Erica Bauman

I’ll probably create an updated #MSWL for the new year, but my query inbox reopens on 12/1 for the last time in 2024. Here’s what I’m currently looking for: www.instagram.com/p/C3Qv6eOLch...

#MSWL:
MG Genres I’m looking for: fantasy, contemporary, mystery, historical, horror, light/near-future sci-fi

YA: fantasy, contemporary, mystery, historical, horror, light sci-fi, romcom

Adult: light SFF, upmarket, horror, romcom

#MSWL CONT:
-stories where the bff relationship is front and center. Give me your Shawn-and-Gus, weirdos together forever friendships.
-stories about the arts. I am forever that theater girl.

#MSWL CONT:
-eerie & haunting atmospheric horror where the source of the fear reflects something deeper. No gratuitous violence/gore—I want to be creeped out, not grossed out.
-swoony, sharply funny romcoms w/ chemistry that sizzles

#MSWL CONT:
-stories that play with form & storytelling
-quiet magic/strangeness
-retelling genre mashups (eg. The Girls at the Kingfisher Club, Warm Bodies, Hadestown)
-stories where food plays a major role
-all the feels (take me on an emotional rollercoaster)

Across the board (MG, YA, and adult), I’m drawn to:
-stories with a strong family element, whether that’s biological or found family
-protagonists who aren’t the best at whatever they do or The Chosen One, but who try really *really* hard, even when they screw up

#MSWL

I plan to reopen to queries 3/1/22, and will post an updated #MSWL of what I'm hoping to find in the weeks ahead.

Truly, thank you to everyone for their kindness and patience. I know that querying is rough, and I appreciate all the writers who entrust me w/ their work.

Finally checked out my Spotify wrapped, and my mood aura is also a forever #mswl

In advance of my inbox reopening on 11/1, I've (finally) updated my #MSWL page! manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/eric…

I’m reopening to queries soon, so retweeting this #MSWL thread of story elements I love...

Settings that feel like a character

Or “ethereal”

Moods that can be described as “eerie”

Clever takes on familiar plots/tropes or fresh retellings that completely subvert expectations.

Strong familial bonds: both biological and found

Fantasy that has big Studio Ghibli energy, wondrous and strange.

There are two types I’m drawn to:

-the soft character who is too pure for this world and must be protected at all costs

-the brittle character who has been through some shit and is desperately trying to hold it together

Been thinking over the types of stories I gravitate to, and noticing some common elements.

So, I guess it’s kind of a forever #MSWL? Just a thread of things I love (and love to work on).

Right now I really want to see more soft fantasy. Soft characters, soft world, soft magic. If the story had a physical shape, it would be plushie. #MSWL

Oh hi, #MSWL