Following an internship with agent Anna Olswanger, I became a Literary Associate with Olswanger Literary in September 2021. If you are a writer who has a polished manuscript in the areas of adult fiction or narrative nonfiction, please check below for my current submission status as well as my interests and submission guidelines.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR
I accept submissions for adult fiction and select narrative nonfiction. In adult fiction, I am seeking upmarket and commercial fiction in the following areas: women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, psychological thrillers/suspense, mystery, and light/smart horror (not slasher/gore; think more Grady Hendrix-style for this). I will consider literary fiction so long as there is a discernible structure/plot. (I am not the best fit for stories focused on an emotional or sensory journey—beautiful as the writing may be—if the storyline is vague or absent.) I am open to historical fiction, but please do not send manuscripts set prior to the 19th century. I welcome and encourage diverse narratives, including but not limited to LGBTQ+ and underrepresented ethnicities/cultures. I adore stories with humor, well-done ensemble casts, and plots that deliver the unexpected. Send me something unique that will make me laugh! I'd love to see book club fiction or something spooky and atmospheric (not gory). I'm not a match for science fiction/fantasy but am open to stories with light elements of fantasy or magical realism grounded in a familiar world (think The House in the Cerulean Sea).
In narrative nonfiction, areas of interest include (but are not limited to) true crime (i.e., The Trial of Lizzie Borden, by Cara Robertson) and unique windows into history (i.e., Mudlark, by Lara Maiklem).
I accept submissions for adult fiction and select narrative nonfiction. In adult fiction, I am seeking upmarket and commercial fiction in the following areas: women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, psychological thrillers/suspense, mystery, and light/smart horror (not slasher/gore; think more Grady Hendrix-style for this). I will consider literary fiction so long as there is a discernible structure/plot. (I am not the best fit for stories focused on an emotional or sensory journey—beautiful as the writing may be—if the storyline is vague or absent.) I am open to historical fiction, but please do not send manuscripts set prior to the 19th century. I welcome and encourage diverse narratives, including but not limited to LGBTQ+ and underrepresented ethnicities/cultures. I adore stories with humor, well-done ensemble casts, and plots that deliver the unexpected. Send me something unique that will make me laugh! I'd love to see book club fiction or something spooky and atmospheric (not gory). I'm not a match for science fiction/fantasy but am open to stories with light elements of fantasy or magical realism grounded in a familiar world (think The House in the Cerulean Sea).
In narrative nonfiction, areas of interest include (but are not limited to) true crime (i.e., The Trial of Lizzie Borden, by Cara Robertson) and unique windows into history (i.e., Mudlark, by Lara Maiklem).
SEND ME:
General Fiction
Upmarket
Commercial
Literary
Women’s Fiction
Contemporary
Multicultural
LGBTQ+
Historical (nothing set prior to the year 1800, please)
Suspense/Thrillers
Mystery
Magical Realism
Light/clever horror (not gore-heavy)
Narrative Nonfiction
General Fiction
Upmarket
Commercial
Literary
Women’s Fiction
Contemporary
Multicultural
LGBTQ+
Historical (nothing set prior to the year 1800, please)
Suspense/Thrillers
Mystery
Magical Realism
Light/clever horror (not gore-heavy)
Narrative Nonfiction
DO NOT SEND:
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Military/Political Fiction
Erotica
Children’s/Picture Books
Middle Grade
Young Adult
New Adult
Graphic Novels
Memoir
Poetry
Screenplays
Want a better sense of what books have kept me turning the pages? Check out my Pinterest book boards:
ADULT FICTION
ADULT NONFICTION
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Military/Political Fiction
Erotica
Children’s/Picture Books
Middle Grade
Young Adult
New Adult
Graphic Novels
Memoir
Poetry
Screenplays
Want a better sense of what books have kept me turning the pages? Check out my Pinterest book boards:
ADULT FICTION
ADULT NONFICTION
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
TO QUERY:
For fiction and narrative nonfiction, include a brief query letter, the first 20 pages of your manuscript, and a synopsis using this link: https://QueryManager.com/AnnieRomano.
I aim to respond to queries within 10 weeks. I regret that, when replying, I cannot provide specific feedback on manuscripts. This is an unfortunate reality of the time restraints of the business and the volume of queries received. I am keenly aware of the time and effort that goes into crafting a story, and I appreciate you trusting me with your work. (Note: Please send to only one Olswanger literary associate at a time. If one of us passes, you are welcome to submit to another.)
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS:
For non-query business/industry professional communication, I can be reached at annie@olswangerliterary.com. (Writers: Please do not send queries to this email. Any queries sent to this email will be deleted unread.)
TO QUERY:
For fiction and narrative nonfiction, include a brief query letter, the first 20 pages of your manuscript, and a synopsis using this link: https://QueryManager.com/AnnieRomano.
I aim to respond to queries within 10 weeks. I regret that, when replying, I cannot provide specific feedback on manuscripts. This is an unfortunate reality of the time restraints of the business and the volume of queries received. I am keenly aware of the time and effort that goes into crafting a story, and I appreciate you trusting me with your work. (Note: Please send to only one Olswanger literary associate at a time. If one of us passes, you are welcome to submit to another.)
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS:
For non-query business/industry professional communication, I can be reached at annie@olswangerliterary.com. (Writers: Please do not send queries to this email. Any queries sent to this email will be deleted unread.)
QUERY TIPS
- Be sure your work is complete and polished before querying.
- Include the title, genre, word count, and recent comp titles/authors.
- Keep your bio brief and relevant.
- Do not send any materials that are not specifically requested in the submission guidelines.
- If you're submitting narrative nonfiction, include your credentials on the topic.
“No author dislikes to be edited as much as he dislikes not to be published.” - Russell Lynes