Ashley Hearn

In general, so, so, so much of what I'm looking for in contemporary hinges upon the presence of a: great setting, tropes I love, and a voice and characters I adore. #MSWL

I'm especially on the lookout for stories with trope-heavy plots and unbelievable voice that are informed by contemporary teen issues but not wholly centered around them. See: HOME AND AWAY by @candiceamanda and YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN!

HUMOROUS VOICES! A lot of the contemporary I read and acquire has a witty/ funny narrator, and an author with a gift for humor (see: Cece in @SoniaHartl1's HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN ME). Please, please send me your funny books! #MSWL

Agents! I'm putting a HIGH priority on YA contemporary realism in my inbox right now! My tastes are more picky in realism than they are in spec-fic, so here's a list of what I'm really drawn to in this broad category... #MSWL

As a Southern person, working at a Southern publisher, I'd love to find Southern stories—in everything from contemporary to genre fiction! Particularly BIPOC and/or queer southern stories! #MSWL

In contemporary, I'd like to find sweet, slice-of-life stories, found family and platonic love (queer friend groups!), and stories with a strong sense of place. #MSWL

Fantasy will always me my 💜. But I'm especially on the lookout for contemporary fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal right now. Examples: A BLADE SO BLACK, THE DEVOURING GRAY, and CEMETERY BOYS. #MSWL

Contemporary stories featuring teens with unique jobs! (Still looking for my Renaissance Fair book!) #MSWL

Contemporary fantasy or UF where the stakes aren't cosmic (about saving the world) and the setting feels like a character! (I blame @christineexists for this one). #MSWL

Contemporary Midwestern or New England gothic novels! #MSWL

Magical realism in the vain of Anna-Marie McLemore. Or something contemporary with a touch of magic and ton of atmosphere. #MSWL

A contemporary YA mystery or romance set at a Renaissance Fair or in a SCA guild. #MSWL

Sports stories! Especially female-driven or intersectional sports stories. Think Fox's PITCH for YA. #MSWL

Contemp stories of teens accomplishing amazing things, like competing in the Olympics, Youtube sensations, social justice advocates. #MSWL