Literary Agent
I would love to see stories that feel like straight-up contemporary fiction only to surprise the reader with a speculative twist. THE OTHER BLACK GIRL by Zakiya Dalila Harris is a favorite of mine!
Literary Agent
I’m hungry for horror that leans on eerie, atmospheric, and unsettling. MEXICAN GOTHIC by Silvia Moreno-Garcia will forever be a favorite in this space. I don’t mind gore, but I’m typically not drawn to it. I prefer to feel scared, not grossed out.
Literary Agent
Psychological dramas in the vein of THE PUSH by Ashley Audrain are high on my wish-list, as are high-concept thrillers that keep me guessing. I devoured WE WERE NEVER HERE by Andrea Bartz and WHO IS MAUD DIXON? by Alexandra Andrews.
Literary Agent
Family stories are like catnip to me, whether family of origin, family of partnership, or found family. I adored L.A. WEATHER by María Amparo Escandón and THE MOST FUN WE EVER HAD by Claire Lombardo.
Literary Agent
…though I am also looking for commercial fiction with smooth writing (such as SUCH A FUN AGE by Kiley Reid and THE HUSBANDS by Chandler Baker).
Literary Agent
For fiction, I am open to all genres. I <3 stories with dysfunctional, messy, and flawed protagonists. My taste gravitates towards literary and upmarket fiction (in the vein of EXCITING TIMES by Naoise Dolan, WHITE IVY by Susie Yang, THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett)…
Literary Agent
I find that the best nonfiction books both educate and entertain. A recent favorite includes GIRLY DRINKS by Mallory O’Meara, and an all-time favorite is INVISIBLE WOMEN by Caroline Criado Perez.
Literary Agent
The human brain is an endless source of fascination. I’d welcome paradigm-shifting nonfiction with a neuroscience bent, particularly titles exploring the nexus between neuroscience and other fields, e.g., neuropsychology, neurosociology, neuropharmacology, neuronutrition, etc.
Literary Agent
…culminates in paradigm-shifting takeaways. I am a fan of books that expose what’s hiding in plain sight, whether it’s an untold story, the unseen side of things we think we know everything about, and/or projects that unlock unexpected and enlightening patterns/connections.
Literary Agent
A clear, original, and preferably surprising conclusion should be included in a nonfic proposal, meaning that it can’t just be 50 pages of thoughts & feelings—a sharp, unique, and curiosity-inducing through-line must be present from the beginning w/ supporting research that…
Literary Agent
My taste in nonfiction is eclectic: no title is too serious or too accessible. Demonstrable expertise/experience is a must when querying for nonfiction.
Literary Agent
For nonfiction, I am open to most categories, across the spectrum, including psychology, history, current affairs, science, politics, narrative journalism, nature & the environment, wellness, spirituality, business & economics, mathematics, parenting, lifestyle, and pop culture.
Literary Agent
Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent @ceciliaclyra
All right, #amquerying writers—let’s talk #MSWL because it’s a new year! What follows is what I’m looking for as an agent, i.e., my tastes, opinions, and impressions, as well as examples of some of my favorite books. It’s all subjective, of course. (A 🧵) #WritingCommunityI rep adult fiction & nonfiction. For both, I am on the hunt for stories that explore *power* (imbalance, struggle, rise & fall), *identity* (perception, exploration, intersectionality) & *dysfunction* (familial, societal, cultural) told with originality, nuance, & authenticity.
Literary Agent
^^ and final evergreen reminder that I'm fairly genre-agnostic, so if you're not sure, feel free to give me a shot anyway! 📚📚
Literary Agent
Other books I’ve recently loved in no particular order -- DIAL A FOR AUNTIES, THE INHERITANCE GAMES, THE FINAL REVIVAL OF OPAL & NEV, ACE OF SPADES, THE FAMILY, THE OTHER BLACK GIRL, THE GRACE YEAR, WHITE IVY, THE ECHO WIFE, WE ARE THE BRENNANS, HAPPILY EVER AFTERS
Literary Agent
Grounded fantasy/ genre! I can read books like THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE, ADDIE LARUE, SERPENT & DOVE, or THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY again and again -- anything with a lush setting, a little (or a lot) of romance, and high stakes has my name all over it.
Literary Agent
Upmarket fiction! If it’s something you would read in a book club, send it my way. I loooved THE GREAT CIRCLE by Maggie Shipstead, and would be over the moon to find something similar! Taylor Jenkins Reid, Kate Quinn, Gail Honeyman, Kristin Hannah are other favorites.
Literary Agent
I’m also actively looking for more romance! I’m an absolute fiend for Bridgerton and need something light, witty, and escapist to tide me over until season 2. I’m a huge fan of Talia Hibbert and Emily Henry, and recently loved ONE TO WATCH, THE EX HEX, and THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS.
Literary Agent
Speaking of humor… I’m looking for anything with a darkly funny sensibility. Ottessa Moshfegh is an all-time fave, along with books like THE NEW ME, YOU, or MY SISTER THE SERIAL KILLER, and TV shows like White Lotus.
Literary Agent
I’m beyond OBSESSED with the TV show Yellowjackets -- would love love love to find something that brings the scares alongside a wicked sense of humor! This goes for thrillers, too -- I’d love to find the next Lucy Foley, Megan Abbott, or Jessica Knoll.