Laurel Symonds

- 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)

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

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

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

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…

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.

- 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
(2/2)