Madeline Alsup

I’m primarily looking for Young Adult and New Adult fiction, focusing especially on stories with LGBTQ+ representation. I’m interested in voicey, character-driven stories with misfit casts of characters, bonus points if there’s a strong found family narrative somewhere in there or multiple POVs for me to sink my teeth into. A fanfiction reader at heart, I also love messy characters, even messier relationships, and surprising twists on familiar tropes. And I’ll admit it, I tend to love a sad story—or at least one that puts the characters through the wringer a little bit. I’m not afraid to break out the tissues!

Across age categories, I’m looking for:

• Grounded and accessible fantasies and speculative fiction where the world is easily understandable to readers within a few pages. This could range from speculative fiction set in our world, to fantasies in different worlds that are still based on some form of familiarity. Specifically:
  • Cozy fantasies that feel like Taylor Swift’s Folklore and Evermore albums. Think a rainy forest full of hollowed-out trees, a crackling fire casting warm shadows, a moss-covered path softly underfoot, and a glowing magic leading you to the love of your life like in the “Willow” music video
  • Interesting twists on the “chosen one” trope, similar to Rainbow Rowell’s Simon Snow series
  • Slowburn romantasies where you can cut the tension with a knife—bonus points if there are multiple love interests (see below for my thoughts on love triangles, though!). If it involves enemies-to-lovers, I want to transition to be believable! No 0-100 romance in five pages, but a delicious blend from “I hate you” to “oh god, I think I love you.”
  • YA fantasy adventures akin to Dimension 20’s “Fantasy High”
  • Dark, atmospheric gothics with speculative/paranormal elements
• New mythology and folklore retellings, especially those from traditionally underrepresented cultures and voices. I was born and raised in Arizona, so I’m particularly interested in tales rooted in Southwestern and Indigenous folklore, myths, and legends.
• Stories with all forms of queer representation
  • I’d love something centered around an ace (but not necessarily aro!) main character/love interest(s). I want a story that explores the intricacies of the asexuality spectrum without it seeming world-altering.
• Main characters that make questionable decisions. Give me all of the morally gray, ruthlessly cunning, fend-for-themselves MCs. Alternatively, give me all of the MCs who have absolutely no idea what they’re doing and seem to stumble upon all of the wrong choices along the way. Either way, I want characters you can’t help but shake your head at while reading like Kaz Brekker from Six of Crows, Nova Artino from Renegades, or Luc O’Donnell from Boyfriend Material
  • Screaming out of loving frustration while reading optional, but appreciated
• Heartfelt and emotional coming-of-age stories with many layers like Canto Contigo, The Extraordinaries, or They Both Die at the End.
• Love triangles that are actually triangles!! I want the maximum amount of yearning, angst, and complicated feelings from all angles.

Submission Guidelines

I am only accepting agented submissions at this time.