Agents, if you sent something before my leave that fits the above, please do send me a nudge. I'm working on a new system to stay more on top of subs & replies may be more brief but I'm trying for faster response times. Looking forward to connecting on some fabulous projects!
Across all genres and formats, I hope you’ll think of me when the setting is practically a character in its own right, characters are flawed but trying, themes involve grieving while living and/or found families, & the voice is particularly voicey
In picture books and board books, I’m looking for concept-driven, funny, sweet, and joyful read alouds that you’d immediately identify as a perfect baby shower or new baby gift
MG nonfiction that uses humor and playful formats to bring readers to both evergreen & rapidly evolving topics; in particular, I'd love to learn about civics, media literacy, mental health, body positivity, and food in fresh ways
Coming-of-age stories bursting with heart are my forever-love in MG fiction--but I still need that high-concept hook. The pitch should make me ask “what’s next?” or "how??" (or both! 🙃)
I'm not your ideal editor for high fantasy worlds, but I do love grounded fantasy, magical realism, retellings, time travel, and speculative twists in both MG & YA
Voicey YA romcoms, especially if they’re queer, and especially if they’re made more high-concept with a unique structure or unexpected twist
I am easily scared but still on the hunt for YA psychological thrillers with big emotional stakes and horror that grapples with social issues and The Way We Live Now
Alex Arnold @alexyarnold
Happy (?) New Year! I'm back from maternity leave (ready to talk your ear off about how #paidleave for all families is essential!!) and can't wait to dive back into my list at @quirkbooks with exciting subs and IP development. Here’s what I’m looking for this year… #MSWLWeird, surprising, genre-bending YA fiction that plays with tropes, especially if it's darkly funny (does anyone have @searchpartymax for teens?)
My last request: anything that’s great!!! 😉 I’m hungry for excellent manuscripts right now, agents, so send them my way! #MSWL
(#Ownvoices takes, to be clear, but hopefully you knew that!!) #MSWL
Anything with a dog as a beloved sidekick. I have a dog who is my beloved sidekick, sorry not sorry. #MSWL
Immigration stories in MG and YA #MSWL
Would especially love a MG graphic novel that could be described in the above way! #MSWL
Middle grade that addresses tough issues (mental illness, grief, family dynamics, etc) with a light touch and a strong dash of hope #MSWL
Funny contemporary middle grade with a high concept twist #MSWL
YA historical fiction set in the 1950s-70s, where the story offers insight/parallels to contemporary culture #MSWL
New takes on myths and fairy tales from non-western cultures #MSWL
Magical realism in MG and YA, especially where the magic is tied to the setting or the season. Place as character is a fav story element for me #MSWL
PS, I have a special soft spot for fake dating turned romance (yes, just like anyone else who watched and loved #ToAllTheBoys 1-6 times recently! But also, remember the Debra Messing classic The Wedding Date? 😍) #MSWL