Meg Gaertner

I am the Managing Editor of Fiction at North Star Editions, and I acquire for both its Flux (YA) and Jolly Fish Press (middle grade) imprints. I’m looking for well-crafted fiction with strong, engaging plots and one-of-a-kind characters. I prefer unique, “out-of-the-box” stories that combine social commentary with a fresh premise and a killer voice that unsettles, surprises, informs, or ignites.

Across all genres, I’m seeking:

• Standalone titles, rather than duologies or series
• Edgy, genre-bending stories (send me your sci-fi horror or your fantasy mysteries!)
• “Weird” stories that mash together disparate comp titles in fresh ways and that are essentially hard to define
• Strong character arcs, where flawed characters make mistakes, grow, and earn their transformations
• Stories that increase the diversity of experiences reflected in YA/MG literature, and thus increase the number of young people able to see themselves in YA/MG literature
• HEA or open-ended stories, where the plot is not wrapped up in a neat bow–I’m happy to be left unsettled!
• Stories that combine a fresh premise with social commentary
• Stories that might appeal to reluctant readers: fast-paced storytelling, high-interest premise, cliff-hangers, etc.
• Stories that address difficult and/or weighty topics in age-appropriate, compassionate, and thoughtful ways
• Psychological thrillers that verge on horror or speculative suspense
• Horror that leans toward the uncanny or unsettling rather than toward monsters or gore, and/or horror that stands in for the character’s emotional arc
• Historical fiction that highlights diverse voices and underrepresented or excluded experiences
• Protagonists who encounter (or are) positive models of masculinity
• Voice-y narrators with very specific worldviews, opinions, and tones/slants (could be humorous, snarky, poetic, etc.). I tend to prefer first-person POV.
• Romance as a subplot (especially slow-burn!), not as the primary focus
• Found families and platonic love stories
• Family stories, especially with strong sibling relationships and/or grandparent/grandchild relationships
• Friendship stories, including where characters outgrow/grow apart from friends
• Atmospheric settings, especially those that verge on the uncanny and unsettling, or settings that function as their own characters

Across all submissions, I value:

• Racial and/or cultural diversity
• LGBTQIA+ representation
• Neurodiversity
• Representation of physical disabilities, chronic illness, or mental health issues
• Immigrant or first-generation main character(s)

I am NOT a good fit for:

• YA romance or instalove/instalust (in cases where there’s a romantic subplot)
• Christian fiction or morality stories
• Stories featuring elves, dragons, etc.
• Protagonists that are animals/creatures

Submission Guidelines

Flux empowers young adults through imaginative, insightful, and inspiring fiction. Consistently provocative and independently alternative, Flux publishes unique narratives that expand perspectives, provide fresh takes, and increase representation. We welcome all voices and all genres of novel-length YA fiction. Learn more here: https://northstareditions.com/flux/

Jolly Fish Press publishes middle grade fiction from light, humorous stories that broaden imaginations, to heartfelt narratives that address difficult topics with nuance and care. Above all, JFP books increase representation, position children as changemakers, and celebrate a diversity of experiences. Learn more here: https://northstareditions.com/jolly-fish-press/

Submit your query letter, synopsis, and first 50 pages to either imprint at https://querytracker.net/query/NorthStarEditions

Guidelines & Details