…but if you’re writing SFF in these age categories and you don’t think any of this describes your book, try me anyway! I am surprised often and I read so widely in this space that it’s always worth a shot.
Across the board give me:
+ more Austen and Shakespeare retellings (I’m a simple girl)
+ more court intrigue and clever protagonists, from Marie Rutkoski to Natasha Ngan to Arkady Martine I love them in all forms
+ more soft magic (ie no rules)
+ more fantasy mysteries
For contemporary stories, I am looking for confident high-concept speculative novels à la Ann Liang. I am very selective in the YA realistic space, and I’m looking for super commercial, funny, and well-plotted.
In YA SFF: I prefer my romance to be a b-plot, and would love more atmosphere-forward storytelling à la Ava Reid or Axie Oh. Especially interested in folktale/myth-inspired stories from underrepresented voices.
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.
Speaking of which, a specific ask I have is more speculative heist novels. I am dying to see more books that have the delightful sleight of hand of Leigh Bardugo or Scott Lynch or Margaret Owen. Not assassins. Con artists, doing con artist things!
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).
here are some some books I’ve worked on previously if you want an idea of what I dig—romance, deep worldbuilding, political intrigue, underrepresented perspectives all a plus
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.
3. Thrillers: Upmarket thrillers with a unique spin. Love plot twists! 4. Historical: Open to everything with a strong hook and informed by excellent research. Would love to find non-Eurocentric historical fiction.
Romantasy is fine but the fantasy elements MUST be strong! 2. Horror: Psychological and paranormal horror in particular but will consider slashers. Love gothic horror. Generally not fazed by gory content.
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