My manuscript wish list changes depends on what I am actively seeking so check this page or my agent’s page on awfulagent.com for my most updated wish list.
In 2025, I am eagerly looking for nonfiction clients in the narrative nonfiction, pop science, pop culture, and self-help space with a special emphasis on writers from diverse backgrounds.
This is the first time in a long time that I’ve actively sought out nonfiction so I’m casting a wide net.
Please note, while these are all “wish list” items, I know that it’s very difficult to find an agent who matches your project 100%. My rule of thumb is that if your project matches +60% of my MSWL, it’s worth a shot to submit to me even if there’s something in the “anti” list. I’m always happy to be surprised in my reading!
In narrative nonfiction, I am particularly looking for stories that shed light on a little known or quirky parts of history, politics, science/technology, or pop/internet culture, especially if there can be a throughline to tie to today’s events. For example, FASHIONOPOLIS by Dana Thomas, MEET ME BY THE FOUNTAIN by Alexandra Lange, DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY by Erik Larson, and CULTISH by Amanda Montell.
I consider myself as a recovering Chronically Online person and as our lives become more and more influenced by social media algorithms, I am on the lookout for titles that examine our current internet culture and its real-life ramifications such as in Jonathan Haidt’s THE ANXIOUS GENERATION.
But I don’t want just doom and gloom analyses about how we’re too much on our phones. I’d love nonfiction with a practical, prescriptive approach on how to spend less time online, how to build an in person community, and how to reach people who have fallen down the wrong rabbit holes. I’d love to see something in the vein of HOW TO TALK TO YOUR SON ABOUT FASCISM by Craig A. Johnson and STOLEN FOCUS by Johann Hari.
I am also open to prescriptive nonfiction dedicated to all areas of self-improvement–making better food choices, making better financial decisions, making better dating approaches, and strengthening personal relationships.
Generally speaking, I want to find nonfiction titles that make me feel like I’ve learned to look at the world in a new way and I have been given the tools to improve myself or the environment around me.
I am open to memoirs but note, I will be extremely picky about them. I like the style of narrative nonfiction that blends in the author’s personal journey into the topic such as THE LADY FROM THE BLACK LAGOON by Mallory O’Meara. So what I will be seeking in memoirs is the ability to go beyond a personal narrative and establish a connection to a “big picture” aspect such as TRAVEL AS A POLITICAL ACT by Rick Steves, CARELESS PEOPLE by Sarah Wynn-Williams, or WHAT’S EATING US by Cole Kazdin.
Please note, I am NOT looking for cookbooks, gift books, fitness guides, business/entrepreneurship guides, or religion/spirituality nonfiction.
Susan Velazquez Colmant 