begging for more picture book submissions #mswl

PB nonfiction: I love STEM topics and stories exploring the natural world, but has to be more narrative-driven rather than just facts. I probably have my fill of outer space at the moment, but earthbound subjects and overlooked figures are more than welcome!

PB fiction: another great place for the intersection of humor and heart! I love narrative driven stories that are about character journeys, and less interested in concept/message driven books. 2 reigning faves are Stumpkin and Pokko and the Drum.

MG: escapism is really the key word here! I love action and adventure whether it’s contemporary like Spy School or fantasy like Wilderlore. I’m drawn to big hearted emotions, wondrous magic, and zany humor

It’s feeling like a good time to update my #mswl with what I’m interested in this year! As always I’m acquiring PB, MG, and YA, and can only accept agented submissions. 👇

PB—at this time I’m only looking for author-illustrators and illustrators. I’m looking for work that has a strong narrative arc and clearly centers the child reader.

MG: I’d love fresh fantasy with fantastic voice, contemporary adventure along the lines of James Ponti’s works, shorter illustrated works for younger readers, and I’m always looking to laugh.

Hello 2025~I’m back in the office and open to queries this week! #amquerying #kidlit #writers #illustrators , I’d love to see your #YA , #MG , narrative NF proposals, and #PBs . I’ve updated my #MSWL , but some particular things I’d love to see in my inbox:

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.

The Bluey Episode, Sleepy Time, WRECKS me. If there are any lyrical picture books from #amquerying authors that have the same feel as this particular episode (iykyk), I’d love to send you my direct query link #MSWL . Please feel free to DM me

Next year, I’m hoping to find a SF project that could be described as retro futurism or hopepunk. I want space as optimistic adventure, not “this is our last hope.”
#mswl

Still going through Query Manager. If I don't find what I'm looking for, here's my 2025 #MSWL . A Thriller comp to NONE OF THIS IS TRUE by @lisajewelluk , a Sapphic Romance comp to @DHawkinsAuthor NOT IN THE PLAN, a PB comp to @BrianGehrlein THE BOOKS OF RULES. #amquerying

🎉 New Year, new #MSWL ! Here’s what I’m eager to see when I reopen in 2025:

👉 Bold, imaginative, PBs from author-illustrators
👉 Latinx, BIPOC, marginalized author-illustrators
👉 Laugh-out-loud funny PBs—smart, clever humor (no fart books or potty humor plz) (1/4)

#mswl

To ring in the new year, SteelWorks Literary will open to unsolicited queries Jan 1-5, 2025! Scroll through to learn more about what Lori is hoping to find. QM link in bio above.
#amquerying #amagenting #kidlit #picturebooks #PB #MG #YA #GN #illustrators #kidlit illustration #kidlit art #mswl

To go with the new Bluesky life, I thought i'd reshare the updated #MSWL on the Bell Lomax Moreton website [link in bio]. Please have a browse and send me some great books.

Picture Book #MSWL I want to see in the new year:
-spooky adjacent
-weird but with a heart of gold

I’m still waiting on the big announcement, but I’m so excited to share that I’ve joined the incredible team @HowlandLit where I’ll be building my list in picture books, MG, and adult. Check out my #MSWL and find me on Query Manager

#mswl

Other specifics: ABOVE ALL, I prioritize diverse own voices from marginalized communities which is why November is diverse only. I am open to queer romance of all genres and age groups. I would love more author / illustrators for graphic novels and picture books. #MSWL (4/6)