SlushWire Weekly #9 – February 23, 2026
Monday – February 23
Bluesky Posts
pubtips
Reddit Posts
Just got a contract. What should I be looking for in it? Comments: 7, Upvotes: 4
I just got a contract to publish a book. I’ve never done this before and the book kind of happened by accident too. Anything I should keep an eye out for in the contract? I want it to be fair but I’m not particularly bothered if it’s not 100% the best terms. Any questions I should be asking? Anythi…
[PubQ] Am I being ghosted after my proposal request? Comments: 1, Upvotes: 0
An agent requested my non-fiction proposal after I sent her a query. She seemed eager to meet and we set up a time via zoom a couple days later. Sadly something came up on her end, so we rescheduled foe two days later. But then something came up on her end again. She asked if we could meet the week …
[QCrit] VISIONS OF THE NIGHT, Queer Literary Horror, 60k, First Attempt Comments: 6, Upvotes: 6
Hello, everyone! I’m taking a long-needed step out of my comfort zone via posting this VERY rough query letter concept. I’m currently in early drafting/editing stages for this manuscript so there’s still a lot left to workshop; this isn’t the first manuscript I’ve wrote, but it is the first one I’m…
[QCrit] Upper MG Dark Fantasy – THE WHISPERERS (86K/Second attempt) Comments: 9, Upvotes: 2
Hi folks, Appreciate the feedback on my initial query. I realised I’d been writing an MG book all this time so I chopped out about 6k words (still trimming) and revised the whole pitch away from horror and into dark fantasy. Would appreciate some feedback on version 2. Many thanks. \— Oliver …
Submission Status
sara megibow – Megibow Literary Agency, LLC
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Now at: Megibow Literary Agency, LLC
Genres: Science Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Chick Lit, LGBTQ Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Thriller, Erotic Fiction, Action Adventure, Fantasy, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal, Commercial, Genre Romance, General Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Adult Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror adult market, Picture Books (fiction and nonfiction), All sub-genres of MG and YA
susan hawk – Upstart Crow Literary
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Genres: childrens books, juvenile fiction, picture books, chapter books, juvenile nonfiction, middle grade fiction, middle grade nonfiction, young adult fiction, young adult nonfiction, graphic novels
Agent Activity
sara megibow – Megibow Literary Agency, LLC
Sales: 2025 debut authors including Christy Climenhage, “International rights: Margaret Rogersons An Enchantment of Ravens to Kossuth (Hungary)”, “Audio rights: Jason Starrs The Next Time I Die, Twisted City, Cold Caller three-book deal to Tantor Media for 2025”, “NYT bestseller Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson”, “NYT bestseller Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston”, “NYT bestseller Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse”, “NYT bestseller The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren”, “Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks: Bound For Ruin…
Genres: Science Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Chick Lit, LGBTQ Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Thriller, Erotic Fiction, Action Adventure, Fantasy, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal, Commercial, Genre Romance, General Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Adult Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror adult market, Picture Books (fiction and nonfiction), All sub-genres of MG and YA
bethany weaver – Weaver Literary Agency
Sales: H.D. Carlton PHANTOM (Zando), Alla Zaykova BLACKJACK INTERSTELLAR (Orbit), “H.D. Carlton HAUNTING ADELINE, HUNTING ADELINE, WHERES MOLLY, DOES IT HURT, SATANS AFFAIR, SHALLOW RIVER (Zando)”, Harley Laroux HER SOUL TO TAKE, HER SOUL FOR REVENGE, SOUL OF A WITCH, HOUSE OF RAYNE (Kensington), H.D. Carlton untitled novella (Montlake), Sophia Slade NIGHTSTRIDER (Orbit), Marisa Calcara A FAVOR OWED (Entangled Amara), “Tate James 7TH CIRCLE, ANARCHY, CLUB 22, TIMBER, HATE, LIAR, FAKE, KATE, DEAR READER, IF YOURE READING THIS, IM DEAD (Sourcebooks…
