Vicky Weber

I’m a former elementary school teacher turned children’s book author and literary agent. I represent commercial fiction – board books through adult – and love stories that are standout, weird, and quirky.

In all manuscripts, I want intensity in the writing. (Give me all the feels!) I want to be dropped into the moment and experience the story alongside the characters. Character development and emotional arcs go hand-in-hand with the plot. If a book is high-concept, commercial fiction with beautiful, literary-leaning prose, it’s probably up my alley.

I’ve recently had lots of authors confused about this so here’s an analogy I came up with:

• • Commercial is like popular music you’d hear on the radio: designed to entertain. It is catchy, has mass appeal, and follows familiar structures and themes that resonate with a wide audience.
  • Upmarket is like indie pop music. It blends the accessibility of mainstream concepts with a touch of artistic flair and originality. These appeal to both general listeners and those who appreciate a bit more depth by balancing engaging stories with a higher level of writing quality and thematic complexity or statements.
  • Literary is like opera or a symphonic orchestra. It prioritizes artistic expression and innovation over broad appeal, often challenging the audience with its complexity and depth. These may not be for everyone, but they are deeply appreciated by those who seek a rich, contemplative experience, profound themes, and connections beyond the book, often involving social commentary.

When possible, I heavily prefer to work with BIPOC, queer, disabled, and neurodivergent authors across all genres, but the writing always takes precedent. 

Adult/YA Wishlist:

• Fantasy & magical realism
• Impeccable world-building that compliments character development
• Dark, twisty suspense and/or thrillers
• Thrillers, especially with a horror, paranormal, or spooky angle
• Historical fiction, but not World War stories
• Ghosts, paranormal, HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE vibes
• Anything comped to Darcy Coates (FROM BELOW, HUNTED, etc)
• Gothic fiction
• New twist on non-Western mythology and legends

Not for me:

• Sci-fi or space operas
• Novellas, anthologies, short stories
• Poetry
• Time travel & multi-verse
• Zombie apocalypse
• Graphic sexual assault scenes
• Erotica
• Dark Comedy
• Literary fiction

Hard sells (Things I am open to but see a lot in my inbox): vampires, assassins, witches, memory loss.

Picture Book Wishlist:

• Author-illustrators only, except for conference attendees or pitch events I’m participating in.
  • Highly giftable, commercial fiction
  • Funny but not punny
  • Distinct PB voice
  • Lyrical prose that tugs at my heartstrings (make me cry without grief-related subject matter!)
  • Playful “picture book magic” moments, full of heart
  • Familiar storylines with a fresh twist or perspective
  • Whimsical, slightly offbeat characters that feel instantly memorable (think grumpy cupcakes, competitive grandmas, toddler detectives, dramatic vegetables, etc)
  • Stories that lean into universal childhood experiences in a way that feels new
  • Visual storytelling opportunities—text that leaves room for the art to do some heavy lifting

Not for me:

• Picture books with potty humor or fart jokes
• Heavy-handed morals
• Rhyme (unless it’s for ages 0-3).
• Graphic novels
• I am not currently looking for non-fiction picture books or stories that teach a lesson.

Vicky only accepts via QueryManager.

***Unfortunately, I am no longer able to provide a reason or feedback when I pass on a manuscript. I appreciate your understanding.

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