Opportunity: 2024 SPRING FULL MANUSCRIPT AND PICTURE BOOK VIRTUAL RETREAT

SPACES STILL OPEN FOR THE WRITING AND ILLUSTRATING 2024 SPRING FULL MANUSCRIPT AND PICTURE BOOK VIRTUAL RETREAT

(See details after agent listings)

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ERICA MCGRATH – WRITERS HOUSE

Erica McGrath is a junior agent actively growing my list of adult and children’s books at Writers House. She started working at Writer’s House as an intern in 2018. Since then, she’s worked closely with the contracts department, and has supported Senior Agents Stephen Barr and Susan Cohen. Under their mentorship, Erica has had the opportunity to work closely with a range of award-winning authors and illustrators including Maggie Thrash, Anna Walker, Mark Leiknes, Jared Dillian, F.C. Yee, Jeanette Winter, Stacy Innerst, and Emily Hughes.

Before joining Writers House, she studied Visual Arts and English at SUNY New Paltz and interned at not-for-profit art organizations like The Center for Photography at Woodstock and Musee Magazine. Now, she combines her literary and artistic passions with her business sensibilities, and she is dying to read your work! As a Cancer sun, Virgo rising, and the eldest daughter of four siblings, she comes well-equipped as an intuitive, organized, and dedicated advocate. Erica is a passionate collaborator eager to support authors on this emotional journey to create lasting and inspiring projects.

Fiction:

Children’s, Contemporary, Family Saga, General, Gothic, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Literary, Middle Grade, Mystery, Picture Books, Young Adult

She is looking to work with authors and illustrators across all age ranges, in genres ranging from picture books to middle grade and YA, to adult literary fiction and nonfiction. Her tastes are wide-ranging but below you’ll find some specifics from Erica.

Middle Grade
Growing up, I must have read INKHEART by Cornelia Funke cover to cover no less than fifty times. I’m seeking stories that inspire a similar insatiable, unputdownable, desire. And I want books that grow up with their readers, that they can return to even in adulthood – I’ll never forget that gut-punch feeling of reading LOVE THAT DOG as a kid; the brilliance of Sharon Creech’s verse, and the story returning in on itself. Most recently, I loved Daniel Nayeri’s EVERYTHING SAD IS UNTRUE and KING AND THE DRAGONFLIES by Kacen Callender . My taste here ranges from contemporary to fantastical to mysterious, to anywhere in between . I love writing with a ton of humor and heart (like the QUEST KIDS series by Mark Leiknes). Unforgettable characters are a must (the inimitable Clover Elkin in Eli Brown’s ODDITY), and I’m a sucker for unconventional friendships (PAX by Sara Pennypacker). Highly illustrated and inventive hybrid styles are most welcome.

Young Adult
I’m picky when it comes to Young Adult and tend to favor literary and voice-driven fiction. (Or more to the point, when I was in high school, I named our family cat Holden Caulfield.) I’m interested in contemporary stories that reflect the emotional complexities and thorny realities of adolescence. I want to fall in love with a character and be put through the ringer via the depths of their emotional despair but feel reassured that there’s a light at the end. Note: I am highly selective about YA speculative or supernatural texts.
Select favorites: I AM THE MESSENGER by Markus Zuzak, BABY & SOLO by Lisabeth Posthuma, ARISTOTLE AND DANTE by Benjamin Alire Saenz, DIG by A.S. King, FIREKEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Angeline Boulley, WE ARE OKAY by Nina LaCour, anything by Laurie Halse Anderson, WILDER GILRS by Rory Powers.

Graphic Novels
I have a soft spot for graphic memoirs. In graphic novels (in everything from adult to highly illustrated MG, and YA), I’m looking for inventive storytelling and meta depictions of how reality is often stranger than fiction.
Select favorites: HONOR GIRL by Maggie Thrash; LAURA DEAN KEEPS BREAKING UP WITH ME by Mariko Tamaki; HEY, KIDDO by Jarrett J. Krosoczka; DUCKS by Kate Beaton; IMPOSSIBLE PEOPLE by Julia Wertz; NEW KID by Jerry Craft; THIS WAS OUR PACT by Ryan Andrews.

