Paige Terlip represents all categories of children’s books from picture books to young adult, as well as adult fiction and platform-based prescriptive nonfiction. Paige is a co-founder of Starling Literary + Media, and co-chair of the Association of American Literary Agents’ Communications Committee. She started her agenting career with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency in 2017 before starting Starling at the end of 2025. She is proud to represent award-winning and bestselling authors, as well as debuts. She comes to agenting with a background in marketing, design, and freelance editorial. She is also the founder of COwrite, which offers writing classes and workshops for writers of all levels, and has an MA in Children’s Literature and an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons University. If she’s not reading, you’ll find her hiking with her Husky-Shepherd mix.
WISH LIST
Some of Paige’s specific wish list items include:
ADULT & YA
HORROR | THRILLER | PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE
Stories that examine contemporary issues using horror as the vehicle (think Jordan Peele or Stephen Graham Jones) Sentient plants or natural settings with a sinister undertone (a la Annihilation) – bonus if it speaks to our climate crisis without being too heavy handed Family secrets and generational stories as a foundation for mystery and horror (think GOD OF THE WOODS) Occult conspiracies Martial arts (especially women who kick ass) Forensics (I am a major nerd and love seeing how technology can solve AND complicate criminal investigations.) Real, burgeoning science & innovative technology taken to the next level (but not AI) Vigilantes and characters who do the wrong things for the right reasons Stories inspired by the show Unsolved Mysteries A character/community-centered legal thriller (the next Erin Brockovich or Pelican Brief)
FANTASY
Exploring a matrilineal inheritance through a trans POV Magic in our world or magic that feels grounded but still unexpected and fresh (something that comps to STARLING HOUSE or TJ Klune) Worldbuilding & magic systems that feel integral to the plot—not just for flash
UPMARKET & BOOK CLUB FICTION
Anything that comps to Charlotte McConaghy (ONCE THERE WERE WOLVES is one of my all time favorite books) Stories that have a dark and/or speculative edge A book about the Navajo Rangers from a Navajo author Speculative fiction about the Tsunami spirits in Ishinomaki, focusing on collective healing (the ghost taxisespecially) Trans athletes Niche communities and how isolation can breed toxic behaviors Quirky settings that become part of the cast of characters Something that makes me laugh and cry / perfectly blends humor and heart Whip-smart protagonists and playful banter with dialogue that makes me literally LOL Real burgeoning science taken to the next level
NONFICTION
Strong platform-based NF in the pop culture, lifestyle arena Accessible NF about neuroscience, sex, and relationships (esp by Queer or underrepresented voices) Pop science about the natural world with a narrative approach (like Sy Montgomery’s SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS or Juli Berwald’s SPINELESS) Queer takes on subjects other than queer history (along the lines of Sabrina Imbler’s HOW FAR THE LIGHT REACHES) NF that makes me feel something and teaches me new things (a la Bonnie Tsui’s WHY WE SWIM)
ACROSS CATEGORIES AND GENRES
I am especially seeking stories from Indigenous writers in all categories and genres. Characters with disabilities where the disability is NOT a twist or a problem to be solved Any genre exploring how legacy & lineage (or lack thereof) impacts a character’s current challenges Twists that serve the plot not just shock factor Queerness that isn’t solely about trauma or coming out An unexpected setting that influences the plot (and becomes a character itself) Bottom line: I am looking for captivating stories, a strong voice, and authentic characters. An exciting premise hooks my interest, but characters and voice keep me reading. I am also