Jonah Heller

I acquire exclusively fiction across picture book, middle grade, and young adult audiences. I am not the best match for board books, graphic novels, nonfiction, serious historical fiction, or verse, but I am the right editor for the following . . .

Picture Books:

Child-centered, social-emotional learning themes of compassion, friendship, self-esteem, imagination, and developmental/life-changing moments, told with playful language and inventive story structure.  Fictionally-driven STEAM, early-learning concepts for the preschool audience, fractured fairy tales, and a handful of parent-child focused titles.

I almost always acquire something based on its read-aloud / story time potential: again, inventive, playful language is important. I enjoy stories featuring mischief makers, grumpy curmudgeons, lovable fools, and the strong-willed. Characters with attitude a major plus.

Will entertain pitches for picture book series proposals geared toward the preschool audience. Especially interested in author-illustrators.

Middle Grade:

Standalones or series: action-adventure, magical realism, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary narratives. Character and voice-driven with coming of age themes, substantial life-changing moments or discoveries, and diversified points of view. Escapist stories that take readers away from their own day-to-day norm, including modern settings featuring varied lifestyles and alternative points of view.

I’m afraid I sometimes have the attention span of a gnat, so strong voice, likable character, and a smooth, page-turning plot are vital. Catch my attention with rule-breakers, socially awkward characters, and diversified points of view.

Young Adult

Voice-driven works with strong character-building, literary writing, and commercial appeal. A mix of contemporary, magical realism, a touch of non-gimmicky crime/thriller/mystery, and a ton science fiction & fantasy. Exploring identity-focused themes and consequential, life-changing character moments that offer cathartic arcs of healing or discovery. Generally standalone, but if the writing is stellar then I’ll start entertaining companions and series outlines.

While I have worked on many a contemporary rom-com, I prefer fantasies with stellar world building and magic systems that come with limitations. Love to root for the outcasts and underdogs.

Typically marginalized stories, LGBTQ+ content, and neurodiverse protagonists especially welcome across all categories.  

Submission Guidelines

Peachtree is closed to unsolicited submissions. We are only accepting agented or requested materials at this time.

Guidelines & Details