Here you will find what I’ve been on the hunt for lately:
Adult/Crossover New Adult Fiction
Fantasy Speculative Eco-horror Folklore/Folkhorror Cozy Fantasy Horror Paranormal Paranormal Romance Romantasy Dark Academia Magical Realism Historical melds of horror, fantasy, and speculative. Occult Cozy Mysteries and WhoDunnits Rom-Coms Contemporary Romances Commercial/Literary Fiction Upmarket Literary Soft Scifi Thrillers
Young Adult Fiction
Mystery/Thriller: In the vein of YA mystery/thriller, I’d love to see an ensemble of unreliable characters, or the themes that relate to culinary, fashion, art, or academic rivalry with a dash of deep-seated yearning. I want to feel like I have to keep turning the page, always grasping in the dark for answers that are just out of reach until it is too late. Locked Room/Whodunnits are welcome. The more messy/complex the mystery/murder the better. Fantasy: In YA, I’m looking for fully developed worlds with lush settings, intricate magic systems (non-western based), characters who are absolutely feral & unhinged (especially when they have a specific motive in mind), villains who are more than just love interests (villains who are fully realized with lots of interesting lore), romance that burns brighter than an eternal flame, creatures & monsters that pose a real threat and have interesting/unique origins, environmental fantasy that blends horror and speculative, soft fantasy that focuses on friendships, romance, and family, dark fantasy that doesn’t shy away from important topics/themes that need more exploration, fantasy that has thought-provoking political systems, and fresh takes on fairy tales. Horror: In YA horror, I am looking for ensemble characters who investigate haunted buildings/manors and discover hidden meanings/messages that reflect their own growth and navigation of self, bubblegum horror, gothic horror, exploration of themes relating to a “haunting” that can take place in the woods or burial ground, lovecraftian horror, monster horror, man-made horrors that pertain to environmentalism and body horror, the occult, quiet horror, and paranormal elements that are fresh and take a unique turn on the familiar mythos. Contemporary Romance: I’m excited to be looking for more rom-coms, a cozy/or high tension contemporary romance that specifically has themes of nature, an eco-centric premise that features diverse voices and a fresh premise. Give me women in STEAM; Marine Biologists, conservationists, archeologists, park rangers, etc! I’m always open to being surprised.
Middle Grade
Horror/Spooky: I am always open to the exploration of the weird and twisty, and in the middle grade sector I’d love to see more propulsive narratives that focus on growth, friendship, and compassion. I’m looking for titles that can comp Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu, A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga, The Odds by Lindsay Puckett, and Ghost Scout’s Honor by Carey Blankenship-Kramer. Cozy Fantasy: Give me all the studio Ghibli vibes and stories that comp The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead, The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill, and The Owl House. Fantasy Mystery Contemporary Fiction
Picture Books (Author/Illustrators only)
Environmental/Nature Sciences: I am a huge advocate for environmental conservation and preservation, especially with such a fast shifting climate. I would absolutely love to see more nature-centric stories with characters that share an interest in exploring and learning about the world and its important ecosystems. From swampy bayous, to cold arctics, jungles, and desserts, I want narratives that aren’t afraid to provide tantalizing experiences within nature. This includes adding textures, sounds, tastes, and thoughtful approaches to navigating the natural world. I also crave art that reflects these explorations, cultivating an educational bend that can be used for current and future generations to come. At the moment, I am not on the lookout for lyrical or rhy