Live Queries & Pages Panel with HarperCollins Editor Stephanie Stein

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Submit your work for a chance at live feedback from our panel--plus, of course, a publishing Q&A. This event is designed to be supportive, uplifting, encouraging--and 100% introvert-friendly. (Wear pajamas! We'll never know.)

A replay will be available after the end of the event, and we'll send the link to submit your work when we register. This event will work on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

Queries and pages will be chosen at random, then given three minutes of feedback, so we can get through as many as possible.

Stephanie says:
I’m looking for YA and middle-grade fiction in a variety of genres, including fantasy, contemporary, historical, and high-concept contemporary with a slight speculative twist (think They Both Die at the End or Before I Fall). I am focused on building an inclusive list with a variety of different voices, and am always looking for own voices and underrepresented authors and characters–both in books that tackle serious topics and questions of identity head on, and in genre fiction and more light-hearted contemporary stories.

I love stories that play with narrative structure (non-linear timelines, unconventional POVs, quirky or unreliable narrators) and/or twist the rules of genre.

In YA, I look for smart, atmospheric, voice-driven stories, whether they’re witty and full of snappy dialogue or lyrical and literary. I’m a fan of slow-burning romantic tension, stories of friendship and sisterhood, complex family relationships, and retellings–if they bring a new twist to the table (gender-swapped, feminist, and queer lenses always catch my attention!). My first love is YA fantasy, where I look for unique or complex magic, strong worldbuilding, and morally complex dilemmas and characters.

In middle grade, I’m interested in multi-layered humor that kids of all ages can enjoy, a great puzzle or mystery, and stories about friendship and family. Right now I am especially looking for contemporary middle grade, fantasy with a literary feel, and magical realism.
I always fall for: parallel universes, magical schools, disaster epics, heists, wishes, underdog sports teams, tournaments and competitions, magical undercities, “found families,” best friends who fall in love, slow-burn romances with a side order of mutual pining, and multigenerational family stories.