Amanda Ramirez

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

My Manuscript Wish List®

I am a children’s book editor looking to acquire young adult fiction, middle grade fiction, and graphic novel fiction across age ranges. I want to provide a platform to narratives that include, but are not limited to, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and differently abled voices, stories, and communities. I gravitate toward Latinx stories, queer stories, and stories with a keen sense of place.

I love romance, good humor, and squishy feelings. I’m not a dark and gritty, unhappy ending kind of gal. I love writing that’s romp-y, fun, and fresh, that can handle heavier topics with a light-hearted touch. Characters who are spunky, passionate, and empathetic are what I live for. I want to see more ensemble casts, atypical family structures, and found families. I’m chomping at the bit for more all-female casts and emotionally vulnerable male friendships. Take your favorite 80s-early aughts romcom and turn it into a book.

I gravitate mostly toward contemporary narratives, but love a grounded, high-concept modern fantasy or sci-fi. Some specific SFF topics I enjoy include pirates (both sea- and space-faring); mythological lore and non-Eurocentric inspired fantasies; shape-shifting & cloning; time travel, time loops, alternate universes, & the multi-verse; post-apocalypse; and ghosts. I have a particular interest in speculative fiction and stories that approach death, dying, and the afterlife in a new way.

I’m open to graphic novels across all age ranges and genres. I like to say that you can tell me any story you want as long as I love the illustrations—the art will always come first for me and I enjoy puzzling stories together. My favorite art styles tend to be stylistic, soft, vibrant, and dynamic. Take a look at this Pinterest board for the artists and styles I favor.

I am not looking for picture books, chapter books, anthologies, or nonfiction projects. Additionally, I am not the best match for literary projects; issue-driven books, drug / addiction narratives, stories based around suicide, or books that prominently feature rape or sexual assault; slapstick, toilet humor; sports books; historical; poetry or novels in verse; stories where the dog dies; or stories with animal protagonists.

Visit my Twitter to check out what I’m doing and loving day-to-day. To learn more about me and my books, hop on over to my website.

Submission Guidelines

I can only accept agented submissions.

Vital Info