My main interest is YOUNG ADULT with strong romantic elements, in the genres of fantasy, sci-fi, and contemporary. A high concept plot and strong teen voice are a must. A project that blends genres would also be great, such as sci-fantasy, SF mystery/thriller, contemporary fairytale retelling, or whatever you can think up! I am also … Continue reading
Middle grade: I’m probably most actively looking for something fairly light with a commercial voice, or a classic-feeling story. I love retellings, especially of familiar plotlines like THE PARENT TRAP, THE LITTLE PRINCESS, etc. Some MG books I’ve recently read and loved: THE WITCH’S BOY by Kelly Barnhill, RED BUTTERFLY by A.L. Sonnichsen, and A … Continue reading
I am looking for fantasy and science fiction with wonderful, distinct characters and a story I can’t put down. I’d love something with a distinct voice and a high concept, something that can attract mainstream readers as well as genre readers (like THE MARTIAN or GAME OF THRONES). I’m particularly looking for military science fiction, … Continue reading
I’m looking for YA and middle-grade fiction in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, contemporary, historical, and everything in between. I love stories that play with narrative structure (non-linear timelines, unconventional POVs, quirky or unreliable narrators) and/or twist the rules of genre. And there’s a special place in my heart for all things … Continue reading
A YA with an atmosphere & setting impossible to extract myself from. (I felt this way about adult novels RULES OF CIVILITY & THE SECRET HISTORY, and Laini Taylor’s DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE in YA.) I want a middle grade that will make me cry, but also laugh–maybe at the same time. I’m a … Continue reading
I’m interested in YA, speculative, and literary fiction in which I connect with the characters and can’t wait to read what they will do next. Great writing is a must, but not enough to stand alone: I want plot, action, movement. I’m particularly interested in stories that bend and blur genres; literary takes on high … Continue reading
I’m always looking for great projects in the genres I represent: primarily science fiction, fantasy, and young adult, with a few select projects in other genres of commercial fiction and nonfiction. I’m always looking for more diverse submissions (by writers of color, dealing with issues of sexuality or disability, etc.). Some specifics I’d love to … Continue reading
Quirk Books is an independent publisher and seeker of all things awesome, operating out of a former barrel factory in Philadelphia and distributed worldwide by Random House. We publish 25 “strikingly unconventional” books a year: fiction and non-fiction; adults, YA, and MG. You may know us from some of our bestselling titles like PRIDE AND … Continue reading
I want fiction for middle grade, YA, new adult, and adult categories. In particular, I’d love high concept literary middle grade works like When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and Wonder by RJ Palacio. I love all things YA but I’m especially looking for an epic love story (like a story which could be the “new” … Continue reading
I am always seeking middle grade and young adult stories with big questions at their centers, irresistible concepts, and unforgettable characters. I like high concept stories or stories that employ great narrative devices, such as the tapes in Thirteen Reasons Why, the keepsakes and epistolary format in Why We Broke Up and the diary formats … Continue reading
Manuscript Wishlist 