Special Guest: Emmy Higdon

Publishing Journey

I took a bit of an unconventional path to publishing. I am in the last stages of completing a PhD
in social work at McMaster University, and I even studied professional circus arts in a former
life, but I really fell in love with this industry while working as an indie bookseller at Another
Story. Because of my background in social justice and the arts, I bring a deep appreciation and
unique perspective to my work as an agent. When someone picks up a book, they are opening
their mind to new ideas and feelings that they think are important and worth spending their time
on. There is so much magic in that.

Bio

I am a book blogger at Books Beyond Binaries and a member of the planning team for the
Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD). I am a trans non-binary colonizer originally from
Newfoundland, now based in Tkaronto (Toronto, Ontario). When I’m not reading, I keep busy
with research projects, spending time with my family (including adopted dogs and cats),
embroidery, slice of life anime, vegan cooking, and video games.

What I’m Seeking

I grew up on fantasy novels and 90’s kidlit horror like Bunnicula and Goosebumps. I represent
authors of literary, upmarket, and commercial fiction, and narrative nonfiction, for adults and
young adults. I specialize in character-driven #OwnVoices projects that are devastating to put
down, particularly from the LGBTQ2S+ and disability communities. Murder is my comfort read.
For more details about what kinds of queries I am seeking, please visit my Manuscript Wishlist
page. I typically prioritize queries from trans, Black or BIPOC, and/or disabled authors. My
clients can be found on Twitter as the #SpineSquad.
I’m not the right fit for plague, virus, or pandemic themes; stories featuring law enforcement of
any kind; novellas; comedy; erotica; or poetry.