Picture Books

I’m seeking picture books that overfloweth with wonderment, curiosity, and humor. Memorable characters, visually expansive art, and smart and humorous writing. In this space, I want a book that demands to be read over and over, and one where readers can spend hours (days, years!) poring over the artwork. Keywords: transformative, bold, heartfelt, and hilarious. I am open to fiction and nonfiction, text-only, and author/illustrator submissions.
Dreaming of working with the next: Eliza Kinkz, Emily Hughes, M.B. Goffstein, Monica Arnaldo, Rilla Alexander, Zachariah O’Hara, Balint Zsako, Ruth Chan, Matthew Forsythe, Brendan Wenzel, Carson Ellis, Shawn Harris, Kevin Henkes, and Mariachiara Di Giorgio.

Adult Fiction
I gravitate toward ambitious voice-driven literary novels. Stark and straightforward prose, and anything that dips into a territory that could be labeled subversive, strange, out-there, darkly humorous, disquieting, or Lynchian. Despite the darkness—or because of it—I’m also seeking writing that makes me laugh. More specifically…

-Genre bending horror and folklore (WHITE TEARS by Hari Kunzru, A CHILDREN’S BIBLE by Lydia Millet, PATRICIA WANTS TO CUDDLE by Samantha Allen, OUR SHARE OF NIGHT by Mariana Enríquez)

-Propulsive stories about family, gender, and complex friendships and relationships (MARLENA by Julie Buntin, DETRANSITION BABY by Torrey Peters)

-Explorations of how structural violence breeds interpersonal violence (RAINBOW BLACK by Maggie Thrash, THE RABBIT HUTCH by Tess Gunty)

-Subversive and experimental literary mysteries (THE LIKENESS by Tana French)

-Character studies where the writing feels cerebral and interior (THE SARAH BOOK by Scott McClanahan, STEPHEN FLORIDA by Gabe Habash, CHEMISTRY by Weike Wang, THE IDIOT by Elif Bautman)

-Explorations of desire and obsession (LUSTER by Raven Lelani, I’M A FAN by Sheena Patel, BIG SWISS by Jen Beagin)

-Cultural critiques wrapped up in vivid storytelling (FRIDAY BLACK by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, THE MARS ROOM by Rachel Kushner, THE SWALLOWS by Lisa Lutz)

-Interconnected stories with ambitiously cast characters, where lives unexpectedly collide (SKIPPY DIES by Paul Murray, THE GLASS HOTEL by Emily St. John Mandel, A VISIT FROM THE GOON SQUAD by Jennifer Egan )

Adult Nonfiction
Overall, I’d love to work with passionate writers and journalists who aren’t afraid to stir the pot. I’m looking for narrative non-fiction (SAY NOTHING by Patrick Radden Keffee), microhistories about cultural histories (OUR BAND COULD BE YOUR LIFE by Michael Azerrad), issue-driven hybrid-memoirs (MONSTERS by Claire Dederer), and obsessive and honest essay collections (GO AHEAD IN THE RAIN & A LITTLE DEVIL IN AMERICA by Hanif Abdurraqib). I’m especially interested in working with multidisciplinary creators, subculture-history buffs, and those with uncommon voices explaining important or untold events. I’m also seeking original investigative pieces on humble subjects (RAW DOG: THE NAKED TRUTH ABOUT HOT DOGS by Jamie Loftus), and any topic that explores the gray areas where finance and artistry collide (SELLOUT by Dan Ozzi ).

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KARLY DIZON – FUZE LITERARY

Fiction:

Karly is looking for picture books, middle grade, and young adult works.

Action/Adventure, Children’s, Commercial, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery, Picture Books, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult.

• I’m really searching for non-fiction picture books that add the heart, soul, and story of fiction. I want the person, event, retelling to come to life.
• I’m also really interested in Asian/African/Latin mythology retelling/twists to be told simply yet beautifully for the picture book market but also in more depth with adventure and turn-the-page tension for middle-grade and young adult.
• Have a picture book that’ll make me laugh? Learn? Both? Yes, please.
• I want more smart, ingenious kids who utilize STEM to tackle their problems/achieve their goals.
• I want to fall in-love with a YA contemporary romcom. Make me swoon, cry, and yell at the pages with all the depth and complexity that our young adults experience today.
• Have a MG or YA SFF? Needs to have a strong voice from the first page with an immersive and captivating plot and world.

Karly Dizon represents, in general:

• Picture books
• Middle Grade
• Graphic Novels (MG/YA/Adult)

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COCO FREEMAN – LINDA CHESTER LITERARY AGENCY

CoCo Freeman recently joined The Linda Chester Literary Agency which represents a wide variety of adult literary and commercial fiction, as well as an array of non-fiction in the following categories: science, technology, medicine, health, memoir and biography, fine and performing arts, narrative non-fiction, current events, politics, history, popular culture, humor, gift books, psychology, spirituality, and business. We place dramatic rights for our projects and work in tandem with all the major and boutique film agencies.

