Query Submission

Kelly Dyksterhouse at The Tobias Literary Agency

To submit a query to Kelly Dyksterhouse, please fill out the form below.

A quick note about what I am acquiring:
For picture books, I am only accepting work by author-illustrators.

For both MG and YA, I like to say that my tastes are high-concept plot with high-level writing. I love pace-y, escapist reads, but I also want well defined characters and themes.

I am looking for MG featuring ensemble casts, unlikely heroes, surprise friendships and complicated, yet hopeful family dynamics. High-concept, fast-paced adventure books with a commercial hook, as well as literary works with lush, lyrical writing. And I love all things spooky. I am particularly interested in books written by and featuring underrepresented voices in ways that showcase kids being kids in all the ways mentioned above.

For YA, I'd love a fun, escapist fantasy or a unique retellings. I enjoy romance, but prefer the romance to be the B plot rather than what carries the story. I'd also enjoy speculative fiction that is layered, has a distinct voice, and is grounded in a universal emotional desire and theme, literary works with a commercial hook, and genre mash-ups. I'm especially drawn to vivid and immersive settings and would love a smart, funny heist and a moving novel in verse. As with all age groups, representation matters, and I am particularly keen to showcase underrepresented voices.
More about my interests can be found on my MSWL page: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/kelly-dyksterhouse/

Again, thanks for thinking of me for your work. I am looking forward to reading it!

Hello!

Thanks so much for thinking of me for your work! If you are querying picture books, please query a single manuscript and include that complete manuscript in the query. For novels, please include a one page synopsis and the first ten pages of your work. For novels in verse, please include a one page synopsis and the first five (5) chapters of your work. For chapter books, please include a series overview in your query, a one paragraph synopsis of the first three books, and the complete manuscript of your first book.

Again, thanks for thinking of me for your work! I can't wait to dig in!

My best,
Kelly

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