#MSWL In general I’m gravitating toward stories with mysteries. Whether it’s a literal mystery investigation or a thriller or a fantasy with a big secret – give me that overarching thing tugging me through the pages. BUT make sure there isn’t just one big reveal at the end!

#MSWL I am eternally looking for a MG or YA fantasy that comps to The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin. The worldbuilding, the characters, the magic system, the stakes, the reveals of the various mysteries – chef’s kiss!

#MSWL While I’ll rep any genre, I am particularly drawn to fantasy, speculative, magical realism, and fabulism. I love stories that marry a fast paced plot with literary writing and strong emotions (who doesn’t, I know, sorry). A great mystery also always gets my attention.

Specifics I'd love to see:

-Light, humorous fantasy without end-of-the-world stakes

-Enemies-to-lovers

-Stories with band geeks, artists-any kind front and center

-Friend break-ups

-A platonic male/female friendship that is the core of the story and is never romantic

Mystery/suspense – I really like creepy, gothic suspense like A FORGERY OF ROSES. And GALLANT—it feels like gothic, fantasy, & horror all in one! Anything that comps to CRIMSON PEAK is always on my list—creepy manor, period piece, lots of secrets, ghosts, some romance!

Middle grade – In addition to my constant favorites, fantasy & horror, I definitely have a soft spot for all things creepy & mystery! I'm a constant fan of THE GREENGLASS HOUSE, THE CLACKITY, NIGHTBOOKS, & I was a huge SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK fan as a kid.

Horror, YA & adult - To me, the best horror has social commentary (WHAT WE HARVEST, EAT YOUR HEART OUT). I love horror blended with fantasy or fairy tales. I never get tired of creepy forests & small towns with secrets, whether it’s a current setting, historical, or high fantasy!

Fantasy, YA and adult - Unique world-building, atmospheric writing, and strong characters first and foremost (I gravitate towards strong female leads especially!). Comps and topics I love:

This year, I’ll be looking first for MG, then YA, then adult, then PB. My preference is for dark genre work (fantasy, horror, suspense) and rom-coms/lighter contemporary! I’m newly open to adult rom-coms after falling in love with a few last year. 😁

🚨 Alice is reopening only to YA and crossover fantasy queries. Think romantasy, Legends & Lattes, Stardew Valley. Recent favourites include:

- Daughter of the Pirate King
- A Deadly Education
- Legendborn
- This Poison Heart
- Iron Widow

QueryManager.com/aliceashlitera…

#mswl

If you’re interested in pitching me, check out @Jacqui_Lipton @annmrose @LaneHeymont @Sarah_Nicolas and Stefanie Rossitto #MSWL. Personally, I am excited to hear about adult fantasy, mystery, romance, women’s fiction, upmarket, and maybe even a thriller. 3/4

2/3 My #MSWL for pitches is: adult work only in fantasy (all categories), mystery, thriller, romance, women’s fiction, upmarket, and maybe even a thriller. My dream acquisition would have been The Night Circus. I like work that has hints of magic and a bit of darkness.

As stated on my #MSWL on the official MSWL website and the Metamorphosis website, as far as fantasy I’m really only looking for magical realism and urban fantasy. I prefer low fantasy and if it’s very high concept it’s probably not for me.

My new #MSWL is live on my site! Mark your calendars for Valentines Day, when I repoen to #amquerying writers!

So, what am I seeking? This year I'm prioritizing queer specfic, BIPOC voices, and romance novels of all kinds. Let's dive into the specifics!

stgibson.com/manuscript-wis…

Young Adult/New Adult: I am open to magical realism, contemporary fiction, thriller (+), mystery, and low fantasy. I am especially on the lookout for a sports story (where sports is the center of the story, like the shows Spinning Out, Pitch).

Looking for a Día de los Muertos adult project ... fantasy maybe? Anyone have one? #MSWL

I’d love to see some fantasy with magical realist influences... lyrical, magical, strange. I fell hard for The Inheritence of Orquidea Divina so I’d be delighted to get anything along those lines. See also: fantasy with Miyazaki vibes - whimsical and weird #MSWL

I’m a total sucker for found family in any setting. Epic fantasy, space opera, I don’t mind. Just give me
those heartfelt 'with-you-to-the-end-no-matter-what vibes' #MSWL

Nettle and Bone is another recent favourite. I want more of this please: heartfelt, heart-warming fantasy with characters you would die for by the end. (Bonus points for a Bonedog. IYKYK) #MSWL

I’m also drawn to character-driven fantasy with a singular narrative voice. Bonus points for the fast pace, political scheming, queer rep and original worldbuilding of one of my all-time faves, Melissa Caruso #MSWL