Brandy Vallance

Submission Guidelines

Here’s what I’d love to represent:

Quality fiction. While I do read more frequently in some genres, my book love is very eclectic. If you’ve put hard work into the craft of writing and you have an amazing book, query me! Quality is more important than genre. 

I represent these genres but I am also not limited to these genres:

Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery, Romance, Literary, Women’s Fiction, Southern Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Speculative, Inspirational, Thriller.

The following list is just to give you an idea of some of the things that pique my interest. I’m a fan of: 

*stories set in the British Isles, Europe, or exotic locations

*Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian romance (also contemporary and other eras too!)

*archaeology / artifacts / history’s mysteries

*stories set in castles, manor houses, or quaint villages

*Gothic / dark academia

*redemption stories / stories that give hope or courage

*stories of faith / faith-based / or questions of faith

*stories that feature thin places and sacred spaces / God encounters / supernatural encounters

*stories that explore biblical themes without being preachy (ex. Charles Martin books)

*Appalachian stories / mountain culture

*cultures we don’t hear about a lot

*folklore / cryptids

*time travel

*books about books / libraries

*fantasy / sci-fi / speculative

***For fantasy, if you are using a magic system, make sure it’s different (or deeper) than what we’ve already seen. Be creative! Too often I see story clones of what’s already out there. Worldbuilding is key! I want to feel the wonder of your unique world. Make the culture rich and deep! And make the creatures (if there are any) fantastical.

*atmospheric writing / lyrical or literary voice / personification / metaphor

*characters who are writers, artists, or have a unique profession

*wholesome / heartwarming / hilarious

*happy endings

*endings that make me think

*unusual protagonists / sympathetic villains

*stories that explore deep emotion

*stories that make me FEEL

*stories that tell me what it means to be human

*anything imaginative or witty!

As you’re thinking about how to describe your book in a query, here’s a helpful website about genres: https://fictionphile.com/fiction-genres/ 

Some advice on the writing journey:

• The Power of Vulnerability:  http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/the-power-of-vulnerability
• Writing Through Fear:  https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/writing-through-fear

To find out more about Barbara Bova Literary Agency click HERE. 

You can send me a query through Query Manager at  https://QueryManager.com/3215

Simultaneous submissions are okay!

*I make every effort to respond to queries as quickly as possible, but I do receive a large amount. If you haven’t heard back from me in 12 weeks, it’s most likely a pass.

*I’m not the best fit for sports romance, stories set only in NYC, serial killers, police procedurals, fairy tale or myth retellings that are too close to the original, taboo / dark romance.