Ginger Hutchinson

Hi! Welcome to my MSWL. 

I’m looking for high-concept commercial and upmarket fiction. I’m actively seeking archetypal stories with a strong hook, compelling characters and a rich sense of place. I value quality writing that demonstrates a serious consideration of craft.

Please send me…

I’m especially looking for escapist books: beach reads in unique locations, swoon-worthy romance with the right amount of comedy, and thrillers that transport me. I’m open to historical fiction with a feminist bent, and/or centered on underrepresented identities. Additionally, I’d love some character-driven book-club reads that spark conversation, but aren’t overly dark and depressing. I love stories with a tight timeframe and high emotional stakes. I have a soft spot for books set in the South.

I’d love to see some clever puzzle-solving mysteries with an underdog protagonist. I’d also be curious to see mysteries set in specific hobby groups, such as role play games, filmmaking, ballet/dance, knitting/crochet, as well as mysteries featuring an animal counterpart and an original concept.

When it comes to genre fiction, I’m open to magical realism, speculative fiction and some sci-fi, but they must be grounded in real human emotions and conflict. Think five-minute-in-the-future stories. Kelly Link, Karen Russell, Ling Ma, Jesmyn Ward, TJ Klune. I’d love a book about mushrooms/fungi. I’m open to some horror, but nothing overly violent or gory–more in the suspense/psychological zone. Or a really good feminist body horror.

Please note that I’m very selective with non-fiction, as fiction is my main focus. Memoirs need a big commercial hook and out-of-this-world writing on the level of H is for Hawk or Crying in H Mart. I’m open to expert-written non-fiction, particularly if you have a strong platform and POV. My areas of interest include pop-culture, film/tv/media, human/animal relationships, alternative histories from fresh and diverse perspectives. I like nature writing, but not about climate change—more in the vein of The Hidden Life of Trees or Underland.

I’d be thrilled to hear from Indigenous/First Nations authors writing in any genre.

Themes I enjoy: found family, sisterhood, complex female relationships, family secrets, intergenerational bonds, unlikely allies, the healing power of nature.

Subject matters I like include: the arts, rural, coastal or mountain settings, friends/enemies-to-lovers, interior design, old houses/renovations, vacations/retreats gone wrong, surfing, sports (soccer, formula 1, running), plants/flowers, botany/herbology, off-the-grid living, characters out of their elements.

I love to see: clear archetypes (re: Save the Cat), dual timelines, multiple POVs, well-earned twists, lovable side characters, fast pacing, minimal use of adverbs, satisfying misdirections and careful plotting.

Please don’t send me…

I’m not interested in toxic romance tropes that include predatory and abusive behaviors. I’m not interested in pandemic books, military or medical thrillers, espionage, humor, or religious books. I’m also not the right fit for your YA, middle grade, or children’s manuscripts.

About me…

I’m a Florida girl at heart, but now I make the most living in a city by cramming my patio with plants and rescuing wild kitties off the street. On the weekend, you can find me at a matinée, people watching at the park, or somewhere collecting cool rocks. 

Find me on Instagram @gingerhutchinson_mtm. 

Submission Guidelines

Please include a query letter, first chapter, comparable titles and a short bio. Archetypal stories and high-concept ideas are key to grabbing my attention.

Due to the volume of submissions, we only respond when interested.