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Ciara Smith
Spencerhill Associates
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Currently Looking For
I open the first week of every month, except December and January. Here’s a deeper look at what I’m especially hoping to find right now—across YA, NA, and Adult, unless otherwise noted: Science Fiction (All Ages) • Space opera • Alien romance • Space horror • Far-future worlds • Any -punk subgenre (cyberpunk, solarpunk, steampunk, biopunk, etc.) • Space heists Whether you’re giving me stars, politics, messy emotions on a spaceship, or terrifying encounters with the unknown, I’m open to being surprised. Bring me something fresh and character-driven. I don’t get nearly enough science fiction and would like more. Ancient Historical with a Twist (Highly Selective): I’m very selectively looking for ancient historical fiction that captures the gritty, emotionally intense vibe of The Eagle, Centurion, Gladiator, or Clash of the Titans—but not set in Rome or Greece. I want new cultures, underrepresented histories, and non-Western empires with that same mythic weight and cinematic scope. Bonus if there’s: • A speculative or myth-infused layer • A focus on duty, betrayal, survival, or transformation • Queer, POC, disabled, and/or neurodivergent characters embedded naturally in the world I’m craving epic feeling and grounded humanity—but don’t want a textbook in disguise. If your story feels like a sword’s edge and a prayer to forgotten gods, I want to see it. Romance (All Ages): I’m looking for romance across the spectrum of speculative or contemporary genres. Here are my favorite tropes right now: • Fake dating or engagement • Forced proximity • Holiday romance (underrepresented holidays) • Ulterior motives but they fall in love anyway • Workplace or professional rivals-to-lovers • Alien/human pairings Hard pass on the miscommunication trope, unless the misstep is intentional and gets consequences. I’m especially excited to see romance featuring: • LGBTQIA+, POC, disabled, and/or neurodivergent leads • Cross-cultural relationships • Joyful representation within darker genres like sci-fi, horror, or thrillers. YA Fantasy: I’m open to a wide range of YA fantasy tones and pacing. Right now I’m especially excited to see: • Cozy fantasy • Portal fantasy • Alternate world settings • Paranormal stories told through underrepresented voices or with a unique twist • Romantasy • Speculative journeys—emotional or physical quests that reshape the character • Heists • Big adventure • Friendship-centered plots • Magical realism, fairy tales, and folk magic, especially rooted in culture and community. YA speculative fiction is my favorite category to see layered with heart, risk, wonder, and growth. I love genre-blending, new mythologies, and stories that leave me changed. Adult Fantasy: -Romantasy/Romantic Fantasy: Now open again to Romantasy or Romantic Fantasy! For me the romance plot and fantasy plot must be equal, I would prefer the fantasy not just be set dressing for the romance. • If you have fae/fairies that are fresh or have a new perspective not done before, I
Submission Guidelines
Submissions should be emailed to https://querytracker.net/query/ciarasmith We ask you only query ONE agent. If that agent feels your work may be more suitable for another at our firm, we will share it with them. Therefore, a response from one agent should be considered a response from all agents. We do welcome authors to query us again with new work. And please note, we only accept submissions through Query Manager. I will not open queries sent via email, unless previously reached out for accommodations. Queries are reviewed via Query Tracker. Vital Info csmith@spencerhillassociates.com @ciarasmithwrite
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