⭐️Thrillers, psychological horror, supernatural, mystery, and speculative fiction that radically represents and explores queer, female, and BIPOC rage, revenge, and reclamation of power (think Elatsoe, Iron Widow, Sadie)

⭐️High-concept fantasy & contemporary fantasy that uses the conventions of its genre to critique, subvert, or illuminate a truth about our world (PLEASE send me the next Raybearer, Graceling, Witch King)
⭐️Fantasy/contemporary fantasy set in non-European-inspired settings

I also acquire young adult fiction (12+ or 14+) and the occasional crossover book that still suits YA. I'd love to see:
⭐️Comedic writing paired with a sticky concept that can be summed up in a single sentence (a la Me & Earl, Gentleman's Guide)

⭐️Contemporary fantasy set in non-European-inspired settings. Every Rick Riordan Presents book is a fantastic example, but note I am not acquiring for that imprint, and anything I do snag will have to feel distinct from what RRP has published.

⭐️Stories about (non-anthropomorphic) animals, human-animal bonds, nature & high-stakes survival. Think today's My Side of the Mountain. Spooky camp stories also scratch this itch!
⭐️Horror stories— genuinely scary or high-concept light humor (from Small Spaces to Ghost Squad)

I'm actively looking for middle grade fiction (age 8+, not chapter book) right now! I'd especially love to see:
⭐️Contemporary stories that take a “light and bright” approach to social change, solidarity, and self-discovery (like Front Desk or From the Desk of Zoe Washington)

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

⭐️Books that make me laugh on one page and cry on the next
⭐️Expansive, unique, and cinematic worlds—fantastical OR a segment of the real world that’s underrepresented and/or feels fresh through the creator’s eyes

*Own-voices* rep of characters with marginalized and intersectional identities in stories of adventure, romance, friendship, joy, and personal growth. Especially but not exclusively: disability/neurodivergence; queer/LGBTQ+; all BIPIC but esp Black American, Indigenous & Latinx

In all formats I'm particularly excited by:
⭐️Original, unforgettable, "sticky" characters—future household names
⭐️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

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.

So what do I want? My musts are:
⭐️big bets with high-concept commercial hooks, expert plotting and pacing, & lead-title potential
⭐️upmarket and unforgettable writing/art
⭐️a strong sales hook that can be summed up in an intriguing line or two #MSWL

Third, while I have been and still am @DisneyBooks's biggest graphic novel fan, my list will be leaning much more toward prose this year, and I'm going to be extremely selective about graphic novels; it's probably best to send me just your most targeted-to-me comics.

Second, while my role used to be split about 50/50 between IP and creator-owned work, that percentage has tipped way over toward creator-owned work—so hit me with your best shot!

First off, peep the new pronouns 👀 Studies* show that I will like you more and be 73% more likely to offer if you get them right.

*there have been no studies

What's up, agents, it's 2023 and I'm aiming to acquire more great books this year than ever before! There are some changes to my focus and wishlist so follow along for my 2023 wishlist:

#mswl obviously

Did a little #mswl updating today and with that, I am officially open again for queries. Can't wait to meet you! manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/emel…

Same but it could be ya or adult speculative for me #mswl

I want a Knives out/Glass Onion YA level mystery so badly #MSWL