Part of why I am looking for more diverse characters is because I love seeing worlds and experiences that are not mine own. The commonalities of human experience will transcend for me.

I love love LOVE romance. I am sucker for it. But so often it reads very forced. Chemistry is the name of the game. I need to be gripping my kindle harder and "squeeing" out loud as our lovers go about their story.

First off, I need high concept. I am not often drawn to the contemporary that could be my everyday life. I need to escape so even if it is a real world setting, it is not my REAL WORLD.

Badass ladies. I love women who take charge. I am more intrigued by Sansa and Brienne than Ayra. Even Dany has her moments for me. Women often play second fiddle to men in the world, so I love a woman who won't be held back.

"Magic always comes with a price". I love consequences. So much of the fantasy I love is driven by characters make decisions and then dealing with the consequences of those actions.

I am obsessed with lady knights. We often see fantasy that is based off our Western courtly behavior. But I love inversions of that. So if even if your novel is not based in Western culture (and yay for that) show me the inversions of your world.

I love court intrigue fantasy. There is something so fascinating about people with power and they moves they do to keep that power. The psychology and code of behaviors is fascinating to see.

So I guess my point is twofold: a) make sure you're signalling speculative elements right up front in your query, & b) send me more high-concept contemp!! #pubtip #mswl

A special publishing-themed #FollowFriday! Writers, are you following our editors? @Jennychen_jc @CKEmmelhainz @ShotOfJamieson and @FaithBlackGirl #FF for #pubtips, #MSWL calls, editor AMAs, and more! #amwriting #writerslife

I just want a manuscript that makes me as happy as free food does. #MSWL

#MSWL

As I visit the library today, I am reminded of how much I like dystopian YA. But smart dystopian. Like SCYTHE, WITHER, so give me smart dystopian #MSWL

My #FridayFeeling is also my #MSWL -- women's fiction about the effect the opioid crisis has on one family. #WF #MSWLMadness

"#YA involving fringe science in a contemporary setting." @msmariavicente #MSWL mariavicente.com/representation/

I still desperately need a Women's Fiction or Romance or even just Contemporary like The Bold Type! Friendship and female bosses galore! And HUMOR! All the laugh out loud lines, please! #MSWL

Yes please! I've been wanting books with an abundance of fun and heart and happy endings more than ever lately #mswl

#MSWL Our Senior Editor @SBiggsEditorhas a wishlist! ow.ly/oD6r30isOzD #Romance #SubTip #Submissions #Inspy #CF #CozyMystery #HistoricalRomance

#MSWL

For #MSWLMadness at BookEnds we've all updated our submissions bios in the hopes that you can get to know us better -- if you're not sure. Query anyway! bookendsliterary.com/submissions/ #MSWL #querytip

Give me a fresh spin on The Prodigal Son story. #MSWL