Genres: romance, fantasy/science fiction, juvenile fiction, childrens books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, action adventure, chick lit, commercial fiction, contemporary fiction, crime fiction, erotic fiction, general fiction, graphic novel, horror, magical realism, mystery, new adult fiction, religious fiction, suspense fiction, humor nonfiction, journalism, LGBTQ nonfiction, pop culture, spirituality, true crime, women’s issues
Sunday – February 22
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[QCrit] EVEN BELOW THE EARTH – Adult Fantasy, 90k, 2nd Attempt Comments: 9, Upvotes: 6
Finally finished drafting this novel, woo! I put together [version 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/comments/1k59y72/qcrit_adult_speculative_fiction_juno_80k_1st/) of this query at the beginning of drafting, and I actually think it helped me a lot. Taking another crack at the query now before div…
[QCrit] THE GARDENER OF ARASHEA, Adult High Fantasy, 80K, Attempt #1 Comments: 6, Upvotes: 8
Recommendations for book comps would be appreciated. I’d prefer comps to be low magic in a high fantasy setting. Ambizi has two skills: he maintains the royal garden, and he hides, so his presence doesn’t detract from nobles admiring said garden. When he’s promoted to his dream job, the kingdom’s h…
[QCrit] YA Horror – EVERYONE IS ASLEEP WHEN YOU’RE AWAKE (54k words / 3rd attempt) Comments: 4, Upvotes: 9
Here we go again! I posted this query a while back when I was in the trenches. Turns out, the book itself needed a little bit more work, so I’ll be querying again soon. I’d love feedback on this latest version of the query package, especially on my comp titles, pitch, and honestly even my writer bio…
[QCrit] The Boy With the Gold-Flecked Eyes Contemporary YA with speculative and romance elements (67K/second attempt) Comments: 6, Upvotes: 3
All Derrick wants is to fit in. As a sixteen-year-old Black-Indigenous boy adopted by white parents, Derrick feels invisible in the white-bread world in which he’s raised. His ability to see in the dark makes him feel even weirder. When his mother drags him along to a summer yoga retreat in a small …
Submission Status
daniel lazar – Writers House
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Now at: Writers House
Genres: Memoir, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Narrative Nonfiction, Family, Cultural/Social Issues, LGBTQ Fiction, Humor Fiction, Gift Novelty, History, Mystery, Science, Photography, Juvenile Nonfiction, Suspense Fiction, Art, Historical Fiction, Crime Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Religious Fiction, Parenting, Literary Fiction, Health & Fitness, Humor, Gift Books, Autobiography/Memoir, Commercial Fiction, Graphic/Illustrated, LGBTQ Voices, Graphic Novel, General Fiction, Health Wellness, Religion, Crime, Thriller, Action, Womens Fiction, Sports, Young Adult Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Thriller, Gay & Lesbian, Humor Nonfiction, Family Saga, Women’s…
lisette verhagen – Peters Fraser & Dunlop
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Genres: general fiction, intersectional fiction, inclusive fiction, LGBTQ+, literary fiction, art, crafts, photography, cultural issues, social issues, current affairs, politics, history, narrative, fiction-romance, nonfiction-art-photography, nonfiction-cultural-social-issues, nonfiction-current-affairs-politics, nonfiction-history, nonfiction-memoir, nonfiction-narrative
elise howard – DeFiore and Company
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: general fiction, mystery, juvenile fiction, biography, childrens books, African-American, science, natural world, climate, gardening, environment, womens and gender issues
Agent Activity
daniel lazar – Writers House
Sales: THE WINTER PEOPLE Jennifer McMahon (Doubleday), THE TALK Darrin Bell (Holt), WHISPER NETWORK Chandler Baker (Flatiron), “THE DEVIANTS WAR Eric Cervini (FSG)”, MARIA Michelle Moran (Bantam), THE DRY Jane Harper (Flatiron)*, “A PEOPLES HISTORY OF THE VAMPIRE UPRISING Raymond Villareal (Little Brown)”, THE LITTLE GIANT OF ABERDEEN COUNTY Tiffany Baker (Grand Central), BAD DOG Martin Kihn (Pantheon), JULIET Anne Fortier (Ballantine), WHY DRAG Magnus Hastings (Chronicle), GOTCHA CAPITALISM Bob Sullivan (Ballantine), GREEN ISLAND Shawna Yang Ryan (Knopf), STAR CROSSED Minnie…
