Since my slush pile will be reopening June 1, here's an updated #MSWL for holes in my current list:
–Board book author-illustrators
–Early reader and chapter book authors or author-illustrators
–Graphic novel author-illustrators (any age in kidlit)
–Creepy, gothic, southern gothic MG or YA

My #mswl is evergreen, but I will follow up with some more specifics in the next few weeks.
rebeccamatte.com/manuscript-wish-list

What do I mean by marginalized background? BIPOC, indigenous, LGBTQ+, trans/nb, disabled, chronically ill, neurodiverse, religious minorities, immigrants.

If you're not sure if you qualify, you probably do.

This is not meant to limit, but to raise up voices of those with less access & opportunity.

2) I honestly and truly plan to open 1/month on a reliable schedule. I'm hoping to reduce pressure to submit during a narrow window by making it reliable.

For this particular time, I am only open to authors from marginalized backgrounds. *I will open again to everyone, even if the trial run fails*.

I am also making a few changes to my systems:

1) Initial query should include 1 chapter, or 10 pages. I will then ask for a partial (50 pages) and then a full. I'm hoping this will help me reduce review time to get back to you faster and open more often.

I will be on vacation from June 13-22, and so that makes sense to me as a trial run for this new method. I'll give as many reminders as I can in the meantime, and I will still only be open to Adult & YA, SFF & romance.

Important: Do not submit to me anything that contains generative AI material.

***I am reopening to queries***

Now that I am close to the bottom of my inbox, I will open to queries from June 13-June 22.

This seems random, but there is logic. I want to open more than once a year, & I want to do so sustainably, without absurdly long response times. So I am aiming for 1/month.

"Intense, twisty upmarket novels set in competitive, high-stakes, subcultures in the vein of GIRLS AND THEIR HORSES and THE BALLERINAS."
CeCe Lyra #MSWL

THANKS FOR READING
For a more comprehensive list of what will drive my list, you can visit manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/ashlee-maccallum/, complete with specific requests and an anti-wishlist. If you think we'll be a good fit, send me a query at: QueryTracker.net/query/queryash/queryashlee ✨

I'd also like grounded fantasy or magical realism, sci fi, dystopian, paranormal, and select romance. Additionally, I'm seeking contemporary, coming-of-age stories with characters from low-income families and historical fiction featuring historically underrepresented identities.

YOUNG ADULT #YA
Vibrant and bold young adult novels with exceptional pacing and a distinct voice. My priorities in this space are horror (bonus points if rooted in folk lore) and mystery/thriller stories with a BIPOC main character.

My middle grade taste has a wide range, but the thing that is most important to me across all MG genres is an authentic, relatable voice that is age-appropriate.

MIDDLE GRADE #MG
Voice-driven middle grade with a captivating setting and quirky, lovable characters. In this space, I am open to horror, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, sci fi, historical, paranormal, adventure, contemporary, and nonfiction.

I am also on the hunt for stories filled with humor, a diverse cast of characters, and illustrated chapter books.

CHAPTER BOOKS #CB
Character-driven stories with a strong, commercial hook and series potential. I am looking for fantasy, magical realism, mystery, contemporary, nonfiction, light horror, paranormal, and adventure tales here.

I'm also interested in humorous stories that stretch the imagination, creepy picture books that allow young readers to explore fear, tension, and the unknown in a safe and fun way, and inventive/clever nonfiction, particularly STEAM themes and narrative nonfiction.

Specifically, I'd like to find heart-warming picture books that celebrate community and resilience, whimsical stories that honor individuality, and stories that highlight culture, traditions, and belonging.

PICTURE BOOKS #PB
Picture books with multiple, distinct hooks, clear/concise writing, and original concepts. I am open to working with both authors and author-illustrators in this space.

As an immigrant, I am passionate about championing marginalized creators and uplifting historically underrepresented voices. This will be a huge driving force for my list. Alright, let's get into the specific age categories!

GENERAL
I gravitate toward high-concept, commercial fiction with bold storytelling, standout pacing, and a distinct voice. I also have a soft spot for speculative stories, mysteries, and anything delightfully weird.