Sarah Davies
Greenhouse Literary
My Manuscript Wish List®
I was a publisher for 25 years before becoming a literary agent in 2008 and launching Greenhouse. I’ve lived and worked in both the States and UK, so my experience of the publishing industry is deep and wide ranging. The international scene is part of my view of publishing potential, and I love manuscripts that can work around the world (though that’s not essential). I was an editor and senior publisher for many years, and my ability to help develop/build stories with authors has been key to our success. I called the agency Greenhouse because I’m passionate about the cultivation of talent.
I particularly specialize in MG (including younger chapter-book series) and YA, both fiction and non-fiction. Alongside this core, I sell picture books by existing clients, and am also looking to increase our list of adult, female-oriented, suspense fiction (by referral only). I love strong concepts/hooks, which intrigue me and make me turn the page, but also make me think. I like MSS with new ideas I’ve not seen before – even if they still need a bit more development. I love interesting narrative structures, formats, timelines, and diverse, #ownvoices writers from all backgrounds and perspectives who take risks and have big ideas.
What I’m currently seeking:
Graphic novels/series — especially within MG: You will ideally be both author and illustrator (or already have teamed up with an illustrator), so text and design are interwoven right from the start. I want to see the format used in a way that really shapes the story and brings it to life (ie, so there’s a reason why it’s a graphic novel!).
MG: I love classic, gorgeous fiction with tons of heart that takes the protagonist on an inward AND outward journey. This might be contemporary with a spritz of magic or magical realism. I’m also seeking action-packed stories with a uniquely adventurous premise. Again, #ownvoices particularly welcome. Also, different structures, formats, illustrative potential are great.
Non-Fiction (across all age groups): A little-known story about a well-known person? A well-known story about someone less well known? I’ve got to feel the hook of the work can hit home and big enough to find a market, and that no one’s covered it yet.
YA: Here I’m being very picky. I want to see:
* Twisty, hooky suspense and psychological thrillers (think ONE OF US IS LYING by Karen McManus).
* Smart, charming, freshly told love stories and hooky rom-coms (think TEN BLIND DATES by Ashley Elston or THE CUBAN GIRL’S GUIDE TO TEA AND TOMORROW by Laura Taylor Namey). If possible with diverse characters and different cultural backdrops.
* Dramatic/romantic/intriguing stories in foreign settings that feel absolutely authentic and bring to life political or cultural situations (Israel-Palestine, France, modern Scandinavia?).
* Sexy, relatable historical set in a fascinating period of the past (not US Revolutionary War or Civil War).
* A very scary house or town that holds secrets and ghosts, whether real or figurative. It could border on horror, but it’s got to be clever not just slasher.
* I’m still longing to find a contemporary novel from the Scandy Noir tradition – think TV series like The Bridge, The Killing – but for teens.
* For no particular reason, I find myself drawn to — water, snow and ice, plants, gardens, science. Stories that are woven around some particular knowledge base (eg painting, chemistry, forensics; I like thinking, “Wow, that’s clever!”).
Fun facts about me:
My first job (age 14) was as assistant in a hair salon; I got fired and it was terrible.
I used to perform as a singer-songwriter (I had lots of curly red hair and wore a lot of black leather; don’t judge me) – and I still sing a lot. I have twin sons and a beloved wire-haired dachsund called Olivia who snores next to me while I work. I like wild places that feed the soul, walking, taking photographs, and growing things (whether authors or plants). Um, I also like cemeteries – they tell me everything about a place and who lived there; they also remind me that life is short.
I’m crazy about learning other languages. I speak French and study Arabic. There’s nothing more exciting and satisfying than being able to read Arabic script (it’s like cracking an elegant code – but with a purpose; ie, to be able to communicate and understand other people on their own terms. Did you know there are 12 million words in Arabic and only 600,000 in the English language?). I’m very interested in the politics of the Middle East.
I’m very driven, energetic, and I’ve been (regularly!) described as being “like a dog with a bone” when I want to achieve something. If you are my client, that’s a good thing!
Favorite colors? Teal and orange. Preferably together, in one outfit.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions should be emailed to https://querymanager.com/query/SarahDavies
All our queries are now via Query Tracker, and you can find find out everything you need to know on the Submissions page of our website. Just follow the instructions as you click through!
Vital Info
I’d like the next…
AN EMBER IN THE ASHES by Sabaa Tahir (I find quite a lot of fantasy rather overwritten and sprawling; I love the propulsion and clarity of Sabaa’s work. This novel stands the test of time. I was grabbed from page 1, I never lost the storyline, and the characters became so real; her world-building is really tight).
THE CUBAN GIRL’S GUIDE TO TEA AND TOMORROW by Laura Taylor Namey (because it is fun, charming, emotionally gripping – and the descriptions of food are riveting).
I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson (because no one uses language like Jandy. Her writing feels truthful, unique and smart, and it is always moving).
THE MISADVENTURES OF LIGHTNING GIRL by Stacy McAnulty (because the hook is really strong, the stakes are high — and our hearts are engaged).
THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon (I love all Nicola’s work; her knack for giving a new contemporary spin and interesting structures to timeless themes).
BAD GIRLS WITH PERFECT FACES by Lynn Weingarten (because she does something fresh with the contemporary suspense story; it’s a crowded genre, but her novels make it feel new, clever and very relevant).
TENDER MORSELS by Margo Lanagan (because she always takes risks and has such a unique vision – and the ability to express that).
BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys (she just rocks historical in all ways).
THE LIE TREE by Frances Hardinge (her plots and characters are a cut above — so intelligent and compelling; a fusion of intellect and ideas, brilliantly executed on the page).
WALK TWO MOONS by Sharon Creech (it’s a classic, and has anyone ever written a better or more memorable standalone MG?)
My favorites include…
Sabaa Tahir, Laura Ruby, Angie Thomas, Jennifer Niven, Margo Lanagan, Ruta Sepetys, Sharon Creech, Jandy Nelson, Rebecca Stead, Tomi Adeyemi.
Favorite TV shows: KILLING EVE; STATE OF PLAY. Virtually any suspense series with subtitles (generally if these are Scandy!). Political dramas. All documentary series by Ken Burns. Anything historical or which tells me something really interesting and new about the world.
