Amy Fitzgerald

I’m Lerner Publishing Group’s senior editorial director for middle grade and young adult trade books. I acquire and edit MG and YA novels for Carolrhoda Books/Lab, as well as MG and YA nonfiction for Zest Books.

For fiction: Contemporary realism and historical fiction make up the bulk of my list. I aim to publish novels that reflect the complexity of the real world and that respect the intelligence, resilience, and sensitivity of young readers. I love stories written from perspectives that I haven’t seen before (or haven’t seen enough). I’m on the lookout for fierce, honest, page-turning stories about kids solving mysteries, going on missions, being themselves in a world that doesn’t make that easy, and tossing off brilliant one-liners.

For nonfiction: I’m looking for creatively presented, well-researched books covering focus topics related to history, science, and social topics. A vibrant tone and compelling storytelling should draw readers in, and a clear relevance to their lives and interests should keep them reading. Honest, inclusive, and sensitive handling of subject matter is a must. If it’s quirky, if it’s daring, if it’s fun yet thought-provoking, it might be for me. I’m especially keen on projects of around 15-35,000 words for Zest.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to afitzgerald@lernerbooks.com

For fiction: I accept submissions from agents via email to af*********@*********ks.com. I’m unable to accept submissions from unagented authors except during open calls, which are periodically announced on our blog.

For nonfiction: I accept submissions from agents and authors via email to af*********@*********ks.com. Please send a robust proposal and at least one sample chapter.