Something that keeps rattling around the back of my brain for picture books is the idea that there are consequences for our actions (good and bad). Apparently a lot of people missed this memo, but I think it's one worth hammering home 🙃

Joy! Coziness! Adventure! Fun!

Some of the best books I've read recently have involved a cozy setting and high-stakes interpersonal conflict.

I'm still sick with the flu (also currently closed to queries) but I can't miss #MSWL Day !

I represent picture book (illustrator and author-illustrator only), middle grade, young adult, and adult creators.

A jumbled #MSWL for when I open back up to queries:

It's #MSWL Day! Please take a look at my profile: www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/je... I'm open for queries!

Queer and/or BIPOC fantasy (contemporary, urban, second world, etc.) with lush settings and intriguing magical systems (+YA)
o A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON
o CEMETARY BOYS
o MIDNIGHT GIRLS
o DRAGONFRUIT
o A MARVELLOUS LIGHT

#MSWL

I continue to yearn for great author/illustrators to add to my list. awfulagent.com/illustrators/

My favorite PB is still THEY ALL SAW A CAT because the visual journey of that book makes me cry every time.

I'd love to find a laugh out loud character-driven PB. Who is the next PINKALICIOUS?

#MSWL

Hello #MSWL I'd love to see:
:: new trade / literary author-illustrated pb story/dummies
:: endearing, quirky, unexpected, delightful, funny characters
:: strong emotional arc | eliciting connection w/ child
See my current list of author-illustrated pub books/esthetic: tinyurl.com/2xdb64df 📚 🎨

I grew up on the coast and really love books that capture the vibes of the ocean--whether that's a lighthouse setting, a coastal town, or a high-seas adventure! #MSWL

In #PB I’m on the lookout for funny, child-centered books with a clear narrative arc and amazing character who could possibly carry more than one story. I’m not looking for PB bios right now, but am open to NF that surprises, especially if it involves the natural sciences.

For #YA , I’m really on the lookout for a cozy fantasy, fantasy with immersive world building, dark academia, and would love a fresh take on vampires or the Eternal One trope.

For #MG , it’s all about the voice and high stakes adventure for me.

Thanks to manuscriptwishlist.bsky.social for organizing #MSWL day! I’m open from 1-7 of every month and here is what I’ll be looking for in March:

I rep PB-YA and gravitate towards projects that have a clear, commercial hook and a captivating voice. 🧵

#MSWL - I'm going to become an aunt this year! Would love to see stories that feature the special relationship between aunts/uncles and their nieces/nephews/niblings. #PB #kidlit #kidlit art

I’d also love to see more mysteries/adventures that involve puzzles/riddles/games. I’ve seen National Treasure and Jumani too many times, and love that sort of propulsive plot device. #MSWL

Happy #MSWL to all! This is my page, updated it relatively recently: www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/em... I will be open to queries again on the 3rd of March. I'd love some voicey YA, particularly with romance, picture books on topics not usually addressed in pbs & fantasy that sweeps me away.

#MSWL urban fantasy, contemporary fantasy, grounded fantasy--yes. I do love political/court intrigue but I am also hankering for some fantasy about everyday folks! Trades people, bar keeps, swamp witches, mercenaries, thieves, guilds members.

More fantasy #MSWL : Adventure and magic with a badass female lead like Shannon Chakraborty’s The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi or V.E. Schwab’s Fragile Threads of Power (or anything like V.E. Schwab's books, for that matter)

9/ SETTINGS: I'd love to see unexpected destinations, less-traveled and unexplored in literature. Richly researched historical cities. Coastal + Mountain towns. Adventure-filled plots driven by a rugged landscape. Campus novels (!!) as well as summer camps and retreats. Suburbia w/ a twist.

More and more, I'd love to find projects you could describe as a "romp" 😄 Bring on the adventurous plots and the fun! #MSWL

I have not been the best at being active over here so far, but I'm using #MSWL Day to remedy that!

I'm a literary agent at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret representing picture books, middle grade, YA, and adult fiction, and select nonfiction and graphic novels.
www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/michaela-whatnall/

Picture Book Author/Illustrators who create distinctive, memorable characters and worlds. Story forward, funny, read aloud on repeat. Please don’t sub if you are not an illustrator as well as a writer. Post link in profile #MSWL #KidLit