Haley Casey

Creative Media Agency just played an inter-office game of #MSWL Edition "This or That?" If you're curious about the vibes I'm seeking in manuscripts right now, this is it!

I want grumpy x grumpier! Two frustrated, overwhelmed people who always argue but are also the only thing that the other person cares about. It must have the JOKES, though #MSWL

It's #MSWL Day!

I would do ANYTHING for an adult or NA romance—contemporary or paranormal—with a love interest who OOZES charm and charisma. I want irresistible flirts! Bring me your Henry Montagues, Ian Flannerys, Jesper Faheys, and Jace Waylands!
www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/haley-casey/

Finally, I'm open to nonfiction for adults and teens! I want to learn something new, discover unique angles on topics I love, and find accessible projects. I'm actively seeking memoirs/narrative; true crime stories; women's, POC, and LGBTQ+ issues; gardening/sustainability; and food content. #MSWL

I also want to build my list of exciting, meaningful, fun, and funny MG fiction! Again, I especially hope to see SFF and horror submissions with original premises and clear conflicts, but I'm also open to contemporary stories and mysteries. In everything, I hope to see strong messages! #MSWL

For adults, I'm on the hunt for hooky commercial fiction and women's fiction, especially with a focus on friendship; thoughtful speculative fiction; swoon-worthy romantic comedies and paranormal romance; and a few accessible, grounded fantasy, romantasy, horror, and science fiction novels. #MSWL

First: YA! Half of the projects that I fell in love with last year were YA fantasy, so I'm craving more! I'm also open to contemporary, romance, mystery, horror, and sci-fi.

I'm seeking unique world-building; relatable, messy, dynamic characters; twists and turns; and emotional depth. #MSWL

In general, my #MSWL includes big emotions, multi-level plots, female friendships, sweeping urban fantasy, clever fairytale retellings, reimagined classics, unique story structures, locked-room YA thrillers, MG with magical creatures, heists & spies & assassins, rivals to lovers, and diverse voices.

I'm reopening to queries this morning, so in honor of the new year and new platform, it feels like it's time for an updated #MSWL ! (To be clear, any previous wish list claims that I've made still stand, but this represents the tippity-top of my list right now.)

querymanager.com/query/hcasey

This Halloween, after all the spooky October books I read, I've found myself craving a YA or MG horror novel rooted in non-Western mythology in my QM. I would love to see under-explored creatures and folklore brought to life—and the more atmospheric, the better! #MSWL

However, I love psychological horror, unreliable narrators, creepy retellings (think Wonderland), supernatural stories, and books with a ton of atmosphere. Comps: THE HONEYS, MEXICAN GOTHIC, Erica Waters, SHE IS A HAUNTING, Simone St. James, SMALL SPACES, etc. #MSWL

Whoever said they were Kaz and Inej coded was SPOT. ON. If they have this energy (adult or YA), I want to see it #MSWL

Rewatching DOCTOR WHO means realizing that my deeply embedded love for well written, story-relevant age gaps and couples who argue, stand together, and communicate effortlessly comes from my endless love for Rose and Nine. Every scene, I swoon #MSWL

Finally, some of my favorite books last year were by trans, genderfluid, and Native American authors. While I'm always looking to support diversity, I hope to see more stories from creators who don't often cross my desk (or my bookshelf)—with Palestinian voices top of mind #MSWL

Bring me myth, fairytale, and classic retellings!

Bring me vibes!

Bring me:

Locked-room YA thrillers
Rivals-to-lovers tension-filled romcoms
Unbearably clever YA heroes
Romantasy with characters to die for
An MG novel full of magical creatures
Heists
Female friendships

#MSWL

In nonfiction, I want to be hooked by the idea of learning something new, discover a new angle on a topic I love, and find projects that are accessible to their audiences. Specifically, I'm craving women's and LGBTQ+ issues, gardening/sustainability, and food content #MSWL

Always for me, characters are key, and there are few better characters than those in women's fiction! Bring me those friendships, those internal conflicts, the complications of being a human woman (a la the BARBIE movie). If there's a twist of some sort, so much the better! #MSWL

When I think of joy and heart, romcoms always come to mind, and I'm craving them this year! I want charm, humor, strong internal conflicts, banter, yearning, and suave love interests! Think Sangu Mandanna, Cat Sebastian, Anita Kelly, Jeaniene Frost, and BEACH READ #MSWL

In the world of kidlit, I also want to see more MG, especially SFF. There's so much to love in this space—quick pacing, accessible themes, and a lasting impact on readers. Think AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS, LALANI OF THE DISTANT SEA, or anything from Rick Riordan Presents #MSWL

...YA, to start! Across genres, joyful, diverse, heartfelt YA novels with compelling plots and characters stood out to me last year, and I would love more on my list! Think ELATSOE, YEAR OF THE REAPER, YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN, LITTLE THIEVES, THE GHOSTS OF ROSE HILL #MSWL