Paige Terlip Literary Agent

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.
While I have split my wish list up across age categories, there is often overlap between them—especially between adult and YA.
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Adult
A VERY specific wish list item, could be any genre (NF, fantasy, horror, contemporary, etc.) but a novel about the Navajo Rangers from a Navajo author.

Thrillers & Psychological Suspense
  • Martial arts (especially women in martial arts)
  • ​Forensics
  • Real, burgeoning science & innovative technology taken to the next level

Horror & Fantasy
  • Horror/Fantasy that dismantles the gender binary (and societal norms)
  • Stories that examine contemporary issues using horror as the vehicle (think Jordan Peele or Stephen Graham Jones)
  • Stories informed by socioeconomic struggles and social stratifications 
  • Sentient plants or natural settings with a sinister undertone (a la Annihilation) 
  • Exploring a matrilineal inheritance through a trans POV
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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)

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.

Teen
Fantasy
  • Magic in our world
  • Worldbuilding & magic systems that feel integral to the plot—not just for flash

Contemporary
  • Archeology or Mummy-like action adventures
  • Teens questioning organized religion (especially Queers questioning Catholicism)
  • ​Trans athletes
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Thrillers & Horror
  • Unexpected betrayal
  • Occult conspiracies​​
  • Vigilantes & characters who do the wrong things for the right reasons

Across
the
​Board
​I am especially seeking stories from Indigenous writers in all categories and genres.

  • Characters with disabilities where the disability is NOT a twist or a problem to be solved
  • Any genre exploring how legacy & lineage (or lack thereof) impacts a character's current challenges
  • Twists that serve the plot not just shock factor
  • Queerness that isn't solely about trauma or coming out
  • FUNNY books that genuinely make me laugh out loud
  • Unexpected setting that influences the plot (and almost become a character itself)
  • ​Stories from creators who have historically been underrepresented in publishing​

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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 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-consensual romance
  • Erotica
  • Non-fiction picture book biographies (at least right now)​
  • Stories that magically "fix" disabilities
  • 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. 
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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 Adult

SCYTHE
LOOKING FOR SMOKE
YOU BRING THE DISTANT NEAR
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

Adult NONFiction

WHY WE SWIM
FEEL IT ALL
MECHANIC SHOP FEMME'S GUIDE TO CAR OWNERSHIP
WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE
HOW FAR THE LIGHT REACHES
THUNDER SONG
WHAT IT TAKES TO HEAL
SEX TALKS
​BUILT TO MOVE
SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS

Adult Fiction

SHE WHO BECAME THE SUN
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO
​WRITTEN IN THE STARS
THE OTHER BLACK GIRL
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST
BLACK SUN
THE WATER DANCER
CITY OF BRASS
A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES
MEXICAN GOTHIC
​IN THE WOODS
DELILAH GREEN DOESN'T CARE