Dear Friends,
I am so excited to announce that as of January 2020, I am now representing adult and crossover science-fiction, fantasy, and horror fiction. I will continue to represent and sign new authors of middle-grade and young adult fiction, which will remain a large part of my list, and in addition will now be actively pursuing and selling genre projects in the adult space as well.
What I’m seeking:
I want explosive, colorful, funny, bizarre, exciting stories that examine technology, identity, and human relationships of all kinds. As in kidlit, I’m eager for stories that connect like an emotional gut-punch: vital, personal, and poignant stories, featuring unforgettable characters. I’m particularly eager to find voices from historically underrepresented perspectives in SF/F and horror, and as a queer man, I am especially drawn to LGBTQIA+ and feminist perspectives.
Some recent projects I adored, and which evoke the kinds of stories I’m seeking, are:
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Circe by Madeline Miller
The Future of Another Timeline by Annalee Newitz
Speak by Louisa Hall
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
So John, you may be asking, why the change?
In part, I’m expanding into this space because I love to explore speculative and fantastical worlds, and adore reading these genres. Additionally, and no less importantly, many of my clients who have historically written for kids and teens are now writing for the adult market as well. Laura Sebastian’s HALF SICK OF SHADOWS is the first of these titles I look forward to announcing in the coming year and beyond. Finally, I’ve read so many amazing genre projects in my query inbox that weren’t quite right for the YA market, because of the subject matter, tone, age of the main characters, or a number of other factors, and I don’t want age classifications to limit the kind of amazing stories I represent.
So, if you are an author of quirky, adventurous, challenging and bold sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, be in touch, and if you are an author who isn’t quite sure whether your work is for the YA or adult market, query me and we’ll figure it out together. Speaking of, here are my submission guidelines:
Please email john @ foliolit.com with the word “Query” in the subject line, with your query letter and the first 2500 words of your manuscript pasted into the body of your message.
I can’t wait to read your work and take this journey together!
John M. Cusick 