For cozy mysteries, I’m usually looking for a bookstore or tea shop setting, or other general cozy feels here. I like to see a well rounded community that feels every bit a part of the story as the protagonist.

For horror, I want to be scared. I gravitate towards social and psychological horror (think WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING or MEXICAN GOTHIC)
I also love folklore and mythology. I grew up around forests and mountain ranges, so something like THIS WRETCHED VALLEY is always on my radar.

For thrillers, I love complicated family dynamics, twisted female friendships, and tense mother daughter relationships.
I like dual POV or time periods- think THE SUNDOWN MOTEL. Big fan of Lucy Foley and Wendy Walker. Would love to see more locked room thrillers as well.

I should say I’m open to the Regency era as well!

For historicals, whether it’s a mystery or historical fiction, I want a feminist female protagonist. I usually gravitate towards Edwardian and Victorian eras. But I’m open to the 1920s-1950s.
I’d love to see body snatching or spiritualism like in SPITTING GOLD.

I acquire a few genres between our two imprints, but to break it down:

Crooked Lane:
thrillers, historical mysteries, cozy mysteries, and horror.

Alcove Press:
historical fiction, magical realism, speculative fiction, romcoms, bookclub fiction, and romantasy.

A 🧵 on my #mswl and what I’m hoping to see in the new year (or in the next two weeks since my inbox is still open 😂)

I just updated our current areas of special interest on Submittable: freespiritpublishing.submittable.com/submit/134906/free-spirit-submissions #mswl #kidlit 💕

Ok million dollar idea for whoever wants to write it: Phantom of the Opera meets Love Island—a murderous misanthrope haunts the set of a raunchy reality show. #mswl

I've updated my #MSWL ! It's gotten a bit smaller (due to my 2024 goals to focus on middle grade books).

Note: I accept unagented submissions until Jan. 14.
manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/samiha-hoque/

Sleep is important but...I stayed awake dreaming of a compulsively readable thriller about a famous woman's descent into madness, drawing heavily from Perfect Blue and Black Swan. Agents if you have it, send it. #MSWL

Please someone send me a grownup Veronica Mars. I'm talking that hard boiled-but-not, sassy detective with a heart of gold. A cast of secondary characters that capture your whole heart and a star-crossed romance with an HEA wouldn't hurt either. #MSWL

Normally I am not a sports romcom type of person, but as someone who used to fence, I would love to see a romcom centered around fencing #mswl 🤺

I am not a good fit for:
- Sorry no straight romcoms at this time
- Procedurals
- Misogyny
- Anything that leans too literary
- Stories centering around police officers or military
- Gore, body horror
- Erotica
- High Fantasy
- Space operas
- Childrens fiction (MG, YA, PB)
#MSWL

Agents if you think you have a project that would be a good fit for Graydon House’s list please do reach out.
#MSWL

Agents:
- Sweeping love stories
- Feminist takes on old tropes
- Voices from underrepresented groups
- I love stories that keep me guessing, voice-y narratives, and immersive, atmospheric settings
- Light grounded Sci-fi elements
#MSWL

Agents:
- LGBTQ+ stories—including romcoms
- Twisty, gripping with surprising endings (think Mary Kubrica or Seraphina Nova Glass)
- Stories with light fantasy or gothic elements, mild horror, and/or magical realism
- Quirky female-driven fiction
- Juicy dramas
#MSWL

Agents: I am actively looking to add to my roster of talented authors.
- Book club-worthy fiction that skews commercial
- Woman’s fiction
- Historical fiction from diverse perspectives
#MSWL

Reminder that spooky is for all year round, not just for October. Agents, send me your horror books #MSWL

GRAPHIC NOVELS:
-airier, unique, dynamic MG and YA GNs whose art feels purposeful, like this book HAS to be in graphic novel form to shine