Amy Bishop-Wycisk

I’m a generalist when it comes to genre, but across the board in fiction, I need a high-concept, propulsive plot married with beautiful writing. Humor is always a plus; I love sharp banter (with a point) and a sense of fun. And another throughline of my list is always wanting to see more authors of color and authors from underrepresented backgrounds on my list.

I’ve been having a very fun time in the crime space lately, with more literary thrillers in the vein of Liz Moore and Steph Cha, and some more commercial thriller in the vein of Ashley Elston. I would always love to see more in the crime space from authors of color writing main characters of color – a favorite of mine remains THE BANDIT QUEENS by Parini Shroff as well as OXFORD SOJU CLUB by Jinwoo Park. I’m also interested in crime blending into other genres – for example, I’d have loved to be the agent for Elizabeth Arnott’s THE SECRET LIVES OF MURDERERS’ WIVES (blending that high-concept + historical element with crime), as well as for Allison Winn Scotch’s THE INSOMNIACS (speculative + mystery). I’d similarly love something that feels cozy-lite, such as Sherry Thomas’s THE LIBRARIANS – a delightful setting and premise, but told with elegance.

But on the historical side, continuing to be interested in the 50s and 60s and out West/set in a place that’s not commonly covered in fiction. I’d love something rich and historical, but that doesn’t sacrifice plot for details. Definitely open to a speculative twist here too; Isa Arsén’s SHOOT THE MOON was a loved and lost for me and I’ll read anything Isabel Cañas writes. Would also love a book like TO THE MOON AND BACK by Eliana Ramage I’m always fascinated by novels set around a profession – a midwife, a botanist, a morgue technician, etc. I want more immigrant stories, more stories set in the aftermath of a big event (was really taken by THE SAFEKEEP by Yael van der Wouden). If you can marry art and science, I’m interested.

I’d love a modern love story that feels epic and sweeping, though not necessarily historical. In that vein, I’d love more upmarket and book club fiction that either has something to say and/or is just plain good fun. Recently, I loved THE WEDDING PEOPLE by Alison Espach and on the older side, loved the sweep of ASK AGAIN YES by Mary Beth Keane and THE NAMES by Florence Knapp (though usually not a good fit these days for novels that center sexual assault or domestic abuse). I’d be happy to see more capers, joyful romps, and family dramas.

In the speculative/SFF space, I’d also be happy to consider grounded or low fantasy or sci-fi (I loved THE MINISTRY OF TIME by Kaliane Bradley; THE HUSBANDS by Holly Gramazio, which could also fall into that book club space; HERCULINE by Grace Byron). Books that feel either whimsical and philosophical like WATER MOON or a bit twistier and darker like R.F. Kuang are both of interest to me. I’ve seen a couple submissions (that I’ve loved and lost!) that feature witches and I’m always interested in magic systems that work with the natural world. I’ve also had great fun with Mackenzie Reed’s forthcoming I HOPE THIS EMAIL FINDS YOU IN HELL and Clare Osongco’s UNFINISHED BUSINESS, and would love to find more books set (mostly) in our world with a fun twist. Re-upping my call for work by women of color or queer women that edges into horror (or fully dives off that cliff) and engaging in important social conversations through their medium. A couple loved and losts in this genre: Faith Gladwin’s THE FINALIST and a Gothic Rebecca-inspired novel set in 1920s Shanghai. I’m always chasing a book like THE ECHO WIFE.

In YA, I’ve been eyeballing books like Chloe Gong’s FOUL LADY FORTUNE and Stacey Lee’s HEIRESS OF NOWHERE. Give me murder and intrigue in unexpected places with unexpected heroines; give me more immigrant stories here too; queer stories; girls quietly (or loudly) working for justice. Here too, also happy to have light, contemporary-set books, like OPHELIA AFTER ALL or FAKE DATES AND MOONCAKES.

In terms of nonfiction, I’m on the hunt for female-driven historical narrative nonfiction (think: CODE GIRLS or HIDDEN FIGURES) or a smart nonfiction project that deals with contemporary issues or discussions (like DREAMLAND or MAID). I’m also open to biography, pop science or psychology, current events (with a feminist lens), and cultural criticism with a feminist bent. The latest nonfiction book I’ve been obsessed with was GATOR COUNTRY by Rebecca Renner – if you can blend nature writing, crime, and personal narrative, send it my way! If you are a female sports journalist or sports writer with a great story to tell, send it my way! (I find myself particularly interested by the conversations surrounding mental health + sports these days.) I am actively looking for nonfiction, so please send your proposals my way! Memoir is tricky, but if you can give me some memoir+ like with TELL ME EVERYTHING by Erika Krause or ANCESTOR TROUBLE by Maude Newton, I’m listening.

For nonfiction, alongside an original, compelling story, a good, strong platform (social media numbers; bylines, etc.,) and/or writing chops a must.

What I’m not the best fit for: super literary (i.e.: not much plot), experimental work, super cozy mysteries, political/legal/international spy thrillers, books involving PI’s or the military, cyberpunk, military science fiction, hard science fiction, dark fantasy, sword & sorcery/epic fantasy (for the most part), memoir, graphic novels, picture books, chapter books. I’m also finding it hard to engage in work centering AI at the moment.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to https://querymanager.com/query/abwycisk

You can query me at https://QueryManager.com/abwycisk.

All instructions will be on the Query Manager site.

Guidelines & Details

Consultations