Ashlee MacCallum joined Howland Literary after interning at Triada US. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Ashlee is passionate about championing marginalized creators and uplifting historically underrepresented voices. She gravitates toward high-concept, commercial fiction with bold storytelling, standout pacing, and a distinct voice that grabs you from the first page. Ashlee has a soft spot for speculative stories, mysteries, and anything delightfully weird. Hello! Thank you so much for trusting me with your work. I am truly honored you would consider me for representation. Before submitting your project, please read the information below. I am currently open to adult fiction. (Adult Fiction – Commercial & Upmarket) I’m seeking high-concept, voice-driven adult fiction with strong emotional stakes, a clear hook, and broad commercial appeal. I’m especially drawn to diverse and underrepresented voices, as well as stories that feel fresh, strange, or genre-bending while remaining highly readable.
Across all categories, I’m looking for
A clear, compelling, one-sentence pitch Strong, distinctive voice Diverse and underrepresented perspectives A touch of the unexpected, offbeat, or strange Stories that balance emotional depth with commercial appeal Romance High-concept or instantly pitchable premise that is wildly unique Speculative elements and light paranormal Rare or subversive takes on familiar tropes Strong voice with emotional intensity and chemistry Bingeable pacing with breakout or series potential Fantasy Romantasy Romance-forward fantasy with a clear central relationship Accessible worldbuilding and strong pacing High-stakes emotional arcs and tension Morally gray love interests or power dynamics Series potential with a strong hook Cozy Fantasy Warm, character-driven stories Found family, community, or healing-centered arcs Light magic or whimsical world elements Strong voice with charm and humor Escapist, comforting tone with a clear hook Dark Fantasy Gritty, immersive worlds with high stakes Flawed, morally gray, or unlikeable protagonists Genre-blending (fantasy + horror, thriller, or literary elements) Dark, atmospheric tone with strong narrative drive Weird, edgy, or high-concept hooks Mystery / Thriller Psychological or domestic suspense with a strong hook High-stakes premise that escalates quickly Unreliable narrators or morally complex characters Bingeable pacing with sharp twists Cozy mysteries with a unique setting, voice, or hook Horror / Gothic / Paranormal Commercial or elevated horror, gothic, or paranormal stories with a clear, compelling hook Atmospheric, eerie, or unsettling storytelling—hauntings, decay, isolation, or a lingering sense that something isn’t right Psychological or social tension grounded in real fears, often intersecting with the uncanny or supernatural Voice-driven narratives with strong character perspective and emotional depth Stories that blend horror, gothic elements, or the paranormal with identity, relationships, grief, or memory Women’s Fiction / Book Club Fiction High-concept emotional premise (clear, pitchable hook) Relationship-driven stories with strong character arcs Family, identity, and reinvention at the center Secrets, moral dilemmas, or layered interpersonal tension Diverse perspectives and culturally specific storytelling Historical Fiction Fresh angle or underexplored historical moment Strong emotional throughline and character focus Dual timelines or narrative reveals that drive momentum Hidden histories or marginalized perspectives Book club appeal with a compelling central hook Specific The gritty, power-driven storytelling and morally gray characters of Peaky Blinders and Sons of Anarchy, particularly in settings where loyalty, violence, and ambition collide The sharp social dynamics and slow-burning unraveling of privilege seen in The White Lotus ensemble casts, contained settings, and tension that simmers beneath the surface Dark, gothic storytelling th