For adult fiction in general, give me more books that blend genre. All stories are mysteries, and I love a book that leans into its mystery element even if it’s not actively a mystery novel. I also love fabulist or surrealist stories, broadly.
In adult horror, I am more a fan of the psychological than the monstrous, unless the monster is a metaphor. I would love something darkly comic; I would love something in the vein of BOY PARTS.
In adult SFF: give me big and epic in scope without sacrificing character work. Touchpoints I’ve been thinking of lately are THE STARS UNDYING, BARU CORMORANT, and INK BLOOD SISTER SCRIBE. I love intricate worldbuilding and being tricked by the narrative!
I’m looking primarily for adult and YA fiction right now. (No nonfiction pls, and I don’t work on anything younger than MG.) I am a genre lover first and foremost, and I’m always looking for underrepresented voices (more on that below).
For adult fiction only (since these genres don't apply to children's): 4. Bookclub/women’s fiction: Voice-driven, high-concept novels across these categories. 5. Romance: Upmarket romance with a great one-line pitch. Happy with spice.
here's a general sense of what I want for reference. For MG, YA and Adult: 1. Fantasy/Science Fiction: High fantasy, low fantasy, cosy fantasy. Particularly interested in fantasy and SF inspired by underrepresented cultures with unique world-building.
Thought I'd share my fiction #MSWL as I prepare to open! As mentioned, my list will be 60/40 towards MG/YA, the rest adult. I don't have much MG so during my first open query week, I will be considering MG only. However, I'll do different genres and age-groups each month, so🧵
Hey y'all, I'm not on this site much anymore, but just in case it's helpful, I'm posting my updated #MSWL here! Check out our submissions instructions to send me your brilliant work :) trellisliterary.com/natalie-edwards-mswl
The 40 will comprise of adult fiction, mainly, with the odd non-fiction project thrown in. I'll do a more specific MSWL in the coming days ready for when I open up. I will use Query Manager like before and will keep my semi-personalized rejections system.
Ok, agents and authors. It's me! Your friendly, local editor. I'm starting to build my 2026 list. Interested in what I'm looking for? Sure, you are. Here's my #mswl .
Very commercial books for New Adult and Adult Gen-Z and Millennial audiences that feature sticky hooks and feel like they’re doing something fun, new, and BIGGER with their genre.
Select Adult upmarket/literary work that is super high concept and feels fresh and hyper relevant (especially work that explores or intersects family/culture/history à la THE JOY LUCK CLUB).
Literary Agent @belcastr & wrangler of #TheATeam Lover of books, reality TV, Buffy, coffee, rescue dogs, and tattoos. 💀 My opinions are my own. She/her.
I’ve decided to stay open to queries through November 7th before closing for the year. 🎉 I’m still actively looking for adult werewolves, horror, commercial fiction, and more! Excited to read more amazing stories!
Tidbits on what I’m hunting: adult/YA horror; romance (sweet, dark, steam; romcoms, meet cutes, sports hero protagonists, etc.); thrillers/psych susp.; YA dark academia; adult/YA fantasy/romantasy (r’masy must be very unique); & more. Read #mswl#WritingCommmunity#amquerying
WRITERS: I'm open to queries and I'm excited to read your stories. I'm looking for YA/MG/PB and NF (adult and kids). Make me laugh, make me cry, keep me up all night reading. #MSWL here: manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/shari-maurer/
I am HUNGRY for adult non fiction from expert voices in their field. I'm very, very open to a wide variety of topics (surprise me!), though anything about death, death doulas, menopause, chronic illness, and medical gaslighting is likely to catch my eye.
Very much still looking for horror in the adult, YA and MG space! Also, humorous mystery a la Only Murders/Finlay Donovan is (still) hitting my sweet spot.
On the adult side, I'm VERY much looking for book club fiction, i.e. upmarket, which is basically a commercial plot with literary writing. If you comp to Britt Marie Was Here or Eleanor Oliphant, PLEASE HIT SEND, thank you.