Good news my submission are open- FINALLY. Bad news I’m really, really, REALLY picky. In fact, I probably only take on one new author every six-nine months. I want to be able to give all my authors enough of my time and for their books to all feel distinct and different across my small list.
First things first, I’m pinning this bit up front – as it’s always amazing how many people don’t read to the bottom.
Things I’m NOT looking for at present:
PICTURE BOOK TEXTS
POETRY
SHORT STORIES
BOOKS FOR ADULTS (I am a children’s book specialist)
So what am I looking for and how would I best describe my taste?
I have a small clutch of authors and only look to take on one new author every six to nine months. So the books I represent all have to feel different enough to sit alongside each other in our agency stable.
I represent Laura Ellen Anderson (Amelia Fang) Dominque Valente (Starfell) Angela Woolfe (Roxy & Jones) amongst others, so my taste is definitely commercial with an element of quirk.
Having worked in house in publishing (as a commissioning editor) and then as a foreign rights scout I’m always thinking about who the reader is, how I will pitch the book to a publisher, why the story matters and how will it stand out in a crowded market.
I love epic, inventive yet seemingly effortless worldbuilding – whether in MG or YA. I’m drawn to big concept with quirk and originality – whether that’s in the voice, the world, or the way the story is told.
I already represent a fair amount of magical, middle grade fantasy so any submissions in that vein have to feel fresh, unique and surprising, to really stand out for me.
I’m always open to graphic novel proposals and author/illustrated fiction. Or ideas from illustrators who want to expand their writing – if I think there’s something original in the idea and I love the style of art, I’m happy to help illustrators find and develop that story.
I am actively looking to open doors in publishing to more BAME and BIPOC authors and under-represented voices. We need more diversity and diverse voices in all books and I pledge to do better.
So my current MSWL:
Please read my submissions guidelines here about how to submit your work. And I look forward to hearing from you!
Helen
First things first, I’m pinning this bit up front – as it’s always amazing how many people don’t read to the bottom.
Things I’m NOT looking for at present:
PICTURE BOOK TEXTS
POETRY
SHORT STORIES
BOOKS FOR ADULTS (I am a children’s book specialist)
So what am I looking for and how would I best describe my taste?
I have a small clutch of authors and only look to take on one new author every six to nine months. So the books I represent all have to feel different enough to sit alongside each other in our agency stable.
I represent Laura Ellen Anderson (Amelia Fang) Dominque Valente (Starfell) Angela Woolfe (Roxy & Jones) amongst others, so my taste is definitely commercial with an element of quirk.
Having worked in house in publishing (as a commissioning editor) and then as a foreign rights scout I’m always thinking about who the reader is, how I will pitch the book to a publisher, why the story matters and how will it stand out in a crowded market.
I love epic, inventive yet seemingly effortless worldbuilding – whether in MG or YA. I’m drawn to big concept with quirk and originality – whether that’s in the voice, the world, or the way the story is told.
I already represent a fair amount of magical, middle grade fantasy so any submissions in that vein have to feel fresh, unique and surprising, to really stand out for me.
I’m always open to graphic novel proposals and author/illustrated fiction. Or ideas from illustrators who want to expand their writing – if I think there’s something original in the idea and I love the style of art, I’m happy to help illustrators find and develop that story.
I am actively looking to open doors in publishing to more BAME and BIPOC authors and under-represented voices. We need more diversity and diverse voices in all books and I pledge to do better.
So my current MSWL:
- A heartfelt standalone MG – one that's funny and moving.
- Author/illustrated young fiction (for 7-9 or 8-10 yr olds) with a clear, original hook and series potential.
- Stand-out funny books. We all need something to put a smile on our face these days and there’s always room on my list for more funny books.
- Boy-led MG
- A really spooky, spine-tingling scary, ghost story/MG or YA. But scary not gory – I’m not good with excess blood and gore on the page.
- A core friendship group clean teen (11/12+) series – think Jacqueline Wilson Cathy Cassidy Holly Smale.
- Compelling animal adventure stand-alone or series and could be contemporary/real life or fantasy.
- Clever kids solving crimes, heists, puzzles or outwitting dastardly adults.
- Historical with a twist (MG or YA) - A twist on a historical period an alternative history or an accessible adventure featuring an unsung historical figure.
- YA love stories – whether straight, bi, queer, trans or non-binary, ultimately I guess I’m a bit of a romantic at heart!
- Vampires – always a winner in my book.
- Kid-friendly, accessible Non Fiction from experts in interesting fields
Please read my submissions guidelines here about how to submit your work. And I look forward to hearing from you!
Helen