Genres: Memoir, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Narrative Nonfiction, Family, Cultural/Social Issues, LGBTQ Fiction, Humor Fiction, Gift Novelty, History, Mystery, Science, Photography, Juvenile Nonfiction, Suspense Fiction, Art, Historical Fiction, Crime Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Religious Fiction, Parenting, Literary Fiction, Health & Fitness, Humor, Gift Books, Autobiography/Memoir, Commercial Fiction, Graphic/Illustrated, LGBTQ Voices, Graphic Novel, General Fiction, Health Wellness, Religion, Crime, Thriller, Action, Womens Fiction, Sports, Young Adult Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Thriller, Gay & Lesbian, Humor Nonfiction, Family Saga, Women’s…
Saturday – February 21
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
How to safely approach indian publishers without an agent? Comments: 3, Upvotes: 0
Hi everyone, I’m excited (and a bit nervous) to share that I’ve been working on a romance novel for a long time, and I’m now deep into the editing phase. This book is really a part of me, and I’m determined to get it into the right hands. I’m considering reaching out to traditional publishers in In…
[Qcrit] Adult Fantasy, DRACONIUM, 95k, Second Attempt Comments: 11, Upvotes: 6
True Grit meets How to Train Your Dragon in DRACONIUM, a 95k standalone with series potential. It could sit on a shelf beside Serra Swift’s KILL THE BEAST, T. Kingfisher’s NETTLE AND BONE, and \[another comp\]. In a world where magic is dying and what little remains is siphoned from the bones of dr…
Submission Status
charlotte seymour – Johnson & Alcock Ltd
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Genres: Crime / Detective / Police, Literary fiction, Thrillers / Suspense, Art / Crafts / Photography, Cultural / Social Issues, Food / Lifestyle (inc. cookbooks), History, Nature / Ecology, Science / Technology, Popular Culture, Politics, society & current affairs, Other non-fiction, Memoir and autobiography, Commercial, Crime, Thriller, Action
Agent Activity
heather cashman – Storm Literary Agency
Sales: Florence Migga – THE SUMMER SCRAPBOOK (Lerner/Carolrhoda, Summer 2026), Nathalie Alonso – TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME (Barefoot Books, Summer 2025), Stephanie Bearce – GOD CREATED SCIENCE (Bushel & Peck, Fall 2025), “Florence Migga – THE FORTUNE OF IMMY NAKATUDDE (Putnam Childrens, Spring 2027)”, Haleh Massey – HAIRY MAN SUIT (Lee & Low, Spring 2026), Judy Bryan – ONE GRAIN OF SAND (Beach Lane Books/S&S, Summer 2026), Stephanie Bearce – THE SECRET OF MOONRISE MANOR: A RAVEN GALLOWS MYSTERY…
Genres: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Childrens Picture Books, Adult Fiction, Adult Nonfiction, Women’s Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance (low heat), Commercial Fiction, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Biography, Narrative Nonfiction, True Crime, Cookbooks, Health & Lifestyle, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports, Graphic Novels, Multicultural Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Steampunk, Urban Fantasy, Magical Realism, Domestic Suspense, Contemporary YA, Diversity, Feminism, Gothic Horror, Historical Fantasy, Humor, Action/Adventure, Juvenile Nonfiction, Picture Book Humor Nonfiction
italia gandolfo – Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management (GH Literary)
Sales: Cold Snap by Lindy Ryan to Titan Books, The Darkest Night edited by Lindy Ryan to Crooked Lane Books, Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan to Minotaur (St. Martins), The Archer and His Rosebud by Mindy Michele to Tantor (Audio), Love is a Crematorium by Mercedes M. Yardley (Cemetery Dance), “Devils Creek, Cold, Black & Infinite by Todd Keisling (Cemetery Dance)”, Into the Forest edited by Lindy Ryan to Blackstone (Audio), Holmes Coming by Kenneth Johnson to Blackstone (with Renee…
Genres: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Cultural Social Issues, Pop Culture, Fantasy/Science Fiction, Juvenile Fiction, Biography, African-American
Friday – February 20
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
Is my pitch okay ? Comments: 9, Upvotes: 1
I’m a French woman who’s been wanting to write for quite some time, especially in the fantasy genre. I’ve been thinking about it for a while and I’ve come up with a pitch idea. Is it too stereotypical or cliché? Just tell me what you think. Pitch: A young Japanese woman, the daughter of a p…
What makes a good opening for a literary/drama novel? Comments: 5, Upvotes: 1
Should I focus on setting or characters or action?
