Laurel Symonds

I expect to be open to queries through the spring. Please bear with me as I learn the kinks of QM. As always, I do not accept pitches via social media and, going forward, I will not accept email queries except as noted on kt’s website.

Looking forward to reading your work! (7/7)

- Feel good stories that center female friendship + group dynamics a la Babysitters Club or teen-versions of League of Their Own + Call the Midwife
- Witches
(6/7 #MSWL)

- YA historical/ +fantasy/ +romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously a la My Lady Jane, Gentleman’s Guide, Bridgerton, The Great
- Native and rural voices, especially from the Pacific Northwest or Inland Northwest
(5/7 #MSWL)

Here’s some specific #MSWL items:
- Contemporary MG in the vein of Kelly Yang, Corey Ann Haydu, Tae Keller
- Tweens + teens making messy decisions like in Babysitters Club + Never Have I Ever
- Contemporary MG + YA graphic novels (my list is already full of speculative)
(4/7)

The categories I’m looking for, in order of priority, are:
- YA and MG graphic novels from author-illustrators (one person)
- MG and YA prose novels
- Nonfiction for kids and teens
- Chapter books and picture books from author-illustrators (one person)
(3/7 #MSWL)

My general #MSWL remains the same and you can find that (and kt literary’s querying guidelines) here: ktliterary.com/submissions And with more detail here: manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/laur…. (2/7)

So very excited to share I've joined @ktliterary!

I will be opening to queries in the new year, continuing to rep picture books, middle grade and YA novels, graphic novels, and nonfiction.

- Something “earthy”—be that a lyrical picture book about environmentalism or a MG hiking action-adventure or a darkly atmospheric YA that takes place in a forest or anything in between
- MG and YA with rural settings
- Witches, boarding schools, sister bonds
(3/3; #MSWL)

And here’s some specific #MSWL items:
- Contemporary MG in the vein of Corey Ann Haydu and Tae Keller
- YA romcoms
- MG and YA graphic novels, especially from BIPOC author-illustrators
- Native voices, especially from the Pacific Northwest or Inland Northwest
(2/3)

The categories I’m looking for, in order of priority, are:
- YA and MG graphic novels from author-illustrators (one person)
- MG
- YA
- Nonfiction for kids and teens
- Chapter books and picture books from author-illustrators (one person)
(1/3 #MSWL)

I recently reread ALMA AND HOW SHE GOT HER NAME and it’s truly one of my all time favorites. I’d love to see more projects in my inbox exploring the things—names, food, places—that connect us with the generations before us. PB (author-illustrator only), MG/YA novel, GN. #mswl

I’m on the hunt for: cozy and/or witty YA romcoms, grounded MG and YA fantasy, MG historical fiction from an underrepresented perspective, contemporary MG & YA graphic novels, really quirky nonfiction. In all categories I’m especially seeking projects by and about BIPOC. #MSWL

It is always around this time of year I realize that at least 25% of my middle grade tastes could be summed up as: can you comp this to Disney's The Haunted Mansion ride? Happy Halloween! #MSWL

And, as always, I’m not going to be able to see every pitch today but I am ✨very actively✨ seeking GN clients. If you think we’d be a good fit, please query me! My query inbox is always open to submissions. More info at: thebentagency.com. #MSWL

I’m also still actively building my client list. Please see The Bent Agency’s website/MSWL for some updates on what I’m looking for. Right now I’m all about contemporary: YA, MG, and GN, especially from underrepresented communities. #MSWL

I'm constantly catching up on queries (which have gone up 200% since the pandemic hit). One category I'd love to see more of are graphic novels for kids and teens. Contemporary/fantasy/historical. Always diverse voices! Especially if an author/illustrator. #MSWL

Other things that make my agent heart sing: high concepts, voicey narration, fantasy (especially with a unique twist), lush historical settings, fresh paranormal, boarding schools, sister stories, falling in & out of friendship, dark & atmospheric, setting as character. #MSWL

My picture book #MSWL changed recently: I’m looking for author-illustrators (instead of text only projects) but I will make an exception for contests (like DVPit!), critiques, and conferences.

I’m especially on the lookout for YA rom coms (TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE; RED, WHITE, AND ROYAL BLUE), MG contemporary (A SONG FOR A WHALE; EVENTOWN), MG historical (WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE; PRARIE LOTUS), and graphic novels (NEW KID, LAURA DEAN) #MSWL

Starting the New Year with some updates to my #MSWL: I’m primarily looking for contempory novels right now! Especially if they are upbeat & include: Sisters. Crushes. Friendship Breakups. Sex-Positivity. Gender Expression. Hopeful Endings. Kids/Teens Acting Like Real Kids/Teens.