James McGowan

Illustrators:
I remain open to witty and expressive artists, especially those with aspirations to write.
#MSWL 4/4

Horror / Speculative:
Grounded horror or speculative fiction that is creepy and unsettling, but rooted in the real world.
Think LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND, and THE CABIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD.
Other Favorites: Jennifer McMahon, Simone St. James and Alex North.
#MSWL 3/4

Mystery/Crime: Think Tana French, Attica Locke, Steph Cha and SA Cosby
Domestic Suspense: Think Ashley Audrain, Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware
#MSWL 2/4

Hey Twitter. Some updates to my #MSWL:

My picture book list is quite full, so I am TEMPORARILY closing to PBs. I remain open to illustrators.

I'm very eager to find: ADULT mystery, crime, domestic suspense and horror/speculative fiction.

querymanager.com/query/jmcgowan

I’m dying to find an adult novel (submission) that chains me to my computer until I’m done reading. Specifically a dark, twisty, suspenseful novel. (Recent favorites: The Push, Blacktop Wasteland, Attica Locke, Leave the World Behind) #MSWL

What I’m looking for, to start of 2021: #MSWL instagram.com/p/CLCU-i-nazy/…

If you’re writing anything like THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR or HILL HOUSE (or any other adult horror) please keep me in mind! #MSWL

I'm dying (ha) to read a crime novel that I can't put down right now. Something along the lines of Attica Locke, Steph Cha, Oyinkan Braithwaite, and Liz Moore. I'd love to see more marginalized characters/writers in the crime space in general #MSWL

I'd love a good book in my inbox set around a courtroom drama. Something beautifully written and suspenseful like Miracle Creek, or Take it Back, or Nineteen Minutes, or Defending Jacob. I like courtroom dramas, okay #MSWL

#QueryUpdate-- I'm all caught up on all queries, and reading/enjoying my last three submissions. I've updated my #MSWL on our website, and would love to see your query if you have something that fits. Just go here: querymanager.com/query/jmcgowan

I am actively digging through my inbox looking for: #MSWL
▪️Humorous PBs
▪️PB/MG NF about science or history topics
▪️Adult mystery/suspense in the vein of Oyinkan Braithwaite, Steph Cha, Alex North, Tana French
▪️Upmarket family stories
▪️Horror: Psychological! Ghosts!

Massive respect for the Deaf and HoH community! My college ASL Classes and time spent in the local community was an incredibly welcoming experience and I’d love to be a part of uplifting these stories. #MSWL

I’m in @bookendslit team! I’m dying to see more kidlit non-fiction (pb and mg), and more adult mystery novels. ALSO would love to add an illustrator or author/illustrator to my list. #MSWL

I'm all caught up on queries and working my way through all January submissions. Eager to find my next new project!
Looking for:
PB fiction & non-fiction
MG non-fiction & humorous fiction
Adult Mystery, Thriller, Literary & Upmarket #MSWL #QueryUpdate

I finally watched The Post (2017) and holy hot damn that was a hell of a movie. I want a historical novel on my list as tense and informative and relevant as that was. #MSWL

I’m actively seeking submissions in:
Literary/Upmarket fiction
Mystery, Crime, Thriller
Humorous middle grade fiction
Middle grade non-fiction
All picture books (fiction & non-fiction)
#MSWL

We’re sharing our 2020 Must Haves graphics over at @bookendslit. Here’s mine. I’d love to see a query from you! #MSWL

Is it fair to say everything? If I had to choose, non-fiction is most exciting to me right now, and I’m especially looking for some climate/environment related stuff. But I always love funny pbs. #MSWL

Some favorites: Margaret Finnegan's WE COULD BE HEROES, GHOST, ONE AND ONLY IVAN.

Next up on my TBR: THE TRUTH AS TOLD BY Mason Buttle
#MSWL

On the contemporary fiction, if it feels like Jason Reynolds could have wrote it, I'd love to see it. Realistic stories that don't shy away from hard topics. With characters we all can love.#MSWL