#mswl

"Send me dark retellings of fairy tales and classic stories, with similar sensibilities to THE BLOODY CHAMBER by Angela Carter or WICKED by Gregory Maguire."
mariavicente.com #MSWL

"I want unlikely friendship novels with heavy plot and a feel-good ending."
Carly Watters #MSWL

"I want crime fiction like Louise Penny, Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich."
curtisrussell.bsky.social #MSWL

"Send me history, business, politics, current affairs, memoir."
curtisrussell.bsky.social #MSWL

"Send me nonfiction by BIPOC food writers."
Carly Watters #MSWL

If you want more insight into my taste (or are simply looking for a book recommendation), here are some fantasy books I’ve thoroughly enjoyed!

I’m also especially attracted to a few niche elements in a fantasy manuscript, such as necromancy, heists, and villain-turned-ally arcs.

Fantasy is easily one of my top three genres to work with, and these are the subgenres I'm most drawn to. I’m always looking for female protagonists, ensemble casts, morally gray characters, high stakes, & unique/well-thought-out world-building & magic systems.

"Send me Gothic fiction with possibly a modern storyline, too (like MEXICAN GOTHIC and THE LITTLE STRANGER)."
Carly Watters #MSWL

Shari Lapena is a master of mystery/crime fiction... but I'd also love to find someone writing in this style to add to my client list! #MSWL

If you have a sapphic ship like Vivi x Nami, I want it when I reopen #MSWL

If you're looking for more clarity on what I enjoy and look for in a romance manuscript, here are some books I've enjoyed from the genre!

Anti mswl

I’m always a sucker for a good romance novel, so here are some things I look for in a romance manuscript. I especially love romance manuscripts with a contemporary, cozy, fantasy, gothic, historical, paranormal, sports, or romcom subgenre.

"Seeking generational stories of parenthood and family with non-binary and/or trans characters in the commercial or historical adult fiction genre (ie. heavy with plot!)"
Carly Watters #MSWL

However, I believe in "never say never.” If you feel like your book doesn’t fit these marks or adventures outside of them, but still think we’d be a good fit, send it my way! And this list isn’t meant to be exhaustive either. It’s just a snapshot into what I’m most excited about.

I’m not the best fit for fiction meant for middle grade or children’s audiences, or non-fiction, sci-fi, graphic novels, magical realism, picture books, realistic fiction, or short story collections.

Across the board, I’m looking for genre-blending manuscripts with organic character development, nuanced relationships, subtle foreshadowing, well-revealed exposition, & a few other things. I’m especially interested in working with neurodivergent & disabled authors.

Across the board, I’m looking for genre-blending manuscripts with organic character development, nuanced relationships, subtle foreshadowing, well-revealed exposition, & a few other things. I’m especially interested in working with neurodivergent & disabled authors.