What sort of voices and stories are you looking for?

I wanted to work in publishing because I wanted to see more stories by BIPOC creators, so those are the voices and stories I’m looking for. I want stories of Black joy, the African diaspora, and also those that may deal with tougher themes. I want to see stories by BIPOC, QBIPOC, and disabled creators that are in fantasy worlds, contemporary ones, and historical fiction and nonfiction. I’m looking for middle grade, young adult and the occasional picture book. I also love graphic novels and manga and would love a slice of life story and fantasy in those mediums. I’m also especially looking for stories (whether that’s fantasy or contemporary) that has a romance between two Black leads.

Elizabeth Agyemang is a co-chair of the Communications & Events Subcommittee and an Associate Editor at HMH Books for Young Readers, where she gets to work on an exciting range of picture books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels from brilliant creators. Elizabeth is also a writer and an illustrator and her middle grade graphic novel debut Fibbed will be published by Razorbill in Spring 2022. When she isn’t gushing over books or comics, she spends her time dissecting classic movies and playing Final Fantasy. Find her on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram @onceAddai.

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