My wishlist

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!