For middle grade, Chris is looking for works featuring unique characters, compelling plots with twists and turns, and strong, confident writing. He will consider works with fantasy elements, but prefers stories that are grounded in the real world. He has a special interest in funny books for boys. Some middle grade titles he would have loved to work on include Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society, Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, and everything by Roald Dahl.
For teen, Chris prefers contemporary stories, but will consider urban fantasy or works that create a new, compelling world not far from our own, such as in Kristin Cashore's Graceling, Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, or Lois Lowry's The Giver. For young adult works geared toward boys, he would prefer submissions with strong commercial hooks and fantastically funny voice, like Ned Vizzini's Be More Chill or Jake Wizner's Spanking Shakespeare. He is not looking for paranormal romance, books based around supernatural creatures such as fairies, vampires, or werewolves, or chick-lit.
Chris is not currently interested in picture books or representing illustrators.