CoCo is a graduate of Bard College with a B.A. in Written Arts. Before joining Linda Chester, CoCo worked for Tom Yoon Productions developing projects and editing existing material.

She is looking for:

Young Adult, Middle Grade, and select Picture Books.

Children’s, Commercial, Family Saga, Mysteries, Fantasy, Psychological Thriller, Romance, Historical fiction,

Smart adult commercial fiction in a variety of genres

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Carey Blankenship-Kramer – Belcastro Agency

After growing up surrounded by books and people who loved to read them, Carey dreamed of bringing more books to the hands of avid readers like herself. She graduated from Berry College with a dual degree in English and Creative Writing. She later received her master’s in Writing and Digital Communications from Agnes Scott College. She has experience working with both publishing houses and literary agencies and loves her role as Junior Agent at Belcastro Agency. As an editorial agent, she loves working closely with her authors to ensure their stories come to life on the page.

While her sweet spot is horror and middle grade, Carey’s tastes are wide and varied. From mystery to fantasy to science fiction, she loves anything that can draw her in and have her rooting for the main characters. Some of her most recent favorites include Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega, The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune, Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill, How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu, When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb, The Broken Girls by Simone St. James, and Just South of Home by Karen Strong.

Wish List – Specifics Across All Genres and Age Groups:

​If you have a strong platform and love what you do, feel free to pitch me a concept.

• #1: Diverse stories from Ownvoices.
• HORROR. Horror, horror, horror! If you have something remotely spooky, I want to see it.
• Neurodiversity rep. As someone with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, neurodiversity is extremely important to me.
• Queer stories, especially those with happy endings.
• Quiet, coming-of-age stories for MG audiences, especially if the word count is on the smaller side with a twinge of magic.
• Stories with animal sidekicks / main characters / or just fluffy pals. Especially horses.
• Video game stories.
• Dragons! Or anything with mythological creatures.
• Tennis centered books.
• Stories set in the South.

Middle Grade

• Adventure
• Contemporary
• Fantasy
• Graphic Novel
• Historical
• Horror
• Mystery
• Paranormal
• Science Fiction
• Literally everything. I LOVE Middle Grade.

Young Adult 

• Adventure
• Contemporary
• Fantasy
• Graphic Novel
• Horror
• Mystery
• Paranormal
• Science Fiction

New Adult/Adult

• Contemporary
• Fantasy
• Horror
• Mystery
• Romance
• Science Fiction

Specific Things I Would Love to Find:

• Cozy fantasy! Anything quiet with a twist of magic where I can fall in love with the characters and the settings.
• Books set in fun settings, like a coastal town, a summer camp, or a mountain cabin.
• A horror book centered around video games.
• A story where the main character is a barista or a chef.
• I am OBSESSED with books that use multimedia storytelling or unique perspectives. One of my all-time favorite books is A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan.
• Picture books! I am really looking to represent a handful of picture book authors, so if you have something that fits any of my MSWL items, please send it my way! 🙂
• Stories written by Swifties or inspired by Taylor Swift’s lyricism.

I am NOT accepting

• Nonfiction
• Stories where the animals die. I’m so sorry, I am weak and cannot handle it.
• Stories written with the help of AI. No thanks.

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Daniele Hunter – McIntosh & Otis

Daniele Hunter has a B.A. in English from Drew University, with concentrations in literary criticism, creative writing, and poetry. She is a member of the AALA and serve on their DEI committee through Literary Agents of Change, too!

She has been with the children’s department at McIntosh & Otis since a 2016 internship, and is thrilled to now be acquiring! I’m looking for (in order of priority) young adult, middle grade, and picture books.

While her heart lives in contemporary stories, she also loves contemporary fantasy (as well as ghost stories), and is sparingly open to other genres.

Daniele says, “As an agent, I’ll be an author’s biggest cheerleader, and value open communication above all. I strive to be a safe space for marginalized identities/experiences, but don’t force authors to disclose those to me. I’m always open to any accommodations authors need.

“I’ll be a mentor for my clients, helping them navigate the publishing industry even after an editor signs their books. I’m also extremely hands-on editorially! And though publishing is a business, I know that writing books (especially the dark, raw ones I fall for) is a very intimate endeavor, so I strive to connect with my clients not just on a professional level, but a personal one.

