If you follow me, you probably know I read a lot in this space. My favorites are: Tana French, Attica Locke, Ashley Audrain, SA Cosby. I recently read and enjoyed THE PLOT and also ALL HER LITTLE SECRETS. #MSWL

I'd really like to work on a great novel or two this year. I'm looking for propulsive #suspense, edgy #mysteries, and grounded #horror. I love dark books that keep you guessing, with characters that are well drawn and memorable. #MSWL

I would also love to work with more #kidlitart #illustrators this year. I like bright, bold color palettes, expressive characters, creators who can tell a whole story in one image. My tastes range. See? jmcgowanbooks.com/clients

Try me! #MSWL

I like sarcasm and humor. I like nonfiction narratives that read like fiction. I like books that deal with current issues, but that teach you the history of a thing. Have you read IMMUNE by Phillipp Dettmer? Fascinating!

In nonfiction, when in doubt, try me. #MSWL

This year, I'm focusing on growing my #nonfiction list. I'd love to work on popular science, social science, and food books. Voicey writing. Think Mary Roach, Adam Grant. Climate, space, the ocean, biology. Mental health, personality science. Cookbooks! Chemistry of cooking #MSWL

Hello Book Creators of Twitter. I seem to be the last agent to tell you fine folks what I'd like to see in my inbox this year. Allow me... #MSWL

First, QueryManager link: QueryManager.com/jmcgowan

Seriously, writers, dying for this queer coming of age #mswl #amquerying #querytip

Narrative nonfiction with roots in journalism or science that follows personal stories revealing curiosities still to be discovered in the world like Fox & I by Catherine Raven or issues that need broader attention like Nomadland by Jessica Bruder #mswl #nonfiction

Memoir that feels like a best friend sharing all the shit she’s been through in a way that expands your world view and makes you want to be a better friend/daughter/human - Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, or Well, This is Exhausting by Sophia Benoit #mswl #nonfiction #memoir

YA and Adult science fiction and fantasy that escapes tropes and plays with my expectations and my heart: like Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir or The World Gives Way by Marissa Levien #mswl #YAsff #AdultSFF

Character focused literary fiction that plays with genre and features weird worlds and troubled characters like Once Their Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy and The Upstairs House by Julia Fine #mswl #adultfiction

Contemporary fiction about women living through unique and deeply personal but ultimately uplifting stories of transformation like Seven Days in June by Tia Williams and Agatha of Little Neon by Claire Luchette #mswl #adultfiction

I have a soft spot for grounded stories with touches of speculative fiction, cheeky, self-aware humor, and elevated horror.

I am *not* the right editor for mss that contain sexual violence, stalking, or predatory behavior, or picture books with animal characters.

PICTURE BOOK:
--Offbeat humor and cheeky, adventurous characters
--Thoughtful, emotional stories with unusually beautiful art

MIDDLE GRADE:
--Queer coming of age with strong friendships and maybe first love
--High-spirited adventures, realistic OR fantasy
--Realistic fiction about a character dealing with mental health difficulties and finding a light at the end of the tunnel

YOUNG ADULT:
--QTPOC romance with banter, emotionally complex, flawed characters, and ✨ intersectionality ✨
--High-concept speculative fiction examining current issues (esp horror & magical realism)
--Sweeping historical fiction about untold movements, events, or individuals

Hi, agent friends :) It's about that time: New Year, New #MSWL 📚✒️

I edit picture books, middle grade novels, and YA novels/nf, as well as select graphic novels across genres.

I prioritize intersectional stories that center BIPOC characters & their unique, varied experiences.

Things I'm not really into right now:

Dragons
Chosen Ones
Sudden Powers
Drug/Sexual Abuse
Religion Heavy
Werewolves/Fairies/Elves
Typical "vagabond thief group"
Male/White Savior lens
Thrillers/Crime/Detective Stories
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity

Would love Horror that pulls from non-European legends, too. Myths or superstitions and whatnot that feed into this creep factor

For MG, horror that feels realistic to kids. Not something that seems to push things too far
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity

Also HORROR! Mostly just MG and Adult, not YA.

No blood/guts/gore, but psychological and suspenseful.

Love gothic horror
ghosts and ghoulies welcome
Think things like Mexican Gothic, Doll Bones, Oculus, etc.
#querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity