🌟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!

Agents, if you sent something before my leave that fits the above, please do send me a nudge. I'm working on a new system to stay more on top of subs & replies may be more brief but I'm trying for faster response times. Looking forward to connecting on some fabulous projects!

Across all genres and formats, I hope you’ll think of me when the setting is practically a character in its own right, characters are flawed but trying, themes involve grieving while living and/or found families, & the voice is particularly voicey

In picture books and board books, I’m looking for concept-driven, funny, sweet, and joyful read alouds that you’d immediately identify as a perfect baby shower or new baby gift

MG nonfiction that uses humor and playful formats to bring readers to both evergreen & rapidly evolving topics; in particular, I'd love to learn about civics, media literacy, mental health, body positivity, and food in fresh ways

Coming-of-age stories bursting with heart are my forever-love in MG fiction--but I still need that high-concept hook. The pitch should make me ask “what’s next?” or "how??" (or both! 🙃)