My taste is wide when it comes to adult fiction—on one end of the spectrum, I love literary fiction, with a particular interest in literary horror and speculative work, and on the other end, I would love to see all of the rom-coms, especially those that subvert common tropes and represent LGBTQ+ stories. As for everything in between, I’m especially grabbed by a narrative that doesn’t follow “traditional” storytelling, plays with format and structure, or covers underexplored time periods, locations, etc.
As for YA, I’m hungry for all things literary, unnerving, witchy, darkly funny, ghostly, Gothic, and rom-com. I am particularly interested in first-time encounters with mental illness, complicated sibling relationships, unconventional high school life, sex positivity, emo vibes, angst, and international stories. I’m always after a good graphic novel as well, and anything that will break my heart.
I love a spooky/dark middle grade—bring on the weird! In this category, I am also a huge fan of quirky/silly/banter, unlikely friendships, and unusual hobbies. At the same time, I appreciate when serious topics (such as death and mental health) can be discussed in a lively, engaging, not overly heavy way. I’d very much like to see novels in verse and illustrated/graphic novels. I have a particular hankering for stories with series potential.
I’m looking for author-illustrators who can be both silly and heartfelt and create read-aloud books that will be remembered well into adulthood. I love picture books that are interactive, challenge expectations, and make me belly laugh. I also fall hard for picture books that break down difficult emotions or concepts in a digestible, meaningful way.