Christa Heschke

PB – I’m not really looking much for NF bios these days, as the market is so saturated, unless it somehow ties into present times (I am only looking for bios on women and/or underrepresented and diverse subjects). Author-illustrators always!

PB – I’m interested in holidays stories that feel unique from what’s already out there. I’m partial to Halloween, and books with a seasonal hook interest me.

PB – Stories with environmental tie-ins (I’m especially drawn to stories about protecting oceans and the animals that live there). I also am a fan of unlikely friendship stories, especially with two very different animals—I really enjoy the ones that are true stories especially!

Picture books – I have a full picture book list, so I'll be looking very selectively. I like humor, character-driven stories, inclusive stories, diverse representation, fiction with a fun educational aspect (i.e. A PLACE FOR PLUTO).

This year, I’ll be looking first for MG, then YA, then adult, then PB. My preference is for dark genre work (fantasy, horror, suspense) and rom-coms/lighter contemporary! I’m newly open to adult rom-coms after falling in love with a few last year. 😁

PB:

-The ocean (I love dolphins & beluga whales!)

-Climate change, recycling, etc.

-The outdoors (e.g. camping/hiking)

-Sharing experiences of kids from nonwhite/non-Western cultures and backgrounds

-Tackling serious topics like grief for young readers

PB: I'm looking for PB much more sparingly than before, as my list is very full in this area. I'm not looking for rhyming PB.

Chapter books/early readers: Not looking for new authors here, I already have amazing clients writing these!

YA, MG, or PB that aren't afraid to go outside the box. Genre-bending, unique structure, twists and turns. Keep me guessing! #MSWL

Funny. All things funny! I especially love smart humor, witty, slightly sarcastic. No gross out or over-the-top please. #MG #YA #PB #MSWL

#PB #MG #YA set in an exotic or unique location (i.e the jungle, mountains of Nepal, Morocco, Thailand etc. etc.) #MSWL