[PubQ] Accidentally uploaded an earlier draft of my sample pages in QueryManager. Comments: 2, Upvotes: 0
Hello everyone, I’ve officially initiated myself into the query trenches by making a painfully stupid mistake. A few days ago, I queried a strong agent I’d genuinely love to work with. I had my final, polished materials ready, but in my sleep-deprived state I accidentally uploaded an older, much c…
[QCrit] RESONANCE, Adult, Upmarket Speculative, 75k, First Attempt Comments: 5, Upvotes: 9
Evening all, As I look to finish editing I would love some feedback on the below. I am still reading potential comps and will naturally edit any personalisation as and where appropriate. Thank you in advance as always. Dear XX, RESONANCE is an upmarket speculative novel complete at 75,000 words a…
[QCRIT] Ashes to Ashes, Dark Romance, Adult, 98k, Attempt 1 Comments: 10, Upvotes: 2
HI, Brand new and need help making this more punchy I guess. Tried going through Reedsy and they wanted $400. Any advice is appreciated. Left out bio for privacy ASHES TO ASHES is a dark romance marinated in the sleaze of the 1980s and braised in a drug-fueled funfair circuit. The novel is compl…
[QCrit] Martha and Mary, Thriller, 85k, v1 Comments: 5, Upvotes: 5
I’ve just finished plotting and quite excited but thought a sense check would be fab. Please do your worst! 🙂 —— MARY AND MARTHA is a 85000 word domestic thriller for fans of Andrea Mara’s No One Saw A Thing and Shapi Lapena’s The Couple Next Door. Edinburgh school teacher, Rab, wakes to find …
[QCrit] The Performance Improvement Plan – Adult Contemporary Romance 86k + 300 words (2nd attempt) Comments: 8, Upvotes: 2
Hello everyone! Firstly, thank you for all the constructive criticism from the last round. Extremely helpful! I’ve revised the first 300. I have gotten a few form rejections with the last query letter but considering what you’ve all pointed out, I can’t say I’m surprised by the outcome. My prev…
Submission Status
Alex Gehringer – The Bright Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: children’s books, ‘juvenile fiction’, ‘picture books’
rachel crawford – Wolf Literary Services
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Literary Fiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Young Adult, Memoir, Women’s Fiction, Art, Nature, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Horror, Commercial Fiction, Western Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Satire, Humor Fiction, Film Entertainment, Gift Novelty, History, Business Book, Mystery, Celebrity, Money Finance, Science, Gardening, Lifestyle, Psychology, Women’s Issues, Upmarket Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Medical Medicine, Historical Fiction, Crime Fiction, Technology, Politics, Environment, Science Fiction, Graphic Novel, General Fiction, Current Events Affairs, Multicultural Fiction, True Crime, Short Story Collection, Religion, Music, Cultural Social Issues, Self-Help, Journalism, Thriller,…
brent taylor – Triada US Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Graphic Novels (MG & YA), Adult Fiction: Romance, Fantasy, Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Beach Reads, LGBTQ Literary Fiction, Picture Books (author-illustrators only), Memoir, STEM Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Biography, Cookbooks, History, Psychology, Science, True Crime, Commercial and Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Speculative Fiction, BIPOC Literature, Diverse Voices, Own Voices, LGBTQ+, Military Romance, Sports Romance, Paranormal Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Romantasy, High-Concept YA/MG, Middle Grade Horror, Mystery, Fantasy, YA Boarding School Settings, Big Idea/Think, AAPI Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi, African Diaspora…
sandy lu – Book Wyrm Literary Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: Nature, Juvenile, Middle Grade Fiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, History, Mystery, Cookbook, Science, Lifestyle, Women’s Issues, Medical, Film & Entertainment, Upmarket Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Romance, Technology, Finance, Environment, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Health & Fitness, Humor, Drama/Music, Young Adult Fiction, Psychology, Business and Finance, Popular Culture, Memoir and Autobiography, Food and Cookery, Genre Romance, Crime, Thriller, Action, General Fiction, Music, Humor Nonfiction, Food Drink, Cultural/Social Issues, Women’s Fiction, Biography, Business Book, Money Finance, How-To, Crime Fiction, Food…
annabel merullo – Peters Fraser & Dunlop
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: non-fiction, history, military, cookery, memoir, commercial fiction, literary fiction, crime, travel, science, politics, society & current affairs, religion, mind, body, spirit, autobiography, food and cookery, general fiction
Thursday – February 19
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[PubQ] Should I apply one agent’s feedback when submitting another, even if it means changing the writing sample they already liked? Comments: 5, Upvotes: 1
