Kendyll Drilling

Being a part of the publishing world wasn’t in my initial plan, but ever since I found a place at Corvisiero Literary Agency, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve had a long love affair with literature of all types, having been a reader since the age of three. As a result, I have a wide variety of taste in genres, but at this time, I’m primarily looking for fantasy, science fiction, literary, and historical works. Projects that blend genres are always intriguing to me, especially if it involves lyrical writing that sweeps a reader away.

I am mostly interested in fiction for young adult, new adult, and adult. I am pulled in by character-driven stories with dark themes and unique narrative voices, complex plots, twisty mysteries that keep me guessing, and atmospheric settings.

In non-fiction, I am looking for projects showcasing unique experiences, especially those from underrepresented voices. I’d love to bring projects focusing on BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and differently abled stories to the forefront.

For YA & Adult audiences, I am looking for:

• Fantasy and Magical Realism with a balance between character and plot with strong imagery (soft spot for religious and philosophical themes). I also love unique world building, especially if it has a sense of mystery. These are my most read genres, so I can fall for anything like:
  • Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff, A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson, The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
• Speculative Fiction written with intent to spark a larger conversation or make the reader uncomfortable by way of characterization or social constructs. Whenever I find a book like this, I think about it for months afterward–especially if it hit my emotions. No topic is off-limits for exploration when written like:
  • Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler, Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
• Stories with Folklore, Mythology, and Fairytale elements (or retellings), especially those that may not be as well known, with dark themes and subverted expectations. I typically get invested in the voice-y narrative and interesting setting/atmosphere. I’d love to find more like:
  • Circe by Madeline Miller, Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
• Literary Fiction of all flavors, notably those with morally grey/unlikable characters, gothic and dark academia themes, and memorable prose. Even if the characters aren’t the best of people, I love when I can root for them anyway or see the situation from their side. Bring me more character and thematic explorations like:
  • The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley, If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio, Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner
• Historical Fiction set before the 20th century (1900). One of my favorite aspects of reading is being transported to different location in various eras. I generally prefer my historical works to be without too much industrialization, but I also want the setting to be directly tied to the characters and events within the story. Representation of lesser seen countries and cultures would be more than welcome. I’d like to sink into something like:
  • East of Eden by John Steinbeck, Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, Shogun by James Clavell
• Immersive and well-researched (but still easy to follow and understand) Science Fiction or far-flung space operas. I don’t have a brain wired for science (which is why I work in a creative field), but I love a book that tricks me into thinking I’m smart enough to understand physics, rocket science, or psuedo-science that feels real. I still like to see undercurrents of big ideas or calling humanity into question while on an adventure, like:
  • Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio, I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

• Time travel stories with set rules and implications. Whether complex or simplistic, I love reading about the impact of time travel on characters and their surroundings. I most want time travel with strong character motivations propelling the narrative forward, like:
  • Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
• #OwnVoices narratives exploring topics of mental health, disability, chronic illness, cultural identity, gender and sexuality, and femininity. Make it weird, queer, fantastical, etc. I’m here for all of it. I especially love those with a voice that jumps off the page to help cushion a heavy topic like:
  • I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeannette McCurdy, How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, Disfigured by Amanda Leduc

​At this time, I am not a good fit for:

• Retellings of/Sequels to classic novels or narratives using pre-established characters from classics (i.e. Ophelia by Lisa Klein; A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson; Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith)
• Cozy Fantasy (i.e. Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree)
• Alternate History (i.e. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell)
• Military and Political Fiction without Fantasy/Sci-Fi elements
• Commercial Romance
• True Crime stories
• Climate/Apocalyptic Fiction
• Humor/Satire

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to https://QueryTracker.net/query/Kendyll

Queries must be sent through Query Manager. Any queries that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.

• For fiction projects, please send your query letter, synopsis, and your first 10 pages.

• For non-fiction for all ages, please send your query letter, synopsis, and proposal.