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)

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)

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

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 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

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

Speaking of new clients, my #MSWL has been updated! Yes, I’m looking for graphic novels now! Plus, a continued call for commercial YA, literary MG, and PB author-illustrators. manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/laur…

Send this to me so I can send this to Molly! #MSWL

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.

How about some middle grade #MSWL today?

- Classic feel + animal POV (ONE AND ONLY IVAN, PAX)
- Fantasy, both lighthearted and dark (Thickety series, UNICORN QUEST)
- Quirky + puzzles + complex plots (Mysterious Benedict Society, YORK)
- Historical (WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE)

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.