Kelly Peterson

With natural disaster or elemental elements that could be based off the climate crisis, but if you’re calling your book Cli-Fi or that it’s based around a deteriorating climate…I will unfortunately, probably, reject it. Even then, I’ll only be open for YA Sci-Fi at that. #mswl

As some have noticed, Sci Fi isn’t on my list at the moment. I’ll still accept it on the off chance I might love it, but I haven’t read a SF manuscript that I’ve fallen in love with yet. However, Sci-Fi/Fantasy is still game if it’s more fantasy than sci fi. #mswl

I am STILL SEARCHING for my MG authors. I’m EXTREMELY selective in my MG acquisitions and with which MG voices I am drawn to. I don’t vibe well with younger MG and have a tendency to only like Upper MG manuscripts/books. Fantasy is my sweet spot here too. #mswl

YES:
2. Anything with an industrial feel. I still haven’t quite gotten over my steampunk phase, and maybe never will.
3. Different forms of magic (bone magic, song magic, written magic, etc.)
4. Anything based in/on history (Vikings, court intrigue, creepy mythology, etc.) #mswl

Now, for things that I’m not particularly looking for, but that are undeniably just a ME thing in YA and Adult Fantasy:
1. Sisters/siblings who really don’t like each other. It’s okay when family has issues that can’t be resolved. I’m def here for this.
#mswl

NO:
5. Dragons. Never been one for them. Sorry.
6. Angels (though I’d definitely consider demons and demonic entities 😈)
7. Comedy. One liners and sarcasm: great. Trying to tow the line between manuscript and comedian: nope. Not for me. Give me darkness.
#mswl

NO:
1. Royalty MCs - super tired of princesses. If you’re going to do this, give me a damn Queen.
2. Fae/faeries/elves - they had their time. Now is not their time.
3. Vampires - never been a vampire person.
4. Elemental Magic that’s just earth, wind, fire, water, etc..
#mswl

In addition, I’m looking for so many things in both YA and Adult fantasy, that’s it’s harder to pin down what I WANT than it is to just list the things I DON’T want. So here goes things I DO NOT LIKE in fantasy: #mswl

Honestly, my heart wants YA fantasy. ALL THE YA HIGH FANTASY. It’s been too long, and publishing has been depriving me for FOREVER, and I need fantasy NOW. (Read: I needed fantasy 2 years ago during COVID, and now I’m on my death bed, it’s been too long). #mswl

I know I’ve been dubbed the Pirate Queen of YA Fantasy, but really...i dont want pirates anymore unless it’s in adult fantasy/historical. Sorry to break some hearts. 💔🏴‍☠️#mswl

Fantasy that takes place in a land of ice and shadows...maybe even complete darkness...is this a thing? Can I has it? #MSWL

Also really looking for some amazing African mythology and cultural beliefs/customs via contemporary fantasy, historical fantasy, or just plain fantasy. #MSWL Saw one in my box and am saving it to circle back. I’d love more!!!

I’m also still begging for my King Louis XIV sun king historical court intrigue with maybe a little magic? Historical Fantasy? I could go for just historical too if the writing fits! ❤️ #MSWL

For 2020, I am mostly looking for Middle Grade (Upper) and Adult stories! This includes MG Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Contemporary, and Historical or any mix of the above! It also includes Adult Contemporary Romance and Adult Fantasy and any mix of the two! #MSWL

Though I'm NOT asking to receive more queries, I would love to know if you sent me one and it's sitting in my box somewhere waiting for me to see it. If you haven't sent anything yet, pitch me via @SavvyAuthors next week from the 23rd-25th! If I like it, it's a request! <3 #MSWL

I am IN LOVE with most books that take place in some sort of fantasy arctic tundra. Don't ask me why. I really have no clue. But if your manuscript is atmospheric and takes place in a really harsh arctic environment, I want it! #MSWL

I'm definitely looking to add to my MG list! I love some contemp. MG that deals with tough issues, MG fantasy, and MG sci-fi (yes, sometimes even the space kind here). I'm SUPER picky about MG voice though, so just send it in and see what happens! =) Maybe I'll love it! #MSWL

*screams from rooftop*

Because I don’t have enough: I rep ADULT ROMANCE, HISTORICAL, SCI-FI, FANTASY. I rep MG CONTEMPORARY, HISTORICAL, SCI-FI, FANTASY. In addition to the YA Fantasy I have, I also rep YA CONTEMPORARY, SCI-FI, HISTORICAL, THRILLER/PARANORMAL! #MSWL please.

You know what I’m missing right now? A high fantasy (either YA or Adult) with a brilliant new world to get lost in and a fully developed, ingenious magic system. Anyone have one for me? #MSWL

#MSWL Adult fantasy for women, written by women, with a closer voice and crossover appeal, a la The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym Martineau, Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, etc..