SlushWire Weekly #5 – February 01, 2026
Sunday – February 01
Bluesky Posts
MSWL
Reddit Posts
[QCrit] Adult queer horror, THE DIVINE AND RIGHTEOUS PUNISHMENT OF GIDEON, 79,000 words (first attempt) Comments: 9, Upvotes: 1
Hey gang! I’ve had some great feedback on another query project, (turns out I can’t write genre romance to save my life and it’s probably womens fiction) so, while I revamp my approach to that one I thought I’d ask about another project I might be querying eventually. (I’ve got about 6 or 7 novels …
[qcrit] YA crossover fantasy, 105k words, First Attempt Comments: 6, Upvotes: 1
Hi! I want to start off by saying I’m HORRIBLE at blurbs, so I’ll be entering this subreddit like a dry sponge. I expect I’ll need a lot of revision (teeth braced), so let me have it. Or maybe my story just doesn’t have a concept that bites like it should? Either way, I’d appreciate your honest t…
Submission Status
hannah sheppard – Hannah Sheppard Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via Online Form
Genres: adult fiction, childrens fiction, young adult fiction, graphic novels, middle grade, fantasy, LGBTQ+, mystery, romance, action/adventure, comedy, commercial fiction, contemporary, crime/detective/police, cross-over fiction, general fiction, historical, horror, intersectional/inclusive fiction, new adult, reading group fiction, speculative fiction, thrillers/suspense, upmarket, womens fiction, psychological thrillers, rom-com, diversity, feminism, family sagas, literary fiction, non-fiction (selected)
Ciara Smith – Spencerhill Associates
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: ‘adult’, ‘fantasy’, ‘historical fiction’, ‘horror’, ‘lgbtq+’, ‘new adult’, ‘nonfiction’, ‘romance’, ‘science fiction’, ‘speculative fiction’, ‘thriller’, ‘young adult’
bridget smith – JABberwocky Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Debut Fiction, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, General/Other Fiction, Children’s Graphic Novel, Children’s Middle Grade, Children’s Young Adult, Children’s Fantasy
courtney donovan – Writers House
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Fantasy, Science fiction, Juvenile fiction, Childrens books
Shelly Romero – Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: ‘commercial fiction’, ‘contemporary fiction’, ‘erotic’, ‘fantasy’, ‘horror’, ‘lgbtq+’, ‘middle grade’, ‘multicultural’, ‘new adult’, ‘romance’, ‘science fiction’, ‘speculative fiction’, ‘thriller’, ‘young adult’
lisa rambert-valaskova – Transatlantic Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: CLOSED to Submissions, New Literary Agents, Juvenile Nonfiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Cookbook Cooking, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Travel
sera rivers – Speilburg Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Children’s: Graphic Novel, Children’s: Middle Grade Fiction, Children’s: Middle Grade Non-Fiction, Children’s: Picture Book, Children’s: Young Adult Fiction, Children’s: Young Adult Non-Fiction, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Childrens picture books, Childrens fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, author and illustrator submissions only, closed to submissions
emelie burl – Susan Schulman Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Genres: memoir, women’s fiction, art, science fiction, travel, LGBTQ nonfiction, graphic novel, pop culture, narrative nonfiction, chick lit, LGBTQ fiction, young adult fiction, childrens fiction, fantasy, humor fiction, middle grade nonfiction, cultural social issues, journalism, science, juvenile nonfiction, BIPOC fiction, humor nonfiction, magical realism, picture book, romance, #ownvoices, #wndb, AAPI fantasy, adult rom com, adult romantasy, adult SFF, African fantasy, Africanfuturism, Asian fantasy, BIPOC fantasy, childrens nonfiction, childrens and YA fiction and nonfiction, cli-fi, climate fiction, commercial MG, commercial YA, contemporary…
keir alekseii – Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Fantasy, Genre romance, Horror, Science fiction, Adventure/Action, Family Sagas, Young adult fiction, Gay/Lesbian Fiction, Multicultural Fiction
bethany fulk hendrix – Spencerhill Associates
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: New Adult Fiction, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction, Women’s/Romance Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Childrens Fantasy
sally kim – Andrea Brown Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: picture book, chapter book, juvenile nonfiction, middle grade fiction, middle grade nonfiction, graphic novel, multicultural fiction, multicultural nonfiction, children’s graphic novel, children’s middle grade fiction, children’s middle grade nonfiction, children’s picture book, children’s general, children’s fantasy
mara hollander – Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Adult Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Political Fantasy, Romantasy, Light Science Fiction, Romance, Thrillers, Mystery, Women’s Fiction, Upmarket, Book Club, Commercial Fiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, American Health Care, Academic Research, Business, Sports, Gender and Sexuality, Race and Ethnicity, Psychology, Science, True Crime
morgan wilson – Belcastro Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Adult Fantasy, YA Fantasy, Adult Horror, YA Horror, Adult Romantasy, YA Romantasy, Adult Sci-Fi, YA Sci-Fi, Cli-Fi, Contemporary Fantasy, Cozy Fantasy, Graphic Novels, MG Fantasy, MG Horror, MG Sci-Fi, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Marginalized Voices, Sapphic Romantasy, Queernorm Fantasy, Accessible Fantasy, Sci Fantasy, Science Fantasy
carter hasegawa – Tugeau 2, Inc.
