Chloe Seager

What I'm Looking For

Generally, I’m looking for books that capture the pain and joy of growing up. Being a child or a teenager is a unique time in life when you’re discovering the world around you and who you are for the first time, and I’m looking for stories that capture that spirit on the page and will stay with readers for a lifetime.

At the moment, I am particularly drawn to dark academia and romantasy.

I am a huge horror fan. From ghost stories to gore, I love it all. I especially want a YA horror that deals with real world issues, like Get Out. Please send me all the spooky! I’m always a fan of gripping YA thrillers, too, with a voice, hook or twist that stands out from other popular books in this area.

I’m also desperate for contemporary YA romance with a strong hook (something that feels like it could be on Netflix) and characters that you keep thinking about long after you’ve stopped reading about them. In contemporary YA I’m always eager to find books that speak out about important topics.

I love fantasy middle-grade packed with atmosphere, adventure and distinctive magic. I am also drawn to contemporary middle-grade centred around family or friendship, or books that tackle an issue in an accessible, child-friendly and uplifting way. More broadly, I like middle-grade books that feel like modern classics.

In YA fantasy, I tend to veer toward the gothic and fairytale-esque. Across all SFF, I gravitate towards books set in our world (contemporary or historical) with a twist, and I’m always interested when the magic is used as a vehicle to comment on the real world.

I’m a fan of sci-fi, although it has to have a strong hook. Basically, I am here for any YA novel that feels like it could be an episode of Black Mirror. I love dystopian novels, too, and would like to find a book that’s bringing something different to the genre.

Broadly, I’m on the lookout for writers exploring mythology – particularly those from previously underrepresented cultures.

I’m forever on the hunt for funny fiction across all ages, as I believe the importance of humour in books is tragically underrated.

We represent all sorts of non-fiction for young people – from politics, to science, to history. I’d love to see anything inspirational or that takes a fresh angle on an interesting topic. Anything that will get young people excited about a subject!

I’m keen to see work from underrepresented authors across the board.

It is hard to sum up one’s taste in one page so if, judging from what you’ve read, you’re unsure if I’ll like your book, please do send it along. Some of the books I’ve loved and taken on have been a surprise — you never know what might blow you away.