Update: I’m averaging ~100 queries a day and can read fully through ~15. This is why my window can’t stay open long, why I can’t reply to everyone, and why I am delayed on fulls—as well as supporting my client list and rights job. It’s a lot, but I do love it all. Thanks for sharing your stories!
Posts by Alli Hellegers
Thanks for checking in! I still try to get back to full requests after a few months, but I've definitely still got a few fulls that I haven't had time to respond to. If you aren't sure, you can e-mail me a reminder and I'll do my best to get back to you by end of the year or give you an estimate.
Hi All! I'm opening to submissions between Dec. 1 and Dec 20 - a few short weeks so I can find something fresh to work on for 2026 - before going back to being referral only. For more on my updated manuscript wish list, go here: www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/al...
I have BIG, EXCITING, WONDERFUL NEWS! Today, I can officially reveal the cover for my first picture book, TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION, written by me, illustrated by Aurélie Lise-Anne, and published by Red Comet Press (April 21, 2026). Isn’t it adorable? imaginationsoup.net/cover-reveal... #kidlit
I'm hoping to open in the month of August - watch this space!
Thanks so much, Kristine! What a nice review!!! It was such a great group, and I loved @inkedvoices.bsky.social - such a fabulous resource for authors.
March 12th at 1pm EST
I've been tracking when and where my books are getting banned in the US since 2023. My books are all about queer teen girls and/or Asian Americans. Here's my latest update: As of today, my books have been censored in 96 cases across 20 states. www.malindalo.com/blog/2025/2/...
If you are looking for ways to turn that crippling dread into action, take 5 minutes and make 5 calls. They give you the phone numbers to your senators and a script to call about numerous issues. That’s how I’m starting my day today. ☕️📲👏
apps.apple.com/us/app/5-cal...
love to hear it👏
I’d love to be added here!
only the first thanks !
the days are long, so let the four years go fast
👍👏
thanks for the rec!
yes! i was thinking older movies, but this is definitely relevant!! 💪
oh i don’t think i watched this but i love gene hackman!
What are some movies where we all love the president? ‘Dave’ comes to mind…Others?
till March 1
Just one month.
working with my out of office on today so i can ease back in (such a nice feeling). and i'm definitely getting ready to tackle some big projects after a nice long break. i hope other #booksky authors, #literaryagents and #bookeditor friends are also feeling recharged.
Please submit your query to alli (at) sls-submissions (dot) com.
For fiction for all ages, please send your query letter + 10 pages cut and pasted into the body of the e-mail.
For non-fiction for all ages, please send your query letter. Good luck to all #queryingauthors in 2025 on #booksky!
or simply find a beautiful new world we can escape into. So yes, I'm still ok getting middle grade and YA submissions, but I'm not looking for more illustrated picture books or graphic novels right now (unless referrals.) Adult fiction and non-fiction is more likely to perk my interest this year.
I'm also looking for pop culture books for people who are writing about changing systems and working to make their lives and the lives of others better places. 2025 is going to be a tough year (if you are on bluesky I think you know why), and I feel dedicated to selling books that fight "the man"...
Fantasy and Sci-Fi are ok if they are grounded in a world that readers can imagine, and that aren't just for genre fans. I love historical fiction centering diverse stories, memoirs and narrative non-fiction that is honest and raw, but says something bigger about the world...
and books that are subversive. I also love a genre mash-up. A Queer Rom Com Heist? A Cozy Horror? Dystopian Romance (Dystopasy, if you will, you heard it here first!), or a Speculative Time Travel Thriller? I'm looking for a pitch I've never heard before and a setting that whisks me away...