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: children’s,middle grade, middle grade, contemporary, middle grade, fantasy, middle grade, historical, middle grade, literary, middle grade, mystery, middle grade, science fiction,young adult, young adult, contemporary, young adult, fantasy, young adult, historical, young adult, literary, young adult, mystery, young adult, paranormal, young adult, science fiction
nalini akolekar – Spencerhill Associates
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: commercial fiction, womens fiction, historical fiction, romance, thriller, horror, suspense fiction, crime, action, literary fiction, general nonfiction, debut fiction, inspirational fiction, mystery/crime fiction, paranormal fiction, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction
lauren scovel – Laura Gross Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Memoir, Literary Fiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Narrative Nonfiction, Multicultural Fiction, True Crime, LGBTQ Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, BIPOC Nonfiction, History, Young Adult Fiction, Journalism, BIPOC Fiction, General Fiction, Juvenile Fiction, Childrens Books, Juvenile Nonfiction, Contemporary Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, LGBTQ+, Womens Issues, Politics, Society & Current Affairs, Commercial Fiction
saritza hernandez – Andrea Brown Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Juvenile Fiction, Childrens Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction, Adult Narrative Nonfiction, Cooking (not cookbooks), Parenting, Humor, Queer Narratives, Queer History, Graphic Novels, LGBTQ+, BIPOC Fiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Science, Upmarket Fiction, Food & Drink, Family Saga, Historical Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Commercial Fiction
lindsay guzzardo – Keystone Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Chick Lit, Action Adventure, Women’s Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Sagas, Suspense, Historical Fiction, Genre Romance, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Book Club Fiction, Beach Reads, Diverse Fiction, Family Saga
amy giuffrida – Belcastro Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: general fiction, romance (limited to baseball, skiing, farmer/cowboy/lumberjack, dog rescue romances), suspense/thriller, pop culture, narrative nonfiction, self-help (women and teens), young adult, adult, upmarket & commercial fiction, horror (adult, feminist, gothic, dark fantasy), science fiction (SFF, dystopian, grounded sci-fi, feminist SF/F), fantasy (including romantasy), BIPOC fiction, diverse and own voices, women’s fiction, family sagas, lifestyle, crafts/DIY, psychology, true crime, cultural social issues, commercial fiction, thriller, juvenile nonfiction, multicultural nonfiction
louise buckley – Hannah Sheppard Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via Online Form
Genres: Adult Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Book Club Fiction, Crime Fiction (cosy, humorous), Thriller, Domestic Thriller, Family Saga, Fantasy (cosy, gothic, literary, magical realism, speculative, dark fantasy), Gothic Horror, Psychological Thriller/Suspense, Rom-com, Romance, Speculative Fiction/Thriller, Time Travel/Time Travel Romance, Underrepresented Voices, WWII Fiction, Campus Novel, Dark Academia, Ghost Story, Literary Suspense, Memoir (especially motherhood, unusual journeys)
sarah n. fisk – The Tobias Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Fantasy, LGBTQ, Middle Grade, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Nonfiction: Cultural criticism, Fitness, Health, History, Journalism, LGBTQ, Memoir, Pop Culture, Psychology, Relationships, Science, True Crime, Wellness
carolyn forde – Transatlantic Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Genres: Narrative Non-Fiction, Commercial, Horror, Literary Fiction
annie romano – Olswanger Literary
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: closed to submissions, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction, General Nonfiction, BIPOC Nonfiction, History, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, True Crime, Diversity, Multiple POV, Psychological Thrillers, Relationships, RomCom, Speculative, Contemporary
maggie cooper – Aevitas Creative Management
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: literary fiction, speculative fiction, LGBTQ nonfiction, pop culture, narrative nonfiction, short story collection, LGBTQ fiction, cultural social issues, history, gift novelty, commercial fiction, womens issues, food and cookery, family sagas, womens fiction, historical fiction, genre romance, general fiction, cookbook cooking, illustrated, upmarket fiction, art, how-to, humor nonfiction, books about books, cultural criticism, essays, hybrid, illustrated/gift, LGBTQ romance, beach reads, book club fiction, campus novel, epistolary novels, queer, BIPOC voices, creative nonfiction, cross-genre, feminist, graphic/illustrated, LGBTQ voices, magical realism, romance
a.j. van belle – The Booker Albert Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: action/adventure,family saga,fantasy, fantasy, contemporary/urban,horror,humor/satire,lgbtq,literary fiction,middle grade,multicultural,offbeat/quirky,science fiction,thrillers/suspense,upmarket,western,women’s fiction,young adult
hannah andrade – Bradford Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: BIPOC Literature, Caribbean Literature, East Asian Literature, Fantasy, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ, Magical Realism, Middle Grade, Mystery, New Adult, Psychological Thriller, Romance, Science Fiction, South Asian Literature, South East Asian Literature, Speculative, Thriller, West African Literature, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult, Journalism, True Crime, #ownvoices, AAPI Fantasy, Action-Adventure, Adult, Adult Romantasy, Adult SFF, African Fantasy, African Sci-Fi, Asian Diaspora, Asian Fantasy, Asian Sci-Fi, Author-Illustrator, BIPOC Fantasy, BIPOC Mystery, BIPOC Sci-Fi, Contemporary Fantasy, Dark Female Friendships, Dark Humor, Disability, Diverse Protagonists,…
alexandra weiss – Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Nature, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Childrens Picture Books, Narrative Non-Fiction, Science, Technology, Juvenile Fiction, Environment, Travel, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Pop Culture, History, Gift Novelty, Graphic Novel, Cultural Social Issues, Women’s Issues, Juvenile Nonfiction
jenna satterthwaite – Storm Literary Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: adult fiction, YA fiction, middle grade fiction, commercial fiction, graphic novels, picture books (select), psychological suspense, domestic suspense, genre blends (horror-romance, thriller-romance, horror-fantasy), murder mystery (cozy, traditional, contemporary, historical), fantasy (cozy, epic, portal, romantasy), rom-coms and romance (POC, body-positive, LGBTQ+, adventure, sports romance), women’s fiction (beach reads, sister relationships, family dynamics), sci-fi with emotional depth, speculative fiction with twists, upmarket and book club fiction, adult nonfiction (ex-evangelical, feminist, LGBTQ+ Christian voices, spiritual deconstruction, self-help, alternative death approaches), YA fantasy, sci-fi,…
lee melillo – Dunham Literary, Inc.
