Marrissa Childs

#LadderbirdChirp
Our agency is really open to World History and, while we would love American history, we would like to have it be diasporic. So, Diasporic Historical Romance/ Historical Fiction is what some of our agents are looking for—- Visit Ladderbird.com to query!! #MSWL

#LadderbirdChirp /#EditorInsight
Hello… So, here is a quick insight and update about Ladderbird:
We have agents that are looking for historical romance / historical fantasy!
Here is the catch: Many of our agents do not want World War historical romance. (Hint: Leah and Marrissa). #MSWL

#DreamProject
Something I have been really into lately is Women in business… Like a woman building a construction company or working Solar Energy… I would love a project focused on her building from the ground up… Contemporary Fiction #MSWL

I would also love a project that has a modern take on a young Black man’s journey into adulthood. I don’t want a trauma dump story, but a genuine exploration of coming into one’s self. #MSWL

#DreamProject #MSWL
I had an epiphany:
I would love a women’s fiction peace that explored the experience of a BIPOC woman as she moves to another country and builds a life in that country! Not necessarily Eat, Pray, Love - more the beginning of From Scratch.

What is natural writing?:
I am a firm believer in the idea that a writer creates a foundation, and the characters take control of the narrative. So, in the end, the characters take an identity of their own, that isn't controlled by the author's desires or authorial intrusion. #MSWL

#Gettoknowme
Hello....
So, a quick thing to know about me is that, even as an agent, I am very big on details in storytelling!! Ii have been like this since university. For me, natural writing will always win over fan service or 16 climatic scenes, especially in romance projects. #MSWL

#DreamProject
Heyy...
An epiphany that came to me as I was speaking with my sister about Off Campus yesterday: I would love a romance centered around either a female dominated sport or a woman in a male dominiated sport. (i.e. Ballet, Cheer, Gymnastics, Women's basketball, etc). #MSWL 🩰🤸🏽‍♂️🩰😭

our Senior Agent, Leah Pierre, quite a bit. Leah is into horror and magic. So, if those are your categories, please vist Ladderbird.com, and visit Leah's Query box.
For this editor, I plan to reach back out for her dream project! #MSWL

She also mentioned wanting projects in fantasy, along the lines of "The Starving Saints".
That being said, where this editor and I align is our mission to represent BIPOCs, and NOT wanting WW1 or 2 stories or desiring trauma p**n... like at all.
On the other end... she aligns with-#MSWL

#EditorInsight
Her agency is known for elevated, commercial work. So, she is interested in Sci-fi that leans into literary work. She mentioned titles like "Circe" and "The Power".
She does not want WW2/ War Historical Fiction! ✨
She does want stories about BIPOC's but NO TRAUMA P**N! #MSWL

#EditorsInsight
Because in my last editors call, I took over the conversation after the editor asked me why I want Imperial Chinese stories so much.... I don't have great Editors Insights from that meeting.
What I will say:
The editor is heavily into Sci-fi and climate change. #MSWL

#OpentoQueries
Helloooo, I hope that everyone is well!
I am still open to queries, and this would be a great time for you submit!
Please remember to read my wishlist carefully!! Also, vist ladderbird.com. If I don't fit your genre or thoughts, our other agents may! #MSWL

we also talked about what I believed was missing and could help them achieve the manuscript they wanted. I take pride in being able to have those sort of discussions with a writer. ( I have workshop approach to my editorial service.)
All of that to say, Ladderbird is here for you! #MSWL

This means that we are intentional about how we read your work.
Recently, I had an authors call where we spoke for about an hour about what the author intended for their project, and whether they had achieved that. While I didn't take this author on, #MSWL

#LADDERBIRDCHIRP
So, I just want to give some hype to my agency, Ladderbird Literary:
We are a boutique agency that really takes integrity, honesty, and attentiveness seriously. In light of that, our goal is to provide full-service and dedication to our authors. #MSWL

So, in your romance queries to me, please do not hesitate to tell me what makes your couple unique and powerful!! To me this is just as important as the plot points. Every romance can end with the persons being together, but what makes their falling in love important and how do they do so? #MSWL

... I really love couples that align in their characteristics: they are both witty, stratagetic, intelligent, loyal, forward, quirky... and so on, but on the other end, they have vastly different backgrounds that still lead them to each other. So, like FATED HEARTS or LOVE IN NIRVANA. 😊 #MSWL

... I always want to know what makes your couple uniquely them as a couple but also as individuals. So,if you have a couple that are two generals- both loyal and ruthless, yet one is a prince and the other was born and raised to be a maid- I want to know that in your query!! #MSWL

#AgentsInsight
Heeelllooo, So, I have really brought down my query inventory! 😮‍💨 Don't hesitate to send in your queries, if you haven't done so already.
I did want to give a quick tip to my romance authors:
Speaking for myself, Something will always stand out to me....#MSWL