a cool retelling or homage to THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO #MSWL

Hi all! I'll be opening my queries for two weeks starting February 1! You can find more about what I'm interested in on the Metamorphsis Website and on my Query page. I look forward to reading your work. #query #WritingCommunity Querytracker.net/query/shanians/shaniansoler

In general, my #MSWL includes big emotions, multi-level plots, female friendships, sweeping urban fantasy, clever fairytale retellings, reimagined classics, unique story structures, locked-room YA thrillers, MG with magical creatures, heists & spies & assassins, rivals to lovers, and diverse voices.

…and (even with the QM shutdown) I’m hoping to get back to everyone by the end of the year. So, if you haven’t heard from me yet, thank you for your patience!

As for 2025, here’s an updated #MSWL of what I’d love to see in the inbox. Looking forward to some exciting projects next year!

very specific things I am looking for right now #mswl
- non-western retellings
- Goosebumps for adults
- anything that can be comped to THE REAPPEARANCE OF RACHEL PRICE (YA & adult)
- just unhinged FMCs (take that as you will)
- something that will make me sleep with lights on

#MSWL I'm in the mood this weekend to dive into manuscripts with:

🗡️Fantasy with deadly competitions/games and high-stakes

🗡️Rich historical fiction infused with grounded fantasy elements

🗡️Unique retellings

Send them my way if you think we might be a fit! 📚✨

Writers, I long to find a spectacular debut YA author to invite onto my list! I love romantasy, fantasy, fairy/folktale retellings, thrillers & anything with an unreliable narrator! If you write this, hit me up - see skylark-literary.com for submission guidelines. 😊♥️ #MSWL

Across the board give me:
+ more Austen and Shakespeare retellings (I’m a simple girl)
+ more court intrigue and clever protagonists, from Marie Rutkoski to Natasha Ngan to Arkady Martine I love them in all forms
+ more soft magic (ie no rules)
+ more fantasy mysteries

Losing my mind that I’ve been an editor for almost 3 years at a press called Shaherazad Shelves and no one’s submitted a Scheherazade/Shahrazad retelling to me‼️

Please send one, a million, I don’t care #mswl

In YA I’m also looking for:
-mystery
-horror
-retellings/reimaginings (that don’t stick TOO CLOSE to the source)

All on my #Mswl and website. 😀 Most areas of science fiction and fantasy, mythological/fairytale retellings, gothic horror, spec fiction...all the genre.

with my maybe pile depleted, I'm looking for more delicious queries in my inbox, namely

🦴fantasy horror (pls!)
🦴queer YA contemp
🦴retellings (non-Western, no fairytales)
🦴woman w/ big sword (I've been BEGGING)
🦴arthurian lore re-imagined
🦴YA sci-fi

#mswl #querying

- folklore and mythological retellings, particularly non-Eurocentric/non-Greco-Roman/non-Christian traditions
- neo-western
- unconventional, unreliable, unlikeable narrators and central characters
- trans and queer joy, but also trans and queer rage
- diverse perspectives

#mswl

However, I love psychological horror, unreliable narrators, creepy retellings (think Wonderland), supernatural stories, and books with a ton of atmosphere. Comps: THE HONEYS, MEXICAN GOTHIC, Erica Waters, SHE IS A HAUNTING, Simone St. James, SMALL SPACES, etc. #MSWL

I realized I haven’t updated my #mswl in a while, so here’s what I’m currently on the hunt for:

🗡️ BIPOC romantasy
💜 queer contemporary romance (drown me in tropes!)
🐉 myth retellings with a twist
🇨🇦 Canadian authors
🧭 Dan Brown-esque mystery/thrillers

Specific Interests continued:

-Singers, music, musical theatre

-Pets (cats!!), esp. if the owner was hesitant at first

-Retellings (not so much retellings of popular fairytales, though—love DON’T LOOK BACK by Lilliam Rivera)

-Characters who don’t want kids

More underrepresented voices and backgrounds. More rare or lesser known settings. More diamonds in the rough. More retellings. Give me deep POV. If you're comps include a binge worthy show, character we love or love to hate, or movie, send my way.

One thing I'm realizing I really love is something that feels comforting and familiar but with an element that makes it feel unique and fresh. Retelling and reinterpretations but also tackling timeless themes from new angles. Taking something we know and changing it up.

Graphic Novels:

I would love to see this in any of the above age categories, especially if it is fantasy, sci fi or horror. I love manga art styles too! I'd also be open to retellings here esp set in modern day! 10/?

I love genre blends like sci fantasy and strong horror elements. I also really want to see queernorm worlds, accessible fantasies and diverse casts.

For YA specifically, I'd love to see retellings! 5/?