I just received a full request from an agent (yay!) However, earlier this week I got a pass on a partial from a different agent who was kind enough to give me feedback. Basically, the agent who passed felt that the main conflict/external stakes needed to happen earlier. Upon reflection, I feel like …
[QCrit] Adult Upmarket Contemporary – KNOCK ME UP SCOTTY (72k/Attempt #2) + First 300 Comments: 13, Upvotes: 12
Dear {agent}, Eighteen-year-old Alicia Holt is running out of time to get teen pregnant. With the birth of her half-sister she’s no longer the baby of the family, and her narcissism won’t let that stand. Since her dad stopped sending her to therapy once the promo code for BetterHelp ended, she beli…
[QCrit] THE PHANTOM OF GLASS,Adult Urban Fantasy, 88k, First Attempt Comments: 7, Upvotes: 7
Dear \[Agent Name\], Diana Hawthorne counts ceiling tiles when the anxiety gets bad, color-codes her closet when grief won’t let her sleep, and bills two hundred hours a month at a Chicago corporate firm because control is the only language she trusts. Then the shadows in her office start moving on…
[Qcrit] MY MAN / Upmarket LGBTQ+ / 83k / 6th Attempt Comments: 7, Upvotes: 2
Hi everyone! Thank you so much for baring with me through this journey of query letter writing. I’ve done some major changes to the last couple paragraphs and would love to hear people’s thoughts on it! Particularly, the last paragraph is where I’ve had the most trouble with wrapping things up and k…
[QCrit] THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE FOREST Adult contemporary eco-fantasy (86K) – First Attempt Comments: 6, Upvotes: 3
Hello all, Looking for your help with a query letter for my mystical, contemporary eco-fantasy, written as a tribute to trees. For me, the toughest part was to leave a lot of things out of the query, but I guess that’s the same for everyone. Apart from the feedback, is it clear from the query th…
Submission Status
Gracie Freeman Lifschutz – Dystel Goderich & Bourret LLC
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: ‘book club fiction’, ‘contemporary fiction’, ‘cultural/social issues’, ‘folk horror’, ‘gothic fiction’, ‘lgbtq+’, ‘multicultural’, ‘narrative nonfiction’, ‘new adult’, ‘pop culture’, ‘psychological thriller’, ‘romance’, ‘romantic comedy’, ‘suspense’, ‘thriller’, ‘upmarket fiction’, ‘young adult’
lori galvin – Aevitas Creative Management
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: memoir, narrative nonfiction, horror, western fiction, LGBTQ fiction, mystery, lifestyle, psychology, fiction: crime, family saga, historical, horror, literary, mystery, thriller, women’s fiction, nonfiction: journalism, psychology, true crime, food and cookery, memoir, autobiography, short stories, commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, design, suspense fiction, upmarket women’s fiction, genre romance, action adventure, cultural social issues, fitness, contemporary fiction, speculative fiction, science fiction, multicultural fiction, health wellness, graphic/illustrated, feminist fiction, historical fiction, pop culture, crime fiction, spy/spy-like novels
helen masvikeni – Megibow Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Genres: General fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense/thriller, Religious, African-American, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
gabriella melendez – Great Dog Literary
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: young adult fiction, new adult fiction, adult fiction, action adventure, BIPOC fiction, chick lit, commercial fiction, contemporary fiction, family saga, fantasy, humor fiction, LGBTQ fiction, magical realism, romance, speculative fiction
Wednesday – February 18
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[PubQ] What is the etiquette of resubmitting to agents after changes have been made? Comments: 68, Upvotes: 15
I’ve received a lot of rejections that I suspect are based on my borderline high word count. Is it appropriate to resubmit to agents who have already rejected me (not R&R, just rejection) if I’ve significantly cut down the word count, but the story itself hasn’t changed? If so, how long after th…
[PubQ] Transitioning Agents After First Book Comments: 5, Upvotes: 9
The situation: Signed with first agent. Wrote a proposal. Sold the book on proposal for a modest advance. Editorial process took forever (not exaggerating), agent didn’t really have my back and couldn’t successfully contact editor when needed. Agent disappeared several times for months on end. Was s…
[Discussion] R &R Etiquette when agent moves agencies Comments: 7, Upvotes: 5
I had a kind, encouraging R&R from an experienced agent in May who was at the top of my list. I paused querying and did an extensive developmental edit over 6 months and reached out again with the revision. I noticed that the agent had moved agencies since our last correspondence so I reached ou…
[PubQ] Accepting an offer of rep pre-deadline? Comments: 11, Upvotes: 0
