Laurel Symonds

This time every year I wonder why we don't have a YA retelling of the Christmas story (Mary, Joseph, etc): the characters are the right age, the conflict is strong and, depending on your beliefs, it could be read as miracle or magic a la GRAVE MERCY. Hard to pull off, but...#MSWL

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

Fantasy, but make it fresh: unique settings, unusual formats, underrepresented mythology, magical realism, paranormal (yes, paranormal!). I've seen a lot of queries comping to GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE and MY LADY JANE. Keep 'em coming! #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!

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.

There must be a YA novel told entirely through Instagram posts, photos and comments and all, already, right? If not, #mswl.

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

Ahhh! There are few tv shows I'm more passionate about than this one*. I can't wait!

*Pushing Daisies is the only rival.**

**I would love the YA versions of both of these! #MSWL

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.

I want! (Both to read because I adore this series and also on my #MSWL for a similar fantasy series.)

#MSWL

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)

- Blended genres, especially with historical settings (MY LADY JANE, GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE, Jackaby series)
- Groundbreakers that make you say wow (THE HATE YOU GIVE, CODE NAME VERITY)
#mswl
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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
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Oh yes! Definitely #mswl material.

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.