Ashlee MacCallum

Note: I will reopen to author-only creators in the picture book space after the holidays 🫶

📢 AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATORS 📢
Surprise! I'm open to picture book author/illustrator queries from now until the end of the month. I will be prioritizing humor, high-concept hooks, STEM topics, and fresh approaches to evergreen topics #mswl

Just sitting here reminiscing about how badass The Hex Girls were #MSWL

A few things not on my #MSWL that I'd really love to see in my inbox: anything like KPop Demon Hunters, a #YA /#NA in vein of Peaky Blinders, campy horror with 80s vibes, Addams family or Yellowjackets comps, and a narrative with the juvenile justice system

This is your friendly reminder I open to queries TOMORROW! I'll be open to PB-YA and I can't wait to see all of your amazing projects! Here is a link to my updated #MSWL :
manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/ashlee-maccallum/

Anti-Wishlist
· AI themes or heavy technology storylines
· Urban Legends/Cryptids
· Demons/Angels
· Aliens

Specific Wishlist
· Zombies
· BIPOC narratives
· Queer stories
· Femgore
· Mythology
· Asian folklore
· Indigenous voices
· Cottagegore
· Antiheroes
· New Orleans
· Vodou
· Disability rep

Paranormal
Supernatural forces lurking just beyond the veil of reality
· Ghost stories/hauntings
· Vampires
· Werewolves/shapeshifters
· Paranormal Romance
· Curses
· Dual worlds
· Dark rituals
· Forest spirits
· Necromancy

Mystery/Thriller
Fast paced stories that blend danger and emotional depth
· High stakes
· Emotionally driven
· Danger and secrets
· Dark challenges
· Reluctant detectives
· Race-against-time
· Revenge
· Unreliable narrator

Dark Academia
Gothic aesthetics and scholarly rivals with diverse voices, cultures, and experiences
· BIPOC
· Atmospheric/Moody
· Folklore
· Curses
· Secret societies

Fantasy
Where shadow magic and moral ambiguity meet
· Dark Fantasy
· Urban Fantasy
· Mythology retellings
· Dark fairytales
· Cursed bloodlines
· Dark prophecies

Horror
Twisted tales with layered storytelling
· Southern Gothic
· Occult
· Folk Lore
· Paranormal
· Bubble Gum
· Psychological
· Monsters

Dystopian
Oppressive futures mixed with coming-of-age themes
· Post-Apocalyptic
· Political
· Social/Cultural
· Rebellion
· Prophecy
· Forbidden love

🚨NEW #MSWL 🚨
I'm opening to #YA and #NA queries later this week, so stay tuned for an announcement when my inbox opens 👀

👀#MSWL
#PB #CB #MG #YA

I’ve answered all queries so I’m doing a soft re-open, narrowing down my #MSWL to focus on areas I didn’t receive many queries when I initially opened. I’d 🩷 to see your chapter books, MG: contemporary, MG: nonfiction, MG: novel in verse, YA: contemporary, & YA: novel in verse

THANKS FOR READING
For a more comprehensive list of what will drive my list, you can visit manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/ashlee-maccallum/, complete with specific requests and an anti-wishlist. If you think we'll be a good fit, send me a query at: QueryTracker.net/query/queryash/queryashlee ✨

I'd also like grounded fantasy or magical realism, sci fi, dystopian, paranormal, and select romance. Additionally, I'm seeking contemporary, coming-of-age stories with characters from low-income families and historical fiction featuring historically underrepresented identities.

YOUNG ADULT #YA
Vibrant and bold young adult novels with exceptional pacing and a distinct voice. My priorities in this space are horror (bonus points if rooted in folk lore) and mystery/thriller stories with a BIPOC main character.

My middle grade taste has a wide range, but the thing that is most important to me across all MG genres is an authentic, relatable voice that is age-appropriate.