Zoie Janelle Konneker (Assistant Editor)

I am Zoie Janelle Konneker (she/her), an Assistant Editor at Peachtree Publishing Company.

**PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT AN AGENT.**
At this time I am only accepting agented submissions. I cannot help if you are looking for representation.

I am seeking children’s fiction across middle grade and young adult audiences, as well as both fiction and non-fiction picture books. I am looking for timeless, emotionally evocative, and fast-paced books to add to the Peachtree and Peachtree Teen lists!

ALL CATEGORIES

The manuscript should be child-centered and should contain realistic, culturally relevant themes. The history and liberation of the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and differently-abled communities are top priorities for me, so stories that provide unique, authentic perspectives and insight into their histories and experiences are especially intriguing. In fiction, I look for a writing style that falls along the intersection between literary and commercial without moving too far in one direction. I seek out stories with neurodivergent protagonists in particular. Body positivity and body diversity are also extremely important to me!

I tend to fall in love with books that makes me laugh and/or cry—especially those that do both!

I am not the best fit for: 

• Novels in verse
• Birth to death biographies
• Holiday-themed books
• Angels & demons, fairies/fae, vampires & werewolves
• Magical or non-magical boarding school settings
• Space travel or multiverse sci-fi
• Horror or psychological thrillers
• Murder mysteries
• War-time or war stories

PICTURE BOOKS

I am looking for fiction and non-fiction picture books for children ages 4 to 8 years old. I prefer stories with an original message, provide insight into a lesser-known topic, and showcase an underrepresented perspective or identity. For non-fiction, I am looking for material that would supplement U.S. public school curriculum and belong in a classroom or library setting.

As I am still developing my picture book list, I am currently open to a broader range of genres and topics.

MIDDLE GRADE

I am looking for standalone novels and chapter books that are full of action and heart. I prefer immersive, evenly-paced writing that emphasizes and amplifies the protagonist’s unique voice. The plot must feel high stakes, regardless of setting or circumstances. I tend to enjoy historical fiction and historical fantasy, contemporary, soft sci-fi, fantasy, and humor. The protagonist’s age should be between 8 and 14 years old.

Cringe-worthy coming-of-age stories with strong-willed, messy, emotional protagonists are my favorite! Stories about a specific era of history that is often overlooked or whitewashed are particularly interesting to me. I enjoy themes of friendship, compassion, sharing, honesty, learning and problem-solving, self-esteem/acceptance and self-reliance, identity, imagination and creativity, decision-making, and unconventional or found families.

Bonus points: 

• Well-timed plot twists
• Southeastern U.S. setting
• Complex parent/child relationships

YOUNG ADULT

I am looking for standalone titles with immersive, atmospheric writing that emphasizes and amplifies the protagonist’s (or protagonists’) unique voice. I seek out manuscripts that are equally plot and character-driven, highly descriptive, fast-paced, and most importantly, high stakes. Atmosphere, mood, and voice are make or break. My tastes skew slightly toward literary over commercial style, but I do not have a strong preference. The protagonist’s age range should fall between 14 and 18 years old (summer after 8th grade through summer after high school).

As with middle grade, the messier the characters the better! Complex characters with difficult choices are the most fun to read about, regardless of the setting or circumstances. I enjoy historical fiction and historical fantasy, contemporary, soft sci-fi, fantasy, supernatural, and rom-coms. Themes of agency, family, friendship, new relationships, coming of age or entering the world as an adult, identity, self-esteem, and decision-making appeal to me.

Bonus Points: 

• Gender nonconforming characters
• Southeastern U.S. setting
• Sapphic romance
• Unique and believable antagonists

My dream projects include: 

• YA/MG American Indigenous protagonist in a contemporary setting
• YA/MG unconventional or lesser-known sports competition rivalry drama
• MG Appalachia magic/folklore
• MG sapphic main character(s)

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to zoie.konneker@peachtreebooks.com

I am restricting submissions to AGENTED ONLY at this time. Please check back at a later date for un-agented submissions.

**DO NOT send me material that was created with the assistance of AI. These submissions will be immediately deleted.**

Please email submission materials to zo***********@pe************.com and include #MSWL and/or “Submission” in the subject line.
I strongly prefer to receive plot summaries AND full manuscripts attached as Word or PDF files in a submission/pitch email.

Because of the volume of submissions currently in my inbox, please wait at least 30 days before following up if you do not hear from me.

Thank you so much!