Laura Rennert

Andrea Brown Literary Agency

My Manuscript Wish List®

I am a “literary omnivore,” with wide-ranging interests. I specialize in all categories of children’s books, from picture books to young adult, and everything in between, and a number of genres of adult fiction. I also represent picture book and graphic novel illustrators, or author/illustrators.  I do not represent non-fiction.

In general, I’m drawn to contemporary fiction; multicultural and diverse books; genre fiction with an emotional underpinning; speculative fiction and alternate histories/realities; fantasy and paranormal; thrillers, science fiction and horror; and subversive fairy tales and unexpected retellings.

My sweet spot in the market combines literary voice with commercial conception.  Although my list is diverse, all of my projects have common threads: an original, unexpected point of view; a fresh, literary voice; a strong commercial hook; and conflicted characters who will win your heart (sometimes, against your will). I adore vivid, dynamic characters; an idiosyncratic, strong voice; and the ability to make readers both think and feel deeply.

I would love to find:

  • Fantasy, speculative fiction and/or historical fiction with a magic based in Jewish lore, or non-Western culture & mythology
  • Works that draw on classics, myths, and literary traditions, and reimagine them as something completely, captivatingly new (especially 19th century British Lit, Shakespeare, Dante, fairy tales, Asian mythologies)
  • Modern-day Gothic novel (similar to Mexican Gothic)
  • A police procedural/thriller in the vein of Tana French, especially by BIPOC or other underrepresented authors
  • Science Fiction/Fantasy that grapples with real social/political/cultural issues
  • Fiction with a strong regional flavor, world building and voice
  • Graphic novels for all ages, particularly from an author/illustrator
  • Illustrators with a distinctive style (bonus points for author/illustrators)

More broadly, I want to be surprised. I’m drawn to works that tell a great story using words and images in unexpected ways, whether for younger or older readers.

 

Children’s Books (PB, Chapter, MG, YA, Graphic Novels)

Right now, I am particularly seeking middle-grade fiction, YA fiction, graphic novels and picture books by author-illustrators.  I am relatively category agnostic when it comes to children’s books. Here are some of the things that make my agent (and reader) heart sing.

  • Fully-realized, unforgettable characters who make me care—characters who are sympathetic, frustrating, funny, surprising, and tug at the heart
  • insider/outsider perspectives
  • narrative risk takers
  • books that make me both laugh out loud and sob into my tea
  • page-turning plot
  • rich, immersive world building
  • fresh, idiosyncratic voice

I also love picture books with wit, whimsy, and heart.

 

Adult Fiction

I represent literary-commercial thrillers and psychological suspense/horror, general literary-commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, speculative fiction, and select historical fiction. In all categories I love unreliable narrators and morally ambiguous characters. I look for street cred and authenticity (whether of tradecraft, police procedure, historical/geographical setting, psychological profile). And I’m always fascinated with hidden worlds and secret knowledge.

Guidelines & Details