Deidre Knight, Senior Agent and President

First, I want to be clear that the following list by no means represents everything I’m looking for. These are just guideposts to give you an idea of the kinds of books I’m particularly looking for right now. I'm eagerly seeking black and diverse voices, particularly in any of the genres she's particularly interested in.

My most recent read, which is the exact sort of book I want to find, is THE BROMANCE BOOK CLUB. I'm also eagerly seeking LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction, both YA and adult, in all genres. Recent favorite queer YA reads are RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE and AUTOBOYOGRAPHY. Always a great fan of enemies-to-lovers romance and secret/forbidden romance. If there are *both*? I’m all in!

In fiction, I am hungry for a very voice-driven novel, and am seeking in several areas, from women’s fiction to YA to #ownvoices. I enjoy emotionally compelling novels (think Me Before You). A really authentic Southern novel, with strong voice. Think Pat Conroy or Anne River Siddons. And always—a boarding school/prep school novel that’s a true standout, because I’ve never fully recovered from The Westminster Schools! I'm also looking for a wonderful YA romance in the vein of Stephanie Perkins or Jenny Han.  I would love to find more authors like TJ Klune and a project like our own TWEET CUTE by Emma Lord.

I really want something in the vein of Elin Hilderbrand (whose novels are set on Nantucket and the Cape) and Judy Blundell’s THE HIGH SEASON (which is set on the North Fork of Long island and is one of my all-time favorite books). I also like Abby Jimenez (THE FRIEND ZONE). And I’ve been on a spate of reading hockey and sports romances lately. You can’t go wrong targeting me for anything hockey-related, whether fiction or nonfiction. I’m a huge fan, so this is obviously right in my wheelhouse!  (Go Preds!)

Fantasy of all stripes. I represent TJ Klune’s adult queer fantasies at Tor Books, which should give you an excellent gauge of the kinds of books I might love, i.e. filled with heart, emotion and humor. I also represent Gena Showalter on the adult and YA side. Her young adult novels are very representative of teen fantasy that I’m looking for: big concepts, compelling characters, a voice that pulls you right in.

Also, I’d like to find nonfiction business/investing focused books, especially those focused on digital culture and investment opportunities. I’m seeking financial topics for millennials. I'd also like a book exploring the impacts of a cashless society, not just an exploration of crypto. In short, bring me your timely financial and investment topics. As an entrepreneur myself, I’m always eager for topics addressing leadership and business management and ownership.

Pamela Harty, Vice President of Sales/Agent

I’m looking for rom-com, cozy mysteries, and historical fiction. For non-fiction, I'd like health and wellness, advice and relationship, and true crime. 

Elaine Spencer, Vice President of Operations/Agent

I’m looking for historical fiction focused on lesser-known women who made big waves with lasting impacts in their relationships and circles. I also loved fictionalized accounts of very specific moments in history. Fiona Davis, Chanel Cleeton, and Ariel Lawhon are all wonderful examples of this type of storytelling. I would also love to find new diverse, millennial voices in romance, women’s fiction and cozy mysteries. And I’m always open to platform-driven nonfiction content in a wide range of categories across the lifestyle, wellness, and business space.

• I would love to see more historical women’s fiction exploring unique moments in history with a strong sense of place. Fiona Davis, Chanel Cleeton, and Ariel Lawhon are all wonderful examples of the type of story that will grab my attention.

• On the contemporary side of the women’s fiction spectrum I want stories that will speak to readers personally, characters who will get in your head and cause reason for personal reflection. I love contemporary Suburban Dramadies (think Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty or even the modern classic Little Children by Perrotta). I’m also always interested in sweeping family dramas that bridge over into the commercial space such as Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng or All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin. I loved The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin, Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg, and This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel.

• I love stories with strong southern themes. To me this means an overwhelming sense of another time (even if its in a contemporary novel); stories about a place steeped in ancient traditions and family expectations, unique cultural oddities and loveliness

• Fictionalized Stories featuring hot topics in the news and/or from the daily realities of modern pop-culture.

• In Romance I’m looking for urban-set contemporary romantic comedies. I know I’m one of a million but The Hating Game has been at the top of my favorites list for awhile. I also like stories featuring strong “underdog” modern heroines. In my view this can take a lot of directions, someone from a marginalized background, someone with an uncommon upbringing, a person who has overcome all the odds, etc.

• I’m a big fan of domestic suspense but it would really have to be stand out in a currently crowded space to grab my attention. It must have high stakes, a sympathetic protagonist, and a unique easy to spot hook

• I’m also really growing my list in the non-fiction space. I’m interested in narrative, prescriptive and gift nonfiction in a vast arena spanning from true-crime (especially as it relates to its lasting impact on history, a place or a group of people such as Missoula by Jon Krakauer or Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann), pop-culture, motivational/self-help, how-to guides, female empowerment, humor (especially humorous memoir), diet, platform-driven social media brands, modern parenting, and lifestyle to name a few.

Lucienne Diver, Agent

My list is incredibly full at the moment. Still, I can’t bring myself to stop reading anything with a unique premise, particularly involving concepts that are relevant to the sociopolitical challenges of today and particularly with diverse voices.

Most wanted for me: a novel that keeps me on the edge of my seat with characters I care about deeply. I enjoy fresh perspectives and surprising turns. I don’t want to feel as though I’ve heard it before or can anticipate where the novel is going before it even gets there.

