Natalie Lakosil

Hi there! I am an agent at and founder of Looking Glass Literary & Media. I’ve been an agent since 2009. My specialties are: all ages of children’s literature (fiction and nonfiction); adult cozy mystery/crime/thriller, upmarket women’s/book club fiction, romance; illustrators; and adult nonfiction.

Across the board, I’m prioritizing projects by and about BIPOC and underrepresented voices. I’m looking for stories of joy, where identity isn’t the focus.

At this time, I’m mainly looking to build out my adult fiction and adult nonfiction client list, as well as perhaps an irresistible YA or author/illustrator project.

Fiction

• I can go as spicy as 4ish/5 (not looking for erotica right now) and love scrappy fierce female leads ala QUICKSILVER and FOURTH WING. I also adore a Touch Her and Die trope, and enemies to lovers is my favorite set up. Close second are forced proximity and/or there’s only one bed. Love a grumpy/sunshine vibe.
• LOVE books with a dash or magic or a speculative edge
• In thrillers and mysteries, I would DIE for something twisty and speculative like THE 7 1/2 DEATHS OF EVELYN HARDCASTLE, or cozy, hilarious, insane, and unpredictable like DIAL A FOR AUNTIES or dark and twisty like THE HOUSEMAID.
• Also down for a mash-up of any of these with horror, too!

• Sci fi that reads like fantasy ala the Dragons of Pern series, and THE FORGETTING/THE KNOWING. I would LOVE a sci fi of a founding colony that the sequel is hundreds of years later when they’ve forgotten everything.
• Unicorns: in a really cool and fresh take and fantasy. ACORNA, THE LAST UNICORN, super bonus points if it’s sexy.

Author/illustrators:

• I am DYING for funny books with fantastic read-aloud potential, especially by BIPOC authors. Something zany and silly like BATHE THE CAT, LLAMA DESTROYS THE WORLD, LEAVE ME ALONE.

YA

• I want to be surprised! I want the book I’m going to brag about to colleagues over cocktails. Above all, it’s a book that can be pitched in one sentence with a killer hook!! So I’m pretty open here on genre (as long as it fits within my general tastes).
• Also, I’m in love with KPOP DEMON HUNTERS right now and maybe there’s a YA with that vibe??

Nonfiction: I’m down to roll up my sleeves and help develop a project for a person with a strong platform. Platform can be social media related, but it also encompasses expertise and network.

General wishlist:

I am a commercial reader. I like highly engaging reads, whether that comes from an unforgettable voice or an unforgettable plot (though ideally both!). Not afraid to ugly cry from reading a book; I love novels that make me feel (scared, sappy, sad, a burning fire of justice – whatever it is, I want to really be sucked in and passionate!). Hooky and commercial. I am very plot-driven and like tightly paced works. Voice is the key for me however – plot and pacing can be fixed, voice needs to sing!

In novels, I like historical (primarily 1800s-1920s), multi-cultural, magical realism, queer, trans, LGBTQ, strong female leads, grounded sci-fi/fantasy, gritty, thrilling and darker contemporary novels, horror, and rom coms with really fresh hooks (but tried and true tropes like enemies to lovers and stuck together welcome!!).

In picture books, I like short-texted (500 words or less), emotionally-resonant, quirky or character-driven. I’m not into super didactic (message-driven) texts, and like softer, lyrical bedtime books that are beautifully written and emotionally resonant. I love books with humor, strong voices, strong characters, and texts with fun, clever and unexpected twists at the end. Open to rhyme executed well, author/illustrator and text-only.

In nonfiction, I look for unique perspectives and fresh ideas.  In children’s, I like picture book biographies, STEM topics, and texts exploring feminist and social issues. In adult, platform and innovation are key; I tend to like prescriptive titles in the areas of self-help, parenting, psychology, business, and science, and am also open to quirky gift and humor books, New Age titles, and nonfiction featuring under-represented voices.

I do not represent inspirational novels, poetry, or screenplays.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to http://QueryMe.Online/natlak

PLEASE submit using this form!

Fiction
You will need a query letter along with the first chapter of your manuscript and a synopsis.

Illustrators/Picture Books
Picture book submissions should include a short query along with the entire manuscript. Feel free to send 2-3 picture book submissions at one time (within the body of the text box on the form). Artwork is not required to submit a picture book text, but if you are an illustrator and/or seeking representation for artwork, please include a link to your online portfolio and a link to the online dummy. Please do not attach or email artwork.

Adult Non-fiction
You will need a full proposal including a query letter and a sample chapter. For detailed guidelines on how to write a non-fiction proposal, please check out my blog.