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Ryan Amato
Hanover Square Press / HarperCollins
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Currently Looking For
Hi there! I’m an associate editor at Hanover Square Press and have been with HarperCollins since 2022. Right now, I am primarily looking for high-concept fiction of all genres and commercial narrative nonfiction that taps into cultural moments. I read widely across genres—including speculative, fantasy, horror, science fiction, literary fiction, upmarket, romance, thriller, memoir, pop culture—and appreciate books that have an emphasis on diverse voices and experiences. Below is a comprehensive overview of what I’m looking for in each genre and some examples to give you a sense of what might be a good fit for me. Fiction Contemporary Fiction In contemporary fiction, I look for a clear commercial edge. I love a book with an obvious hook: the more conceptual, the better. If it can be pitched in a sentence or two, or if it blends genres, it’s probably for me. If leaning more literary, I’d love really grounded and memorable main characters (bonus points if queer!) whose worldviews or relationships prey on my emotions. Some favorites (based on concept): Some favorites (based on emotional storytelling): Horror I tend to gravitate toward literary, thriller, and psychological horror. My favorites tend to either have really inventive plots that take you by surprise or use horror as a vehicle to draw a metaphor to real life. All books that are weird, grotesque, uncomfortable, gothic, or dark are welcome. I can take it! As the horror genre grows at large, I’m also on the lookout for any self-published horror that has found or is growing an audience. Some favorites: Fantasy I love all kinds of fantasy, from high to low, cozy to grimdark. I just want to be taken on a journey, one that has lots of twists and turns, memorable characters, and a world that’s full of life. I definitely have a preference for high fantasy, especially if there is an ensemble cast of characters (though not required for my enjoyment). I’d love to grow queer representation in the genre, so definitely send me any fantasies that have a queer element. Some favorites: Science Fiction & Dystopia Science fiction and dystopia are two different genres to me but for the sake of this wishlist I will lump them together. In science fiction specifically, I love anything that feels otherworldly and deals heavily with outer space. I tend to enjoy a science element but it shouldn’t be dense and the voice should be really strong; similarly to fantasy, I care more about the plot and how much it grabs my attention. In dystopia, I love it as a vehicle for allegory and satire, and when done well it can really shine. I’m excited to see it evolving into more genre- and plot-led territory like dystopian romance, so I’m open for all dystopias as long as they have a clear premise. Some sci-fi favorites: Some dystopia favorites: Other Speculative Fiction I’m also open to anything that doesn’t fit into the defined genres of horror, fantasy, or science fiction. Even if there is a slight speculative element, I’d lov
Submission Guidelines
I am only accepting agented submissions for adult fiction and narrative nonfiction. Any work that is unagented I am unable to consider at this time, and cannot guarantee a response. Agents, if you can, please include in your email subject line the book title, author name, and genre (fiction or nonfiction). My contact details are on my Publishers Marketplace page. Vital Info Linkedin Website
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