Since we're all kinda talking about our wishlists, can I just say I am still always looking for picture book stories that are weird. And maybe don't really teach you anything. Bonus points if the protagonist is a weird little girl.

I’m still mulling it over, so I will be posting a refreshed #MSWL in January. Until then, my previous wishlist tweets still stand. I’m feeling goofy so I might do a 12 Days of Wishlist with some hyper-specific asks if people think that sounds cool.

I am remaining open for submissions this holiday season! Currently seeking Christian fiction of any type, clean YA, closed door/inspirational romance, and nonfiction. #YA #WritingCommunity #amquerying #amwriting #MSWL

Submissions via QueryManager only please: QueryManager.com/NinaLeon

Full MSWL: manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/nina-leon/

I can't wait to read some wonderful new queries!

Cosy fantasy: I'd love something magical, healing, and whimsical.

Women’s fiction: I’m looking for a strong voice and writing that is accessible. I’d love a story that is full of heart and profoundly honest. I’m also keen for darker twists.

Romantasy: I’m looking for a unique hook that really makes a MS stand out! I mostly enjoy darker stories, whether in setting or theme. High spice is best, but romantic tension is fine too. Damon, Stefan and Elena dynamic, anyone?

I'm excited to share an updated #MSWL 🧵 as we move towards 2024

Millennial rom-com: dating apps, zoom dates, and social media – it’s wild out there. I’d love a story that explores how to navigate dating/finding love as a 20 or 30 something. Millennial Bridget Jones please!

Reading up on the Victorian era, and it was exclusively aristocrats--Barons, Earls, Ladies--who converted to Islam. Is someone going to write me a historical regency fic with a strikingly rich and handsome Muslim lead? #MSWL

Ultimately, if the vibes are dark academia, witchy, creepy forests, poisonous plants, gothic (whether horror or historical!), or anything with a charismatic leader and a cult, it’s right up my alley.

I’m also open to cozier romantasy, where magic is woven into every day things (knitting a magical scarf for a loved one, kitchen witchcraft to fight off a cold, etc.)

I grew up on Tamora Pierce, so if you have women fighting as knights, or an equivalent, I want to see it.

Romantasy is a bit of a new space, but I want stories that are steeped in folklore and mythology.
I’d like to see magical academies (Think THE MAGICIANS or FOURTH WING), pirates, intense and lush world building, and romance with high stakes.

For speculative fiction and magical realism, I love stories that deal with time in interesting ways (OONA OUT OF ORDER) but I also love Isabel Allende’s stories.
I’ve been saying I would love to see an adult version of Encanto.

For bookclub, I would love to see a novel about generational trauma through the eyes of an eldest or only daughter, who is now trying to overcome the issues her parents or grandparents placed upon her. Especially as we’re looking at matriarchal lineage.

For romcoms, give me a cozy town (think Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls), witty banter, and some chemistry, and I’m all over it. I’m fond of enemies to lovers, rivals to lovers, and grumpy/sunshine.

For cozy mysteries, I’m usually looking for a bookstore or tea shop setting, or other general cozy feels here. I like to see a well rounded community that feels every bit a part of the story as the protagonist.

For horror, I want to be scared. I gravitate towards social and psychological horror (think WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING or MEXICAN GOTHIC)
I also love folklore and mythology. I grew up around forests and mountain ranges, so something like THIS WRETCHED VALLEY is always on my radar.

For thrillers, I love complicated family dynamics, twisted female friendships, and tense mother daughter relationships.
I like dual POV or time periods- think THE SUNDOWN MOTEL. Big fan of Lucy Foley and Wendy Walker. Would love to see more locked room thrillers as well.

I should say I’m open to the Regency era as well!

For historicals, whether it’s a mystery or historical fiction, I want a feminist female protagonist. I usually gravitate towards Edwardian and Victorian eras. But I’m open to the 1920s-1950s.
I’d love to see body snatching or spiritualism like in SPITTING GOLD.