So I had a call with an agent two Mondays ago, and I felt that we really gel and I love her vision for the book/my work moving forward. I set the usual deadline – 2 weeks – which would bring it to Monday 23rd, more just as a courtesy to the other agents I’ve queried. It’s now the Wednesday before an…
“QueryTracker” Question regarding Earlier Open Submission then “Closed to Queries” Comments: 4, Upvotes: 0
I’m a bit confused because I’ve submitted to 3 Agents when their “QueryTracker” submissions were “Open,” but then when checking statuses on my QueryTracker profile page a red circle with a cross-through indicates the agents’ are “Closed to Queries,” yet when I copy and paste my individual “Track Sta…
“QueryTracker” Question regarding Earlier Open Submission then “Closed to Queries” (?) Comments: 1, Upvotes: 1
I’m a bit confused because I’ve submitted to 3 Agents when their “QueryTracker” submissions were “Open,” but then when checking statuses on my QueryTracker profile page a red circle with a cross-through indicates the agents’ are “Closed to Queries,” yet when I copy and paste my individual “Track Sta…
[QCrit] Adult Contemporary Romance, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RUINS (73,000 words, First Attempt) Comments: 11, Upvotes: 9
I’d love feedback on my query letter! I think the book information is too much, but I’m having the hardest time narrowing down what I can/should cut. It’d be great to hear your thoughts! Dear ((Agent Name)), Archaeologist Etta Harper has spent the last eight years stalled in a community college te…
[QCrit] Kai – The Killboardv, YA, 66k Comments: 13, Upvotes: 2
2nd attempt, I need help please☺️ 🙏 Here’s my first attempt [1st attempt](https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/comments/1qx7x9q/qcrit_demon_hunter_kai_ya_62k/) I’m seeking representation for my debut YA urban supernatural, **Kai – The Killboard** (66,000 words), my stand alone with series pot…
[QCrit] THE SWORD OF STORMS (new adult/adult urban fantasy) 107k words – 2ND ATTEMPT Comments: 7, Upvotes: 3
I am seeking representation for THE SWORD OF STORMS, an adult/new adult urban fantasy (107k words) set in the modern world. Fans of the “hidden in the real world” magic of Leigh Bardugo’s *Ninth House*, the ancient artifacts and blend of technology and magic of Sarah J. Maas’s *House of Earth and Bl…
[QCrit] First Attempt Query AFTERCARE 18+ Litfic/Dark lit 61k words #1 Comments: 6, Upvotes: 3
Hi! I’m new to this Subreddit. I am seeking help as I am currently working on my query letter for the first time ever. I have never published any work in traditional publishing and so I am afraid that my letter is clunky. I followed the best I could the tips I found on a post here (with a very deta…
Submission Status
jenny bent – The Bent Agency
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Genres: BIPOC fiction, Childrens fantasy, Children’s young adult fiction, Commercial fiction, Contemporary, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Speculative fiction, Thrillers/Suspense, Womens fiction, Lifestyle, Self-Help, Crime fiction, Debut fiction, Literary fiction, Mystery/Crime, Paranormal fiction, Historical fiction, Humor fiction and nonfiction, Inspirational fiction and nonfiction, Magical realism, Memoir, Middle grade fiction, New adult fiction, Narrative nonfiction, Upmarket fiction, Erotica, Genre romance, Paranormal romance
lauren spieller – Folio Literary Management
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Cookbook, Crafts, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Graphic Novel, Pop Culture, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Humor Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, General Fiction, Romance, Suspense/Thriller, Juvenile Fiction, Mind/Body/Spirit, Lifestyle, Childrens Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Thriller, Action Adventure, Fantasy, Upmarket Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Picture Book
adriana stimola – Stimola Literary Studio
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: Memoir, BIPOC Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Spirituality, Cultural Social Issues, Gift Novelty, History, Health & Lifestyle, Food and Cookery, Self-Help, Cookbook Cooking, Lifestyle, Photography, Mind Body Spirit, Biography, Humor Nonfiction, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Food Drink, Art, Multicultural Nonfiction
katie gisondi – Laura Dail Literary Agency, Inc.
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: BIPOC Literature, Childrens, Commercial, East Asian Literature, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Humor, LGBTQ, Middle Grade, New Adult, Romance, Romcom, South Asian Literature, South East Asian Literature, West African Literature, Young Adult, Cultural criticism, Health, Pop Culture, Relationships and family, Science, Self-help, Wellness, Nature, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science Fiction, Cultural Social Issues, Horror, Family, Narrative Nonfiction, Romance, Fantasy/science fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Humor Fiction, New Literary Agents, History, Mystery, Money Finance, Science, Lifestyle, Psychology, Women’s Issues, Medical Medicine, Technology, Sports, Environment, Graphic…
