My Manuscript Wishlist
AKA: Am I the right editor for your story? Here’s how to tell.
If you’ve seen the front page of this site, you know that I describe myself as:
Developmental Editor and Book Coach
of Young Adult Fiction
It’s simple. Clear. Straightforward. You’re writing a YA novel? Reach out and let’s talk!
But a lot of writers tell me, “Well, my book isn’t exactly YA. But I heard you on the Your Next Draft podcast and I’d love to get your feedback on my manuscript. Do you edit anything besides YA?”
And the answer is, yes! I edit lots of novels outside of YA.
But here’s where it gets tricky.
See, I edit the kinds of books I love to read. Those books span a lot of different genres, for a lot of different ages.
They have some things in common. But the commonalities aren’t defined by which bookshelf you’ll find them on at your local bookstore.
And I don’t want to miss out on the chance to read and edit fantastic stories I’m going to love!
So I’ve put together a list of the kinds of stories I love, plus what I’m not the right editor for.
Take a look at the list below and see where your story fits.
Still not sure whether I’m the right fit for your story? Tell me about your story and let’s have a conversation to find out!
What I Love to Edit
Books for readers in these age groups:
- Middle grade
- Young adult
- Readers in their 20s/30s
Books that include these kinds of plots:
- Coming of age
- Romance
- Friendship (another kind of love story!)
- Action / adventure
- Performance
- Pride and Prejudice retellings (yes, I love them so much, they get their own category here!)
Books in these settings:
- Contemporary realism (everyday teens doing everyday things—think John Green)
- Fantasy (especially fantasy on the lighter side of world building)
- Science fiction
Above all, I love books that feature rich character development with a strong character arc. I’m passionate about stories that show us something about what it means to be human.
And I enthusiastically welcome manuscripts from writers belonging to LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. As a bi woman myself, I always LOVE working on a great queer story!
A Few of My Favorite Authors
These are some of my favorite authors:
- John Green
- Alice Oseman
- TJ Klune
- Casey McQuiston
- And of course, everyone whose books are listed below!
If your book could be described as “the next John Green,” I can’t wait to read it!
A Few of My Favorite Books
AKA: My top recommendations if you’re looking for your next great read!
Some of my favorite YOUNG ADULT novels
- A DEADLY EDUCATION by Naomi Novik
- ARISTOTLE AND DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
- BOY MEETS BOY by David Levithan
- CARRY ON by Rainbow Rowell
- CEMETERY BOYS by Aiden Thomas
- CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein
- FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell
- GRACELING by Kristin Cashore
- I KISSED SHARA WHEELER by Casey McQuiston
- I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson
- LITTLE THIEVES by Margaret Owen
- LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green
- PULP by Robin Talley
- RADIO SILENCE by Alice Oseman
- SEAFIRE by Natalie C. Parker
- THE DISREPUTABLE HISTORY OF FRANKIE LANDAU-BANKS by E. Lockhart
- THE EXTRAORDINARIES by TJ Klune
- THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green
- THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER by Sarah Dessen
- WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart
Some of my favorite ADULT novels
- AN ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE THING by Hank Green
- BOOK LOVERS by Emily Henry
- NETTLE & BONE by T. Kingfisher
- PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen
- RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE by Casey McQuiston
- THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TJ Klune
- THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern
- THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- THE SPACE BETWEEN WORLDS by Micaiah Johnson
- THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar
- TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin
- UNDER THE WHISPERING DOOR by TJ Klune
- UNMARRIAGEABLE by Soniah Kamal
Some of my favorite MIDDLE GRADE novels
- HOLES by Louis Sachar
- HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE by Diana Wynne Jones
- SO YOU WANT TO BE A WIZARD by Diane Duane
- WONDER by RJ Palacio
Obviously, this list is a little shorter, but always growing. If you have any recommendations, send them my way!
What I’m NOT a Great Fit For
Does your story include the following elements? I’ll never say never, but I’m probably not the best editor for it.
- Adult literary fiction
- Books where the primary plot is a thriller, crime, or mystery story
- Books that feature cheating / adultery
- Graphic gore, violence, or horror
- Erotica
I’m Not an Authenticity Reader, But . . .
. . . I care deeply about creating authentic characters and telling authentic stories.
This means that if I encounter a story where I feel the characters might be written inauthentically or insensitively, I’ll let you know. (For instance, if I get big “men writing women” vibes, I’ll point that out!)
Then, I’ll recommend that you seek out an authenticity reader who can speak to that experience. They’ll help you convey the story you want to tell in the way that best honors your characters and the lived experiences of real human beings.
Think we might be a good fit?
Does your manuscript fit neatly among the stories I love? Ready to start editing?
Or maybe you’re still not sure where your story falls on this list. (Or you’re really, really hoping it’s something I’ll love, even if I didn’t mention your genre!)
Whatever the case, get in touch! I’d love to hear all about your story.
And the best way for us to find out if we’re a good fit is to get together and chat!