Anissa Dorsey

I am interested in representing authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators who have character-driven stories with a strong voice and an original or unique take. I am drawn to positive stories that entertain, have the authenticity of representing “own Voices,” has natural diverse representations of characters, quirky characters, fulfilling conclusions, and sometimes a frightening tale leaving you wondering if I really am alone. I am also interested in graphic novel, novel in verse and prose novel formats for the Middle Grade, Youong Adult and Adult audiences.

Specifics:

Middle-Grade stories need to be aspirational, positive, meaningful, and entertaining. I enjoy stories of children finding their own way in life, kids making mistakes, and taking responsibility while discovering how this change in life plays out. I enjoy fun stories for kid that is not too bleak but is meaningful and authentic. No fantasy. No superheroes, No supervillains, No Quests, and authenticity is key. All GN teams should have a partnership agreement signed before submitting, if there is not one please get that ASAP.

Young Adult and Adult stories are what I enjoy reading. I’d like to represent those stories as meaningful and authentic with characters who are the good, the bad, and the anti-hero of finally being a grown-up. These characters can be facing the reality of their actions completely on their own for the first time. I like stories about accepting and owning your adulthood, adults who grew up too soon, or stories about starting over.

Genres include:

1. Romance that is “warm and loving chick flick love affairs,” “chasing love before you lose it,” “new love blooming,” “unrequited love,” and “ love on the brink.”

2. Mental health and Mental Illness stories are entertaining to show characters dealing with journeys to acceptance, seeking treatment, and seeing the process of improvement while dealing with negative social stigmas of getting help. I’d like to see stories addressing the issues of getting help from a professional, coping with the cultural stigma surrounding mental health, and the scary things that can happen to someone in denial or someone refusing help.

3. Mystery/thriller or noir. I am drawn to true crime-styled stories but can appreciate a classic tale of suspense, danger, romance, action, and adventure.

4. Horror – Scare me like Stephen King and Anne Rice did in the 80s.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to https://QueryManager.com/2888

Submissions are only accepted and reviewed via my Query Manager portal at https://QueryManager.com/RealAnissa.

I DO NOT ACCEPT SUBMISSIONS VIA EMAIL NOR ANY OTHER METHOD.

I will read your query and samples and if I’m interested in reading more I will send you a request to upload the full manuscript within 4-8 weeks. Please allow me time to read it and get back to you.

Author / Illustrators and Illustrators should also submit original art and stories, and include links to their website, portfolio, or other visual work online. If you have illustrations and/or a dummy for the work you are pitching, let me know that in your query and I can send a request which will allow you to upload a PDF.

I regret that I cannot guarantee a response to every submission; but if you have not heard back from me within 16 weeks, I am declining the opportunity to represent your work at this time.

I look forward to hearing from you!