James McGowan

I don’t work over the weekends but I do read queries when I can (shhh). And I’m caught up besides a few received since yesterday. Try me!

Querymanager.com/jmcgowan
#MSWL threaded

And to the #AmWriting crowd, query me here! I'm on top of all queries and subs, and looking for a great novel or three to add to my list.
querymanager.com/query/jmcgowan

Here's the image of things I can't shut up about #MSWL:
twitter.com/jmcgowanbks/st…

Babel - R.F. Kuang - I want to smack this book against my face. Anything with grounded speculative element, commentary on our society, writing that punches you right in the head

The Appeal - mixed media, super fun characters, a slow burn with a twist #MSWL

The Maid by Nita Prose - a light and fun mystery, unforgettable main character, great setting

True Biz by Sara Nović - incredible writing, multi-POV, Deaf characters, unputdownable

More Than You'll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez - multi-POV/multi-timeline, family secrets #MSWL

I'm back with a real #MSWL since opening to queries. I posted a photo of things I can't shut up about last week and that's threaded, but also threaded are some recent and upcoming reads that I loved/am excited about that I wanna see in my inbox.

In my inbox everyday looking for an exciting novel. I'd love an upmarket mystery with complex characters and a hooky crime, or family drama, or something that just catches me by surprise. Here's what I read in 2022. I did not dislike 1 yet. (titles in next tweet) #MSWL

#Severance is the biggest #MSWL

I’m on board for these upbeat mysteries like The Thursday Murder Club & The Maid #MSWL

I’ve opened to picture books. I’ve missed my PB community. (Go easy on me.)

I’ll be prioritizing authors and/or illustrators from marginalized communities, books with side-splitting humor, and fascinating nonfiction (that’s not a bio).

Querymanager.com/jmcgowan - #MSWL

Hello, it's me #MSWL

I think that is everything. Reminder: QueryManager.com/jmcgowan

I have 0 submissions and am caught up on queries as of NOW (or like 10 minutes from now...). Would love to see what you're working on. #MSWL

To the picture book creators, I'm not sure when I'll be opening to manuscripts next. My clients keep me busy and I feel awful passing on things so frequently. I hope to see y'all soon. However, I remain open to client and industry referrals for #picturebooks #MSWL.

In #horror, I'm not afraid to go dark and am open to supernatural of some kind. However, I do prefer things be grounded. Like how Midnight Mass was OUT THERE, but also very realistic? Somehow? I also love the psychological horror that overlaps with #mystery or #suspense. #MSWL

If you follow me, you probably know I read a lot in this space. My favorites are: Tana French, Attica Locke, Ashley Audrain, SA Cosby. I recently read and enjoyed THE PLOT and also ALL HER LITTLE SECRETS. #MSWL

I'd really like to work on a great novel or two this year. I'm looking for propulsive #suspense, edgy #mysteries, and grounded #horror. I love dark books that keep you guessing, with characters that are well drawn and memorable. #MSWL

I would also love to work with more #kidlitart #illustrators this year. I like bright, bold color palettes, expressive characters, creators who can tell a whole story in one image. My tastes range. See? jmcgowanbooks.com/clients

Try me! #MSWL

I like sarcasm and humor. I like nonfiction narratives that read like fiction. I like books that deal with current issues, but that teach you the history of a thing. Have you read IMMUNE by Phillipp Dettmer? Fascinating!

In nonfiction, when in doubt, try me. #MSWL

This year, I'm focusing on growing my #nonfiction list. I'd love to work on popular science, social science, and food books. Voicey writing. Think Mary Roach, Adam Grant. Climate, space, the ocean, biology. Mental health, personality science. Cookbooks! Chemistry of cooking #MSWL

Hello Book Creators of Twitter. I seem to be the last agent to tell you fine folks what I'd like to see in my inbox this year. Allow me... #MSWL

First, QueryManager link: QueryManager.com/jmcgowan