Rachel Stark

⭐️Contemporary fantasy set in non-European-inspired settings. Every Rick Riordan Presents book is a fantastic example, but note I am not acquiring for that imprint, and anything I do snag will have to feel distinct from what RRP has published.

⭐️Stories about (non-anthropomorphic) animals, human-animal bonds, nature & high-stakes survival. Think today's My Side of the Mountain. Spooky camp stories also scratch this itch!
⭐️Horror stories— genuinely scary or high-concept light humor (from Small Spaces to Ghost Squad)

I'm actively looking for middle grade fiction (age 8+, not chapter book) right now! I'd especially love to see:
⭐️Contemporary stories that take a “light and bright” approach to social change, solidarity, and self-discovery (like Front Desk or From the Desk of Zoe Washington)

⭐️Nuanced stories about rebellion against unjust systems, building solidarity and mutual support, or imagining a world better than our own

⭐️Books that make me laugh on one page and cry on the next
⭐️Expansive, unique, and cinematic worlds—fantastical OR a segment of the real world that’s underrepresented and/or feels fresh through the creator’s eyes

*Own-voices* rep of characters with marginalized and intersectional identities in stories of adventure, romance, friendship, joy, and personal growth. Especially but not exclusively: disability/neurodivergence; queer/LGBTQ+; all BIPIC but esp Black American, Indigenous & Latinx

In all formats I'm particularly excited by:
⭐️Original, unforgettable, "sticky" characters—future household names
⭐️Sharp, original humor that shows a deep understanding of its readers—whether goofy, over-the-top humor for middle graders or well-observed sarcasm for teens

And as an outspoken advocate for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in media, I am particularly keen to invest in the work of writers and illustrators who have historically been marginalized in American media.

So what do I want? My musts are:
⭐️big bets with high-concept commercial hooks, expert plotting and pacing, & lead-title potential
⭐️upmarket and unforgettable writing/art
⭐️a strong sales hook that can be summed up in an intriguing line or two #MSWL

Third, while I have been and still am @DisneyBooks's biggest graphic novel fan, my list will be leaning much more toward prose this year, and I'm going to be extremely selective about graphic novels; it's probably best to send me just your most targeted-to-me comics.

Second, while my role used to be split about 50/50 between IP and creator-owned work, that percentage has tipped way over toward creator-owned work—so hit me with your best shot!

First off, peep the new pronouns 👀 Studies* show that I will like you more and be 73% more likely to offer if you get them right.

*there have been no studies

What's up, agents, it's 2023 and I'm aiming to acquire more great books this year than ever before! There are some changes to my focus and wishlist so follow along for my 2023 wishlist:

Agents: GET SUBMITTING! #MSWL

Visual representation of me celebrating all the awesome books we're gonna make in 2022:

And finally: Please know that Disney does not allow me to accept unagented/unsolicited submissions. Please have your agent submit to me, unless I've invited you to submit to me at a convention or conference. Them's the rules, I don't make 'em. #MSWL

And finally, there's definitely crossover in the subject matter that interests me in graphic novels vs. novels! If you have an MG or YA novel that fits my GN wishlist, have your agent send it! If you have a GN for any age that fits my novel wishlist, same! #MSWL

NOVEL GUIDELINES: I am open only to MG and YA novels. Sadly not open to nonfiction, picture book, chapter book, or adult novel submissions (though, send me all your YA readalikes to One Last Stop, Gideon the Ninth, and A Darker Shade of Magic!) #MSWL

🌟Upmarket contemporary YA romance with substance, centering characters of traditionally marginalized identities
▫️Think: Furia, Felix Ever After, The Music of What Happens #MSWL

🌟Fantasy set in non-European-inspired settings
▫️Think: Raybearer, Aru Shah and the End of Time
🌟Epic YA romance embedded within a larger story
▫️Think: King of Scars/Rule of Wolves, Raybearer #MSWL

🌟Middle grade stories about (non-speaking) animals, human-animal bonds, nature, & high-stakes survival
▫️Think: A Wolf Called Wander, today’s My Side of the Mountain #MSWL