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: commercial,contemporary,historical,literary fiction,new adult,romance, romance, comedy,young adult
francesca riccardi – Kate Nash Literary Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: adventure/action, commercial fiction, historical fiction, crime, thriller, mystery, suspense
amanda orozco – Transatlantic Literary Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: General fiction, Suspense/thriller, Fantasy/science fiction, Juvenile fiction, Biography, History, Lifestyle, Science, Contemporary, Speculative, Horror, Narrative nonfiction, Essay collections, Memoirs, Picture books, Middle grade, YA, Technology, Politics, Literary fiction, Pop culture, Cultural social issues, Gift novelty, Poetry, Magical realism, Romance, Paranormal fiction, Upmarket fiction, Art, Humor nonfiction, Family saga, New literary agents, Accepting submissions
des salazar – Metamorphosis Literary Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller
Agent Activity
lindsay auld – Writers House LLC
Genres: Childrens, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Mystery, New Adult, Upmarket Speculative, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult, Action-Adventure, BIPOC, Commercial Fiction, Literary Fiction, Environment, Folklore, Gothic Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Illustrators, Author/Illustrators, Immigrant Voices, Multigenerational, Speculative, Romantasy, Witches, Juvenile Nonfiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Humor Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction
Saturday – January 31
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
Is a 33 page Chapter 1 too long? Comments: 12, Upvotes: 0
None of my other chapters are this long but I do not feel as if there is an adequate place to break it. There are minor “breaks” (identified by breaks in the text, not chapter breaks) throughout. I know chapters are sort of arbitrary but I know publishers sometimes ask for a chapter or two when quer…
[QCrit] Right, Short Literary Novel, 47,000 words, 2nd Attempt Comments: 16, Upvotes: 17
Hello, back for more as you were all so wonderful and helpful last time: Dear… I am seeking representation for *Right*, a short literary novel complete at 47,000 words. Formally restrained and procedural, it may appeal to readers of the precise moral inquiry in Katie Kitamura’s Intimacies, the …
[QCrit] Adult Literary Horror – THE HARROW (89k, first attempt) Comments: 4, Upvotes: 18
Hi everyone! Long time lurker here; this is my first post, so apologies for any errors. I’d love to hear any thoughts on my query for *The Harrow*. I’ve already sent out a batch of about 12, and received a couple of full requests, so I’m hoping something in it is working a little… but I do want to…
[QCrit] The Tide Calls for Traitors, YA Fantasy, 90k, First Attempt Comments: 7, Upvotes: 8
Hello, good people of PubTips! It’s been a second since I’ve been preparing to query anything, but I finished my last novel a couple months ago and figured I should start refining my query letter. My only concern right now is that my introductory paragraph is pretty long. Thanks so much for any inpu…
[QCrit] Upper Middle Grade Fantasy – THE AWAKENED AFFINITIES (74K/First Attempt) Comments: 11, Upvotes: 2
Hi everyone! This is my first attempt at a query letter, and my first post on reddit! Apologies if there’s any formatting issues (I always see people mention that when they post). I’m really excited to hear any and all feedback, and I’ve included the first 300 words of the manuscript in case that’s …
Submission Status
kristy hunter – The Knight Agency, Inc.
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction, Genre Romance, Crime, Thriller, Action, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense/Thriller, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Multicultural Fiction, Horror, Chick Lit, LGBTQ Fiction, Satire, Women’s Fiction, Humor Fiction, Commercial Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Family Saga, Magical Realism, Contemporary Fiction
katie gisondi – Laura Dail Literary Agency, Inc.
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: BIPOC Literature, Childrens, Commercial, East Asian Literature, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Humor, LGBTQ, Middle Grade, New Adult, Romance, Romcom, South Asian Literature, South East Asian Literature, West African Literature, Young Adult, Cultural criticism, Health, Pop Culture, Relationships and family, Science, Self-help, Wellness, Nature, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science Fiction, Cultural Social Issues, Horror, Family, Narrative Nonfiction, Romance, Fantasy/science fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Humor Fiction, New Literary Agents, History, Mystery, Money Finance, Science, Lifestyle, Psychology, Women’s Issues, Medical Medicine, Technology, Sports, Environment, Graphic…
john cusick – Folio Literary Management
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Now at: Folio Literary Management
Genres: middle grade, young adult, juvenile fiction, childrens books, picture books (limited clients), sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, horror, romance, suspense, general fiction, new adult fiction, YA/adult crossover, graphic novels (interested)
sara megibow – Megibow Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Now at: Megibow Literary Agency
Genres: Science Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Chick Lit, LGBTQ Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Thriller, Erotic Fiction, Action Adventure, Fantasy, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal, Commercial, Genre Romance, General Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Adult Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror adult market, Picture Books (fiction and nonfiction), All sub-genres of MG and YA
jennie dunham – Dunham Literary, Inc.
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: picture book, juvenile nonfiction, middle grade fiction, middle grade nonfiction, young adult fiction, young adult nonfiction, crime fiction, general fiction, graphic novel, literary fiction, mystery, upmarket fiction, general nonfiction, biography, current events affairs, history, memoir, mind body spirit, narrative nonfiction, parenting, politics, religion, spirituality, upmarket nonfiction, fiction debut, fiction mystery/crime, fiction general/other, nf biography, nf history/politics/current affairs, nf memoir, nf narrative, nf parenting, nf religion/spirituality, nf general/other nonfiction, children’s graphic novel, children’s middle grade fiction, children’s middle grade nonfiction, children’s…
kimberly fernando – Olswanger Literary
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: closed to submissions, new literary agents, AALA member, dystopian fiction, espionage military fiction, fantasy, general fiction, historical fiction, horror, literary fiction, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense fiction, thriller, western fiction, general nonfiction, cookbook cooking, environment, gardening, health wellness, how-to, medical medicine, narrative nonfiction, nature, science, technology, true adventure, fiction debut, fiction horror, fiction mystery/crime, fiction new adult, fiction paranormal, fiction sci-fi/fantasy, fiction thriller, fiction women’s/romance, fiction general/other fiction, nonfiction cooking, nonfiction health, nonfiction how-to, nonfiction science
