Melissa Richeson
Storm Literary Agency
My Manuscript Wish List®
Like most people in publishing, I’ve always loved to read. And since Peter Pan taught me that growing up is overrated, I’ll happily stick to reading children’s books forever.
I’m looking for picture books that are so heartfelt they get me choked up or are so funny they make me laugh-cry. I love chapter books with quick pacing, a great hook, and a well-researched world. In middle grade, I adore magic, humor, mystery, and a sense of imagination. For young adult, I’m typically drawn to contemporary and historical work, but a good fantasy draws me in too. Use subtle wit and intelligent wordplay, and I’m all in. A fresh concept, a thoughtful theme, and a great voice are key overall. I’m open to non-fiction in all the above categories as well.
Some of my perennial favorites include Harry Potter (Rowling), A Series of Unfortunate Events (Snicket), Junie B. Jones (Park), The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (Avi), The Messenger (Lowry), and A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens). More recent titles that I’ve loved include Stay Sweet (Vivian), The Unexpected Everything (Matson), Salt to the Sea (Sepetys), An Ember in the Ashes (Tahir), What to Say Next (Buxbaum), and Words in Deep Blue (Crowley).
I do not represent adult titles, and I’m not a good fit for paranormal, horror, or any type of graphic violence.
Fun facts about me:
I was once attacked by a bird who wanted my hair for its nest (as far as I know), and as a child I had to have nine teeth pulled at one time, so forgive me if I pass on any bird or tooth stories. 😉
Submission Guidelines
Please query with full synopsis and first 10 pages using this form.
Vital Info
Favorite sub-genres:
Contemporary YA, Humor, Illustrated, Literary Middle Grade, Relationships
I’d like the next…
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Lovely War by Julie Berry
Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen
Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
Story Thieves by James Riley
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
My favorites include…
I’m a HUGE Disney fan, so pretty much any Disney or Pixar film is a favorite, with Moana topping the list. I also love musicals, especially Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, and Hamilton. In terms of TV, my tastes range widely from Downton Abbey to Agents of Shield to Parks and Rec.