Nephele Tempest, Agent

I’m currently submissions in the following genres: women’s contemporary or historical fiction; contemporary or historical single-title romance; magical realism; secondary-world fantasy; science fiction; young adult and middle grade fiction of all sorts.

In general, I want voice- and character-driven fiction told with strong pacing and engaging plot twists, and stories that make me think. More specifically, I’d love to see any of the following:

• High-concept/breakout romance with a strong secondary narrative in addition to the HEA, especially something with a lighthearted thread.
• Still looking for something with an antihero/hero with dubious morals; pirates, etc. As in, bad boys, please.
• Women’s fiction that features a long-time female friendship or close-knit sisters.
• Complex female characters dealing with family dynamics, identity, career.
• Dual timelines or alternate histories.
• Historical fiction set between the mid-nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries.
• Diverse POVs/casts that reflect the makeup of the real world and #ownvoices stories of all types.
• Mainstream fiction with a magical realism or straight magic component, such as Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House, or Robin Sloan’s Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore.
• In YA fiction – stories where the teen romance serves as a means of support during a difficult time instead of the difficulty itself; historical teen fantasy that does NOT include a teenager becoming a ruler/monarch/fighting to keep their crown; historical fiction featuring everyday teens in the midst of challenging events; something featuring a politically/socially aware teen but that’s not preaching to readers.
• In MG fiction – strong friendships and sibling relationships; a story featuring a precocious/troublemaking protagonist; kids attempting to handle something difficult/serious on their own due to distracted/absent parents.

Melissa Jeglinski, Agent

• I would really love to find a project that captures my attention immediately.  For me, this means a strong opening chapter, wonderfully engaging characters, unexpected twists and turns, and a very satisfying ending.  No projects over 100k words, please.
• Contemporary Romance which is lighter in tone, has a sense of humor and a premise that is out of the box. Diverse characters welcome.
• Historical Fiction set in periods other than WWII.  Also looking for contemporary and historical intertwined timelines.  Prefer strong female protagonists.
• Cozy Mysteries with a unique premise but no paranormal edge.  Planned series a plus.
• Middle Grade fiction with a heartwarming message or just pure entertainment.  Fun and flawed realistic characters. Contemporary and historical settings but no paranormal or fantasy.

Travis Pennington, Media and Marketing Director, Associate Agent

Right now, I’m open to queries from ownvoices and diverse authors in the following genres:

• I’m always looking for YA and MG with amazing voices and unique concepts.

• I’m also interested in thrillers and suspense with female protagonists.

• I don’t usually like high fantasy, but I’d love to find something in the sci-fi area that’s really high concept and well-written.

• I’ll take a look at any genre if the story takes place in unique locations that the author has first-hand experience with, particularly Asia and Africa.

Kristy Hunter, Associate Agent

• I’m actively building my list and searching for projects that surprise me with their uniqueness. I often find that it’s the story I least expect that pulls me in and doesn’t let go. It all comes down to the voice and a strong hook!

• I’m always looking for OwnVoices projects and projects featuring a diverse cast of characters across all genres.

In adult fiction, Im looking for:

• High concept women’s fiction such as ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE by Gail Honeyman and THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty. As well, as stories that are literary but with commercial appeal such as LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE by Celeste Ng and LILY AND THE OCTOPUS by Steven Rowley. I especially love projects that capture the complicated nature of family.

• Rom-coms set in wonderful urban settings such as THE HATING GAME by Sally Thorne and CRAZY RICH ASIANS by Kevin Kwan

• Mainstream titles with hints of magic like THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger and THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern.

In YA fiction, Im looking for:

• Fantasy projects that allow me to be transported in a way that feels new and fresh. I’d especially love to find a contemporary fantasy with a wonderful atmospheric setting. I also wouldn’t say no to paranormal…but it would truly have to be something I haven’t seen before

• Magical realism

• Historical projects that are serious in nature like CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein, as well as those that are more playful like THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE by Mackenzi Lee. I especially love historical mysteries and projects set in the Victorian and Regency periods.

• Cotemporary YA stories that are fun and unique, and overall present the perfect escape—even if they address larger issues. THINK DUMPLIN’ by Julie Murphy, TO ALL THE BOYS I LOVED BEFORE by Jenny Han and WHEN WE COLLIDED by Emery Lord.

• Thrillers and mysteries—either contemporary or historical. My favorites include LITTLE MONSTERS by Kara Thomas and WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart.

In MG fiction, Im looking for:

• Contemporary projects in the vein of THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK by Celia Pérez, WHERE THE WATERMELONS GROW by Cindy Baldwin, and WISH by Barbara O’Connor (I’m a sucker for a pet!).

• Quirky mysteries that could be part of a larger series and stories involving shifting friend groups

• Light fantasy and magical realism such as THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill and A SNICKER OF MAGIC by Natalie Lloyd

Janna Bonikowski, Associate Agent

- I’m eager to find well-crafted, inclusive stories with tight pacing, authentic characters, distinctive voices, and—above all—imaginative, fresh concepts. I love books that make me laugh out loud or take me down dark and twisted paths; books centered around family, friendship, or strong women; and stories that hook me from the start and don’t let go. If a story is sassy and bold, memorable and unique, or sparks conversation, I want to read it. More than anything, I want to be surprised.

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