“Books saved me as a young reader, and now, my biggest goal as an agent is to help tell the “hard” stories, the off-the-beaten-track stories, that kids/teens who experience hardships or have underrepresented identities deeply need.”

YA and MG – Contemporary

This is my top priority. My favorite published books I’ve worked on are TOGETHER WE CAUGHT FIRE by Eva V. Gibson (YA) and THANKS A LOT, UNIVERSE by Chad Lucas (MG).

-Literary, lyrical writing. Prose or novels-in-verse welcome!

-“Dark and gritty”, “issue-driven”

-I also always appreciate moments of triumph and joy, especially for marginalized characters!

-Slice-of-life and coming-of-age

-Protagonist ages: 11-12 and upward (love college-aged protagonists, on the opposite end!)

-Voice-driven, character-focused

-BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ experiences

-Chronic illness and/or disability

-Mental health, neurodivergence

-Multiple POV or mixed-perspective

-Mixed media or multiple timelines

-Romance as a subplot

-Non-romantic relationship focus—friendship and found family, “friend break-up”, complicated family dynamics 

YA and MG – Genre

–Fantasy/speculative: Foremost, contemporary fantasy with lyrical writing and character focus. I’m open to near-future dystopian (but not post-apocalyptic) involving social critique and/or magic. Sparingly open to higher fantasy, if the world-building is detailed, atmospheric, and accessible. And though I’m not a fit for most supernatural or fantastical characters, I love ghost stories!

-Historical: Sparingly open; I prefer stories set in the nearer-past. Lesser-told times in history, with a human-interest element alongside the historical education. 

-Thriller/suspense: Must be character- and voice-driven–I like more focus on character and lyricism than is most common for these genres. I like murder mysteries, especially with unconventional formats.

-Anthology: Sparingly interested, for both fiction and nonfiction.  

Picture books

 This will be the smallest part of my list. My favorite (soon-t0-be) published picture book I’ve worked on is THE HOLE by Lindsay Bonilla.

-Grief – Honest about the heavy parts; hopeful but not saccharine

-BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ – Anything from slice-of-life, to celebratory, to informative, to issue-based!

-Disability, in both fiction and nonfiction

-Diverse cultures, holidays, traditions, identities

-Sparingly open to bios; women, LGBTQIA+, and/or BIPOC subjects preferred

-Author-illustrators/teams!

-I prefer human narrators over animal narrators, but I’m not totally close to the latter.

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REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024 SPRING FULL MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE VIRTUAL WRITERS RETREAT TAKING PLACE ON MAY 4TH AND 5th IS OPEN:

Everyone who attends receives two agent critiques: 

A full manuscript critique and a 25-page critique, plus a group first-page session with two agents. Plus optional participation in an assigned writer’s group.

MG AND YA NOVEL WRITERS RECEIVE:

A One-hour full manuscript novel critique of up to 72,000 words.

One 30-minute Zoom meeting for a 25-page critique with a second agent.

Also includes a first-page session, plus an optional critique group (must read the other writer’s manuscripts to participate.)

ACCEPTING FOUR PICTURE BOOK WRITERS (SPACE IS LIMITED)

PICTURE BOOK WRITERS RECEIVE:

One-hour Zoom meeting with an agent critiquing three PB manuscripts totaling 25 pages with an agent.

A 30-minute Zoom meeting with a different agent critiquing an additional manuscript of 25 pages.

Plus participation in a First Page Session with with two agents.

Plus an optional critique group (must read the other writer’s manuscripts to participate.) If enough writers want to participate.

Spots are limited.

Please email: Kathy.temean (at) hotmail.com, Put 2024 Spring Virtual Writer’s Retreat in the Subject Box.

Please include a little blurb about your manuscript – what you write and what you plan to submit – and I’ll get back to you.

Cost: $900
Deposit: $450 – final Payment by April 4th
Manuscripts Due: March 28th

Writers can choose to be assigned to a critique group before submitting their manuscripts. Writers in groups will read each other’s manuscripts. Each writer will get an hour to discuss their manuscript with the other writers in your assigned group. I will try to limit groups to four writers. I can’t tell until people start signing up how the groups will lay out. Group participation is optional and groups formed will depend on the amount of writers who sign up.

If you want to be assigned a critique group, you will need to sign up in time to work with a group. It takes time to read each other’s manuscript and then take that feedback and revise before the manuscript deadline. So sign up early.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy