Laura Rennert

I am a “literary omnivore,” with wide-ranging interests. I specialize in all categories of children’s books, from picture books to young adult, and everything in between, and a number of genres of adult fiction. I also represent picture book and graphic novel illustrators, or author/illustrators.  I do not represent non-fiction.

In general, I’m drawn to contemporary fiction; multicultural and diverse books; genre fiction with an emotional underpinning; speculative fiction and alternate histories/realities; fantasy and paranormal; thrillers, science fiction and horror; and subversive fairy tales and unexpected retellings.

My sweet spot in the market combines literary voice with commercial conception.  Although my list is diverse, all of my projects have common threads: an original, unexpected point of view; a fresh, literary voice; a strong commercial hook; and conflicted characters who will win your heart (sometimes, against your will). I adore vivid, dynamic characters; an idiosyncratic, strong voice; and the ability to make readers both think and feel deeply.

I would love to find:

• Fantasy, spec fiction, alternate history, and horror; fresh, original, unexpected reimaginings, especially those from less represented traditions or those that play with or reinvent classic or familiar tropes in unexpected ways. Bonus points for fantasy and spec fiction that explore real world issues, with inventive, multi-faceted world building, like SHE WHO BECAME THE SUN, THE MERCY MAKERS, OFF WITH THEIR HEADS, DARKER BY FOUR, and the SCHOLOMANCE trilogy.
• Retellings in all categories that feel like they’re reinventing the underlying tradition, myth, work to which they allude, (especially 19th century British Lit, Shakespeare, Dante, fairy tales, Asian mythologies). Some examples are Madeline Miller and Mary Renault’s takes on Greco-Roman mythology, Maggie Stiefvater’s THE SCORPIO RACES, Naomi Novik’s SPINNING SILVER. Wildly original reimagining of ‘classics’ in all different traditions (I love mythology, folklore, fairy tales) in which the story feels like one only the author could tell it. For so many personal reasons, this author is the right person to tell this story.
• Gothic suspense or thrillers in the vein of MEXICAN GOTHIC, focused on other regions and histories. I’d love one set in Japan.
• Romantasy that is more romantic fantasy than fantasy romance
• High concept Rom-Coms that have both a captivating romance and a successful, intriguing idea that drives the story.
• Sexy historical romance in the vein of the TV show Bridgerton

More broadly, I want to be surprised. I’m drawn to works that tell a great story using words and images in unexpected ways, whether for younger or older readers.

Children’s Books (MG, YA, Graphic Novels)

Right now, I am particularly seeking middle-grade fiction, YA fiction, and graphic novels by author-illustrators.  I am relatively category agnostic when it comes to children’s books. Here are some of the things that make my agent (and reader) heart sing.

• Fully-realized, unforgettable characters who make me care—characters who are sympathetic, frustrating, funny, surprising, and tug at the heart
• insider/outsider perspectives
• narrative risk takers
• books that make me both laugh out loud and sob into my tea
• page-turning plot
• rich, immersive world building
• fresh, idiosyncratic voice

Adult Fiction

I represent literary-commercial thrillers and psychological suspense/horror, general literary-commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, speculative fiction, and select historical fiction. In all categories I love unreliable narrators and morally ambiguous characters. I look for street cred and authenticity (whether of tradecraft, police procedure, historical/geographical setting, psychological profile). And I’m always fascinated with hidden worlds and secret knowledge.

Please note: I do not accept queries through email. Please submit via QueryManager. I am closed to picture book queries at this time, with the exception of referrals.

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