Nicole Payne

In general, I represent young adult and adult fiction novels. I primarily represent romance and other genres that pair nicely with it. As I slowly delve into non-fiction, I would love to see more science-based books, especially biology and forensic, as well as medicine and cookbooks in my inbox. I’m also actively seeking diverse voices and stories across the board. Give me all those books!

***Only searching for all things romance such as:

• Rom coms – more than just the stereotypical boy meets girl. Give me something with a twist. I want depth but still cute and with great chemistry and banter.
• Dark romances with spicy scenes (always consensual with open- or closed-door scenes)
• Fantasy (no specifics on type as long as there’s a significant romance)
• Romances with flawed characters – love character growth and fine with Happy For Now as long as they’re working on bettering themselves to achieve that Happily Ever After
• Romantic thrillers
• Romantic mysteries with unreliable narrators- there’s nothing better than being sent down dozens of wrong rabbit holes

Specific things I want to see:

In general

• Stories that have amazing voice, killer plot, magical words, and a uniqueness that can’t be matched
• More diverse voices and stories written by BIPOC authors
• Starting scenes where we’re dropped right into the action (no backstory)

​Fiction

• STEM or STEAM-related books
• Exotic settings- looking for non-European
• Mythology – Egyptian, Norse, Chinese (no Greek, please)
• Vampires (different than Twilight), Zombies, Aliens, or Psychics
• Unique take on fairy tale retellings
• Books focusing on body positivity
• Redemption stories

Non-fiction

• Pop science- books in the biology, forensics, and medicine realm but told in an engaging way and not like a typical textbook
• Cookbooks- looking for Eurasian, or African specific recipes with a story

I’m NOT looking for:

• Picture/chapter books
• Middle grade
• Political heavy novels
• Poetry Collections
• Novellas or stories less than 50K
• Erotica
• Previously published novels (please only send unpublished ones)

Specific Things I DON’T want to see:

• In paranormal fiction, I don’t currently want to see ghosts or genies. Witches are fine as long as there’s a unique take on them
• In fantasy, I am not looking for teen girl who unknowingly has powers and must save the world
• Stories that start with the character waking up from a dream or nightmare
• Stories that start with the character being followed by a person in a hooded cloak
• Stories that start with the setting or weather (ie: “It was the winter of …” or “It was a beautiful fall day…”)

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to http://querymanager.com/npayne

***Please check my Instagram page or Copps Literary Services for when I reopen to queries.***

I don’t take email submissions. Please query me at http://querymanager.com/npayne for any queries to be considered. Thanks!

Guidelines & Details