Alex Gehringer – The Bright Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: children’s books, ‘juvenile fiction’, ‘picture books’
Agent Activity
john cusick – Folio Literary Management
Sales: “Julie Murphys Let Them Stare to Harper Childrens May 2025”, “Brittney Morriss Who Wants to Marry a Vampire? summer 2026 Bittersweet Books”, “Adriana Anderss Dom-Com fall 2025 Forever”, “Rebecca Morrisons The Blue Dress winter 2026 Farrar Straus Childrens”, “Abdi Nazemians Desert Echoes fall 2024 Balzer & Bray”, “Julie Murphys Catty Corner series five-book deal starting Feb 2025 Union Square Kids”, “Paul Coccias Recommended Reading Feb 2025 Zando Childrens”, “Jamie DAmatos The Good Vampires Guide to Blood and Boyfriends two-book deal…
Genres: middle grade, young adult, juvenile fiction, childrens books, picture books (limited clients), sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, horror, romance, suspense, general fiction, new adult fiction, YA/adult crossover, graphic novels (interested)
sara megibow – Megibow Literary Agency
Sales: 2025 debut authors including Christy Climenhage, “International rights: Margaret Rogersons An Enchantment of Ravens to Kossuth (Hungary)”, “Audio rights: Jason Starrs The Next Time I Die, Twisted City, Cold Caller three-book deal to Tantor Media for 2025”, “NYT bestseller Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson”, “NYT bestseller Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston”, “NYT bestseller Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse”, “NYT bestseller The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren”, “Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks: Bound For Ruin…
Genres: Science Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Chick Lit, LGBTQ Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Thriller, Erotic Fiction, Action Adventure, Fantasy, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal, Commercial, Genre Romance, General Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Adult Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror adult market, Picture Books (fiction and nonfiction), All sub-genres of MG and YA
Friday – January 30
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[Discussion] How different is a published manuscript from the one submitted to an agent? Comments: 22, Upvotes: 45
I’m interested in hearing from authors, agents, editors, or anyone who has seen the process up close. I see the acknowledgements at the end of novels. I often read them. There are a lot of names! So many people contribute to the final product. That has me wondering: how much does a manuscript change…
[PubQ] Agent wants me to pause my YA novel indefinitely after a wide submission. I’m seeing similar books sell. What’s the professional next move? Comments: 32, Upvotes: 26
I’m a published writer represented by a reputable agent (their primary lane is nonfiction). I wrote a YA novel (contemporary-ish, not genre) and my agent took it out on a pretty comprehensive submission to major/reputable publishers and imprints. We got a solid response rate, but it ultimately didn’…
[PubQ] Agent requested full MS, then left agency Comments: 16, Upvotes: 8
I had an agent request a full MS a few weeks ago, then I just saw that she’s no longer at that agency. No idea where she ended up, but I’d like to query another agent at this agency. My question is, when I do so should I say that the agent who left had requested a full MS? Or just query as usually a…
[QCrit] Adult/Military Thriller – THE KNOCK (60K/First attempt) Comments: 14, Upvotes: 4
Hi everyone. This isn’t my first query ever, but it’s my first for this project. I’m hoping to get some guidance and feedback on this one. Big things for me is: 1. Does it (the query and concept) seem engaging? 2. Is there anything that doesn’t make sense or seems out of place? 3. I never served in…
[QCrit] The Assembly Man – adult urban horror (ensemble cast) (~120k words, Attempt #1) Comments: 11, Upvotes: 2
Hi all, I was recommended to this sub, as I have just finished my first novel, and I was recommended this subreddit. I am curious as to how my pitch sounds from outside eyes, so feel free to criticize away. **Dear \[Agent Name\],** I am seeking representation for THE ASSEMBLY MAN, a 120,000-word h…
[QCrit] ANGELS OF TIME, Adult, Upmarket Speculative, 97k, 1st version Comments: 5, Upvotes: 2
Hey! I’ve had a couple of eyes over this externally but I just learned that this glorious group existed, so I thought I’d give a go here! I am currently querying to find my literary-leaning champion and would adore any feedback. Dear XX, I am seeking representation for my upmarket speculative no…
[QCrit] CELEBRITY EXHUMATION HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Adult science fiction, 106k, version 2 Comments: 4, Upvotes: 2
I hired some editors to review the manuscript and it was deemed too long (188k) so I stripped it down and rewrote the query. Thanks in advance! Dear Agent: John Drexel is the alcoholic commissioner of the Robot Football League, created when a rash of gruesome injuries causes the NFL to fold. He i…
Submission Status
monica rodriguez – Context Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail and Online Form
Genres: Action/Adventure, Childrens, Commercial, Family Saga, Fantasy, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Middle Grade, Mystery, New Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction, General Nonfiction, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook, Dating/Relationships/Sex, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Travel, Contemporary Romance, Feminism, Film/TV, Folklore, Gothic Horror, Magical Realism, Multicultural, Paranormal, Romantic Comedy, Self-help, Social Issues, Study Abroad Stories, Time Travel, Contemporary
Agent Activity
jennifer newens – Martin Literary Management
Genres: Juvenile fiction, Cookbooks, Childrens books, Food/Beverage
Thursday – January 29
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[PubQ] misspelled dream agents last name in subject line of query. Comments: 25, Upvotes: 20
D’oh!! Pretty much it. I queried a dream agent today and spelled her last name incorrectly. In the subject line. I was so focused on her first name (a simple name no less, just my nerves go haywire when I query). And so I received the confirmation email and saw my mistake. Now I’m sick to my stomach…
[PubQ] How to handle a 2 agent situation. Maternity leave + a revise and resubmit Comments: 7, Upvotes: 4
This requires a little explanation. I have been talking to two dream agents for quite a while. Agent 1 and Agent 2. Agent 1 I’ve been talking to for over a year. I sent them several projects–a story collection, then a novella. They liked them but didn’t want to offer rep without a novel. In late A…
