fantasy, for me, is accessibility and intrigue. More Patrick Rothfuss than J.R.R. Tolkien. I am not a good fit for epic fantasy. I'm looking for a well-developed world and magic system with very real stakes. Bonus points if your MC isn't the typical "Chosen One."

Can't wait to hear from you!