Hi agents, I’m on the hunt for high-concept layered YA & MG novels! #MSWL

For YA: romantic fantasy; dark academia; mystery/thrillers like We Were Liars or Firekeeper’s Daughter; thought-provoking horror or gothic; romantic coming of age like Aristotle & Dante & Last Night at the Telegraph Club 1/3

📢 AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATORS 📢
Surprise! I'm open to picture book author/illustrator queries from now until the end of the month. I will be prioritizing humor, high-concept hooks, STEM topics, and fresh approaches to evergreen topics #mswl

Looking for high concept, commercial picture books that are fun to read! #MSWL

I am looking for escapist, high concept projects. It needs to have a really strong hook to differentiate itself in today's crowded market. #MSWL

#Mswl : literary voice-driven middle grade w/a high-concept hook; speculative/fantasy or slice-of-life but I want to see gorgeous, engaging prose or verse; profound coming-of-age themes; and beautifully drawn characters. If it’s a heavier story, there should be love and hope reverberating throughout

GENERAL
I gravitate toward high-concept, commercial fiction with bold storytelling, standout pacing, and a distinct voice. I also have a soft spot for speculative stories, mysteries, and anything delightfully weird.

"I want an LGBTQIA+ novel in the vein of ONE DAY, A LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE (high concept, unique structure, deep and sweeping love story)."
Carly Watters #MSWL

High concept picture books #MSWL

While I am not open to queries just yet, I have a #MSWL profile you can check out for a preview on what I'll be looking for in the future! 😉
manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/ashlee-maccallum/

For #YA , I'm on the hunt for an unforgettable voice. High-concept stories that can be summarized in a single sentence, grounded fantasy, historical fantasy, unique paranormal, and historical with high stakes and universal themes from an underserved viewpoint or unique time in history.

"High-concept thrillers and psychological dramas that delve deep into the human psyche and keep me guessing are high on my wish-list."
CeCe Lyra #MSWL
psliterary.com/submissions/

Now that it’s PW official! I’m so excited to announce that I’ve joined jenazantian.bsky.social’s wonderful agency as an associate agent 🥰

And yes, I’m open to queries! Please check out my MSWL and submit to me via QueryTracker!
azantianlitagency.com/about-us/shelly-romero

📚 Fiction #MSWL : I’m looking for emotionally resonant, high-concept stories with strong hooks and commercial appeal. Think speculative with soul, literary-commercial crossovers, or romantic-adjacent stories that are smart, voicey, unputdownable.

Some specific #MSWL cravings I’ve had these days for my YA list:

-high-concept post apocalyptic
-a romantic gothic/horror mystery
-beautiful, voicey trans/genderqueer anything
-yearning/longing vibes
-enemies/rivals to lovers
-twisted romance
-dark academia in a non-European setting

I do a lot of romantasy, and I love it. But I need a high concept hook. Something unique. Pushing the mold. Experimenting with genre. A few of my own author’s books are here.

Shorter, kitschy, high concept books that celebrate adolescence for young readers. Books that speak to their big emotions and daydreams. Humorous and playful and adventurous and classic. Think of what media used to be like in the early 2000s-memorable, lovable, serialized

I am looking for escapist, high concept projects. It needs to have a really strong hook to differentiate itself in today's crowded market. #MSWL

I love and am actively looking for commercial literary horror—stories that blend rich, evocative prose with gripping, high-concept plots. I’m especially drawn to books like House of Monstrous Women #mswl

I’m looking for immersive settings, a strong love story, & a high-concept plot. Give me adventure, humor, and swoon-worthy romance—whether it’s a daring quest, a fairy tale reimagining, or a kingdom on the brink of change. I want magic, unforgettable characters, and a romance that feels epic. #MSWL

PT. 2 #MSWL 💜✨🐦‍⬛