Erin Casey Westin

-A highly illustrated chapter book or young graphic novel from a BIPOC author-illustrator.
-A story set in Appalachia, featuring the region’s idiosyncrasies written by someone who knows them well.
#mswl

-A really well-written, voice-y, creative YA or MG epic fantasy with unique world-building. (Think N.K. Jemisin or Rebecca Roanhorse for tweens/teens).
-Humorous, character-driven picture books, especially if the main character(s) could carry a series.
-A survival story.
#mswl

After far, far too long, I am finally reopening to queries on May 1st! I'm so excited (and a little scared. But mostly excited)! I'm going to share my biggest wish list items below, but please visit my website to learn more about me generally to see if I'd be a fit. Ok, #MSWL thread incoming:

I'm closed to queries but I'll put this out into the world for when I reopen - in honor of the Barkley Marathon going on currently, which I'm obsessively checking updates on, #MSWL for a MG or YA inspired by the Barkley! Or any other extreme outdoors/survival competition!

#MSWL but not about Mario. Just the vibe. I dunno what that looks like but I can’t stop thinking about this idea, about the prior turn’s dead Mario spawning the 1-ups for the happy, unaware next Mario, who may himself fall and feed the next Mario… 😳

In honor of #MSWL day, I'm giving this thread a boost! I open to queries the first week of each month so if you're ready to query and my wish list resonates with you, I look forward to reading in March!

#MSWL I still want my Holes comp and my outdoorsy non-cis male survival book! I’m also still eager for an equestrian book from a creator who can authentically write about the socio-economic, racial, and/or gender hierarchies in the sport.

#MSWL I would love to work on a story about a deaf character by a deaf creator. I am hearing but interested in deaf culture and am studying ASL.

#MSWL A fantasy and mild 🙈 horror combo. I love an eldritch creature or a magical deer with too many antlers. Nothing that exists in the real world and can actually get me! And I like when there is actually a creature, but if there isn't, the real explanation better be cool!

#MSWL Graphic novels of all sorts! I’m most drawn in by art that I can recognize as that artist’s in a crowd. I would love to see more GN chapter book and early reader proposals.

#MSWL In PBs, I love a read-aloud voice with great rhythm, whether it’s humorous or lyrical (or both!). I like sweet books, but not saccharine and preferably with new ways of exploring how we love. Potty humor isn't usually my thing, but the occasional poop joke doesn’t hurt

#MSWL In MG and YA I want more queer sports stories! I love reading about the lead up to the big game/match/competition! But I think I’ve read enough about cis white kids playing soccer/baseball.

#MSWL While chapter books are hard, the market needs more kids of color getting to have all the shenanigans and adventures white kids have been having for forever. I’d love to help non-white creatives break into that space and tell stories that resonate with their inner child.

#MSWL In general I’m gravitating toward stories with mysteries. Whether it’s a literal mystery investigation or a thriller or a fantasy with a big secret – give me that overarching thing tugging me through the pages. BUT make sure there isn’t just one big reveal at the end!

#MSWL I’d love to see more fantasies inspired by non-western mythologies and folklore! If it could be a good fit for the Rick Riordan Presents list I’d love to see it, but also looking for the weirder or more literary or less humorous stuff too!

#MSWL I am eternally looking for a MG or YA fantasy that comps to The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin. The worldbuilding, the characters, the magic system, the stakes, the reveals of the various mysteries – chef’s kiss!

#MSWL Stories that comp to Iron Widow, The Firekeeper’s Daughter, The Last Cuentista, Furia, The Last True Poets of the Sea, Black Sun, or Ninth House (those last two are for reference only, I don’t rep adult lit!)

#MSWL While I’ll rep any genre, I am particularly drawn to fantasy, speculative, magical realism, and fabulism. I love stories that marry a fast paced plot with literary writing and strong emotions (who doesn’t, I know, sorry). A great mystery also always gets my attention.

2023 #MSWL 🧵! I represent picture books through YA (+illustrators!) and in all categories I am particularly looking to represent more non-white, queer, and disabled creatives. As a white, cishet, abled woman, I truly appreciate the trust you put in me by sharing your work.

This is the cutest, coolest thing!!! Wow obsessed. #MSWL when I open again someday 😬