[QCrit] Adult Contemporary Sports Romance – HARD COUNT (98K / First Attempt) Comments: 19, Upvotes: 6
I’m seeking representation for my debut novel, HARD COUNT, a 98,000-word contemporary sports romance. This dual-POV story will appeal to readers who crave an Emily Henry strong female lead, a down-bad man from the Ali Hazelwood universe, and the “just kiss already” anticipation found in a BK Borison…
[QCrit] BLT, Adult Literary Fiction (70K Words, First Attempt) Comments: 18, Upvotes: 4
Hi everyone! Longtime lurker here (what a wonderful community!), first attempt at posting a query letter. Would love to hear any thoughts/suggestions you might have. Two specific reservations I had with this letter: 1. I tried to strip it of all side characters/issues, but is the blurb too bare? …
[QCrit] Adult Speculative – NO ONE DIES (70k words, second attempt) Comments: 7, Upvotes: 4
Amidst the tsunami of form rejections during my first round of querying I received a personalized response that essentially said “your novel sounds interesting but your query letter is terrible and isn’t doing you any favors”. I’m grateful for the honest feedback (even though it was painful to read…
[QCrit] Under the Shadow of the Mountain – adult epic fantasy (110k words, Attempt #1) Comments: 7, Upvotes: 2
Hi friends, thanks for giving this a read. It’s on the longer side, but I’m at a loss as to how/where/whether to start hacking away. Dear Agent, Under the Shadow of the Mountain is a 110 000-word epic fantasy with unapologetically gritty violence and an earnest exploration of the nature of power a…
Submission Status
syrone harvey – Belcastro Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: childrens fiction, picture book, juvenile nonfiction, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, Christian fiction, Christian nonfiction, BIPOC fiction, chick lit, commercial fiction, contemporary fiction, family saga, general fiction, historical fiction, humor fiction, inspirational fiction, literary fiction, multicultural fiction, new adult fiction, religious fiction, romance, satire, upmarket fiction, women’s fiction, animals, biography, celebrity, cookbook, cooking, crafts, dating relationships sex, design, family, film entertainment, food drink, gift novelty, health wellness, how-to, humor nonfiction, lifestyle, memoir, multicultural nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, parenting, pop culture,…
james farner – JABberwocky Literary Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: mystery,thrillers/suspense
abby walters – Creative Artists Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: literary fiction,upmarket,young adult
Agent Activity
mel parker – Mel Parker Books, LLC
Genres: commercial fiction, crime fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, upmarket fiction, general nonfiction, biography, business, education, government, health wellness, history, inspirational nonfiction, journalism, lifestyle, memoir, mind body spirit, money finance, narrative nonfiction, politics, pop culture, reference, science, technology, travel
Wednesday – January 28
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[PubQ] How to Nudge an Agent (not via QueryTracker) Comments: 7, Upvotes: 11
Hi, I’m wondering what the best way is to notify an agency about a full request when the original submission was sent to a generic submissions email, and there’s no existing email thread with a specific agent. How do you usually title that email? Do you use generic submission e-mail again? For exam…
[PubQ] Querying a manuscript that has a script version under consideration by a producer Comments: 8, Upvotes: 3
Hi all! Maybe a niche question. I’m also a screenwriter in addition to (aspiring) novelist. Currently querying my debut novel, when a producer contact I had worked with on a shopping agreement in the past shared a mandate with me that matched my novel pretty perfectly. I wrote up a pilot and series…
Indie publisher owns rights to Book 1, can Books 2 & 3 be traditionally queried or published elsewhere? Comments: 6, Upvotes: 4
Hi!! Looking for advice from folks with publishing experience. I signed a contract with a very small local indie publishing service for my novel. This is their first “traditionally” published book (the company has many titles they help publish but none other that they own), and the contract is expl…
[PubQ]Querying an agent to rep for short stories? Comments: 6, Upvotes: 1
I am not sure people even use agents for just short stories, other than, perhaps successful agented book authors that also publish shorts on the side. Would a new writer pen a query letter to an agent for a short story? If so, how would the query differ from a query for a full novel? (There are lot…
[PubQ] Working on R&R but another agent has my full… do I let them know before or after it’s done? Comments: 1, Upvotes: 1
Hi all, I’m working on an R&R for an agent that I really feel good about, but there’s another agent who still has the full of the original manuscript. The agent giving the R&R is newer without sales in my genre, whereas the other agent with my full is extremely experienced in my genre. I un…
[QCrit] Horror/Thriller – WOMEN LIKE ME (86K/Attempt 2) Comments: 26, Upvotes: 24
Dear Agent, In Julia Brooks’s house, Mother wears a shackle. Father says it’s the only way to keep Julia and her sister safe—just like their windowless brick house in the Mojave Desert, or the heavy iron door no one ever knocks on. Julia trusts him. Father is a distinguished astronomer who knows t…
[QCrit] PEEL BEFORE CARVING— Adult Horror— 70K — 3rd attempt Comments: 7, Upvotes: 8
Hey guys! First, a big thank you to @iampunha, @infinite_storm_470, and @Book1_love for the feedback in [my last attempt](https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/s/4eAe4OCtG9). Y’all really gave us some good things to think about moving forward. I feel like the query has definitely taken a leap up in qu…
[QCrit] THE ART OF US, Adult Contemporary Romance (92k words, first attempt) Comments: 12, Upvotes: 1
Hi everyone! I’ve been lurking in this sub for a few months and now that I sent my draft to beta readers, I thought I could seek advice in my query letter 🙂 I’m still deciding on my comps, so suggestions are gladly welcomed! Thank you <3 \— Dear Agent, I am excited to share THE ART OF US, …
[QCrit] Contemporary Romance – LOCALS ONLY (95k/1st Attempt) Comments: 8, Upvotes: 4
Hi All! I have posted queries in this sub before and received some helpful feedback so here I am again. While I received some full requests on my previous project, nothing ultimately came of it, so I moved on and am ready to get hurt again! I have had some trouble finding comps so any suggestions …
Submission Status
sallyanne sweeney – International Creative Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: childrens fiction, childrens picture books, young adult fiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, contemporary, fantasy, historical fiction, crime, thrillers/suspense, romance, science fiction, speculative fiction, new adult, cross-over fiction, drama, erotica, horror, intersectional/inclusive fiction, LGBTQ+, reading group fiction, religious/inspirational, sagas, western, womens fiction, cultural/social issues, food/lifestyle (including cookbooks), memoir, literary non-fiction, travel, science, history, non-fiction art/photography, non-fiction current affairs/politics, non-fiction psychology, non-fiction science/technology, non-fiction self-help, family saga, gothic, fairy tales
