Annie Romano is an Olswanger Literary agent who specializes in adult fiction with wit, surprise, and commercial accessibility — hunting in particular for sharp rom-coms, psychological suspense, and upmarket fiction with a genuine hook.
In brief
Romano's wishlist centers on adult fiction that makes readers laugh, gasp, or both — rom-com and psychological suspense are the two poles of their taste, with upmarket and book-club fiction bridging them.
A published picture-book author and working indie bookseller, Romano brings a rare dual perspective: they know both the craft side and what customers are actually buying right now.
The submission window is unusually structured: Romano opens queries only during the first five days of each calendar month — timing your submission to that window is the single most important tactical move.
Romano is firm about comedy: romantic fiction without a genuine comedic element or original hook will not land here, and neither will science fiction/fantasy (light magical realism grounded in a familiar world is the one exception).
Despite listing nonfiction sub-genres in some directory listings, Romano's own submission guidelines explicitly state they are not accepting nonfiction at this time — trust the guidelines, not the directory tags.
Lately
A little late posting, but I got some reading done this spring (between reading queries). This is a strong and varied list of books right here! Something for everyone!
Thinking of querying me? Please note: I will be closed to submissions during my April 1st-5th submission window to catch up on reading queries and requested materials. I look forward to reopening on May 1st-5th.
Happy #MSWL Day! I'm especially seeking contemporary upmarket fiction & psychological suspense. Click pics below for specifics that will grab my attention! Open to subs the 1st-5th of each month. See website link in bio for sub info. @mswl.bsky.social manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/an...
Romano shared a reading round-up in late May 2026, noting a strong and varied spring reading list that covered multiple genres — a signal that they remain actively engaged with the current market as both a reader and a query-reading agent.
What Annie is looking for
This is arguably Romano's top priority in fiction. The requirement is non-negotiable: the comedic element must be substantive, not decorative. Romano wants something witty and original — a premise or voice that genuinely makes them laugh. Generic 'will-they-won't-they' without a distinctive hook will not cut through. Think ensemble casts, unexpected plot turns, and humor with some edge.
Page-turning psychological suspense is a declared top priority. Romano gravitates toward suspense that is character-driven and psychologically intricate rather than procedural or action-heavy. Police procedurals are explicitly excluded, so the tension should come from the interior rather than the investigative machinery.
Romano wants adult fiction that sits at the intersection of literary quality and commercial accessibility — smart writing that also sells. Book-club fiction is explicitly welcomed. Stories with well-built ensemble casts and plot surprises are a particular draw. Diverse narratives, including LGBTQ+ and underrepresented cultural perspectives, are actively encouraged.
Romano wants horror that relies on atmosphere, dread, and wit rather than gore or graphic violence. Slasher content and heavy gore are explicitly off the table. The touchstone is Grady Hendrix's blend of horror and humor. Spooky, atmospheric, and clever is the target register.
Contemporary and women's fiction are welcomed when they carry a strong hook, a distinct voice, and ideally some element of humor or surprise. These categories overlap heavily with Romano's upmarket taste — the bar is not just 'a story about women' but a story with genuine commercial and emotional appeal.
Mystery is on the list, but police procedurals are explicitly excluded. Romano's taste runs toward character-rich, somewhat off-beat mystery — books that blend wit or atmosphere with the puzzle element rather than straight crime-fiction procedure.
Romano does not represent science fiction or fantasy as genres, but is open to fiction that incorporates light fantasy or magical realism — provided the story remains grounded in a recognizable, familiar world. The gate here is real: this is not an opening for genre fantasy. The target is literary or upmarket fiction with an enchanted tinge, not a fantasy novel.
Literary fiction is considered, but with a meaningful condition: there must be a clear, discernible plot structure. Romano is candid that they are not the right fit for narratives that prioritize sensory or emotional atmosphere over story movement, no matter how beautiful the prose. If the manuscript is more 'journey' than 'plot,' this is not the right match.
Not the right fit
On Annie's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Annie
Time your query to the window: Romano only opens the submission form during the first five calendar days of each month. Submitting on day six — even day six — means the form is closed. Check the live form status the morning you plan to submit.
Send a query letter, a synopsis, AND the first 20 pages of your manuscript together in a single submission. Missing any of the three components is a reason to be skipped over before the query is even read.
Lead with the comedic hook if you're pitching rom-com — Romano is explicit that humor must be real and substantive, not a light gloss. If your one-line pitch doesn't surface what's funny, rewrite it before querying.
For psychological suspense, foreground the psychological dimension (character interiority, paranoia, unreliable perception) rather than the plot mechanics. Romano gravitates toward suspense that unsettles from the inside out.
If your book involves light magical realism, make crystal clear in the query that it is grounded in the real world and is not genre fantasy — this distinction is the gate between a yes and an immediate pass.
Ensemble casts and unexpected plot developments are a stated draw — if your manuscript has either, name them explicitly in the query rather than burying them in the synopsis.
Do not query with nonfiction, even if directory listings suggest Romano has nonfiction interests. Their own current guidelines state they are not accepting nonfiction submissions at this time. Trust the guidelines.
Romano aims to respond within 12 weeks and has stated they cannot offer manuscript-specific feedback — do not follow up requesting critique, and factor the 12-week window into your querying timeline.