I am currently looking for commercial romance and mystery for young adults and adults, as well as children’s graphic novels (MG and YA).

I want high concept stories (i.e., a with striking and easily communicated idea and an undeniable elevator pitch) that demonstrate expertise at the line level, whether through a literary voice, a well-executed sense of humor, or a thoughtful economy of language.

I am open to picture book author/illustrators, middle grade novels, and adult nonfiction via referral only.

Please note:

  • If your manuscript is over 95K words, it is probably not for me

  • I review queries only through Query Tracker. I immediately delete submissions sent directly to email

 

Top of my wish list are:

  • Upmarket cozy romance with supernatural elements, like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

  • Upmarket cozy adult mystery with a clear and fresh hook, well-drawn characters, and a great sense of humor. Examples include Thursday Murder Club, Girl Waits with Gun, and A Most Agreeable Murder.

  • Romantic cozy YA fantasy

  • YA mystery, particular cozy mystery, fantasy mystery, paranormal or supernatural mysteries, historical mysteries, and thrillers

 

In YA, I am also looking for:

  • Romance with a speculative element or an unusual form/structure/timeline

  • Fantasy/romantasy grounded in our world, historical or otherwise (think: Chloe Gong)

  • Historical romance from a BIPOC perspective

 

In middle grade, I’d also like:

  • friendship stories

  • funny coming-of-age contemporary graphic novelists (illustration and text)

  • funny contemporary mysteries and adventures

  • literary stories with commercial appeal

 

I always love:

  • humor

  • rich ensemble casts

  • coming-of-age stories

  • fish-out-of-water stories

  • friendship stories

  • gothic elements

  • magic

  • ghosts

  • descriptions of elaborate feasts

  • subplots built around nuanced family dynamics, particularly parent-child or sibling relationships

 
QUERY KRISTIN HERE