For adult fiction in general, give me more books that blend genre. All stories are mysteries, and I love a book that leans into its mystery element even if it’s not actively a mystery novel. I also love fabulist or surrealist stories, broadly.
In adult horror, I am more a fan of the psychological than the monstrous, unless the monster is a metaphor. I would love something darkly comic; I would love something in the vein of BOY PARTS.
Speaking of which, a specific ask I have is more speculative heist novels. I am dying to see more books that have the delightful sleight of hand of Leigh Bardugo or Scott Lynch or Margaret Owen. Not assassins. Con artists, doing con artist things!
In adult SFF: give me big and epic in scope without sacrificing character work. Touchpoints I’ve been thinking of lately are THE STARS UNDYING, BARU CORMORANT, and INK BLOOD SISTER SCRIBE. I love intricate worldbuilding and being tricked by the narrative!
I’m looking primarily for adult and YA fiction right now. (No nonfiction pls, and I don’t work on anything younger than MG.) I am a genre lover first and foremost, and I’m always looking for underrepresented voices (more on that below).
here are some some books I’ve worked on previously if you want an idea of what I dig—romance, deep worldbuilding, political intrigue, underrepresented perspectives all a plus
For adult fiction only (since these genres don't apply to children's): 4. Bookclub/women’s fiction: Voice-driven, high-concept novels across these categories. 5. Romance: Upmarket romance with a great one-line pitch. Happy with spice.
3. Thrillers: Upmarket thrillers with a unique spin. Love plot twists! 4. Historical: Open to everything with a strong hook and informed by excellent research. Would love to find non-Eurocentric historical fiction.
Romantasy is fine but the fantasy elements MUST be strong! 2. Horror: Psychological and paranormal horror in particular but will consider slashers. Love gothic horror. Generally not fazed by gory content.
here's a general sense of what I want for reference. For MG, YA and Adult: 1. Fantasy/Science Fiction: High fantasy, low fantasy, cosy fantasy. Particularly interested in fantasy and SF inspired by underrepresented cultures with unique world-building.
Thought I'd share my fiction #MSWL as I prepare to open! As mentioned, my list will be 60/40 towards MG/YA, the rest adult. I don't have much MG so during my first open query week, I will be considering MG only. However, I'll do different genres and age-groups each month, so🧵
Hey y'all, I'm not on this site much anymore, but just in case it's helpful, I'm posting my updated #MSWL here! Check out our submissions instructions to send me your brilliant work :) trellisliterary.com/natalie-edwards-mswl
How about a new mystery series like Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators, The Last Starfighter movie (give me space adventures where there's tons at stake; video games become real adventures),etc.
How about a gender-flipped Can't Buy Me Love?, freaking Labyrinth come on!, Big, Ferris Buellers Day Off (any # of riffs here), Weird Science, Summer of Monkeys, Where the Red Fern Grows (cry me a river), Animorphs, Remember The Saddle Club - What's the guy version?
Ali Herring
@HerringAli
Literary Agent
Literary Agent, Spencerhill Associates. Twin mom+1 📚 Eclectic in life & books. I 💙 Jane Austen & SFF in equal doses. #TeamSpencerhill Ali-ens 👽 rock!
Like guys and gals, what were you obsessed with at that age that wasn't all about romance & might have book vibes? For me: Goonies (treasure, adventure, ok smidge romance), Indiana Jones, Seaquest (was obsessed), Adventures in Babysitting, The Boy Who Could Fly...