I'm open to queries again!!! Here's what I'm really wanting to see in my box right now...

#MSWL 1/?

-unique picture books by diverse authors
-joyful stories about the lives of marginalized creators in PB and MG
-MG & YA contemporary stories as graphic novels or novels-in-verse

“Looking for novels that tackle mental health topics, like JULIET THE MANIAC by Juliet Escoria, A LONG WAY DOWN by Nick Hornby, and THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig.”
@agentvicente #MSWL

psliterary.com/submissions/

My DMs are open if you have questions about the submission process, but please don't pitch there. If you think I might like it, just send it over. I read everything I'm sent and aim to get back within 10 weeks.

Here's the link to our submissions page, and it also has my email. I can't wait to see what you've written!
darleyandersonchildrens.com/submissions

Almost all my clients are up on our website (with the exception of deals that haven't been announced yet!) so you can take a look and see where my tastes lie. And if you've written something that might be a good fit, my submission guidelines are there too!

All of the above could come in any age range or genre, from 5+ up to cross-over YA. I'm not really looking to expand my PB list at the moment, but I would potentially take on something very funny with a strong series character.

Although my tastes are eclectic, certain things show up in lots of the books I work on:

Angry girls and sensitive boys
Unlikely heroes
Mysteries, murders and conspiracies
Authentic representation
Fantasy with an agenda
Opposites attract friendships
Finding your true self

Quick shoutout too to Unraveller by Frances Hardinge, which I loved with all my heart, but is a terrible example of the books I'd take on. Just shows that your work tastes and your heart tastes can be slightly different.

Some books I read and loved (and wish I represented) last year:

Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Jamie by L D Lapinski
Onyeka by Tola Okogwu
Kitty Quest by Phil Corbett
Loki by Louie Stowell
Heartstopper by Alice Osman
The Inheritance Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I'll always prioritise authors from backgrounds that are underrepresented in publishing - and you don't need to be writing an 'issues' book for me to want to centre your characters and your story. Every kid deserves to see themselves in every type of book.

I'm a sucker for beautiful writing but for me, it needs to accompany an active, exciting story. I'm not the best fit for very introspective or quiet books, even if I love them as a reader.

I love properly commercial books, and when I read submissions I try to picture the kid reader rather than the adult editor. I've got lots of time for slapstick and silliness - particularly if there's a sly cleverness underneath.

Buzzing to be back in the office today with a blank notebook and plenty of plans. 2022 was a great year for #TeamDA and I want to find a couple of stars to make 2023 even better! My #MSWL is in my pinned tweet, but here's some less specific stuff to give a sense of my tastes...

I always want your NPCs and your side quests! I live for themmm! #MSWL

For example:

EVVIE DRAKE STARTS OVER
GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN
THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU
PORTRAIT OF A THIEF
GRACELING
GHOST WOOD SONG
THE WEIGHT OF BLOOD
ILLUMINAE
A PHO LOVE STORY
PET
KING AND THE DRAGONFLIES

#MSWL

Surprise me! Bring me twists and new tropes and unique takes on classic stories. Play with structure, whether it's verse or epistolary or a story in documents. Tell me something new about the world. #MSWL

Bring me strong character relationships and lush world-building. I want adventure and multi-level plots and tension that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Leave me wishing I was still wrapped up in the pages when I’m finished! #MSWL

I need some escapism this year, and I found a lot of it in romance, fantasy, and intriguing horror novels in 2022. I’d love to see more of that in my inbox! #MSWL

I always ask for big emotions in MSs, and right now, I especially want joy. You can make it serious, but I want moments of levity too. Bring me laugh-out-loud humor, swoonworthy romance, delightful friendships, and lots of wonder. #MSWL

… deep MG with a strong message; sweeping YA fantasy; women’s fiction with characters I’d kill for; banter-filled contemporary romance; and meaningful and well-written nonfiction for any age. They’ll fill in some gaps on my list! #MSWL