Laurel Symonds

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)

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)

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

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

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.

Other random elements I love: historical fiction, witches (historical and contemporary, but less on the humorous side), boarding schools, food, slow build romance, whimsy, retellings...#MSWL

Literary MG, whether that's contemporary (a la Corey Ann Haydu) or an animal POV (PAX), I want the books that are going to pull at my heartstrings but leave me uplifted. I'd also love to see something girly (UNICORN QUEST) or with complex puzzles (BENEDICT SOCIETY). #MSWL

Contemporary YA! Especially commercial and high concept YA that can be pitched as x meets y. Especially especially a rom com. The next TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE, a younger RED, WHITE, & ROYAL BLUE, etc. Diverse voices!

I had such an amazing time at #alaac19 and in New York! After wonderful conversations with my TBA colleagues and many editors, a few updates to my #MSWL: coming of age literary MG, young illustrated MG, and (still!) contemporary YA, especially diverse voices and/or a rom com.

My snazzy new #MSWL page is up! manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/laur…

Time flies when you're having fun! In my first 6 months of agenting I've built a client list I'm SO proud of. Here's an updated #MSWL (for the next 6 months & beyond!): author-illustrators, slice-of-life chapter book series, girly middle grade (all genres), and contemporary YA.

While we’re getting to know each other, how about some #mswl? Today I’ll talk about YA:

- Contemporary with earnest, engaging voices (WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI, TO ALL THE BOYS, DUMPLIN’)
- Lush fantasy (CARAVAL, Grisha series)
- Sassy girl detective a la Veronica Mars
(1/2)

I am so thrilled to join The Bent Agency as a literary agent!

Writers, send me all* your books!

*Specifically good ones that fit the linked criteria. Bonus points if they include mighty girls, dogs, sisters, baking, or magical happenings.