For aspiring authors aiming to partner with a leading literary agency, understanding the specific tastes and preferences of agents is paramount. Dawson Partners stands out as a key player in the publishing world, and gaining insight into their manuscript wish list can significantly enhance your chances of a successful submission. This article delves into the genres and themes that currently pique the interest of Dawson Partners, offering invaluable guidance for writers seeking representation.
Dawson Partners is actively building their author roster and has expressed a keen interest in contemporary voices across both Young Adult (YA) fiction and select Nonfiction categories. Let’s break down exactly what kind of stories and subjects are catching their eye.
Young Adult Fiction Desired by Dawson Partners
If you’re crafting stories for young adults, Dawson Partners is eager to see manuscripts that resonate with today’s teen experiences. They are particularly drawn to “grounded” fantasy or science fiction – think near-future settings and relatable dystopian themes, rather than high or epic fantasy realms.
Image alt text: A vibrant bookshelf section dedicated to Young Adult Fiction, showcasing diverse titles and colorful covers, appealing to teen readers and reflecting the sought-after YA genre by literary agencies like Dawson Partners.
Issue-driven YA novels are highly welcome, especially those that explore complex intersections of abuse, trauma, and sexual identity. While stories centered solely on mental health, addiction, or eating disorders are less of a primary focus, Dawson Partners is deeply interested in manuscripts that tackle these issues within broader narratives of identity and resilience.
Specifically, Dawson Partners is actively seeking:
- Transgender and Non-Cishet Experiences: Stories featuring transgender characters navigating their journey, or non-cisgender/heterosexual individuals living in environments of intolerance, are strongly encouraged. Manuscripts that address the challenges faced in places with discriminatory legislation are particularly relevant.
- Climate Change and Social Justice Themes: YA fiction that grapples with the psychological impacts of climate change, such as PTSD from climate-related disasters and the feeling of being “gaslit” by denialism, is of significant interest. Similarly, stories addressing the aftermath of mass shootings and the frustration with inaction on gun control are highly relevant.
- Marginalized Voices and Communities: Dawson Partners wants to champion stories that highlight the experiences of Jewish, Muslim, atheist/agnostic teens who feel excluded or unwelcome in communities dominated by Christian nationalism.
- Social Inequality and Systemic Issues: Manuscripts that subtly yet powerfully expose class privilege, racism, sexism, and homophobia are sought after. Stories that use seemingly minor elements like dress codes or, crucially, book bans, to reveal deeper systemic inequalities are particularly compelling.
The agent has explicitly stated: “PLEASE SEND ME ALLLLLL YOUR BOOKS ABOUT BOOK BANNING—particularly characters at the forefront of a movement to end it.” This clear call emphasizes the agency’s commitment to stories tackling censorship and intellectual freedom.
Furthermore, Dawson Partners is open to fictionalized narratives inspired by real-world youth movements, such as the Parkland Teens’ activism for gun control or Greta Thunberg’s climate change advocacy. Think stories in the vein of The Hate U Give, which brought the Black Lives Matter movement to YA audiences.
Nonfiction Interests at Dawson Partners
On the nonfiction side, Dawson Partners is looking for projects that are both insightful and engaging. Narrative nonfiction is highly desirable, but prescriptive works are also considered.
Image alt text: A well-organized non-fiction section within a bookstore, showcasing a wide array of topics and genres, representing the diverse range of non-fiction interests sought by literary agencies like Dawson Partners.
Key areas of interest include:
- Humor and Pop Culture: Dawson Partners is seeking witty, culturally relevant material that uses humor to critique modern life. Think books with the tone of late-night talk shows or stand-up comedy, and they are open to various formats, even meme-based projects or books of one-liners.
- Cultural Criticism and Social Justice: Essays and books addressing cultural criticism, social justice issues, advocacy, and politics are highly welcome. Political “junkies” will find a receptive audience at Dawson Partners. Feminist perspectives are also encouraged.
- Untold Histories and Unique Expertise: Books by experts on overlooked historical figures or periods that offer fresh perspectives are of interest.
- Diverse Voices in Nonfiction: Narrative nonfiction from BIPOC writers, non-cishet authors, and immigrants is actively being sought.
- Career, Personal Growth, and Underdog Stories: Self-help and personal growth books with novel angles are considered, as are stories of extreme resilience, survival, overcoming poverty, and significant accomplishments against the odds.
- Select Health and Wellness Topics: Dawson Partners is interested in health and wellness books focusing on rare or underrepresented conditions. They cite Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) as an example of a fascinating, niche topic.
- Sports and Endurance: Books about athletes, particularly football players (especially those examining the NFL), endurance athletes like marathoners, ultramarathoners, and triathletes are of interest.
- Modern Parenting Challenges: Parenting books that offer fresh insights into contemporary pressures on children and teenagers, including social media, extracurricular burnout, and related issues, are welcome.
- Cults, Extreme Religion, and Survival: Explorations of cult life, extreme religious experiences, and survival stories, including 9/11 accounts and anything related to Anne Frank, are also on their radar.
Retellings of Classic Literature
For authors who enjoy reimagining classic works, Dawson Partners is open to retellings of literary staples. Examples of classics they mentioned include:
- A Tale of Two Cities
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- Pride and Prejudice
- As I Lay Dying
- The Old Man and the Sea
- The Tell-Tale Heart
This indicates an interest in both canonical novels and shorter works, suggesting a broad openness to creative reinterpretations of established literature.
Conclusion: Tailoring Your Submission to Dawson Partners
Understanding the specific preferences of literary agencies like Dawson Partners is crucial for authors seeking representation. By focusing on contemporary YA fiction that tackles relevant social issues, crafting engaging and insightful nonfiction, or creatively reimagining classic literature, writers can significantly increase the appeal of their manuscripts to Dawson Partners. Carefully reviewing this guide before submitting your work will ensure your submission is targeted and aligned with their current literary interests.