claire cavanagh – The Rights Factory
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, General Nonfiction, Art, Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Film Entertainment, Gift Novelty, History, Memoir, Music, Pop Culture
Agent Activity
fernanda martinez – Fernanda Literary
Genres: general fiction, business/investing/finance, history, mind/body/spirit, health, family saga, historical novel, Gothic, horror, Latin American, cultural history, social history, art history, popular science, journalism, current affairs
emily van beek – Folio Literary Management
Sales: Kallie George – Heartwood Hotel series books 5 & 6 (Little Brown), “Elly MacKay – illustrator for Nora Nickums TWELVE DARING GRAYS (Candlewick)”, Rachael Lippincott & Alyson Derrick – MAKE MY WISH COME TRUE, SHE GETS THE GIRL (S&S), Lucy Ruth Cummins – CREEPY SHEEPY (Flamingo Books/PRH), “Yong Ling Kang – illustrator for Lana Buttons TIME TO LEAVE (Owl Kids)”, “Julia Kuo – illustrator for Livia Blackburnes BINGS CHERRIES (Knopf)”, Maria Scrivan – NAT A CHANCE (Graphix/Scholastic), “Jax Chow -…
Genres: juvenile fiction, childrens books, middle grade, middle grade adventure, middle grade contemporary, middle grade fantasy, middle grade humor, young adult, YA fantasy, contemporary YA, diversity, author-illustrators, picture books, childrens nonfiction, middle grade nonfiction, young adult nonfiction, graphic novels
abby saul – The Lark Group
Sales: Jo Firestone: MURDER ON SEX ISLAND, SEX ON MURDER ISLAND, 2-book deal, Bantam Dell, summer 2025, Stacie Grey: THE LAST NORMAL DAY, 2-book deal, Poisoned Pen Press, Melinda Mullet: SLINGS & ARROWS, Whisky Business series, Crooked Lane, summer 2025, Tony Wirt: SILENT SPRINGS, Thomas & Mercer, Brianna Madia: HOMESICK NOMAD, Harper One, Taylor Wolfe: JUST A BUSY SEASON, Harper One, exclusive submission, Brianna Labuskes: Raisa Susanto series (3rd book), Thomas & Mercer, 2-book deal, exclusive submission, Terah Shelton Harris: THE…
Genres: General fiction, Mystery, Suspense/thriller, Commercial fiction, Literary fiction, Chick lit, Crime fiction, Family saga, Historical fiction, Romance, Women’s fiction, Memoir, Amateur sleuth mysteries, Cozy mystery, Diversity, Domestic suspense, Feminism, Multiple POV, Psychological thrillers, Upmarket womens fiction
john cusick – Folio Literary Management
Sales: “Julie Murphys Let Them Stare to Harper Childrens May 2025”, “Brittney Morriss Who Wants to Marry a Vampire? summer 2026 Bittersweet Books”, “Adriana Anderss Dom-Com fall 2025 Forever”, “Rebecca Morrisons The Blue Dress winter 2026 Farrar Straus Childrens”, “Abdi Nazemians Desert Echoes fall 2024 Balzer & Bray”, “Julie Murphys Catty Corner series five-book deal starting Feb 2025 Union Square Kids”, “Paul Coccias Recommended Reading Feb 2025 Zando Childrens”, “Jamie DAmatos The Good Vampires Guide to Blood and Boyfriends two-book deal…
Genres: middle grade, young adult, juvenile fiction, childrens books, picture books (limited clients), sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, horror, romance, suspense, general fiction, new adult fiction, YA/adult crossover, graphic novels (interested)
lauren spieller – Folio Literary Management
Sales: FIVE BROKEN BLADES by Meredith Ireland as Mai Corland, 3-book deal, May 2024, Red Tower, Recorded Books rights, TRIAL OF THE SUN QUEEN by Nisha J. Tuli, 7-figure 4-book deal, Grand Central (NA), Orbit UK, multiple international deals including Germany, France, Israel, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Netherlands, Japan, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, “ALLS FAIR IN LOVE AND FIELD HOCKEY by Kit Rosewater, pre-empt, Delacorte, summer 2025”, THE GIRL IN THE WALL by Meg Eden Kuyatt, Scholastic, 2025, NO ONE CAN KNOW by…
Genres: Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Cookbook, Crafts, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Graphic Novel, Pop Culture, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Humor Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, General Fiction, Romance, Suspense/Thriller, Juvenile Fiction, Mind/Body/Spirit, Lifestyle, Childrens Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Thriller, Action Adventure, Fantasy, Upmarket Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Picture Book
Tuesday – February 17
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[QCrit] IN THE ASHES & THE EMBERS – Adult LGBT Romantasy (99,000) First Attempt + First 300 Comments: 9, Upvotes: 4
Hi all, I am a long time lurker with reddit and terrible with social media, so I’ve finally made an account to get engaged with you lovely folks. I would like some help with my query if possible and any given would be appreciated. I’ve taken inspiration on formatting from a whole bunch of various QC…
[QCrit]THE LAST NOOSE – Adult Grimdark Fantasy (105k/1st Attempt) Comments: 8, Upvotes: 3
