Submissions
How to Submit
Send a query including a one-sentence pitch, a synopsis, and the first 50 pages to:
OUR
#MSWL
- A Fresh Take on Mystery
We’re seeking mysteries that embrace traditional whodunit elements while introducing fresh, surprising protagonists who bring their own unique skills and perspectives to solving the case. Think of a Sherlock Holmes-inspired detectives like in Elementary or a brilliant and unassuming sleuth from an unexpected background, like in High Potential. - A Smart Thriller Rooted in Physics
We love unforgettable characters set against a creative challenge in a race against time with a physics context. A hero rooted in academia or private research is a plus. Think Jeff Vandermeer, Blake Crouch, or Helen Phillips’ The Need. Bonus points if it leaves us with a lingering hope there’s more to life than meets the eye. - Historical Fiction with a Bold Heroine
We want historical novels where women defy societal expectations to make their mark without changing the historical backdrop (though we like our characters to take a bath every so often). Picture heroines with the independence of Dr. Quinn or the inventive spirit found in A Lady’s Formula for Love. - A High Concept Domestic Thriller
We’d love to publish a page-turner of a book that tests the character of an ordinary person to reveal what they’re really made of. Gone Girl (Gillian Flynn) Something in the Water (Catherine Steadman), The Need (Helen Phillips) or The Plot (Jean Hanff Korelitz). Bonus points for a happy ending.
- Romantic Comedy with Intelligent Misfits
We're drawn to romances featuring characters who are not only unconventional but also sharp and endearing—like the misfits in Beard Science by Penny Reid, whose intelligence and quirks make them easy to root for. - A New Spin on a Well Known Classic
We can’t resist a creative spin on an ancient tale, like Lev Grossman’s The Bright Sword, or Madeline Miller’s Circe. Or a historical figure totally reimagined in a modern context (Christopher Golden’s Ararat) or from a different perspective (Percival Everett’s James). Bonus points for Americana with a strong sense of place. - Romance in the World of Organization and Simplicity
We’d love a romance where at least one main character is deeply involved in the world of cleaning, organizing, minimalism, or even KonMari. This unique backdrop offers fresh opportunities for connection and character growth. - A Mystery, Thriller or Romance Set in the Marketing Department
A challenge: There are 350,000 marketing managers in the United States. Is there no fiction geared toward these creative folks who literally get paid to be on social media all day? Does nothing exciting ever happen to them? Prove us wrong.