ivan mulcahy – International Creative Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Crime, Detective, Police, Screenplays, TV scripts, Film scripts, Autobiography, Biography, Cultural Issues, Social Issues, Current Affairs, Politics, Finance, Economics, Food, Lifestyle, Cookbooks, History, Memoir, Narrative, Young Adult Fiction, Childrens Fiction, Childrens & YA Non-fiction, Travel, Science, Society, Religion, Mind Body Spirit, Womens Fiction, Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Horror, Historical Fiction, Genre Romance, Fantasy, Erotica, Thriller, Action, General Fiction, Literary Fiction
jessica alvarez – BookEnds, LLC
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: womens fiction, romance (all heat levels, including inspirational, category, erotica), historical romance, romantic suspense, single-title romance, commercial fiction, general fiction, upmarket fiction, mystery, cozy mysteries, suspense/thriller, memoir, true crime, nonfiction: biography, cookbooks, crafts/DIY, history, humor, illustrated, journalism, LGBTQ+, pop culture, psychology, science, travel, LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction, womens issues, psychology, science, food and cookery, humor nonfiction, literary fiction, Christian fiction, self-help, narrative nonfiction
courtney miller-callihan – Handspun Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Action/Adventure, BIPOC Literature, Bookclub, Caribbean Literature, Commercial, Contemporary, East Asian Literature, Erotica, Family Saga, Fantasy, General, Historical, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Romcom, Science Fiction, South Asian Literature, South East Asian Literature, Speculative, West African Literature, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, #ownvoices, #wndb, AAPI Fantasy, AAPI Horror, AAPI Sci-Fi, Adult Horror, Adult Rom Com, Adult Romantasy, Adult SFF, Adventure, African Diaspora, African Fantasy, African Sci-Fi, Africanfuturism, Amateur Sleuth Mysteries, Asian American…
laurie dennison – Creative Media Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Cultural Social Issues, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Women’s Issues, Fiction: Debut, Fiction: Women’s/Romance, Fiction: General/Other Fiction, Nonfiction: Lifestyle, Nonfiction: Memoir, Nonfiction: Narrative, Nonfiction: Pop Culture, Children’s: Young Adult Fiction
ginger hutchinson – Movable Type Management
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Bookclub, Commercial, Crime, Domestic Thriller, Family Saga, Historical, Horror, LGBTQ, Literary, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Speculative, Thriller, Upmarket, Women’s Fiction, Beauty Fashion Style, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Travel, True Crime
edwina de charnacé – International Creative Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
helen zimmermann – The Helen Zimmermann Literary Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: general fiction, general nonfiction, dating relationships sex, fitness, health wellness, history, lifestyle, memoir, music, pop culture, sports, women’s issues
paige wheeler – Creative Media Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: Fiction: Action/Adventure, Bookclub, Commercial, Contemporary, Crime, Domestic Thriller, East Asian Literature, General, Historical, Humor, Middle Grade, Mystery, New Adult, Psychological Thriller, Romance, Romcom, South Asian Literature, Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult, Nonfiction: Business, Humor, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Relationships, Self-help, Memoir, Inspirational Fiction, Economics, Narrative Nonfiction, Christian Nonfiction, Money Finance, Lifestyle, #ownvoices, Adult Rom Com, Asian American Literature, Book Club, Careers, Category Romance, Chick Lit, Commercial MG, Commercial YA, Contemporary Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary YA, Cozy Mystery, Crime &…
ella marie shupe – Belcastro Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Fantasy, Crime, Thriller, Action, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Commercial Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Family Saga, Magical Realism, Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Crime Fiction
lisa gallagher – DeFiore and Company
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: Memoir, Politics, Sports, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Current Events, General Fiction, Pop Culture, Narrative Nonfiction, Horror, True Crime, Health Wellness, Thriller, General Nonfiction, History, Fiction: Debut, Fiction: Horror, Fiction: Inspirational, Fiction: Mystery/Crime, Fiction: Thriller, Fiction: Literary, NF: Business/Investing/Finance, NF: Diet, NF: Health, NF: History/Politics/Current Affairs, NF: How-To, NF: Humor, NF: Lifestyle, NF: Memoir, NF: Narrative, NF: Pop Culture, NF: Science, NF: Sports, NF: True Crime, Young Adult Fiction, Business Book, Mystery, Money Finance, Science, Lifestyle, Diet Nutrition, How-To, Juvenile Nonfiction,…
caroline eisenmann – Frances Goldin Literary Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: memoir, nature, debut fiction, literary fiction, general fiction, commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, history, politics, current affairs, pop culture, science, economics, technology, business, money finance, social issues, cultural criticism, essay collections, literary memoir, general nonfiction, travel, psychology, lifestyle
Agent Activity
marisa cleveland – The Seymour Agency
Sales: NYT young adult anthology June 2015
Genres: general fiction, fantasy, science fiction, juvenile fiction, childrens books, genre romance, mystery, business and finance, young adult fiction
Tuesday – January 27
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[PubQ] Should I leave a dream agent? Comments: 13, Upvotes: 8
I’m on agent #2 and still unpublished (5 agented MSSs in) and wondering if it’s time to call it on this relationship… but here’s the thing: of the two of us, I’m clearly the problem. My agent is great: she’s responsive, thoughtful, very talented with excellent sales under her belt, hard-working, …
[PubQ] Non-responses after offer nudge: Assume CNR or Nudge again? Comments: 2, Upvotes: 1
Hey PubTips, I recently got an offer (yay!) on my first spec romcom and am currently in the waiting stage. I have about a dozen agents who do not/did not get a chance to request more materials alerted. Because of work and life I have an extended period to notify the agent of my decision which is fan…
[QCRIT] Adult Horror, The House of Turpentine – 85,000 words (First attempt) Comments: 7, Upvotes: 16
Hi everyone! I’m finishing up the third draft of my novel and am starting to think about what a query letter might like. Thank you in adavnce for any and all suggestions/feedback. Dear AGENT, Painting is an act of creation. It can also be an act of destruction. Alistair Humboldt is a failed art…
