YA: Form-challenging fiction of all genres, thrillers and twists, stories set outside the U.S., big-world fantasies with settings that feel truly new & original, contemporary stories that explore themes like identity, code-switching, and female rage, young (12up) YA. #MSWL

MG (young or mature, w/or w/o illustrations, traditional or graphic novels): adventure plots, fantasy drawing from mythologies outside the Western and/or white canon, classics rebooted, LGBTQIA+ fantasy & magic realism, explorations of subcultures, hidden history. #MSWL

Picture books: illustrator-driven projects that are high-concept and/or highly detailed; concept or platform-driven stories with a commercial hook that resonate with my core values of inclusion, empowerment, and making the world a better place. #MSWL

For the first time in my editorial career, I'm building a list entirely from scratch (at @SimonKIDS). So agents, here is a thread of my #MSWL, though if you want to try me with something totally different from this list, that's okay too!

another age old #mswl that I cannot believe has not been written yet: PLEASE send me a novelization of Frida Kahlo's life by a Mexican woman writer

Happy #MSWL day! Agents, I'm currently acquiring middle grade, YA, and picture books. My page on the #MSWL site gives a pretty good sense of the kinds of projects I'm looking for, but here's a few other things I'd love to see in my inbox right now.

Honestly gimmie anything that’s as ridiculous, funny, and charming as Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency #MSWL

Women who aren't what you expect, who have strong or indelible (not necessarily likable) voices. Again, in lit fic or commercial women's fiction; also YA and MG. #MSWL

Dipping briefly into #MSWL day on behalf of Amy Berkower. We'd love to see vivid and precise portraits of a small town that's off the expected track. So many novels are set in Manhattan or the Bay Area. Wld love lit fic that brings an unexpected location to life.

It may seem like I only like really dark stuff, but my favorite kind of horror is ultimately hopeful. I want to see people face their fears and win. Make impossible choices and survive. Rescue each other and rescue themselves. #MSWL

Not my usual genre, but how cool would this be? A Robin Hoodesque reclaiming of works from colonial powers #mswl twitter.com/SAChakrabooks/…

I acquire YA nonfiction on proposal: overview, chapter description/outline, sample chapter. #mswl #ManuscriptWishList

And--of course--I always want the things that I couldn't even imagine myself. Surprise me! Be inventive! Be yourself! Speak with the voice that no one has but you. #MSWL

Also, I would love more graphic novels on my list! For practically any age, really. #MSWL

#MSWL: I’m acquiring YA nonfiction. Looking for #NF on topical, relevant themes for teens that work for both report writing and pleasure reading.

Books in the vein of: The Dozier School for Boys by Elizabeth A. Murray, You Do You by Sarah Mirk, and Body 2.0 by Sara Latta.

I’d love to see more/better mental illness rep in horror. As an anxious person, I’d particularly kill to see protagonists dealing with panic attacks and anxiety while having to fight for their lives.

Hiding from a monster? Better hope you don’t start hyperventilating 🙃 #MSWL

I just finished rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender (A PERFECT SERIES), and would love to see an MG with similar humor/stakes! #MSWL

I'd sell my soul at the crossroads for a Southern Gothic magic-infused MG/YA novel. #MSWL

Happy #MSWL day! Here's a link to my MSWL profile with some notes on what I'm looking for (friendly reminder that HarperCollins doesn't accept unagented submissions, so please, agents only!): manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/sara…

And I'll thread a few more things I'd love to see here!

a few very Specific #MSWL items i’m actively looking for:
- YA superstore
- an #ownvoices PB about sacheen littlefeather
- YA set in catholic/boarding/private school—bonus points for murder 💀

i’m also posting on my MSWL profile & here:

alyzaliu.tumblr.com