All queries to me are as the acquiring editor of Parliament House Press. Please keep that in mind when submitting your manuscript.
*Queries are currently CLOSED*
Queries will be closed until January 2, 2023.
For reference, queries will be accepted via QueryManager. If QueryManager presents an accessibility issue, you may email me at malorie (at) parliamenthousepress (dot) com to inform me of the issue preventing you from using the form. I can then propose options to make the query process more accessible to you. Please only do so if there are issues preventing you from using QueryManager. All other unsolicited queries not using the linked form will be disregarded. Agents may reach me at any time via email.
We are not considering stories written or co-written by AI.
Before querying, please peruse my MSWL to ensure we may be a good fit. All queries will receive a response, but feel free to follow up if you haven’t heard back in 12 weeks.
Adult
Fantasy/Magical Realism/ScFi
I am very interested in stand-alone works at present, though that does not preclude potential series from being considered. I’d love to see some interesting uses of folklore (contemporary especially), lush retellings with supernatural and speculative twists, stories that grapple with climate change, solarpunk futures, and dark contemporary fantasy. When it comes to sci-fi, I’m more drawn to things grounded in the present or near-future worlds and that have a quicker pace. Bonus points if it has an underlying optimism.
Horror
Atmospheric, slow burn horror full of creeping dread and suspense but grounded in human emotion. I like ghost stories, sentient forests or forests that hold broader meaning, folklore, paranormal creatures, and horror narratives that allow for narratives of justice that may be currently unavailable. I also am interested in use of allegory in horror.
Paranormal Romance/Romantacy
I am very interested in romance-forward fantasy novels that also play with darker elements, grapple with realistic problems in near future settings, or incorporate my interests in the “fantasy” section but with romance being at the heart of the story.
Supernatural Thriller
I’m looking for high stakes and a propulsive plot with a speculative element at the core of the story. I’m not interested in anything with members of law enforcement as the main or prominent character, but amateur sleuths, private detectives (particularly with adversarial relationships with law enforcement) and people simply caught up in a mystery are all great. I’d love to see some quirky stories (though I am not looking for cozy mysteries), intelligent heists, things that are dark and psychological, domestic thrillers with diverse casts. I am also open to a good whodunit with an Agatha Christie-esque ensemble.
Young Adult
Fantasy/Sci-Fi
I’m looking for fresh fantasy of the dark, urban, and paranormal subgenres with high, personal stakes, dynamic characters, and voicey prose. I’m also into retellings, though I would love to see fantastical spins on realistic classics, historical with supernatural twists, and near-future sci-fi with focus on characters that centers on a deep emotional core.
Horror
I prefer suspenseful, atmospheric horror to jump scares, but I would love to see a teen slasher novel that plays with standard tropes. I am particularly interested in horror that portrays real life struggles in an evocative way. I am open for stories that involve witches, vampires, and other paranormal creatures, though I would like to see fresh takes on the legends and folklore surrounding these beings. I would also love to see the darker, scarier aspects of these paranormal creatures as a larger focus in the storytelling (no vegetarian vampires for me).
Mystery/Thrillers
I’m looking for layered, tricky stories loaded with twists, turns, and red herrings, particular stories with a speculative element. I’d love to see some confident projects with intense protagonists who aren’t very concerned with being liked, and mysteries that could become series.
Paranormal Romance
At this time, romance forward YA is not a primary focus, though I am still open to these queries. Plots that contain romance as a main focus should also incorporate a speculative or supernatural element as a primary plot device. I am particularly open to young romance that explores becoming more self-assured, becoming more self-actualized, or that allows the main character to develop confidence alongside the development of a relationship. Similar to the romance section above, I am looking for paranormal romance that draws on some of the things mentioned in the “fantasy” section.
Malorie Nilson 