Jess Taylor is a Martin Literary Management agent building a YA-first list with a soft spot for witchy romance, paranormal elements, and stories powered by unforgettable female protagonists.
In brief
YA is Jess Taylor's core focus and clear competitive strength — it is the category they have spent over two decades reading, two years freelance editing, and built an entire independent bookstore around. Every other category they represent orbits YA.
Their taste skews commercial and emotionally driven: fast plots, vivid characters, ensemble casts, and tropes like enemies-to-lovers and slow burn. Literary experimentation is welcome only when it rides alongside a clear story arc.
Romance is intentionally narrow: witchy and cozy fantasy romance only, with paranormal elements as a permissible substitute for witches. Adult fiction outside that lane is a firm no.
Hard stops that are unusual and worth knowing: they will not take on books where the protagonist dies (including sacrificial arcs) or where any animal dies — these are emotional dealbreakers, not soft preferences.
New Adult is genuinely open but specifically scoped: coming-of-age romance with characters under twenty-five, with YA–NA crossovers particularly welcome.
Lately
Jess describes their YA expertise as spanning more than two decades of reading and two years of freelance editing in the genre, citing both established icons and current rising voices as benchmarks for what they seek — signaling active, current engagement with the market rather than passive familiarity.
What Jess is looking for
YA is Jess Taylor's primary and most deeply resourced category. They welcome every subgenre — contemporary, fantasy, historical, romantasy, thriller, mystery, magical realism, dystopia, fairytale retellings, mythology, literary, upmarket, and more — with one hard exclusion: tech-heavy science fiction. They actively champion diverse characters and settings, LGBTQ+ stories, and strong female protagonists (though diverse perspectives broadly are equally welcome). Retellings of myths, fairy tales, or classic stories are specifically called out as favorites. Paranormal romance within YA is a particular draw, and mermaid stories earn bonus enthusiasm. Protagonists must be 15 or older. Previously self-published YA titles are considered case by case. Manuscripts must come in under 150,000 words.
Jess's New Adult appetite is deliberately focused: coming-of-age romance featuring characters under twenty-five. Books that sit at the crossover between YA and NA — in voice, protagonist age, or thematic concerns — are especially welcome. This is not a broad NA mandate; it is specifically romantic and age-appropriate to the category.
This is the only adult fiction lane Jess keeps open, and it is narrow. Witchy romance and cozy fantasy romance are the target, with any spice level accepted (spicier preferred). If a manuscript lacks witches but carries other paranormal elements, that substitution is explicitly welcome. The three named touchstones define the aesthetic tightly. Any adult romance that falls outside paranormal or cozy-fantasy territory is not accepted.
Not the right fit
On Jess's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Jess
Include a synopsis and your first three chapters — both are required, so submit neither alone.
Lead your query letter with your protagonist's age: Jess explicitly requires protagonists to be 15 or older and will not take on manuscripts where the protagonist dies. Addressing these points early shows you have done your homework.
If your YA or NA manuscript features mermaids, witches, paranormal romance, or is a holiday fantasy, name that clearly in your opening paragraph — these are the categories where Jess's enthusiasm is highest.
For the witchy/cozy romance lane, anchor your pitch to one or more of the three named touchstone titles (The Kiss Curse, Love's a Witch, The Nightmare Before Kissmas) to immediately signal genre fit.
Jess prizes fast pacing and vivid characters above all. In your query, demonstrate momentum: show what drives your protagonist forward and what is at stake, rather than dwelling on world-building details.
If your book is a retelling — myth, fairy tale, or classic text — make the source material and your fresh angle explicit. Retellings are a named priority.
LGBTQ+ stories are always welcome; state your rep if present.
If your manuscript was previously self-published, note that briefly and honestly — Jess considers these case by case and excluding the information wastes both parties' time.
Do not query with adult fiction (outside the narrow paranormal/cozy romance lane), nonfiction, Middle Grade, or any manuscript where the protagonist or an animal dies — these are firm, emotional dealbreakers, not soft preferences.
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