In this category I'm open to fiction and nonfiction written for readers 12-18. I like literary works and more commercial works; I like realism and I like speculative fiction--by which I mean science fiction, paranormal, fantasy. I love historical fiction. I consider a snappy plot to be more important than any other element of a good YA book; I like to be driven to devour a book if it's in this category. Yet I don't tend to be drawn to books that are packed with physical action, or especially violence--a snappy plot frequently involves a character unfolding in a gripping way.

It's important that writers in this area keep in mind the sensibility of its intended audience. I believe that it's great to spend time with teenagers if you're going to write for them, but I think it's even more important to read the books they're reading. Your query should mention what books are your influences or closest competitors. If you have writing credentials you should certainly mention them--not least because I think it's best for all writers to be exploring and learning from publication in a variety of formats--but I care more about your manuscript.

I'm excited to be working in this area and excited--if sometimes exhausted by--the huge number of submissions this area generates.

For what it's worth, some exhortations:

Writers of historical fiction, research the period. Personally I'd rather love a character that has the values of the period than love a character for sharing the values of the period I live in--but to some extent that's a commercial/literary distinction. More commercial books are more likely to give 21st century values to historical characters. The better you justify that--obviously people in history have always stood out, like the Grimke sisters--by careful character development, the better.

Writers of fantasy fiction, beware boring your reader with too many details of your creation. For me a great setting is neat but without a plot and great characters, I'm bored. For me The Lord of the Rings exhibited this problem.

If your book is literary fiction, know your characters inside and out.

If your book is paranormal, try not to sound too much like recent bestsellers.

If your protagonist is going to relocate a lot and enter different communities, bear in mind that leaving behind the characters you've developed is a loss for which you must compensate.

If you received a rejection from me after sending a query that did not include 1-3 pages of sample material at the bottom, you can re-query with the sample material. While I’m frustrated that you didn’t follow the directions the first time, and hope that you will not be trifling with agents’ time in the future, rejections not based on sample material review may be overturned. Sample material is the most important part of the query.