This year, I'm focusing on growing my #nonfiction list. I'd love to work on popular science, social science, and food books. Voicey writing. Think Mary Roach, Adam Grant. Climate, space, the ocean, biology. Mental health, personality science. Cookbooks! Chemistry of cooking #MSWL

Hello Book Creators of Twitter. I seem to be the last agent to tell you fine folks what I'd like to see in my inbox this year. Allow me... #MSWL

First, QueryManager link: QueryManager.com/jmcgowan

Seriously, writers, dying for this queer coming of age #mswl #amquerying #querytip

Narrative nonfiction with roots in journalism or science that follows personal stories revealing curiosities still to be discovered in the world like Fox & I by Catherine Raven or issues that need broader attention like Nomadland by Jessica Bruder #mswl #nonfiction

Memoir that feels like a best friend sharing all the shit she’s been through in a way that expands your world view and makes you want to be a better friend/daughter/human - Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, or Well, This is Exhausting by Sophia Benoit #mswl #nonfiction #memoir

YA and Adult science fiction and fantasy that escapes tropes and plays with my expectations and my heart: like Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir or The World Gives Way by Marissa Levien #mswl #YAsff #AdultSFF

Character focused literary fiction that plays with genre and features weird worlds and troubled characters like Once Their Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy and The Upstairs House by Julia Fine #mswl #adultfiction

Contemporary fiction about women living through unique and deeply personal but ultimately uplifting stories of transformation like Seven Days in June by Tia Williams and Agatha of Little Neon by Claire Luchette #mswl #adultfiction

I have a soft spot for grounded stories with touches of speculative fiction, cheeky, self-aware humor, and elevated horror.

I am *not* the right editor for mss that contain sexual violence, stalking, or predatory behavior, or picture books with animal characters.

PICTURE BOOK:
--Offbeat humor and cheeky, adventurous characters
--Thoughtful, emotional stories with unusually beautiful art

MIDDLE GRADE:
--Queer coming of age with strong friendships and maybe first love
--High-spirited adventures, realistic OR fantasy
--Realistic fiction about a character dealing with mental health difficulties and finding a light at the end of the tunnel

YOUNG ADULT:
--QTPOC romance with banter, emotionally complex, flawed characters, and ✨ intersectionality ✨
--High-concept speculative fiction examining current issues (esp horror & magical realism)
--Sweeping historical fiction about untold movements, events, or individuals

Hi, agent friends :) It's about that time: New Year, New #MSWL 📚✒️

I edit picture books, middle grade novels, and YA novels/nf, as well as select graphic novels across genres.

I prioritize intersectional stories that center BIPOC characters & their unique, varied experiences.

Things I'm not really into right now:

Dragons
Chosen Ones
Sudden Powers
Drug/Sexual Abuse
Religion Heavy
Werewolves/Fairies/Elves
Typical "vagabond thief group"
Male/White Savior lens
Thrillers/Crime/Detective Stories
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity

Would love Horror that pulls from non-European legends, too. Myths or superstitions and whatnot that feed into this creep factor

For MG, horror that feels realistic to kids. Not something that seems to push things too far
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity

Also HORROR! Mostly just MG and Adult, not YA.

No blood/guts/gore, but psychological and suspenseful.

Love gothic horror
ghosts and ghoulies welcome
Think things like Mexican Gothic, Doll Bones, Oculus, etc.
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity

Really would love more Contemporary Graphic Novel storylines in general, for all ages

For Historical, things that are NOT WW1 or WW2 unless from a POV that isn't German, Polish, English, French, or American

#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity

SUPER picky with Adult right now! Mainly contemporary, graphic novel, & historical. Fantasy worldbuilding MUST be on point & want more non-American/English storylines

Para romances not at top of my list
Looking for rom-coms, but selective
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity

YA Graphic Novel

really looking more to contemporary side of things; I have a ton of Fantasy and want to branch out
Slice of life storylines
LGBTQ+ romance/friendships
Scavenger/treasure hunts
Historical 100%
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity

YA Contemporary where the protagonist is BI or ACE. Super want more visibility in this LGBTQ+ area

Would love rivals-to-lovers
Family elements (like family business, remarrying, stepsiblings, adoption, etc.)
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity