Ginger Hutchinson

Hi! Welcome to my MSWL. 

I’m looking for high-concept* commercial, upmarket**, and select literary fiction. I’m actively seeking archetypal stories with a strong hook, compelling characters and a rich sense of place. I value quality writing that demonstrates a serious consideration of craft, and I’m keen to work with authors who know their audience.

*What is “high-concept” fiction? I found this description to be helpful. And this one.

**What is upmarket fiction?

Please send me…

I’m especially looking for escapist books: beach reads in unique locations, crossover romance, mysteries and thrillers that transport me. I’d love to see some clever puzzle-solving mysteries with an underdog protagonist or ensemble, like The Thursday Murder Club or The Maid. I’m open to historical fiction with genre crossover, a feminist bent, and that centers on underrepresented identities. Additionally, I’d love some character-driven book-club reads that spark conversation—think Liz Moore or Brit Bennett. I love stories with a tight timeframe and high emotional stakes. I have a soft spot for books set in the South.

I’m currently reading Leila Mottley’s The Girls Who Grew Big, which centers on a group of teen moms living on the Florida Panhandle—so, pretty much my perfect novel.

I’m also curious to see stories of all genres set in specific hobby groups, such as filmmaking, ballet/dance, knitting/crochet. I would particularly love a thriller that centers on an unusual career that lends itself to interesting psychological phenomena—like deep-sea fishing, cargo/container ships, long-haul trucking, railroad conductors…see where I’m going?

When it comes to genre fiction, I’m open to magical realism, speculative fiction, light fantasy and some sci-fi, but they must be grounded in real human emotions and conflict. Think five-minute-in-the-future stories. Kelly Link, Karen Russell, Ling Ma, Jesmyn Ward, TJ Klune. I’d love a book about mushrooms/fungi, the deep sea, or a completely fresh take on a space novel.

I’m open to horror, but I’m not into gratuitous violence or excessive gore on the page. When it comes to horror, I definitely prefer stories that explore social issues, such as race, class, gender, and body politics. I like my genre fiction with a bite and a touch of camp—dark humor, sharp writing, and lovable characters. Bunny by Mona Awad and The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix are good examples of what I’m after.

Please note that I’m very selective with non-fiction, as fiction is my main focus. Memoirs need a big commercial hook and out-of-this-world writing on the level of H is for Hawk or Crying in H Mart. I’m open to expert-written, journalistic, and investigative non-fiction, particularly if you have a strong platform and POV. My areas of interest include pop-culture, cultural criticism, film/tv/media, human/animal relationships, alternative histories from fresh and diverse perspectives. I like nature writing that leaves you feeling hopeful and connected to the environment, in the vein of The Hidden Life of Trees or Underland. 

I’d be thrilled to hear from Indigenous/First Nations authors writing in any genre.

Themes I enjoy: found family, sisterhood, complex female relationships, family secrets, intergenerational bonds, unlikely allies, characters out of their elements, the healing power of nature.

Subject matters I like include: the arts, rural, coastal or mountain settings, friends/enemies-to-lovers, interior design, old houses/renovations, vacations/retreats gone wrong, surfing, sports (soccer, running), plants/flowers, botany/herbology, off-the-grid living.

I love to see: clear archetypes (re: Save the Cat), dual timelines, multiple POVs, well-earned twists, lovable side characters, fast pacing, minimal use of adverbs, satisfying misdirections and careful plotting. Across genres, I’m looking for authors who not only reflect and comment on the zeitgeist, but challenge and push the conversation forward.

Please don’t send me…

I’m not interested in toxic romance tropes that include predatory and abusive behaviors. I’m not interested in pandemic books, military or medical thrillers, espionage, humor, or religious books. I’m also not the right fit for your YA, middle grade, or children’s manuscripts.

About me…

I’m a Florida girl at heart, but now I make the most living in a city by cramming my patio with tomato plants and rescuing wild kitties off the street. On the weekend, you can find me at a matinée, people watching at the park, or somewhere collecting cool rocks. 

Find me on Instagram @gingerhutchinson_mtm. 

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to https://QueryTracker.net/query/gingerhutchinson_mtm

My submission guidelines have changed. I’m no longer accepting queries via e-mail, except for referrals. Please use my form on QueryManager for all submissions. 

 

Guidelines & Details