Kristin Ostby

I am currently looking for commercial romance and mystery for young adults and adults, as well as children’s graphic novels (MG and YA).

I want high concept stories (i.e., a with striking and easily communicated idea and an undeniable elevator pitch) that demonstrate expertise at the line level, whether through a literary voice, a well-executed sense of humor, or a thoughtful economy of language.

I am open to picture book author/illustrators, middle grade novels, and adult nonfiction via referral only.

Please note:

• If your manuscript is over 95K words, it is probably not for me
• I review queries only through Query Tracker. I immediately delete submissions sent directly to email

Top of my wish list are:

• Upmarket cozy romance with supernatural elements, like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
• Upmarket cozy adult mystery with a clear and fresh hook, well-drawn characters, and a great sense of humor. Examples include Thursday Murder Club, Girl Waits with Gun, and A Most Agreeable Murder.
• Romantic cozy YA fantasy
• YA mystery, particular cozy mystery, fantasy mystery, paranormal or supernatural mysteries, historical mysteries, and thrillers

In YA, I am also looking for:

• Romance with a speculative element or an unusual form/structure/timeline
• Fantasy/romantasy grounded in our world, historical or otherwise (think: Chloe Gong)
• Historical romance from a BIPOC perspective

In middle grade, I’d also like:

• friendship stories
• funny coming-of-age contemporary graphic novelists (illustration and text)
• funny contemporary mysteries and adventures
• literary stories with commercial appeal

I always love:

• humor
• rich ensemble casts
• coming-of-age stories
• fish-out-of-water stories
• friendship stories
• gothic elements
• magic
• ghosts
• descriptions of elaborate feasts
• subplots built around nuanced family dynamics, particularly parent-child or sibling relationships

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