Paige Terlip Literary Agent
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I AM TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO QUERIES.
Across age categories, I am drawn to high concept novels with captivating hooks, snarky characters with hearts of gold, creative magic systems, complicated relationships, and found families. I love well-plotted twists, being a little bit scared, and stories that explore the fluidity of gender and bring the queer experience to light. Regardless of genre, I am seeking inclusive, intersectional voices and gorgeous line-level writing with emotionally compelling narratives. On the adult side I am open to thrillers/psychological suspense, fantasy/sci-fi, upmarket fiction, horror, mysteries, and romance. I am also open to select non-fiction. I'm primarily looking for pace and plot that leans more commercial, but with a literary voice and edge. For me, one dynamite line of prose that makes me feel ALL the feelings, is better than a paragraph of purely lyrical language and metaphor. Overall, I want narratives that will evoke layers of emotions—even if that means I ugly cry—and will stick with me long after reading. Please note: I am temporarily closed to picture book & MG queries except for referrals or conference attendees. I do NOT accept AI-generated submissions for art or text. |
As I am currently closed to PB and MG, I have focused my wish list on the adult and YA categories.
A VERY specific wish list item, could be any genre (NF, fantasy, horror, contemporary, etc.) but a book about the Navajo Rangers from a Navajo author.
Thrillers & Psychological Suspense
Horror & Fantasy
Romance & Commercial Fiction
Upmarket Fiction
Non-Fiction
Please note: I am temporarily closed to sci fi and historical fiction except for referrals or conference attendees. I will update when I am able to open up more widely.
Thrillers & Psychological Suspense
- Martial arts (especially women in martial arts)
- Forensics
- Real, burgeoning science & innovative technology taken to the next level
- Vigilantes & characters who do the wrong things for the right reasons
- Stories inspired by the show Unsolved Mysteries
Horror & Fantasy
- Stories that examine contemporary issues using horror as the vehicle (think Jordan Peele or Stephen Graham Jones)
- Sentient plants or natural settings with a sinister undertone (a la Annihilation) - bonus if it speaks to our climate crisis without being too heavy handed
- Exploring a matrilineal inheritance through a trans POV
- Occult conspiracies
- Magic in our world
- Worldbuilding & magic systems that feel integral to the plot—not just for flash
Romance & Commercial Fiction
- Cozy mysteries that center BIPOC and/or queer characters
- Underrepresented voices in romance
- Conflict that CAN'T be solved in one conversation
- A dash of the speculative
- Whip-smart protagonists & playful banter with dialogue that makes me literally LOL
Upmarket Fiction
- Stories that have a dark and/or speculative edge
- Bookclub fiction that doesn't center white women
- Speculative fiction about the Tsunami spirits in Ishinomaki, focusing on collective healing (the ghost taxis especially)
- Trans athletes
Non-Fiction
- Platform-based non-fiction in the pop culture, lifestyle, health and wellness arena
- Accessible non-fiction about neuroscience, sex, and relationships (especially by Queer or underrepresented voices)
- Pop science about the natural world with a narrative approach (like Sy Montgomery's SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS or Juli Berwald's SPINELESS)
- Queer takes on subjects other than queer history (along the lines of Sabrina Imbler's HOW FAR THE LIGHT REACHES)
- But also queer history!
- Non-fiction that makes me feel something and teaches me new things (a la Bonnie Tsui's WHY WE SWIM)
Please note: I am temporarily closed to sci fi and historical fiction except for referrals or conference attendees. I will update when I am able to open up more widely.
Across
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I am especially seeking stories from Indigenous writers in all categories and genres.
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Bottom line: I am looking for captivating stories, a strong voice, and authentic characters. An exciting premise hooks my interest, but characters and voice keep me reading. I am also open to being surprised. If you think we'd be a good fit, give it a try! (But please note some of the exceptions below.)
Projects I am NOT necessarily a fit for:
- Unnecessary, excessive violence against women or children
- Stories that include suicide as a primary element of the plot
- COVID or terminal-illness as the primary plot
- Books where the dog dies! (If you are sending me something where a dog dies, I'd appreciate a warning)
- Rhyming picture books (I know there are amazing rhyming picture books, but I tend to be REALLY picky about them)
- Adult memoir
- Hugely complex sci-fi set in space or closed spaceship stories
- Non-fiction picture book biographies (at least right now)
- Scatological or toilet humor
Submission Guidelines
Please submit your query to Query Manager: QueryManager.com/PaigeTerlip
Follow the directions on Query Manager to submit your query. If I am interested in reading more, I will request the full manuscript. Per ABLA policy please only submit to one ABLA agent at a time.
Please be patient! I personally read each and every query, and will respond as soon as possible. I reply to every query. My typical turn around time is 10-12 weeks, but sometimes I can get behind. If you haven't heard from me, it means I'm still considering!
Do NOT email queries. All email queries will be automatically deleted. I want to read your work! Please follow ABLA's submission guidelines to ensure your query is reviewed.
Follow the directions on Query Manager to submit your query. If I am interested in reading more, I will request the full manuscript. Per ABLA policy please only submit to one ABLA agent at a time.
Please be patient! I personally read each and every query, and will respond as soon as possible. I reply to every query. My typical turn around time is 10-12 weeks, but sometimes I can get behind. If you haven't heard from me, it means I'm still considering!
Do NOT email queries. All email queries will be automatically deleted. I want to read your work! Please follow ABLA's submission guidelines to ensure your query is reviewed.
REPRESENTATIVE TITLES
Books I haven't sold, but are examples of what I'd love to represent:
Young AdultSCYTHE
THE HERO AND THE CROWN DUMPLIN' BONE GAP MERCIFUL CROW SCORPIO RACES SAWKILL GIRLS GRACELING FIREKEEPER'S DAUGHTER WE ARE OKAY AN EMBER IN THE ASHES |
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