I joined InkWell in 2016, after graduating from Columbia University with degrees in English and History. Originally from Salt Lake City, I began my publishing career at my local indie bookstore, The King’s English, before moving to New York. I’m actively looking for smart, voice-driven stories with big hooks and propulsive drama. I represent all ages (children’s through adult) in a variety of genres — as long as the voice is strong, the genre doesn’t matter to me. I love anything a little edgy, twisty, or dark, but there will always be room on my list for books that make me smile — whether it’s light, bright upmarket fiction, or a soapy, swoony romcom. I’m especially in the mood for… Book club fiction! If your book club is reading it, I want it in my inbox! I’m looking for books with splashy concepts that will get readers talking — novels like YELLOWFACE, MAAME, PINEAPPLE STREET, THE OTHER BLACK GIRL, or LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY. I’ve been especially loving books with a genre twist lately — PORTRAIT OF A THIEF comes to mind as a great example of what I’m looking for, as does COUNTERFEIT or DIAL A FOR AUNTIES. I’m a sucker for a charming con artist, or an intricately plotted heist. Bonus if it makes me laugh! Thrillers! I’m famously difficult to surprise, so anything with a twist I don’t see coming is an automatic “yes.” Lisa Jewell, Riley Sager, Megan Abbott, and Lucy Foley are my go-tos, but I would love to read something that can put a fresh spin on the genre (think THE MAID or “Knives Out”). A fun or unexpected setting is always a plus! In YA, think THE CHEERLEADERS, ACE OF SPADES, or THE INHERITANCE GAMES. Surprise me! Grounded genre fiction! I’m always craving books like ADDIE LA RUE, NINTH HOUSE, or SERPENT & DOVE (three of my all-time faves!) — something with a lush setting, a big concept, and plenty of romance. This also goes for sci-fI! I’m not the best fit for hard sci-fi, but anything that feels “five seconds in the future” (ex. “Black Mirror”) is right up my alley. I couldn’t get enough of THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD MOTHERS, CAMP ZERO, or “Severance,” and would love to find something similar! Horror! I’m a huge horror movie fan, and am always on the hunt for a project to keep me up all night. Books that recently scared the pants off me: THE HACIENDA, THE WEIGHT OF BLOOD, and HOUSE OF HUNGER. Does it have a sense of humor a la Rachel Harrison or “Yellowjackets?” Even better! Romance! I’m on the hunt for romcoms with a fresh perspective and a bit of bite. Romance is a crowded market, so I’m especially looking for books that stand out from the pack — new voices, genre mashups, surprising concepts, etc. Give me something I haven’t seen before! I’d also love to find an epic romance in my inbox this year — something like THE ENGLISH PATIENT or DIVINE RIVALS would really make me swoon. Historical fiction! I’m a big Kate Quinn fan, and am looking for stories with a similar vibe — something that can make the past feel accessible/ compelling to a modern audience. I devoured THE FINAL REVIVAL OF OPAL & NEV and THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR — give me all the historical glitz and drama! Submission Guidelines Submissions should be emailed to submissions@
Queries should be emailed to
su ********* @ *************** In the body of your email, please include a query letter and a short writing sample (1-2 chapters) and address the email to me either at the beginning of the e-mail, or put it at my attention in the subject line. Guidelines & Details Vital Info @clairefriedman8 Website Agent
Fiction
Action/Adventure, BIPOC Literature, Bookclub, Children's, Commercial, Contemporary, Domestic Thriller, Family Saga, Fantasy, General, Gothic, Historical, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, New Adult, Psychological Thriller, Romcom, South Asian Literature, South East Asian Literature, Speculative, Thriller, West African Literature, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult I’d like the next… My favorites include… In no particular order… Kiley Reid, Megan Abbo