[QCrit] PLANETSIDE CONSULTING: THE POSSESSION OF ARES, adult sci-fi space opera, 65k, second attempt Comments: 17, Upvotes: 3
Hi everyone, thanks so much for the feedback on my first attempt. Your notes really helped improve my query, although it’s a bit long at the moment. I switched out my comps for more recent examples (though I’m still looking, recommendations are welcome!) and updated both the protagonist’s background…
[QCRIT] Adult Horror/Horromance, ISLE OF HEATHENS – 95k (First attempt) Comments: 10, Upvotes: 2
Hey friends! I’m hoping to enter the query trenches soon with the 7th draft (yeesh) of my novel. I’d be grateful for your thoughts about my query letter and the first 300 words. Dear \[Agent\], Because of your \[interest in gothic horror exploring real world issues\], I’m excited to share with you…
[QCRIT] Adult Cont. Fantasy/Horromance, THE DEVIL’S BARGAIN – 105kwords (First attempt) Comments: 6, Upvotes: 2
Hi everyone! I’ve been a longtime lurker and I’m currently revising my manuscript as I get ready to enter the query trenches in March. I’d really appreciate any feedback on my query letter. Thanks in advance. Dear X, Due to your request for… I’m excited to query you with **THE DEVIL’S BARGAIN**. …
Submission Status
maggie sadler – Howland Literary
Submissions are CLOSED
Now at: Howland Literary
Genres: literary fiction, speculative fiction, general fiction, fantasy, womens fiction, adventure/action, family sagas, travel, young adult fiction, multicultural fiction, accessible literary fiction, Asian American literature, BIPOC, Caribbean literature, character-driven history, cross-genre, East Asian literature, experimental, fabulism, feminist horror, folklore, found families, gothic, high concept, historical fiction, immigrant experiences, immigrant voices, LGBTQ+, literary crossover, magical realism, marginalized voices, multigenerational, multiple POV, multiple timelines, narrative nonfiction, nature writing, neurodiversity, new adult, new weird, own voices, retellings, underrepresented voices, upmarket fiction, West African literature,…
charlotte seymour – Johnson & Alcock Ltd
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: Crime / Detective / Police, Literary fiction, Thrillers / Suspense, Art / Crafts / Photography, Cultural / Social Issues, Food / Lifestyle (inc. cookbooks), History, Nature / Ecology, Science / Technology, Popular Culture, Politics, society & current affairs, Other non-fiction, Memoir and autobiography, Commercial, Crime, Thriller, Action
kayla lightner – Ayesha Pande Literary
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: memoir, autobiography, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, graphic novels, nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, creative nonfiction, pop culture, psychology, sports, true crime, family saga, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, magical realism, satire, humor fiction, short stories, multicultural fiction, BIPOC voices, LGBTQ voices, journalism, investigative, middle grade fiction, cultural social issues, black literary agents, humor nonfiction, contemporary fiction, multicultural nonfiction, technology, crime, thriller, action, historical nonfiction, business books, money finance, art, true crime, short story collection
Agent Activity
melanie figueroa – Root Literary
Sales: Jennifer Mandula – THE GEOMAGICIAN (Del Rey), “Christopher Roubique – MYTHSPEAKER (Viking Childrens)”, R.J. Valldeperas – THEIR WILL UNDONE (Quill Tree), Natalie Sue – I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL (William Morrow), Nataly Gruender – MEDUSA (Grand Central Publishing), “Amelia Diane Coombs – DROP DEAD SISTERS (Mindys Book Studio)”, Kim Neville – THE MEMORY COLLECTORS (Atria), Kelly Hill – A HOME FOR FRIENDLESS WOMEN (Vintage), Sarah Prineas – TROUBLE IN THE STARS (Philomel), Maeeda Khan – NURA AND THE IMMORTAL…
Genres: middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, adult fiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction, general fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, high-concept genre fiction, action/adventure, commercial, crime, domestic thriller, family saga, fantasy, gothic, historical fiction, horror, humor, LGBTQ fiction, mystery, new adult, psychological thriller, science fiction, speculative fiction, thriller, women’s fiction, narrative nonfiction, graphic novel, juvenile fiction, childrens books, suspense, romance, historical fiction, magical realism, popular culture, dating/relationships/sex, family sagas, commercial fiction, BIPOC voices, LGBTQ voices, upmarket fiction, new adult fiction, crime…
danielle egan-miller – Browne & Miller Literary Associates
Sales: “THE WIDOWS BACHELOR BARGAIN by Marta Perry (Harlequin W24)”, A MAN DOWNSTAIRS by Nicole Lundrigan (Viking/PRHC W24), RELATIVE STRANGERS by A.H. KIM (Graydon House SP24), THE SISTERS OF CORINTH by Angela Hunt (Bethany House SP24), SECRETS OF ROSE BRIAR HALL by Kelsey James (Kensington SU24), SPIRIT CROSSING by William Kent Krueger (Atria Books SU24), LOW COUNTRY LOST by T.I. Lowe (Tyndale House F24), THE FABLED EARTH by Kimberly Brock (Harper Muse F24), MISERY HATES COMPANY by Elizabeth Hobbs (Crooked Lane…
Genres: Commercial fiction, Crime, Family saga, General fiction, Historical fiction, LGBTQ fiction, Literary fiction, Mystery, New Adult, Religious fiction, Romance, Thriller, Women’s fiction, Inspirational fiction, Mind/body/spirit, Biography, History, Health, Lifestyle, Cookbooks, Sports fiction, Science, Christian fiction, Suspense/thriller, Paranormal fiction, Upmarket fiction, Pop culture, Narrative nonfiction, Humor fiction, Animals, How-to, Family sagas, Adventure/action, Erotica, General nonfiction, Food and cookery, Politics, Travel, Technology, Psychology, Arts, Philosophy, Self-help, Business and finance, True crime, Dating, relationships, sex, Spirituality, Christian nonfiction, Historical romance, Sports, Women’s issues,…
Monday – January 26
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[PubQ] OK to query UK co-agency of US ex-agent, or not? Comments: 2, Upvotes: 14
\[Sub regular posting with a throwaway, for privacy reasons\] I’m an established author with multiple published books under their belt who recently parted ways with their US-based agent (amicably, or as amicably as firing your agent can ever be — I didn’t harangue them, just told them I wante…
[PubQ] Do pitch events still exist? Comments: 5, Upvotes: 7
Hi yall! I’m inching ever closer to the querying stage, and I was wondering if pitch events still exist in some capacity? I know they sometimes happen at convention style meetups, but with PitMad dead for all intents and purposes, are there other options that don’t necessarily involve attending a fu…
[Discussion] R&R timeframe and Qs Comments: 6, Upvotes: 5
Hi guys! I started querying in September, had a couple of fulls and heard back from an agent in early December who had requested my full up front after reading the synopsis and first 3k words in a programme I was part of. That agent essentially requested an R&R. They spoke very highly of my wr…
