Brianna Fairman

Hi, I’m Brianna! I’m an Assistant Editor at Putnam, an imprint of Penguin Random House. I’ve been a part of the Putnam team since 2024, after spending a couple of years at MCD. I am actively acquiring both fiction and nonfiction in the commercial and upmarket spaces.

What I’m Looking For 

Thriller/Mystery/Suspense: My interest in these categories is very broad. Send me your dark and psychological thrillers, your cozy mysteries, your juicy domestic suspense—I want to see it all! Across the board, the key things I’m looking for are a hooky, commercial plot and a fresh, strong voice. I love when it’s zany or darkly humorous, and when there’s an element of spice and/or romance. Feminist thrillers that make me say “GOOD FOR HER” are some of my favorites, as are novels that focus on themes of desire, obsession, ambition, loss/regret, and isolation. Bonus points if it explores sisterhood or mother/daughter relationships.

Speculative Fiction (SFF and Horror): Once again, my taste in these spaces is broad—I’m looking for smart and socially relevant horror, character-driven fantasy, and grounded sci-fi. I’m particularly interested in stories with Gothic vibes, as well as books that explore future technology/AI/androids, post-apocalyptic societies, and books about nature/eco-horror. If it has a premise that can be described as “bonkers,” or if it plays with genre, I’m probably going to love it. I prefer stories that have a hopeful or satisfying ending—it doesn’t have to be happy, but I’d also rather not feel bereft afterwards. 

Book Club Fiction: I love books that make me feel, from sweeping multi-generational narratives to poignant and irreverent Zillennial fiction. I am most drawn towards stories that explore self-discovery and romantic or family dynamics. Novels like Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin, The Husbands by Holly Gramazio, and The Wedding People by Alison Espach are some of my all-time favorites. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or disability rep is also a plus!

Nonfiction: While my list leans more towards fiction, I am eager to find nonfiction projects that are right for me. I’m looking for essay collections, cultural criticism, (tasteful!) true crime, popular psychology, and environmental science, as well as select history and memoir. If it feels like it could be adapted into a limited docuseries on Netflix (Bad Surgeon, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey, Twin Flame, etc), I’ll probably be obsessed with it.

Some Uber-Specific Topics I’d Love a Book About Include:

• Witches (fiction OR nonfiction!)
• Heists and spies (but not political)
• A speculative novel that draws inspiration from Simulacra and Simulation in some way (specifically the idea of hyperreality)
• Ethel Cain vibes
• International/exotic settings, as well as books set in Florida, Appalachia, and other weird, uncanny, or liminal spaces
• OCD
• PMDD/hormonal health

What I’m Not Looking For 

I am not interested in legal, military, or political thrillers. Romances and general historical fiction are also a no, but I will be happy to consider projects with these elements. Fantasy with a lot of worldbuilding or hard science fiction also won’t be a good fit. And if the dog dies, it’s not for me.

Submission Guidelines

I only accept agented submissions. If you are an author looking to submit your work, please do not submit to me.