What an Agent’s Wishlist Really Means (and How to Read Between the Lines)
So, you’ve found an agent with a manuscript wishlist that feels like a perfect match for your story. You think, This is it! My book ticks all the boxes—they’re going to love it! You hit "send" on your query, only to receive a rejection a few weeks later. What went wrong? Wasn’t your story exactly what they were asking for?
Here’s the thing: an agent’s wishlist isn’t as straightforward as it seems. While they might be looking for “fast-paced thrillers” or “character-driven fantasies,” wishlists are more like guidelines than exact blueprints.
The reality is, even if your book fits, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes that determines whether your submission is the right fit. So, how do you know what agents are really looking for and how can you use that knowledge to your advantage?
Let’s break it down.
Wishlists Are More Than Just a Shopping List
An agent’s wishlist can feel like a list of ingredients: “I’m looking for books with strong female protagonists, lush world-building, and a fast-paced plot.” It’s tempting to think, My book has those things! I’m in! But it’s important to remember that a wishlist is a general guide to an agent’s interests, not a strict checklist.
Wishlists are broad by design. When an agent says they’re looking for “fast-paced, character-driven thrillers,” they could mean a hundred different things. They’re not just asking for any book that checks those boxes—they want a fresh, standout approach.
In other words, it’s not enough to just have the right elements; the execution and originality of those elements are what matter most.
The Vibes Matter
You might see something like “Haunting of Hill House vibes” or “lush, atmospheric fantasy” on an agent’s wishlist (*cough cough* mine 😆). It’s easy to latch onto those vibes and think, Great! My story has spooky vibes—it’s a match! But here’s where it gets a little tricky. What does “Haunting of Hill House vibes” mean to that agent specifically?
For some agents, it could mean they want a slow-burn psychological horror. For others, it could mean they’re looking for a ghost story that weaves together family dynamics and trauma. This is where reading between the lines comes in. Think about the books or shows they reference, and ask yourself: what kind of feeling are they really after? It’s not just about ghosts or haunted houses; it’s about the emotional undercurrent, the tension, and the unique spin you bring to the table.
It’s About Fit, Not Just “Right” or “Wrong”
You could have a perfectly executed manuscript that technically fits an agent’s wishlist and still get a pass. Why? Because fit goes beyond having the right genre or tropes. Agents have to consider a lot of behind-the-scenes factors when deciding if a project is right for them, including:
Their current client list: If they already represent something too similar, they might pass to avoid competing projects.
Market trends: Even if they love a trope or concept, if they feel the market is oversaturated with similar stories, they might be hesitant to take it on.
Their editorial connections: Agents also think about the editors they know and whether they have someone in mind who would be excited about your manuscript. If not, they might pass even if your story fits their wishlist.
A wishlist may seem general, but the more specific your manuscript can be in response, the better. If an agent mentions they want “middle grade books with a focus on friendship and adventure,” don’t just say, My book has that. Show them how your story is different. What’s the unique twist or angle that makes your friendship story stand out from the dozens of others?
Agents aren’t just looking for “another” friendship story or “another” haunted house novel. They’re looking for something they haven’t seen before—something that makes them sit up and say, Where has this been all my life?!
The Wishlist Isn’t the Final Word
Remember, just because your story doesn’t fit an agent’s current wishlist doesn’t mean you shouldn’t query them. Sometimes, agents don’t even know they want something until it lands in their inbox. They might mention wanting thrillers, but if your heartfelt contemporary hits them in all the right places, they could still say yes. Agents are often open to surprises, and you could be that surprise!
At the end of the day, it’s your job to present a fresh take on familiar concepts and stand out in a sea of submissions. So use those wishlists as a guide, but don’t forget to bring your own unique spin—and never be afraid to take a shot at an agent who might just fall in love with your story.