Manuscript Wish List

If you’re not familiar with the Manuscript Wish List website or the Twitter hashtag #MSWL, and you are submitting manuscripts to editors or looking for agents, now might be the time to check into one or both of these.
 
First, some basics:
 
The website http://manuscriptwishlist.com is a searchable site to discover what agents and editors are looking for. It also tells you a bit about the person, and provides submission information, or a link to submission information. New agents and editors are featured.
 
The hashtag on Twitter is a chance for editors and agents to tweet specifically what they are looking for. You may favorite or retweet these, but DO NOT use the hashtag yourself to pitch. The next #MSWL Day Is Wednesday, September 12th. On that day you can search for the hashtag #MSWL and watch what these professionals are posting. It doesn’t mean they aren’t posted on other days—this will just be a special focus day. Oh, and because posting with this hashtag is so easy, it may be more up-to-date than the site.
 
The specifics:
 
The easiest way to explain both of these is to show not tell. J
 
The website. I used their search box and entered “inspirational romance.” Eight names popped up. Let’s look at a few. First up is an agent, followed by an editor.
 
Elizabeth Poteet, The Seymour Agency. Her submission guidelines say: “We are looking for all sub-genres of romance, 25k-100k words. All books should end in a happily ever after or a happily for now (if the characters are continuing in a series.) For heat level and other helpful information please see the individual category guidelines at smpswerve.com.” There’s also a section on recent acquisitions.
 
Shana Asaro, Harlequin/Love Inspired. She says, “I am actively seeking category-length inspirational (Christian) romance for Harlequin's Love Inspired (contemporary romance) and Love Inspired Suspense (romantic suspense) series lines.” There are lists of what she’d like to see in submissions and what she’d not like to see. She also has some recent books acquired and edited by her, plus fun facts, and, of course, submission guidelines.
 
Just as information shared varies on these two pages, no two entries will be exactly alike. Pages usually include a picture. If you know a professional’s name, you can use the search box to see if she participates. Of course, do research on anyone you are interested in submitting to.
 
The hashtag. A recent search of the #MSWL gave me several interesting posts. First, from a few agents:
 
Lynnette Novak‏ @Lynnette_Novak Sep 4

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I’d love to see more adult fantasy and cozy mysteries in my box. Send ‘em over! Paste query and 1st 5 pages in body of email. Querylynnette (at) theseymouragency (dot) com. #MSWL
#amquerying
 
Naomi Davis‏ @NaomisLitPix Aug 28
#MSWL - REALLY looking for diverse adult fantasy! Show me worlds inspired by cultures I have not yet explored through fantasy, show me main characters w/ unorthodox fantasy roles who may usually be considered "side" roles, show me older protags & established relationships!
And here’s one from a publisher:
Bienvenue Press‏ @BienvenuePress 19 hours ago
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Bienvenue Press is currently looking for #submissions for its Hometown Heroes Christmas anthology. Click the link for details. #amquerying #amwriting #books #MSWL https://bit.ly/2JbbIm1 


You can see by these three examples that the specificity varies. Always do research on any editor, agent, or publisher. People have scammed #MSWL.
 
FAQ
 

1. Do you have to subscribe to the Manuscript Wish List site? No, you may visit at any time. However, you may want to subscribe to the newsletter. There’s also a blog.

 

1. Do you have to join Twitter to see the hashtag #MSWL? No, you do not. You can search for the hashtag at any time. But, once you find people you like, you may want to start following them, which would require a Twitter account.

 
If you have other questions, feel free to ask them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer.

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