⭐️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:

Oh no I have one more for now: Pre-Raphaelite inspired fantasy, sf or horror

Last but not least, fucked up deer. Or really any forest animal that looks normal at first but on second glance there is something not quite right. Why are its eyes so large? What is that hanging from the end of its antlers?

Sentient houses. Haunted, hallowed ground. The feeling that something is watching you from the pages of the book and you simply cannot turn off your light.

Bureaucratic fantasy in the vein of The Goblin Emperor and The Traitor Baru Cormorant

Paladins, warrior nuns, battle monks exploring their faith and call to duty

Pen pal romance. If you have two people falling in love through letters, I am here for it

A scene in a library, bookshop or better yet, a magical bookshop. I love characters that are archivists, librarians, collectors of ancient manuscripts with dead languages only they can read

Raise your hand if you got yanked out of a reading slump and are now standing in 2023 with big energy and even bigger book goals: 🙋🏼‍♀️

Looking to really expand my list this year so agents, check out my updated #MSWL and send all the fiction my way!

(pls, ty, I am very excited)