[pubq] how to cut ties with an agent that went MIA? Comments: 5, Upvotes: 0
please excuse the typing. I broke my arm. my agent has all the red flags and hasn’t answered emails in 3 months or so and I found out from y‘all that the agency is known for that. I’ve been looking for a new one but then I remembered that my current contract for a book that is a fairly huge dea…
[QCrit] Adult Litfic – THE ADORATION OF HIS FLOCK (45k/Attempt 1) Comments: 12, Upvotes: 4
Hey guys. Finally got done with my novel and I’m happy with it, but I feel really angsty about the query letter. Besides the obvious problems with word count and the subject matter being unmarketable at places, something just reads deeply wrong to me. Would appreciate any help or feedback with it. I…
[QCrit] WHAT THE MOUNTAINS KEEP, thriller (first attempt) Comments: 9, Upvotes: 6
Hi all! Been in the query trenches since September. Had a flurry of requests (7), and a soft R&R, but since then crickets. Confidence in my query letter is waning. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. This sub has been so helpful in the past. Appreciate all you do! Deer Agent, WHAT THE MOUNTAINS …
[QCrit] Upmarket Psychological Thriller-OBSIDIAN (90k words), second attempt Comments: 8, Upvotes: 5
https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/s/5Ibw2cpNLC Good morning/afternoon/evening, This is my second attempt. I completely rewrote my query and hope this one makes more logical sense. Thank you for reading. Previous query is linked above. Dear Agent, In the frozen university town of Colton, Indiana,…
[QCrit] Adult Gothic DEAD THINGS IN MY HEART 96K second attempt + first 300 words Comments: 10, Upvotes: 2
Hello again! I got great suggestions last time, and tried to edit my query according to them. I deleted the part about POV explanations, but I’m still wondering if I should mention the fact that this isn’t all Mila’s POV (thought mostly it is, Luca’s chapters are rare). Another question I have is t…
Submission Status
jessica berg – Rosecliff Literary
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: commercial fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, speculative fiction, speculative literary, thriller, upmarket speculative, women’s fiction, memoir, self-help, commercial womens fiction, domestic suspense, domestic suspense/thriller, gothic, gothic horror, historical fantasy, fantasy grounded in reality, historical romcom, historical womens fiction, literary crossover, literary fiction, literary noir, literary thriller, paranormal romance, upmarket commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, upmarket womens fiction, dark academia, upmarket/book club with female protagonist
grace milusich – Looking Glass Literary & Media
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: BIPOC Literature, Childrens, Commercial, Crime, Domestic Thriller, Fantasy, General, Gothic, Historical, Horror, LGBTQ, Literary, Mystery, New Adult, Psychological Thriller, Religious, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult, Cookbooks, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Pop Culture, #Dis, #ownvoices, #wndb, Accessible Literary Fiction, Adult Horror, Adult Romantasy, Adult SFF, African Fantasy, Asian American Literature, Asian Fantasy, Asian Horror, BIPOC Fantasy, BIPOC Horror, BIPOC Mystery, Character-Driven History, Character-Driven Horror, Chicklit, Commercial Womens Fiction, Commercial YA, Commercial adult fiction, Commercial and Literary, Contemporary Culture, Contemporary…
Agent Activity
salomonsson agency – Salomonsson Agency
Sales: latest deals on website
Genres: general fiction, mystery, suspense/thriller, juvenile fiction, reference, biography, history, childrens books
Sunday – January 25
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[PubQ] Give agents 2 weeks after offer or longer?
Comments: 21 | Upvotes: 16
I always considered the standard to be 2 weeks, but I came across a video of an agent saying she prefers authors instead ask what sort of timeline makes sense to consider the manuscript. I get where she’s coming from, but at the same time, the agent who offered is just left hanging then?
[PubQ] How do you apply querying statistics when you’re operating in a narrow lane?
Comments: 24 | Upvotes: 11
First of all, a huge thank you to this sub. It has been so helpful for me to reach and learn from everyone’s queries and questions! I started querying a little over a week ago, and I’ve already begun my descent into madness. I am someone who thrives on momentum, and lord does querying feel like the…
[PubQ]: Agent Rejected Due to Another Offer But Didn’t Notify Them of Offer?
Comments: 6 | Upvotes: 21
An agent had my full ms and just sent me a rejection. It seems like a form rejection, though it is very kind. The agent mentions stepping aside due to another offer, however, I never alerted this agent to another offer. This seems like a clerical error (esp. if this is a form rejection). Should I re…
Literary agents and editors that are looking for slice-of-life novels like The Convenience Store By The Sea?
Comments: 6 | Upvotes: 0
I‘ve always wanted to write slice-of-life standalone novels similar to translated works such as The Convenience Store By The Sea, The Midnight Pastry Shop Called Hwawoldang, The Second Chance Convenience Store and many many others. Most of these works were originally written in another language like…
[QCRIT] Adult Speculative Thriller | SYLVANIA (85k) | 2nd Attempt
Comments: 7 | Upvotes: 9
[First Attempt](https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/comments/1qfisrn/qcrit_adult_speculative_thriller_sylvania_86k/) Dear Agent: I am seeking representation for SYLVANIA (85k), a late coming of age where a disgraced cryptid hunter returns to his Appalachian hometown to face the monsters within him -…
[QCrit] EREBOS, Adult Romantic Fantasy, (116k) – Sixth Attempt & First 300 words
Comments: 11 | Upvotes: 3
Hi everyone!! A big thank you to the people who commented on my previous version. I took all your feedback and tried to implement it in this latest version. Here are my [first](https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/comments/1pp6zxy/qcrit_adult_fantasy_romance_erebos_111k_first/), [second](https://www.red…
[Qcrit] The Unwoven Sceptre (adult fantasy, 58k words, first attempt)
Comments: 8 | Upvotes: 1
Dear [Agent Name], Oren Farane is an ogre of a man. Feared, bitter, and long convinced the world is better off without him. After being grievously injured by unknown assailants, Oren accepts healing from an old friend named Mose, only to discover the act binds him to an old debt. That debt delivers…
[QCrit] Tiny Versions of Regular Things, adult, literary fiction, 95k words, first attempt
Comments: 6 | Upvotes: 1
Thanks in advance for any guidance, dudes! Dear name, I am seeking representation for Tiny Versions of Regular Things, a standalone upmarket literary novel complete at 95,000 words. Given your interest in character-driven stories with dark humor, emotional complexity, and sharp psychological t…
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