Thread by @Erica_Bauman

Okay, after a lot of thinking (and drafting in my notes app), I’ve put together a list of what I’m hoping to see in my query inbox in 2022.

So, without further ado, my #MSWL (just in time, since I’m reopening my inbox at midnight):

To start, at the moment I am only looking for MG, YA, and adult commercial and upmarket fiction. I’ll list the genres for each in the thread below. Unfortunately, I’m not the right person for adult literary fiction or nonfic, and (for now) I’m not actively looking for PBs.

Across the board (MG, YA, and adult), I’m drawn to:
-stories with a strong family element, whether that’s biological or found family
-protagonists who aren’t the best at whatever they do or The Chosen One, but who try really *really* hard, even when they screw up

#MSWL

#MSWL CONT:
-stories that play with form & storytelling
-quiet magic/strangeness
-retelling genre mashups (eg. The Girls at the Kingfisher Club, Warm Bodies, Hadestown)
-stories where food plays a major role
-all the feels (take me on an emotional rollercoaster)

#MSWL CONT:
-eerie & haunting atmospheric horror where the source of the fear reflects something deeper. No gratuitous violence/gore—I want to be creeped out, not grossed out.
-swoony, sharply funny romcoms w/ chemistry that sizzles

#MSWL CONT:
-stories where the bff relationship is front and center. Give me your Shawn-and-Gus, weirdos together forever friendships.
-stories about the arts. I am forever that theater girl.

#MSWL:
MG Genres I’m looking for: fantasy, contemporary, mystery, historical, horror, light/near-future sci-fi

YA: fantasy, contemporary, mystery, historical, horror, light sci-fi, romcom

Adult: light SFF, upmarket, horror, romcom

I’ll update this should anything change, but I’m excited to see what this year brings and read all your incredible stories!