Back to the Alcove list--setting boundaries can be a tall task for some folks, and in 2023 there was a lot of discussion about if you can set TOO MANY boundaries. People want to know how to do it right. Think SET BOUNDARIES, FIND PEACE (9/)

I publish true crime on the @crookedlanebks list--books about female serial killers and cults are high on my wishlist there. (8/)

In history, I'd love to publish unknown stories featuring women, LGBTQIA+ folks, and POC who we haven't heard about before, like HIDDEN FIGURES, THE SIX. I bid on some great ones in 2023 and would love to see more in my inbox in 2024. (7/)

To that end, I'd love to see more women's health submissions hit my inbox this year in general--both physical health to mental health (6/)

I've been looking for a smart, inclusive book on menopause, too, something that would sit on the same shelf THE MENOPAUSE MANIFESTO but more targeted, honing in one aspect of menopause and/or a book for a specific group (ie early menopause) (5/)

A book about meaningful and equal partnership like FAIR PLAY and EQUAL PARTNERS, but with a unique angle or perspective from the author and inclusive language/approach would be perfect for the Alcove nonfic list. (4/)

I'd love a self-help nonfiction book about looking past personal demons/traumas to find meaningful connection and learn to trust again--esp. for women. I'm love working with psychologists and am interested in the intersection of psychology & neuroscience (3/)

My colleagues at @AlcovePress have been publishing incredible witchy fiction; I'd love to get some commercial witchy nonfiction on my list. Think THE WITCH'S BOOK OF SELF-CARE or something more niche and for a general audience. (2/)

Happy new year! Let's do a 2024 #MSWL , shall we? This year, I'm looking to continue acquiring incredible books that help others live their best lives. My MSWL page (manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/laura-apperson/) has a lot of solid info, but let's get into some specifics! (1/)

Just finished Legends & Lattes and my heart couldn’t be warmer, so of course cozy fantasy with found family is shooting to the top of my #MSWL for both MG and YA ✨

This was really one of those books that’s a thriller and deals with *super heavy* themes and has very tense moments but the overall tone didn’t feel too dark (for me)?? Truly the exact kind of story I love/look for. Like I just had such a good time!

#mswl

#MSWL 💚

Hey agents, #MSWL for 2024 👀

Reading up on the Victorian era, and it was exclusively aristocrats--Barons, Earls, Ladies--who converted to Islam. Is someone going to write me a historical regency fic with a strikingly rich and handsome Muslim lead? #MSWL

Ultimately, if the vibes are dark academia, witchy, creepy forests, poisonous plants, gothic (whether horror or historical!), or anything with a charismatic leader and a cult, it’s right up my alley.

I’m also open to cozier romantasy, where magic is woven into every day things (knitting a magical scarf for a loved one, kitchen witchcraft to fight off a cold, etc.)

I grew up on Tamora Pierce, so if you have women fighting as knights, or an equivalent, I want to see it.

Romantasy is a bit of a new space, but I want stories that are steeped in folklore and mythology.
I’d like to see magical academies (Think THE MAGICIANS or FOURTH WING), pirates, intense and lush world building, and romance with high stakes.

For speculative fiction and magical realism, I love stories that deal with time in interesting ways (OONA OUT OF ORDER) but I also love Isabel Allende’s stories.
I’ve been saying I would love to see an adult version of Encanto.

For bookclub, I would love to see a novel about generational trauma through the eyes of an eldest or only daughter, who is now trying to overcome the issues her parents or grandparents placed upon her. Especially as we’re looking at matriarchal lineage.

For romcoms, give me a cozy town (think Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls), witty banter, and some chemistry, and I’m all over it. I’m fond of enemies to lovers, rivals to lovers, and grumpy/sunshine.