Kaitlyn Johnson

Literary Agent

Belcastro Agency

Agent @belcastr. insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

Would love Horror that pulls from non-European legends, too. Myths or superstitions and whatnot that feed into this creep factor

For MG, horror that feels realistic to kids. Not something that seems to push things too far
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

Also HORROR! Mostly just MG and Adult, not YA.

No blood/guts/gore, but psychological and suspenseful.

Love gothic horror
ghosts and ghoulies welcome
Think things like Mexican Gothic, Doll Bones, Oculus, etc.
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips
Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

Y'all, I super want a MG with a nonbinary MC and it's not a thing. They don't need to explain themselves. People use they and it's fine. Reading it as just natural will MAKE it just natural for kids #MSWL

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

Kaitlyn Johnson @RedPenKaitlyn

Officially open to queries!!!
#amquerying #querytip #WritingCommunity pic.twitter.com/TE17elNEBt

quick #mswl update, I am primarily looking for MG (all genres), YA Contemporary, Historical (all ages), and Graphic Novel (all ages/genres). Those are my heaviest focus. BUT, also open to others, so check out my MSWL page!
#amquerying #querytip #WritingCommunity

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

For horror (MG and Adult only), think psychological or creature, not gore. I don't like shock for shock sake, and I want characters I can care about. If they die, make me FEEL it
#amagenting #mswl

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

MG Novels

contemporary, fantasy, and historical

am open to novel in verse but must be very high concept
#amagenting #mswl

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

Kaitlyn Johnson - Closed to Queries @RedPenKaitlyn

Hey all! I am planning to re-open to queries on OCTOBER 20! In honor of that, here is a #MSWL thread of what I'll be looking for: pic.twitter.com/tXMSZskZ3L

MG Graphic Novels

I want ALL THE MG GN! Looking for slice of life, LGBTQ+ characters and first crushes, kids who can lean on each other and don't run to parents to solve problems.

All genres welcome here #amagenting #mswl

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

Things I need more of in my query box:

MG Contemporary

Adult/YA Rom-Com

POC Historical

LBGTQ+ Historical

#amagenting #querytip #amquerying

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

Along with LGBTQ+ historical, I'm SUPER on the hunt for more MG in 2021. This is definitely going to be making up a lot of my list =] #MSWL

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

I've noticed some things I always fall for:

Wine shops/wineries
Swamps
HIlariously awkward gay boys
Historical where they brush fingers and is a MOOD
MG where girls like ghosts and frogs and deep convos
Flying ships
Nerdy yet awe-inspiring talents
ANGST

#amquerying #querytip

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

I REALLY love LGBTQ+ historical or MG first crushes kind of vibe. Always looking to build my list and want more Ace, Trans, and Nonbinary voices
#amquerying #amagenting #querytip

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

I prefer MG to be a bit more mature. If it’s under 30k, it most likely too short for me or doesn’t have enough build to grab me. I like things to be really fleshed out, to fall into the world and wish to stay
#querytip #amquerying #amagenting

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

Kaitlyn Johnson - closed to Queries @RedPenKaitlyn

It's almost time!!! Given how I'll be opening my query box again in November, here's my new and improved #MSWL 😆 #amagenting #querytip #amquerying pic.twitter.com/nbD7rKjsCl

In YA & MG, I really want historical, paranormal, contemporary, fantasy (of all kinds!), and non-graphic horror

Keep in mind, I'm super on the hunt for LGBTQ+, diverse voices, and new settings/events/creatures that aren't mainstream
#querytip #amquerying #amagenting

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips
Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips
Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

I think I'd also love a MG GN where it focuses on divorce/grief and how kids cope or lean on one another/pets/neighbors/hobbies to find a way forward. Bittersweet but meaningful #querytip #amagenting

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

Lastly, until I think of more, definitely send me MG STEM-infused plots and POC characters and boys who are allowed to feel/girls who are smart and capable and sassy. Truly looking for tons of GN in the MG sphere #amagenting #querytip

Kaitlyn Johnson
@RedPenKaitlyn
Literary Agent
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
279 MSWL
345 AskAgent
55 Queries
385 Tips

This can all be for MG, YA, and Adult btw.

I'd love a spec fic with modern witches (small spells, hanging herbs, cats and comfy seats to read the grimoire). Think Sabrina bet less superpower and more everyday crystals, brews, etc. #querytip #amagenting