Natascha Morris is the Director of Children's Department and a Senior Literary Agent at The Tobias Literary Agency, specializing exclusively in children's and young adult literature with a passion for bold, emotionally resonant stories and a deep commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.
In brief
Natascha's focus is entirely on children's and YA publishing — picture books, middle grade graphic novels, and YA across most genres — making her a poor fit for adult fiction or nonfiction of any kind.
Her background includes stints at both a major publishing house and a well-regarded literary agency before joining The Tobias Literary Agency in 2020, giving her editorial depth and strong industry relationships on both the editorial and agenting sides.
She explicitly champions marginalized authors and stories, and her editorial philosophy treats representation not as a checkbox but as a core creative mission.
She is drawn to work that bridges literary quality and commercial readability — 'literary finesse with commercial appeal' is her stated standard, so overly experimental-for-its-own-sake work or purely commercial genre fare without craft may both miss the mark.
Her submission form was observed closed as of May 7, 2026 — writers should verify current status before preparing materials.
Lately
I forgot how much I enjoy JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE #MSWL
Open to queries again! Check out my @socalledkidlit account on Instagram to see more! And as always check out my profile here for up to date #MSWL
Rewatching HART OF DIXIE and I love the chemistry between Zoe and Wade #MSWL
I want humorous and irrevent picture books #MSWL
I have been rewatching MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, and I love Hal as a dad. #MSWL
Natascha shared that she has been rewatching Malcolm in the Middle and is particularly drawn to the character of Hal as a father figure — a signal that warm, comedic, slightly chaotic family dynamics resonate with her on a personal and likely editorial level.
What Natascha is looking for
Witty, heartfelt picture books are a stated priority. She is open to both author-illustrator submissions and illustrator-only submissions. She is NOT seeking picture book writers who are not also illustrators — if you are a writer submitting a picture book manuscript without illustration samples, this is not the right fit. The tone she gravitates toward balances humor with emotional warmth.
Middle grade graphic novels are explicitly named as a primary focus. This is a specific format-plus-age-category target, not a general middle grade submission call — prose MG is not listed. Graphic novel submissions should demonstrate strong visual storytelling sensibility alongside compelling narrative.
YA across most genres is welcome, including YA graphic novels. She gravitates toward genre-blending, voicey narratives with big stakes and layered characters. Speculative YA with quietly wondrous, haunting magic is a particular sweet spot, as are sharply funny rom-coms and coming-of-age stories. She wants fearless storytelling that tackles big ideas without shying away from complexity.
Graphic novels at the YA level are included within her YA openness. As with MG graphic novels, visual storytelling craft will matter alongside narrative voice.
Speculative worlds are a clear passion point — specifically those built around haunting, quietly wondrous magic rather than epic-battle-heavy high fantasy. Atmosphere and emotional resonance matter as much as world-building mechanics here.
Sharply funny rom-coms and coming-of-age stories are explicitly called out as desired. The emphasis is on wit alongside heart — pure comedy without emotional depth, or emotional contemporary without humor, may not be the best match.
Not the right fit
Taste fingerprint
How to query Natascha
Confirm the form is open before preparing materials — it was closed as of May 7, 2026, but status may change; check the live form directly on the agency website.
Her submission portal is linked directly from her agent page at The Tobias Literary Agency — use that route, not general contact email.
Lead your query letter with voice and emotional stakes first. She specifically values 'bold, emotional narratives' and 'fearless storytelling' — a flat plot summary without conveying tone will undersell your manuscript.
If querying YA speculative work, foreground the atmosphere and the quality of the magic system over action-plot mechanics — 'haunting, quietly wondrous' is her language, not 'epic' or 'action-packed.'
For YA rom-coms, lead with wit — show her the voice is genuinely funny in your query letter itself, not just in a descriptor.
For picture books, only query if you are also the illustrator or if you are querying as an illustrator alone. Writer-only picture book submissions are not what she is seeking.
For graphic novel submissions (MG or YA), make clear how the visual and narrative elements are integrated — this is a format-specific submission and she will be thinking about the art alongside the story.
Emphasize if you are a marginalized author writing from your own experience — she explicitly names supporting marginalized authors as a core part of her practice.
Her recent personal note about loving warm, comedic father figures (a la Malcolm in the Middle's Hal) suggests family dynamics written with humor and heart — not sentimentality — will resonate.