I'm notoriously bad at punch list #MSWL stuff. But I really do read for FUN. I like characters I can root for, surprising plots, fully-drawn worlds, humor and wit. I don't like depressing/disturbing stories, or issue-driven novels.

Sub genres I’m looking for:

Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Feminism, Film/TV, Folklore, Gothic Horror, Humor, Magical Realism, Multicultural, Paranormal, Romantic Comedy, Self-help, Social Issues, Study Abroad Stories, Time Travel, Travel

PICTURE BOOKS—I am specifically looking for author-illustrators in this space. Send me anything that is humor-driven, brimming with heart, and/or has a touch of magic. Some of my favorites: THE NIGHT GARDENER, WE DON’T EAT OUR CLASSMATES, ALMA, THE BEAR AND THE PIANO. #MSWL

PB: (select)
- lyrical and fresh cultural stories
- laugh-out-loud books with sneaky adult humor

Excited to reopen query manager and hope to see:
-Self help from BIPOC experts
-Mindfulness & social justice (like Rest Is Resistance)
-Narrative journalism
-Decolonizing themes
-Workplace humor from TikTokers
-Biz soft skills to big ideas esp
#MSWL

#MSWL In PBs, I love a read-aloud voice with great rhythm, whether it’s humorous or lyrical (or both!). I like sweet books, but not saccharine and preferably with new ways of exploring how we love. Potty humor isn't usually my thing, but the occasional poop joke doesn’t hurt

#MSWL I’d love to see more fantasies inspired by non-western mythologies and folklore! If it could be a good fit for the Rick Riordan Presents list I’d love to see it, but also looking for the weirder or more literary or less humorous stuff too!

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

Picture books – I have a full picture book list, so I'll be looking very selectively. I like humor, character-driven stories, inclusive stories, diverse representation, fiction with a fun educational aspect (i.e. A PLACE FOR PLUTO).

I love monsters of any kind in MG, and I’m interested in ghosts! For MG contemporary, I’m interested in all types of coming-of- age with authentic dialogue and lots of humor (always love Chad Lucas’s MG dialogue!).

#MSWL a beautifully written PB/MG/YA touching upon and shedding light on Korean American history. Something like one of my favorite films, 말모이 Mal-Mo-E, weaving humor, nuanced characters, complicated family dynamics beating w/love, & a spirit of resistance against the odds.

To that end: did you love White Lotus? I LOVED White Lotus (both seasons...) so, if your book has ANY resemblance to everyone's favorite locked room mystery - rich people behaving badly, an escapist setting, dark AF humor, I want to see it...

I love humorous essay collections—but am only considering collections if they have some sort of bigger picture social commentary tying the essays together. #MSWL

I've been loving horror that has a lighter writing style to contrast the darkness of the story itself. If you have humor in your horror, I'd love to take a look! #MSWL

FICTION: I am open to ALL genres. I gravitate toward books by women, for women, whether commercial, upmarket, or literary. My taste is eclectic: I adore feel good stories filled with levity and humor *and* dark novels that unsettle and disturb.

⭐️Middle grade humor with a big heart—I’d particularly like to explore careers outside of policing that nonetheless lend themselves to multiple adventures over the course of a series

⭐️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)

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

I always ask for big emotions in MSs, and right now, I especially want joy. You can make it serious, but I want moments of levity too. Bring me laugh-out-loud humor, swoonworthy romance, delightful friendships, and lots of wonder. #MSWL

New year, new website! You can find all the info on agenting things, a detailed #MSWL, etc. at ismitahussain.com. #amquerying folks, check out that Manuscript Wishlist page :)