Paula Weiman

If anyone is writing a novel with a similar premise... #mswl

Over time, space will open up in my client submission schedule as different publication timelines are finalized for different projects. When that happens I'll reopen to fantasy and middle grade fiction. For now, I look forward to reading your queries in the categories listed in this thread.
/🧵

In the past year, I signed 5 clients who are actively working on YA or Adult fantasy projects, and 3 who are writing in middle grade. There are a limited number of editors acquiring those types of books, which limits the number of projects I can take on submission at a time.
🧵/

I'm not reopening to YA fantasy, adult fantasy, or middle grade fiction at the moment. I thought it might be interesting to explain to authors why that is (hint: it's not because I no longer like fantasy or middle grade books, or that they're not selling).
🧵/

Looking for the same things as usual: YA rom-coms that combine shenanigans with some deeper social issue, YA suspense focusing on local injustice, YA heists (please send me your lesbian heist novels!). Still on the lookout for a story about child labor rights.
🧵/

I also love graphic novels as a medium for memoirs. It's such a cool way to see inside the creator's head -- how they view themselves, how they view the world, how they fit themselves within that world.
🧵/

Newly opening to: Graphic Novels!

I'm looking for tightly plotted adventures with a strong hook and an elevated art style. I'm interested in similar themes as in prose: children or teenagers tackling unjust systems, an intense first emotional experience connected to a larger social topic.
🧵/

I have a deep and abiding love for "spooky" picture books that are really cozy stories with supernatural characters. A ghost gets over it's fear of public speaking? A skeleton and a zombie become friends? That's my jam.
🧵/

Newly opening to: Picture Books!

I'm looking for dry humor that's accessible enough for children to understand but still clever enough for an adult to enjoy while reading it over and over. I like cozy, warm, gentle, soft art styles, but I'm also willing to be surprised.
🧵/

I've been hearing about "genre-bending horror" a lot, particularly horror-romance and horror-comedy. I'm curious to see some novels in those categories! I'm looking for both YA and Adult horror novels.
🧵/

I'm open to new genres and categories! First up: Horror.

I love literary, psychological horror. I've described my taste as "Is the magic a metaphor? Oh no, it's real and she's literally eating her abusive ex." Huge fan of folk horror and speculative explorations of structural marginalization.
🧵/

#amquerying authors: As of today, I have responded to all queries and full manuscripts that I received before my query inbox closed last fall. I'm planning to reopen my query inbox to unsolicited queries next week, so here's a little #MSWL thread to tell you what I'm looking for:
🧵/

I'm currently closed to queries and won't be fully participating in #mswl Day, but when I reopen I'll be on the lookout for:
- YA romcoms with depth and shenanigans
- heist novels
- literary horror
- author/illustrators working on picture books and graphic novels

Right now I'm very interested in:
- dark academia that emphasizes the academics
- eco/climate fiction
- thrillers that aren't centered on/launched by murder
- #ownvoices folklore from cultures that are underrepresented in the English market
#mswl