CS

Ciara Smith

Spencerhill Associates
Open to queries · confirmed 1mo ago

What they’re looking for

From their profile

I open the first week of every month, except December and January. Here’s a deeper look at what I’m especially hoping to find right now—across YA, NA, and Adult, unless otherwise noted: Science Fiction (All Ages) • Space opera • Alien romance • Space horror • Far-future worlds • Any -punk subgenre (cyberpunk, solarpunk, steampunk, biopunk, etc.) • Space heists Whether you’re giving me stars, politics, messy emotions on a spaceship, or terrifying encounters with the unknown, I’m open to being surprised. Bring me something fresh and character-driven. I don’t get nearly enough science fiction and would like more. Ancient Historical with a Twist (Highly Selective): I’m very selectively looking for ancient historical fiction that captures the gritty, emotionally intense vibe of The Eagle, Centurion, Gladiator, or Clash of the Titans—but not set in Rome or Greece. I want new cultures, underrepresented histories, and non-Western empires with that same mythic weight and cinematic scope.

Bonus if there’s

• A speculative or myth-infused layer • A focus on duty, betrayal, survival, or transformation • Queer, POC, disabled, and/or neurodivergent characters embedded naturally in the world I’m craving epic feeling and grounded humanity—but don’t want a textbook in disguise. If your story feels like a sword’s edge and a prayer to forgotten gods, I want to see it.

Romance (All Ages)

I’m looking for romance across the spectrum of speculative or contemporary genres. Here are my favorite tropes right now: • Fake dating or engagement • Forced proximity • Holiday romance (underrepresented holidays) • Ulterior motives but they fall in love anyway • Workplace or professional rivals-to-lovers • Alien/human pairings Hard pass on the miscommunication trope, unless the misstep is intentional and gets consequences. I’m especially excited to see romance featuring: • LGBTQIA+, POC, disabled, and/or neurodivergent leads • Cross-cultural relationships • Joyful representation within darker genres like sci-fi, horror, or thrillers.

YA Fantasy

I’m open to a wide range of YA fantasy tones and pacing. Right now I’m especially excited to see: • Cozy fantasy • Portal fantasy • Alternate world settings • Paranormal stories told through underrepresented voices or with a unique twist • Romantasy • Speculative journeys—emotional or physical quests that reshape the character • Heists • Big adventure • Friendship-centered plots • Magical realism, fairy tales, and folk magic, especially rooted in culture and community. YA speculative fiction is my favorite category to see layered with heart, risk, wonder, and growth. I love genre-blending, new mythologies, and stories that leave me changed.

Adult Fantasy

Romantasy/Romantic Fantasy: Now open again to Romantasy or Romantic Fantasy! For me the romance plot and fantasy plot must be equal, I would prefer the fantasy not just be set dressing for the romance. • If you have fae/fairies that are fresh or have a new perspective not done before, I’m open to it. Just note I’m picky. • I’d love marginalized perspectives, groups who haven’t been able to take over the space yet. • I love morally grey in all characters. By this I mean, when you start the book you think you know who is “good” and who is “bad” but as the story progresses, you start to question it. Not morally grey as in the MMC does really bad things, but uses his love for FMC as an excuse (iykyk). • Above all, I’d really love something new in this space that still has the heat, but is very distinguishable from others on the market right now. Cozy Fantasy. While I loved Legends and Lattes, I’m really looking for adding something new to the genre. Give me creepy cute, or even a little bit dark, set it in a small area, and make the stakes personal, and I’d love to see it! Paranormal stories—but I want something new. I’m craving: • Fresh takes on werewolves or other classic creatures • Underrepresented cultural myths, superstitions, or local legends • Paranormal that