Allison Remcheck is a Stimola Literary Studio agent who specializes in middle-grade and YA fiction, with a particular appetite for reality-grounded fantasy, diverse contemporary voices, and art-forward picture books from author-illustrators.
In brief
Allison Remcheck's stated priorities are MG and YA fiction — fantasy with a realistic anchor, issue-driven contemporary, teen romance, psychological thriller, and crossover YA/new adult.
Picture books are welcome but only from author-illustrators who can provide a PDF dummy or sample illustrations; writers submitting text-only picture book manuscripts will not get a response.
High fantasy and paranormal are explicit no-go zones — writers in those lanes should look elsewhere regardless of how the project is framed.
The last confirmed open status dates to September 2021; writers should verify the live submission form before querying, as that status may have changed.
The public record on Remcheck is relatively lean on confirmed deal data, making the stated wishlist the primary signal for what to pitch — concrete comps to reality-grounded fantasy or diverse MG/YA contemporary will carry extra weight.
Lately
Remcheck's wishlist emphasizes fiction that engages with real-world issues in a way that feels organic rather than instructional — a recurring theme across both the MG and YA categories they describe.
What Allison is looking for
MG fiction is a core focus. Remcheck is especially drawn to fantasy that stays rooted in the real world (series potential is a plus), contemporary stories that tackle current issues and center diverse characters without becoming preachy, and mystery. Historical MG — particularly medieval or early 20th-century settings — is also welcome.
YA is equally central. Priorities include grounded fantasy with series legs, contemporary coming-of-age and teen girl romance, psychological thriller, and projects with genuine crossover appeal to adult or new-adult readers. Diversity and authentic voice are consistent throughlines.
Remcheck wants art-driven picture books, but only from author-illustrators. A PDF dummy or sample illustrations must accompany the query — text-only submissions will not be considered. Non-fiction picture books are explicitly excluded.
Open to historical fiction, with a noted preference for medieval settings or stories set in the early 20th century. This is a secondary interest rather than a top priority, but well-executed projects in those windows are welcome.
LGBTQ+ voices and storylines are included in Remcheck's listed categories, signaling genuine openness to these projects within the broader MG and YA fiction space.
Not the right fit
Taste fingerprint
How to query Allison
Send the query email with no attached sample pages for novels — Remcheck's guidelines explicitly ask writers NOT to attach manuscript material at the query stage.
Picture book queries are the exception: a PDF dummy or sample illustrations plus the full manuscript must be attached; submitting text alone signals you haven't read the guidelines.
Lead with the genre and age category in the first line — Remcheck covers a specific slice of children's/YA and needs to place your project immediately.
If your fantasy has a realistic anchor or series potential, say so plainly up front; this is a named priority and framing it clearly separates your project from the high-fantasy category Remcheck doesn't represent.
For contemporary YA or MG, briefly flag the diversity or current-issue angle — but frame it through character and story, not theme statement. Remcheck explicitly wants these elements without a didactic tone.
Historical fiction queries should identify the specific period early; medieval and early 20th-century settings are flagged as preferred backdrops.
If the project has crossover adult or new-adult appeal, make that case concisely in the query — it's a named interest that elevates certain YA projects.
Verify the current open/closed status on Stimola Literary Studio's website before submitting; the last confirmed open date is September 2021 and the form status may have changed.