Saffron Dodd

I’m currently open to Middle Grade, Young Adult, and graphic novel (across all ages) submissions.

Please note, I do not currently accept picture book submissions and any received will be passed automatically during this time.

Middle Grade

I’m on the lookout for fresh and innovative stories in the Middle Grade and Young Fiction (Chapter Books) space. Stories that’ll capture a young person’s attention and imagination and spark a lifelong love of reading. To get a little more specific…I’m looking for fantasy worlds with a twist–whether it’s a unique magic system, an unconventional setting, or unexpected creatures, I’m looking for fresh takes on classic fantasy tropes or introductions to mythologies and magic we don’t often see in this space.

I’m not just looking for portal or secondary world fantasies. I want to see magic in everyday life–manuscripts that merge the extraordinary with the ordinary in contemporary fantasies and blur the lines between reality and magic. I’d love to see some submissions where fantastical elements seamlessly integrate into the everyday lives of the characters.

Outside of fantasy, I’m also looking for action packed sci-fi–I lean more towards the space and aliens side than hardcore robotics and tech–and MG contemporary that explores themes of friendship, first crushes, identity, and growth–stories that will resonate with readers on a deeper level and inspire them to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.

I’m looking for stories with humour and heart, and stories that centre diverse voices intrinsically without necessarily being issues based or trauma led. I’d also love to see submissions that play with traditional narrative structures or incorporate unconventional storytelling techiques, like non-linear timelines or epistolary formats. Work that pushes the boundaries of MG fiction and offers a fresh storytelling experience.

Some of my recent MG favourites include:

• Midsummer’s Mayhem by Rajani Larocca
• House of Shells by Efua Traoré
• Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend by Lizzie Huxley-Jones
• Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
• Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight by Maria Motunrayo Adebisi

Young Adult

I’m looking for stories that encompass the broad range of YA–things that’ll appeal to teens and those in the upper age ranges.

At the younger end of the spectrum I’m looking for sweet contemporary romance that will resonate with the emotions and experiences of teenage readers. I want first crushes, summer flings, tender moments, and the beauty of falling in love when you least expect it. I’m not looking for any steam or spice here at all. I’d also love some teen contemporary that doesn’t feature romance at all––that’s filled with joy, friendship, familial matters and more.

I’m looking for action-packed fantasy and sci-fi–again, light on the romance–that will whisk young readers away on thrilling adventures. Give me a modern take or twist on the standard ‘battling dark forces to save a kingdom’ or ‘unraveling ancient mysteries to unlock hidden powers’. I want to see dystopian societies fighting for survival, spacefaring adventurers exploring distant galaxies and alternate realities – I’m not a great fit for time slip novels, but I’ll happily check out time travel. I’d also love to see mysteries for the teen reader (think a 2024 Sammy Keyes).

Some of my recent favourite ‘teen’ reads include:

• Friendship Never Ends by Alexandra Sheppard
• Bad Influence by Tamsin Winter
• Quiet Storm by Kimberly Whittam
• Glow Up, Lara Bloom by Dee Benson

I am currently closed to upper-YA queries. When I reopen, I am looking for the below:

As we age up in the YA space, I always enjoying seeing fantasy–high, low, urban, contemporary, paranormal, and I’d love to see more YA fantasy where romance isn’t a driving force. Send me your stories that focus on other kinds of love. I’m not opposed to a romantic subplot but I’m really looking for stories where it isn’t the be all and end all. (I would, however, love to see more YA fantasy where the romance is a true s l o w b u r n. I want to be swept away by the depth of emotion and the gradual development of the romantic relationship, but I don’t want it to be the focus.)

Give me imaginative settings, complex magic systems, political intrigue, and high-stakes quests that keep me glued to the page from beginning to end.I’d love to see more genre-bending in the YA space. Murder mysteries set in fantasy worlds, sci-fi horrors, comedic thrillers, heists with a dash of romance…

I’d like to see contemporary novels with both a fresh voice and a fresh perspective, that tackle timely themes with authenticity, humour, and heart. Whether it’s exploring identity, friendship, mental health, or social justice, I want to see stories that resonate with readers and offer insight into the complexities of the teenage experience in today’s world.

In general, I’m always on the lookout for books set in or inspired by the Caribbean and written by Caribbean authors or authors from the Caribbean diaspora. Send me your contemporary tales set against the backdrop of sun-drenched beaches, lush jungles, or vibrant cities, your stories steeped in Caribbean folklore and tradition, or fantastical adventures inspired by the region’s myths and legends.

Above all, I’m keen to see work from historically excluded and underrepresented writers in the UK.

Some of my recent YA favourites include:

• King of Dead Things by Nevin Holness
• The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
• The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
• Influential by Amara Sage
• Monsters Born and Made by Tanvi Berwah

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to https://querymanager.com/query/saffronashliterary

Please send the first three chapters of your novel and a short synopsis in the first instance via QueryManager.

Saffron can be queried through QueryManager or submissions@ashliterary.com (with a strong preference for QM).Submissions sent elsewhere and those sent to both QM and the email simultaneously will be deleted unread.

– If you are re-querying a manuscript I’ve previously passed on, please make it clear in your query letter that substantial edits have been made since I last read, otherwise I will assume no edits have been made and will have to pass without reading
– I’m not the best fit for verse novels, novels where police brutality is the main conflict/theme, and novels including extensive and explicit drug usage
– I am not currently accepting picture book submissions or illustrator portfolios (unless accompanied by a graphic novel pitch)
– If you query via the ASH Literary email, please include FAO: Saffron Dodd in your subject line

Guidelines & Details