What do you think will be trends in publishing in the coming year?

I think we’re going to see a lot more crossover YA/adult titles that feature 20-something characters.

We’re already seeing a rise in narrative nonfiction across ages by marginalized and underrepresented writers, which is amazing; these voices deserve to tell their stories, too.

And then, of course, graphic novels are only going to continue to grow. The interplay between text and art allows for even more stories, including nonfiction narratives, to be told in unique ways. I have young cousins who discovered a love for reading solely thanks to highly illustrated chapter books (like the Princess in Black series by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, which I adore!) and graphic novels, so I think it’s great.

And then, on a more personal note, we’re already seeing the resurgence of dead genres. By that, I mean genres like paranormal and dystopia that were so popular in the 2000s but became very difficult to sell/acquire. It’s my hope that this wave is led by marginalized and underrepresented writers, like with Renée Ahdieh’s forthcoming novel, The Beautiful.

Also, horror! It’s totally coming back.

In short, what I love about the market right now is that it feels like anything can work if it’s unique enough. So I’d encourage writers to take a chance and write the story of their heart.

What book/genre/topic would you like to see cross your transom?

I’ve been obsessed with Victor LaValle’s The Changeling since I devoured it last year, and I adore everything by Karen Russell and Jesmyn Ward. I’d love to find stories and voices like those in any age category.

I’m also dying for a romance novel focusing on those of marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds, like those by Jasmine Guillory, who I adore, or Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue, which I just finished reading (loved it; it combines so many of my favorite things!).

What topic do you never want to see again?

Talking animals. It’s just not my thing. 

What would you like to change about the publishing industry?

I would love for everyone to care as much about diversity efforts as those from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds do. There’s a real need to invest in these communities, and by that, I mean supporting those already doing that work—supporting authors and illustrators from underrepresented and marginalized groups as well as staff within the industry. I’d also like to see diversity not being viewed as a trend. We’re still at a point where the stories that are being celebrated are, for the most part, those that cater to a middle-class and white and able-bodied and cisgender mainstream. It’s past time to really examine our privileges and think about ways to bring in (and retain!) people from lower socio-economic backgrounds as well as how to make our buildings, conferences, award ceremonies, etc., accessible and safe for all.

Patrice Caldwell is an agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency representing books for all ages (except picture books!). She was formerly an editor at Disney-Hyperion and is the founder of People of Color in Publishing. You can learn more about her submission guidelines and what she’s looking for on her website.