Hey all! I’ve been lurking here reading queries for years, and finally have something of my own to contribute! Thank you in advance for your time! THE LAST NOOSE is a standalone grimdark fantasy novel complete at 105,000 words, with series potential. Cid Castellan has spent most of his life as a p…
[QCrit] Drag You Down – Adult Contemporary Fantasy – 92k – 6th Attempt Comments: 9, Upvotes: 1
Thank you for all the feedback so far! I’m hopeful that I’m getting close. [Here](https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/comments/1r1k76e/qcrit_drag_you_down_adult_contemporary_fantasy/) is the last version. I did send out a flock of ten queries with this version of the query to test the waters three days…
[QCRIT] YA sci-fi / fantasy, THE SNATCHED (99,000 words; 1st attempt) Comments: 8, Upvotes: 2
Hi everyone, I’d love to get some feedback on my query letter below. I am a UK based writer, but plan to submit to both UK and US agents. Whilst this is my first attempt posting a query letter, behind the scenes I’ve probably worked on twenty-or-so different versions of this query letter (at least…
Submission Status
matthew valdez – Megibow Literary Agency
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Genres: Adult, BIPOC, Book Club, Commercial and Literary, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+, Own Voices, Paranormal, Thrillers, Upmarket Commercial Fiction, Young Adult, dark academia, science fiction
emily forney – BookEnds, LLC
Submissions OPEN via QueryManager Form
Genres: Romance, Fantasy/science fiction, Childrens books
Alice Speilburg – Speilburg Literary Agency
Submissions are CLOSED
Genres: ‘action/adventure’, ‘fantasy’, ‘historical’, ‘horror’, ‘mystery’, ‘science fiction’, ‘suspense’, ‘thriller’, ‘upmarket’
Agent Activity
matthew valdez – Megibow Literary Agency
Genres: Adult, BIPOC, Book Club, Commercial and Literary, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+, Own Voices, Paranormal, Thrillers, Upmarket Commercial Fiction, Young Adult, dark academia, science fiction
Monday – February 16
Bluesky Posts
Reddit Posts
[QCrit] Adult Thriller – THERAPY DOG FOR A PSYCOPATH (73k/1st Attempt) Comments: 19, Upvotes: 15
Hi folks! First time poster, long time lurker. Finally decided to get the gumption up for some feedback on my Query/premise. Please see below for my first kick at the can, and lower still for my first 3\[18\] words! \— THERAPY DOG FOR A PSYCHOPATH (73,000 words) is a darkly funny psychological t…
[QCrit] MIDORIGAMI – 89k adult solarpunk thriller (1st try) Comments: 7, Upvotes: 3
Hi, Thank you for your help 🙂 MIDORIGAMI is a 89k word adult solarpunk thriller combinging the reality-bending intrigue of Ken Liu’s *All That We See or Seem* with the fantastical exploration of Becky Chambers’ *To Be Taught If Fortunate*. Ten died on the mission, and Mari isn’t getting out of c…
[QCrit] YA Sci-Fi Romance CROSSED WIRES 81k (Second Attempt) Comments: 5, Upvotes: 2
Context: I started querying with the below letter in October 2025. In the first three months, I received 6 full requests, (2 passes on the full / 4 still out), and 40 passes/CNRs. In the last month and a half, I have received 20 passes. Not sure if it’s luck, timing, or something has shifted, but it…
Submission Status
laurie abkemeier – DeFiore and Company
Submissions OPEN via E-Mail
Genres: Narrative Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Biography, Business/Investing/Finance, History, Health, Sports, Science, Nature, Pop Culture, Upmarket Nonfiction, Cookbook/Cooking, Lifestyle, Photography, Psychology, Women’s Issues, BIPOC Voices, Journalism/Investigative Reporting, How-To, Art, Politics, Environment, Current Events/Affairs, Reference, True Crime, Self-Help, Memoir/Autobiography, Food/Drink, Multicultural Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Dating/Relationships/Sex, True Adventure
Agent Activity
laurie abkemeier – DeFiore and Company
Sales: THE STORY OF CO2 IS THE STORY OF EVERYTHING by Peter Brannen (Ecco), THE ANATOMY OF BOREDOM by Andreas Elpidorou PhD (Oxford University Press), “ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA by Kimberly Potts (Gallery)”, FLASHES OF BRILLIANCE by Anika Burgess (Norton), THE VANISHING TRAIL by Nathalia Holt (One Signal), FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY by Keith Houston (Norton), KILLJOY by Andreas Elpidorou (Oxford University Press), THE SUMMER OF DEATH by Geoff Williams (Pegasus), “MIND TRICKS by Kimberlee DArdenne PhD and Samuel…
Genres: Narrative Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Biography, Business/Investing/Finance, History, Health, Sports, Science, Nature, Pop Culture, Upmarket Nonfiction, Cookbook/Cooking, Lifestyle, Photography, Psychology, Women’s Issues, BIPOC Voices, Journalism/Investigative Reporting, How-To, Art, Politics, Environment, Current Events/Affairs, Reference, True Crime, Self-Help, Memoir/Autobiography, Food/Drink, Multicultural Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Dating/Relationships/Sex, True Adventure
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