That's the stuff that never changes! And here are the specifics about what I'm particularly looking for right now.

IN GRAPHIC NOVELS
🌟Young adult contemp romance w/ substance, especially centering characters w/ marginalized identities
▫️Think: Heartstopper, Pumpkinheads #MSWL

🌟Nuanced stories about rebellion against unjust systems, building solidarity and mutual support, or imagining a world better than our own #MSWL

🌟Sharp & original humor that shows a deep understanding of its readers—whether goofy, over-the-top humor for middle graders or well-observed sarcasm for teens
🌟Books that slide adeptly between humor & poignancy, that make me laugh on one page & cry on the next #MSWL

▪️Unique family structures depicted in a positive light—found families, guardians other than parents, multigenerational households, & loving & supportive separated families
#MSWL

▪️Queer/LGBTQ+ protags—esp. trans, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, intersex, queer, & bi chars
▪️All BIPOC protagonists, but especially Black American, Indigenous, & Latinx protags
(cont.) #MSWL

🌟Authentic, own-voices rep of characters w/ marginalized & intersectional identities in stories of adventure, romance, friendship, joy, & personal growth. Especially but not exclusively:
▪️Protags w/ disabilities &/or neurodivergences
(cont.) #MSWL

In ALL formats, I'm excited by:
🌟Original, unforgettable characters w/ potential to become beloved household names
🌟Expansive, unique, cinematic worlds—whether imagined or a part of the real world that’s underrepresented and/or feels fresh through the creator’s eyes #MSWL

And as an outspoken advocate for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in media, I am particularly keen to invest in the work of writers and illustrators who have historically been marginalized in American media. #MSWL

BROADLY, I'm looking for big bets w/ high-concept commercial hooks, expert plotting & pacing, & the potential to become leads. My taste skews toward upmarket voices & art paired with a strong sales hook that can be summed up in an intriguing line or two. #MSWL

New year, new #MSWL! And my big 2022 news is that, in addition to being @DisneyBooks's resident graphic novel expert (send me all your future comics bestsellers!), I am opening to YA and MG novel submissions for the first time in ~5 years.

Here's what I'm looking for (thread)

Bipoc, neurodiverse, and queer folk are always my main priority

Kinda vague, but I always want smart, original, voicey, atmospheric fiction about art, music, fashion, dance, that brings in contemporary issues

“Picture Books: stories with literary sensibilities, nonfiction (not biographies) the Wheel of the Year, cultural traditions/folklore/history.” @agentvicente #MSWL mariavicente.com/representation

Also in the mood for slick stories set in big cities with characters on the precipice of change, preferably set in the 2000s cuz ya girl is feeling nostalgic.

Speaking of wishlists, I am also looking for more family stories, sibling stories, stories about inheritance and legacies (but it has to have a contemporary component)

Gentefied was canceled, which makes me sad. But now I want to read a book that has the same spirit. #MSWL

random #MSWL request: I really want to see an update/retelling of Louisa May Alcott's An Old-Fashioned Girl. Polly/Tom FTW. #ifyouknowyouknow

This is a romance novel waiting to be written! And then read by me, please. #MSWL

nbcnews.com/news/china/wom…

#mswl

New year, new #MSWL! I’ll be sharing the latest on what I’m looking for, including some BIG changes, tomorrow 👀 Stay tuned!