Some of Paige’s specific wish list items include:

ADULT & YA

HORROR | THRILLER | PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE

• Stories that examine contemporary issues using horror as the vehicle (think Jordan Peele or Stephen Graham Jones)

• Sentient plants or natural settings with a sinister undertone (a la Annihilation) - bonus if it speaks to our climate crisis without being too heavy handed

• Family secrets and generational stories as a foundation for mystery and horror (think GOD OF THE WOODS)

• ​Occult conspiracies​​​

• Martial arts (especially women who kick ass)

• ​Forensics (I am a major nerd and love seeing how technology can solve AND complicate criminal investigations.)

• Real, burgeoning science & innovative technology taken to the next level (but not AI)

• Vigilantes and characters who do the wrong things for the right reasons

• Stories inspired by the show Unsolved Mysteries

• A character/community-centered legal thriller (the next Erin Brockovich or Pelican Brief)

FANTASY

• Exploring a matrilineal inheritance through a trans POV

• Magic in our world or magic that feels grounded but still unexpected and fresh (something that comps to STARLING HOUSE or TJ Klune)

• Worldbuilding & magic systems that feel integral to the plot—not just for flash

UPMARKET & BOOK CLUB FICTION

• Anything that comps to Charlotte McConaghy (ONCE THERE WERE WOLVES is one of my all time favorite books)

• Stories that have a dark and/or speculative edge

• A book about the Navajo Rangers from a Navajo author

• ​Speculative fiction about the Tsunami spirits in Ishinomaki, focusing on collective healing (the ghost taxisespecially)

• ​Trans athletes

• Niche communities and how isolation can breed toxic behaviors

• Quirky settings that become part of the cast of characters

• Something that makes me laugh and cry / perfectly blends humor and heart

• Whip-smart protagonists and playful banter with dialogue that makes me literally LOL

• Real burgeoning science taken to the next level

NONFICTION

• Strong platform-based NF in the pop culture, lifestyle arena

• Accessible NF about neuroscience, sex, and relationships (esp by Queer or underrepresented voices)

• Pop science about the natural world with a narrative approach (like Sy Montgomery's SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS or Juli Berwald's SPINELESS)

• Queer takes on subjects other than queer history (along the lines of Sabrina Imbler's HOW FAR THE LIGHT REACHES) 

• NF that makes me feel something and teaches me new things (a la Bonnie Tsui's WHY WE SWIM)

ACROSS CATEGORIES AND GENRES

• I am especially seeking stories from Indigenous writers in all categories and genres.

• Characters with disabilities where the disability is NOT a twist or a problem to be solved

• Any genre exploring how legacy & lineage (or lack thereof) impacts a character's current challenges

• Twists that serve the plot not just shock factor

• Queerness that isn't solely about trauma or coming out

• ​An unexpected setting that influences the plot (and becomes a character itself)

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Bottom line: I am looking for captivating stories, a strong voice, and authentic characters. An exciting premise hooks my interest, but characters and voice keep me reading. I am also open to being surprised. If you think we'd be a good fit, give it a try!

Please note: Paige is closed to picture book, chapter book, and MG queries except for referrals or conference attendees.